Health reform has not been regarded by many of our people in its true light. Many Seventh-day Adventists have not understood as they should the principles of the care of the body, but have got hold of only a few rules in regard to eating, rules which they have either failed to entirely carry out or have carried to such an extreme as to bring health reform into disrepute. In consequence there has been a great lack of sympathy and harmonious cooperation between our churches and our sanitariums. Many have felt that sanitarium work was something apart from them, something with which they could have little in common. In order that there might be brought about a better understanding of health principles and of the relationship existing between the various features of our work, and that our nurses might have the opportunity before graduation of teaching health principles and thus become enthusiastic with the great principles set before them, our faculty at Glendale has long felt constrained to begin a series of schools of health in the churches of Los Angeles and the surrounding vicinity.
Of the twenty-five churches in and about Los Angeles, we began with the one at Boyle Heights, a church of about sixty members. We found them very glad to receive us, and with four nurses to assist in our demonstrations and to visit in the homes, giving treatments, teaching, answering questions, etc., we began our first school of health Sabbath, January 25.
Sabbath morning and afternoon studies were given presenting to the people the importance of health reform, showing them that the principles of health reform are God-given, that his people may have strong bodies, keen minds, and be happy, healthy Christians, and true representatives of Christ.
The importance of medical missionary work was emphasized. If we would follow truly in Christ’s steps, we must be medical missionaries in our homes, among our neighbors, in field work, in our own and foreign lands. Presenting the gospel of health as a part of the gospel of salvation, our message will be a complete one, and results will be greater and farther-reaching.
Evening after the Sabbath we began our series of lectures and demonstrations, the subjects including exercise, fresh air, proper breathing, healthful dress, hygienic cookery, dietetic reforms, simple treatments, care of the child, hygiene and sanitation, accidents and emergencies.
Sunday we served to about fifty a simple but tasty and palatable hygienic dinner at the home of one of the near-by members. This, in connection with two lectures, gave the sisters an idea of how adherence to proper methods of cooking and serving food may be a pleasure instead of a burden.
The demonstration of healthful dress led to a resolution on the part of many to readjust their clothing so that their bodies might be free in every way to do efficient service for the Lord.
Wednesday evening, in connection with the regular prayer-meeting, a little time was spent in telling the people of our sanitarium work and the importance to our young people of the opportunities afforded them in our nurses’ training-schools. This led to a hearty response in the testimony meeting that followed, and the Spirit of the Lord came very near, and the bond of sympathetic union between the members of the church and the sanitarium workers was strengthened as they were led to see that the sanitarium work was their own work and needed to be upheld by them in every way. We were all led to feel that, as a result of fuller cooperation on the part of all, a great blessing would be ours, and results would be seen in our work that had not been seen before.
Thursday evening a question box was opened, and many questions were answered, throwing light upon subjects that had been puzzling different minds. Every afternoon except Monday a meeting for the sisters of the church was held, including demonstration and the answering of questions.
During the week the four nurses spent their time in the homes, becoming acquainted with the people, answering questions, and giving treatments. To say that it was a blessed experience for those nurses, can give but a faint idea of what it meant to them. They returned home with shining faces, with their Christian experience deepened, with a different conception of the goodness of God to us in giving us these great truths, and with a firmer resolve to continue ever as teachers and helpers of the people, using the gospel of health in connection with the other vital truths of this great message given us.
If we had failed to help the people, our efforts were more than repaid in seeing the enthusiasm of our nurses, their happy faces as they realized that they could accomplish something in this great work. As we left the people of the church, we told them that we should be glad to correspond with them at any time, answering questions that might arise in their endeavor to carry out health reform principles and helping them in any way possible. This was largely left with the four nurses, giving them an opportunity to carry on missionary correspondence.
Our efforts were very humble and far17from reaching that grade of efficiency we wish to see, but we feel that the Lord has blessed us in our attempt, and that by continuing our effort we shall be able to accomplish more and more. In helping our own people to carry out the light the Lord has given, we indirectly shall be the means of leading many others to the light of the truth. Our schools of health carried on among our own people may be in the end as fruitful in a harvest of souls as if our time had been spent entirely among people of the world. Our people need more education in these principles, and we feel that the Lord will hold us responsible if we do not give it to them.
Report of Work Done by Nurses
Number visits made ............ 65
Number treatments given ........ 15
Number Bible readings held ..... 1
Number cook-books sold ........ 3
Number cook-books ordered ...... 4
Number persons helped with sewing
and making health garments ...... 2
Number meetings attended ....... 13
BELLE WOOD-COMSTOCK, M. D.
Will It Pay?
By Geo. O. States
THE article in the REVIEW of December 26, “More Workers to the Front,” called to mind the early days of the first school among our people. When the question of a church-school was first talked of, and Prof. G. H. Bell started a school in Battle Creek, I became interested, and felt that I should like to attend and fit myself to engage in the work. It was in the fall of 1872 that I entered school, putting in two years. A few years later I entered the ministry, and I have always appreciated the help I obtained in Battle Creek College. To look over the years I spent in active service and think of the many precious souls whom I helped in making a start in living this truth, has indeed been a comfort to me during the years that I have not been in active service.
A few years ago I spent a night with a family in which the woman was an earnest member of our church. During the evening I said, “Sister R., how did you happen to learn of this truth?” She smiled and said, “Brother States, don’t you remember me?” I certainly did not. She then told me that in the summer of 1889 I took her order for “Bible Readings” in Leadville, Colo., and that she accepted the truth through reading it. I then remembered how low the finances were in our conference at that time, and how I spent quite a little time selling our good books. It was a comfort to learn that one dear soul had accepted the last message of mercy as the result of that work, and to think that there may be others whom I may never know in this life.
While there is an inspiration in the ministry that is not in the canvassing work, yet the servant of the Lord told us years ago: “There are many, who, because of prejudice, will never know the truth unless it is brought to their homes. The canvasser may find these souls and minister to them. There is a line of work in house-to-house labor which he can accomplish more successfully than others. He can become acquainted with the people, and understand their true necessities; he can pray with them, and can point them to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. Thus the way will be opened for the special message for this time to find access to their hearts.”
How encouraging it is to feel that those who carry the truth to the homes of the people through the printed page are reaching souls that can not be reached in any other way! While the canvasser may never know the results in this life, yet if he does faithful work, there will be stars in the crown of his rejoicing.
The present winter I have been a great sufferer, and when it seemed as if my affliction was more than I could bear, I received a letter from a brother whom I had entirely forgotten. He spoke of how Elder James Leland and I held tent-meetings in his home town seventeen years ago, and of how he became interested. He writes: “You remember how stubborn I was and how I talked to you, and you were so kind to me. It took me a long time to make up my mind. You brethren must have prayed much for me. The Spirit of God got hold of me and made an entirely different man of me. I should like to see you and tell you that that was a happy day when you led me into the water and I was buried with Christ and rose to a new life. It took tobacco, whisky, and swearing all out of me.”
He wrote that two of his children who made a start at the same time he did had been graduated from our institutions, and were soon to go to China or India to give their lives to the proclamation of this message among the needy ones. He says: “I am glad you asked me to study the Testimonies. We have the nine volumes, also all Sister White’s other works. We have a nice little company here of twenty-eight members, and a Sabbath-school of thirty-eight. I am superintendent, and my wife is church clerk.”
A few days after receiving this encouraging letter I received another one from a young man now living in California, telling that sixteen years ago, when he was twelve years old, I baptized him, and now he has entered the ministry and is so happy to be engaged in giving the message.
Does it pay to make sacrifices and to endure trials to carry this blessed truth? Does it pay to wear out in this work? If I had my life to live over again, I should do the same, only I should try to be more careful of my health. It is certainly a comfort to think that while I am not able to go to these needy fields, some to whom I carried the truth are in turn filling these imperative calls. There is a satisfaction in taking this blessed truth of the third angel’s message to those in darkness who can not be reached in any other way.
GEO. O. STATES.
GARFIELD A. MOSLEY
By GARFIELD A. MOSLEY
Delaware
CHESWOLD.—The members of the church at this place were greatly helped recently by a visit from Brother and Sister G. P. Rodgers, who are laboring in Baltimore. They visited us the week beginning January 26, and stayed until the following Sunday.
Brother Rodgers arranged his talks so that they were of special interest to the church as well as to our visiting friends and neighbors. The evening subjects were of vital importance. Much interest was manifested in the Exodus and the movement of 1844, the seven trumpets and the fall of Turkey, the battle of Armageddon and the memorials of God. All were impressed by these meetings, and deeply regret that a laborer can not be with us more frequently. At twelve o'clock each day special studies for the church were held. These meetings were conducted so as to give the people here a clearer understanding of healthful living.
On Sabbath the meetings came to an end with quarterly service. The Lord came near to us, and we feel that the church has had a spiritual awakening. All are looking forward to another visit from Brother Rodgers, and we hope it may be soon.
GARFIELD A. MOSLEY
The Jamaica Conference
By H. C. Goodrich
THE eleventh session of the Jamaica Conference was held with the church at Kingston, Dec. 27, 1912, to January 5, 1913. Elder U. Bender, president of the union conference, and the writer, were present to assist in the meetings.
The attendance was better than had been expected, considering the severe storm that visited the island just a few weeks before the meeting, destroying three of our churches and the home of Elder W. H. Randle, one of our native ministers. Though this storm destroyed a great deal of property throughout the island, still there was a note of courage in the meeting from the very first, which was good to see. The thought of loss and hardship seemed to be forgotten in the enjoyment of this yearly feast of blessing.
The financial report showed that the conference had just about held its own the past year; but when we consider the terrible drought of the first part of the year, during which not only crops perished, but cattle and horses as well as many persons died for want of food and water, and that after this came the great storm of November, we wonder at the courage displayed by the brethren and sisters not only in paying tithes and offerings, but in their attendance at this union conference.
One feature of this meeting, which seemed to the writer to be most excellent, was the institute work, in which was considered such subjects as “The Paying of Tithes and Offerings,” “Sabbath-School and Young People’s Work,” and “Our Behavior in the House of God.” Several very excellent papers were written, and the discussions which followed showed that the brethren and sisters were studying the subjects presented. I am sure they were very much appreciated by all.
Two evenings were given to the stereopticon, in which Elder D. E. Wellman took his audience around the world, viewing churches and schools, sanitariums and parties of workers, wherever the light of truth had penetrated. These lectures were well calculated to give the public a good idea of the work being done by this people throughout the earth.
Plans were laid by the conference for the extension of their work into new fields by organizing two tent companies, which will begin work as soon as arrangements can be made. The preaching was of a practical nature, and the attendance from the city very good. The Lord met with his people especially in the early morning meetings. It was in one of258these that two of our new converts told how they had purchased books in another country, and thereby been led to obey God and to keep all his commandments. The joy they expressed in this new-found truth, although they had lost their positions and had to return home, was an encouragement to every one.
Elder Wellman, the president of the conference, and those who had been associated with him in conference work during the year past were reelected, and the laborers start out with a new determination to push the battle to the gates, expecting victory at every point through our Lord Jesus Christ.
H. C. GOODRICH.
Cristobal, C. Z.
The Chicago Religious Liberty Convention
By K. C. Russell
In accordance with the decision of the Northern Illinois Conference at its recent session, a religious liberty convention was held February 14-17, in the Baptist church, corner Ashland Boulevard and Monroe Street, Chicago, Ill. Among those in attendance were Elders Wm. Covert, of Aurora, Ill.; J. H. Schilling, of Brooklyn, N. Y.; S. B. Horton, of Grand Rapids, Mich.; and J. A. Applegate, of Aurora, Ill. At nearly every service, there was an excellent attendance of both our own people and others.
The first meeting of the convention was held Friday evening, February 14, and consisted of a symposium in which the speakers showed the necessity of a religious convention. Among the many reasons presented for the holding of such conventions were, first, the forces which are being arrayed against the principles of religious liberty are rapidly increasing; second, the masses are asleep to the dangers that threaten them.
Sabbath forenoon, February 15, Elder Horton spoke on the interesting theme “Mordecai in the Gate.” The speaker showed that the experiences through which God’s remnant people are to pass before the Lord comes are very similar to those through which God’s people passed in the days of Esther. In proof of the foregoing, the following from “Testimony for the Church,” No. 32, page 206, was quoted:—
“The decree which is to go forth against the people of God will be very similar to that issued by Ahasuerus against the Jews in the time of Esther. The Persian edict sprang from malice of Haman toward Mordecai. Not that Mordecai had done him harm, but he had refused to show him reverence which belongs only to God. The king’s decision against the Jews was secured under false pretenses, through misrepresentation of that peculiar people. Satan instigated the scheme in order to rid the earth of those who preserved the knowledge of the true God. But his plots were defeated by a counter-power that reigns among the children of men. Angels that excel in strength were commissioned to protect the people of God, and the plots of their adversaries returned upon their own heads.
“The Protestant world see in the little company keeping the Sabbath a Mordecai in the gate. His character and conduct expressing reverence for the law of God are a constant rebuke to those who have cast off the fear of the Lord and are trampling upon his Sabbath; the unwelcome intruder must by some means be put out of the way.”
In the afternoon a union service of all the Seventh-day Adventist churches in Chicago was held, and a sermon was preached on the subject of “Soul Liberty.” It was emphasized that no one is in possession of genuine soul liberty while he is held as a captive by any evil propensity or habit of the carnal nature.
One of the most interesting features of the convention was an address given by Elder Schilling regarding the question of religious liberty in Europe. His recital of God’s providence in overruling circumstances so as to give signal victories to the cause of present truth where it appeared the enemy would surely triumph, were most interesting and impressive. He further showed the wisdom of exercising caution in not defying earthly governments where no principle is involved.
Sunday, February 16, Elder C. T. Everson spoke on the interesting theme “Clasping Hands With Rome, or the Healing of the Deadly Wound.” He plainly showed that many nations are catering to Rome because they fear that without her influence and support they can not succeed.
Resolutions were adopted by the convention strongly protesting against the passage of the Johnston Sunday Bill, and pledging that they would do all in their power in warning the people against the evils of religious legislation by the distribution of literature, and in every other way to make known the truth of this great question.
The closing service of the convention was a lecture on the “Image of the Beast.”
We are convinced that such conventions are a source of great blessing in arousing our own people and awakening the general public regarding this feature of the everlasting gospel. K. C. RUSSELL.
Conditions in Turkey
By C. Voigt
It would be difficult for the brethren who live at a distance to get a clear idea of conditions in the Orient, as they are so different from those in other lands. We are accustomed here to a general state of poverty, but now on account of the war, we are experiencing a special scarcity. These conditions would be felt much more keenly by the people of most other lands than they are here, but at the same time even in this land the present circumstances make the people long for a change.
How Turkey has been afflicted during the past few months, and how the people have suffered, is brought forcibly to our minds by the assistance which we are obliged to give. We have one Greek brother who, during a large fire in 1912, lost his house and nearly all that he had, and the mission was obliged to help him. In Brusa we have several elderly members. The committee voted to help them. However, just as we had provided for them by renting a room and procuring provisions for the winter, a fire broke out and destroyed all. One day an aged sister told us of her need. The earthquake of last August had destroyed all she had, and we had to help her to begin anew. A soldier found her nearly dead from hunger and exposure near one of the battle-fields and brought her to us. We might continue this list and tell of widows with large families, of aged sisters who have no one to provide for them. It is true that the different nationalities make provision for their own; but as soon as they learn that one of their number has left the state church and united with us, they refuse him any further help.
There is great misery throughout the country. We feel, as one brother said, that it is almost a sin when we sit down to a well-prepared meal or lie down and rest in a comfortable bed or warm ourselves by a comfortable fire, in view of all the suffering and sorrow that exist around us. I pray God that he may work mightily by his Spirit, as the enemy is determined to hold the people fast.
C. VOIGT.
Minnesota
By O. O. Bergstein
MINNEAPOLIS.—As the result of our work in this city during the last six months, upward of sixty adults are keeping the Sabbath. Half this number have been received into church-fellowship, and we are now planning for a third baptism. Ninety have been added to the Sabbath-school, making a membership of 221.
The tithe of the Minneapolis church has increased to $4,369.32, which is $1,200 more than the previous year. The books show gifts to missions of $1,338.77 in 1912, a gain of $63 over the previous year.
This aggressive city work has cost the conference less than $400. Of course the salaries of the workers are not included. This amount will in a very short time be returned to the treasury by the tithe of the new converts, $125 having been paid since January 1.
The Lord has certainly sent his angels before us. Throughout the city there is a general awakening among the people, and interests are springing up everywhere. Our effort in the Baptist church, on Fifteenth Street and Nicollet Avenue, arrested the thoughtful attention of hundreds, besides resulting in the conversion of twenty-five persons. In one instance one of the city churches omitted its Sunday night service so all could attend ours.
There is a wonderful awakening and deepening of spiritual life among our own people here. The Minneapolis English church is so crowded Sabbath by Sabbath that a new church and change of location are contemplated.
Associated with us at present in this work are the following-named Bible workers: Mr. Gust Freeman, Mrs. Minnie Bridges, and Miss Gertrude Burghart.
We are planning on still another effort, to begin March 9 in the Pence Auditorium, Hennepin Avenue and Tenth Street, and hope that we may be remembered in the prayers of God's people.
O. O. BERGSTEIN.
State and Church
By W. W. Prescott
Reports, Notes, and Comments Pertaining to the Current History of Religious Freedom, and the Campaign “to Make America Catholic.”
Conducted by the Religious Liberty Association
W. W. Prescott — Secretary
A Call From India
By Carl E. Weaks
Another biennial session of the India Union Mission has just closed. It was a great cause for rejoicing to hear the reports from all parts of India and Burma telling of how the Lord had gone before the workers, giving success to those who, in answer to the call of God, have gone forth to herald the message of a soon-coming Saviour.
COLPORTEURS IN INDIA
In no department have we greater reason for gratitude than in the work of circulating the printed page. This work has gone steadily forward during the two years since our last general meeting. At that time we were issuing three regular journals, two in English and one in Bengali. The combined circulation of these was about 3,500. Since then we have launched two more magazines in the vernaculars, one in Burmese and one in Tamil, and copy is now in the hands of the translator for a journal in the Hindustani language, the most widely spoken language of India. The combined circulation of the five that we are now issuing is about 20,000. While this is small compared with what the great need demands, we are glad for this growth and are pushing forward, hoping for great things for the future. We have certainly reached the time for God to work mightily in our behalf in giving our literature a wide circulation.
Our little band of faithful colporteurs have gone to all parts of India, Burma, and Ceylon with our English literature, circulating about $10,000 worth of our journals and books. Two years ago we had two regular colporteurs for this work, but in answer to our repeated calls for help, two more have joined us from the home land, Brethren P. A. Rick and M. M. Mattison. One young man, Brother Carratt, who was a soldier in the British army in India for a number of years, accepted the truth and entered the canvassing field a year and a half ago. Thus we have had five men engaged in the sale of English literature since July of last year.
As plans were laid for the prosecution of the work for the future, we again faced the problem of a great work with few to do it. It was imperative that men be supplied to fill places of importance, or the work would greatly suffer. As the larger number of our laborers are tied to some definite language area, the exchange of help becomes a much more serious problem than it is in the home land. As we looked over our force of workers in connection with the needs that had to be supplied, it was evident that about our only source from which to draw was our canvassing band. The accompanying cut shows those who have been at work. As stated above, only five of these have been engaged in the sale of English literature. Brother H. E. Baasch, the one standing at the right, had been working with our Burmese pa per until some weeks ago, when he joined our city evangelical work.
Brother Carratt, who has been in the tropics for seven or eight years, left before the close of the meeting for a furlough in England. Brother Mattison and his wife will connect with our English school in Mussoorie with the opening of the next school year, about the first of March. Brother F. O. Raymond, who has been doing such faithful work during the past three years, connects with the Rangoon Branch of the International Tract Society the first of April. While he will continue to devote a part of his time to actual field work, his efforts will be divided. This leaves us but two men who can devote their entire time to this line of work in this great needy field, and it may be necessary to call one of these to other work. We could hardly have agreed to call so many from this line of effort had we not felt that our people at home would rally to our support and send men to fill the places thus made vacant. We have sent our request to the Mission Board for two more men for the canvassing field.
Unless this call is answered soon, this work will greatly suffer. Possibly there are those who read these lines whom the Lord would have respond to this call. Two years ago when we sent in a similar call, one of our young men in Canada responded, and it is of interest to note that this young man, since arriving in the field, has paid his wage and expenses from commission on papers alone. If you can not come in answer to the call, possibly you can assist in sending some one else.
CARL E. WEAKS.
Church Missionary Work
Suggestive Program for Fourth Sabbath Home Missionary Service
(March 22, 1913)
OPENING SONG: “Christ in Song,” No. 764; old edition, No. 494.
BIBLE READINGS: “The Word of God.”
PRAYER, in which several may take part.
SONG: “Christ in Song,” No. 490.
READING: “Family Bible Readings.” A few minutes may also be spent in relating experiences of those who have given Bible readings, and of any present who may have accepted the truth by having first accepted the message through Bible readings held with them.
GATHERING REPORTS, and offering for literature.
CLOSING SONG: “Christ in Song,” No. 498.
At the close of the meeting, in case no definite effort is being carried on in the church by members in giving Bible readings, we suggest that the officers remain to plan definitely to do so. A Bible reading band might be formed by appointing a leader, with two or three others to join with him, to give special thought and prayer in starting this important line of work. As these few find openings and report their work, others in the church will be led to join in it.
The Word of God
1. What is said of the nature of God's word? What is it able to do? Heb. 4:12.
2. When sent forth what does God promise concerning his word? Isa. 55:10, 11.
4. How did Jesus, through a Bible reading, encourage two believers spiritually bewildered as they journeyed toward their home from Jerusalem? Luke 24. Briefly relate the story of verses 13-24 and read verses 25-27.
5. What results accompanied the giving of a short Bible study to a business man as he journeyed? Acts 8:26-39.
NOTE.—By these experiences—Jesus instructing the two disciples as they journeyed to Emmaus, and Philip sitting beside the Ethiopian in his chariot unfolding the truths of Scripture—we may learn that God expects believers to be ready to seize upon opportunities for giving light from the Word to those bewildered260and groping toward the light. It is often by these apparently out-of-season interviews that God flashes the light of his Word into hearts, which may mean to them eternal life in the kingdom of God. But we must be ready and watching for the opportunity as God's providence opens the way.
6. What instruction was given the young man Timothy regarding his labor for others? 2 Tim. 4:1, 2.
7. What makes it all the more evident that at this time the Word of God is needed by the people? Verses 3, 4.
8. That the people of God to whom has been committed the truth shall be prepared to give it to others, what is necessary on their part? 2 Tim. 2:15.
9. What will those who are thus instructed in the Word of God be able to do? Isa. 50:4.
