Review and Herald, Vol. 89, No. 18.
THINE, NOT MINEPage 1
Earlier text: The Deity and Divinity of ChristThe Church in Its World-Wide Work
By T. E. Bowen
It was not until the call of the Holy Spirit for Paul and Barnabas, as they labored at Antioch, that the church of Christ really entered upon its world-wide task of taking the gospel to the whole world, including the Gentiles (then considered heathen). In that first call lie the principles by which all true progress has since been made in foreign mission work. These might be summed up thus: (1) The call, in this instance the Holy Spirit naming the missionaries chosen; (2) the clear evidence to the church of the fitness of Paul and Barnabas for the work to which they were called, and the sending out of their brethren, in whom they ever after would be interested, and from whom later they hoped to hear; (4) the connection thus made with distant fields, the lifting up of the eyes of the church to look upon the people for whom the missionaries were laboring. These four elements blend to-day in the work of going to the world with the last gospel message. To divorce one of these principles from the others makes the whole incomplete. One writer in the Baptist journal Missions, states it in the following words:— “Sometimes the missionaries are tempted to think themselves the sole agents, as though, leaving the church behind, they left the church entirely out of the task and out of the problem. Sometimes the church itself, sending forth the missionaries and staying behind, thinks its share is ended, and may turn itself to other concerns and other activities. “The church, however, must follow, not in body, but in sympathy, in heart, in devotion, in sacrifice, and in offerings. The church must receive reports, hear tidings, kindle and maintain a lively interest in the acts and achievements of its representatives, else it ceases to be a missionary church, and becomes but a memorial to a past missionary impulse. The missionary must report; he is not justified in simply working for the heathen; he must work also for his home constituency,—for them through letters and reports and information and appeals.” Paul kept in close touch with his brethren at home. We read in the Bible of his first return to Antioch: “And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.” Three times at least Paul thus reported personally what God had wrought through his labors to the brethren where the gospel had first gained its foothold. The writer in the Missions further says:— “It is as important to maintain the lively interest of the home church in the missionary undertaking as it is to win the interest of the unconverted heathen to the gospel’s first appeal. The missionary serves really in two lands. The great danger is that he will forget to serve adequately in the land from which he goes, and will think only of his service in the land of his sojourn. Christians at home will criticize the maintenance of missionaries in the home land as a failure of effort and a waste of resources. This ministry, if it be a real ministry, is as important as the missionary’s ministry anywhere. Some Christians deem ‘home expense’ unjustifiable, a waste of substance, a tax on contributions destined wholly for other purposes. Really, the expenditure of the missionary offering is as proper in cultivating the true spirit of Christ in the home land as it is in endeavoring to introduce that spirit of Christ in the foreign land. If half of the missionary offerings were consumed in making all the churches of America truly missionary, the other half, used in extending the kingdom in other lands, would doubtless be no less productive for the wide interests of the kingdom than the whole would be if divorced entirely from the sympathy and the devotion of the home church.” As the missionaries sense the need in the dark lands, their messages inspire an interest and zeal in the hearts of the brethren and sisters at home to have part in the good work in regions beyond. They give of their means, and consecrate what is still dearer, their sons and daughters, to missions. God in his wisdom has balanced the obligation, making the success of the one a counterpart of the other, that all may enter into the reward together. The little mission bands out on the frontier could not long remain were the supplies cut off from the home land, where the greater strength of the church lies. Neither could the church at home maintain that high spiritual plane to which she is called were her efforts confined entirely to herself at home. Therefore, God hath tempered the body,—the church,—distributing these gifts as it hath pleased him. It was the Holy Spirit that made the first call in the Christian church for missionaries; ever since he has been guiding and blending the interests of the whole church into one grand world-wide effort. And he is at work to-day in a wonderful manner in directing the movements of that people who “keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus,” out into the regions beyond; while to all, those at home and the messengers sent forth into distant fields, is given the one word to proclaim, “As ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” The church, in its sympathy, its devotion, its labor, is thus encircling the world. This is Christlike; this is the spirit of him who was the first great Missionary to the world. Beginnings Among the Karens
By Mary Gibbs
SINCE coming to Burma I have been studying the Karen language. The hill station to which we expect to go is surrounded by Karen villages, so I hope to improve my knowledge of the language while there. About three weeks ago I passed the first year's examination, and made the grade of ninety-one per cent. I feel so grateful for help from the Lord to thus get a start in the language. I have been translating some Bible studies into Karen, using our present series of Sabbath-school lessons as a guide. Two Karen men are keeping the Sabbath, and Mr. Votaw baptized one several months ago. They are out in the districts, where I can not very well go until a family comes to open up a station. I have not tried to do dispensary work here, as there are so many government dispensaries in Rangoon, and good ones, too. But I have had some interesting experiences with natives who, having heard of me, came desiring attention, and refused to be sent to the dispensary. One dhobee cried and begged me to go to his brother before he died. Mrs. Votaw and I went, and helped the poor man enough so that he could go back to his country. The interests of the Karen people are upon our hearts. Pray for them. AN infidel was walking in the country when he met a little boy with a New Testament under his arm. He stopped the boy and said, “My little man, what book is that you have?” “It is a New Testament, sir,” said the boy. “Do you believe there is a God?” asked the man. “Yes,” replied the lad, looking up with surprise in his face. “I know there is a God!” “Well,” said the man, who wanted to make fun of the boy and his religion, “will you tell me if your God is a little God or a great God?” Looking up again, the boy said, “Well, sir, he is both.” “Ah,” said the man, “how can that be?” “Why, sir, he is so little that he can come and dwell in my heart, and he is so big that the whole world can’t hold him!”—Selected. ALFRED B. OLSEN, M. D
By Alfred B. Olsen
There are two varieties, bronchial or true asthma, and asthma that is secondary to some organic disease, such as that of the heart or kidneys. Asthma is characterized by a peculiar form of difficult breathing, which is believed to be due to spasm of the smaller bronchial tubes. It is not very well known just how this spasm takes place, nor what is the direct exciting cause; but we do know that persons of a neurotic, that is, nervous temperament, are most susceptible. Little need be said of the symptoms, except that there is a characteristic gasping after breath, which is painful to witness at times, and which causes the patient a great deal of distress. The symptoms are aggravated by marked changes of temperature, and are often worse at night. An asthmatic attack may last only a few minutes, or may continue for several hours. It may return nightly for a few days or weeks, and then disappear altogether for months or even years. The onset is always sudden, but sometimes the patient has warning signs that an attack is approaching. We know almost as little of the actual causes of asthma as we do of the character of the spasm that takes place in the bronchial tubes. Climatic conditions sometimes seem to have a marked effect in bringing on an attack. A chill resulting from exposure to storm or wet will often precipitate an attack in one who is susceptible. Chronic bronchial catarrh is frequently associated with asthma, and probably is an exciting cause. Some good authorities believe that diet has considerable to do with asthma. At any rate, a banquet or free feeding on any occasion is not unlikely to be followed by an attack of asthma. The use of alcoholic liquors and overeating, especially of rich, nitrogenous foods, can safely be regarded as predisposing causes. Those who are subject to asthmatic attacks would do well to avoid the use of flesh foods, and also to discard alcoholic beverages, tea, coffee, and cocoa. Constipation seems to be at least one of the minor causal factors, and overloading of the bowels, with the accompanying absorption of waste matter into the blood, will sometimes account for an attack. It is worthy of note that gouty as well as neurotic persons seem to be peculiarly susceptible. Among other causes that are sometimes mentioned are worms and teething in the case of children, and certain disorders of the skin. “There is probably no other condition in which so many drugs have been used; and it must be said at the outset, that a remedy which is immediately successful in one case may have no effect in another, and further, may prove quite useless in the same case at another time.” Such are the comments of one of the best authorities on the treatment of asthma, and the statement is true. In other words, there is no universal cure for asthma, and any one discovering a genuine cure for this common disorder would soon make a fortune. Pain-killers and paralyzing agents galore have been, and still are, administered as routine treatment, but always with uncertain success. It is marvelous what comparatively simple remedies have accomplished at times. Some of the drugs given, like morphia, are exceedingly dangerous, and it is seldom wise to take them; in any case, certainly not without a physician's prescription. Various inhalants and fumigations are frequently employed, and not without considerable success, at least temporarily. Perhaps one of the simplest and at the same time most successful remedies for alleviating an asthmatic attack is the inhalation of plain or medicated hot, moist air. Every one subject to asthma should obtain a suitable inhaler, which is not an expensive affair, and have it ready for an emergency. Another simple remedy is the burning of niter paper, which is easily obtained. This can readily be prepared by soaking absorbent paper in saltpeter and then drying it. In the majority of cases the relief is both prompt and marked. If the stomach is overloaded, tickle the throat with a feather and relieve the stomach. It is a curious fact that the causing of nausea or vomiting often relieves an attack of asthma, even though the stomach is not particularly overloaded. The diet is a matter of great importance. Food should be plain but nourishing, and all irritating articles, such as condiments, pickles, sweets, jams, marmalades, pastries, cakes, as well as those already mentioned, should be carefully avoided. A diet consisting largely of fruit, both fresh and stewed, can be highly recommended. Three meals a day are ample, and nothing should be taken between meals. All asthmatic patients should be very strict about guarding against overeating, which, of itself, is liable to bring on an attack, or at least aggravate the condition. Fomentations to the chest or throat, sipping hot water, warm or hot baths, and similar hydriatic remedies are, as a rule, more effective in giving relief than are drugs. The moist abdominal girdle is particularly valuable when digestion is bad. To apply it, wring a linen towel of suitable size out of cold water, and fit it snugly around the trunk. Cover this moist towel with two or three layers of a woolen bandage, so that the air will be excluded from the wet compress, and fasten snugly with safety-pins. This compress is best worn at night. On removing it in the morning, bathe the parts with cold water, and dry well. In dealing with any case of asthma it is necessary to search for the cause, and if possible remove it. If this can be done, the cure is usually permanent; but it is often exceedingly difficult to find the direct cause of asthma. A sudden change of temperature is a matter of extreme importance in the case of all those who are liable to an attack. Simply going from a warm sitting-room or drawing-room to a cold bedroom undoubtedly accounts for many of the night attacks. The bedroom should be of the same temperature as the sitting-room, and it is well to moisten the air by having a small kettle of water on the register. While asthmatic patients require fresh air, all risk of a chill must be carefully avoided. Noxious fumes, dust, and foul air must also be strictly avoided, for their irritating effect will quickly produce an attack in those who are susceptible. If the patient has adenoids or enlarged tonsils, these should receive prompt and efficient attention. Chronic nasal catarrh, as well as bronchial catarrh, is not unlikely to aggravate asthma. As far as climate is concerned, a comparatively dry atmosphere, where changes are seldom marked or abrupt, is desirable. A moderate elevation above sea-level is considered advantageous. WHEN I was a girl, how often I heard my mother say in her cheerful way: “Don’t fret. Always take things by the smooth handle.” As I think of her life,—the wife of a farmer of unlimited health, vigor, and push, who could not understand ill health, and who abhorred laziness; the mother of seven children, and the housewife in the days when life on a farm was so much more laborious than it need be now, and her consequent illnesses,—I wonder at the almost unvarying cheerfulness of her disposition. The few times that I can remember her as sad or “cross” made a great impression on my childish mind. Twice I remember that she cried, and then I felt all adrift and lost. My mature judgment is that this cheerful disposition was a gift of God, but that this gift had been polished and improved and enlarged by a generous use of her own proverb.—Farm Journal. Tennessee
By J. S. Washburn
It was my privilege to attend a canvassers’ institute in Springville, Tenn., recently, and to hold a short series of meetings with the church there. This place is one of interest to all Seventh-day Adventists, as in it is located the oldest Seventh-day Adventist church in Tennessee, if not in the entire South; and it was here, in 1885 and 1892, that wholesale prosecutions for Sunday labor were carried on. A number of our people were sent to jail, and three industrious Christian farmers were forced to work in the chain-gang. Of these brethren, one, James Stem, is still living at Springville, and is now eighty-one years of age, still faithful and true; another, who was sentenced to 280 days’ labor, contracted malarial fever, from which he was never able to recover, and thus he died a martyr for the truth. As in other parts of Tennessee, in Arkansas, Maryland, and other States, a determined effort was made to break up the work in Springville by Sunday prosecutions. This effort has entirely ceased, the latest arrests for Sunday labor in this State being those of Brother Geo. B. Thompson and Brother Deedon, in Manchester, in 1907. These were clear cases of religious persecution, for the sheriff stated to me that while many in the town and county worked on Sunday, these were the only arrests for Sunday labor in that county for many years. After the imprisonment of Brother Thompson for several days in a very unsanitary cell in the county jail, the brother’s goods were levied on to pay the remainder of the fine, and Brother Thompson was set at liberty. This case was brought to the attention of ex-Governor Porter, who had opposed Sunday legislation years before. He expressed himself as most favorable to our people and our work, and gave us a letter to his successor in office, who, however, would take no action in the matter. The mayor of Nashville told the writer that he knew of the time when our people were “hounded by the Sunday-law people,” and said he was unalterably opposed to all Sunday-law prosecutions, and made the voluntary statement, “Your people are incontestably right.” The persecutions of those days have helped to make many of the best people of Tennessee very friendly to our work, and especially to our religious liberty principles. The Commercial Appeal of Memphis, one of the strongest papers in the South, has published editorials favorable to our position on religious liberty. The leading papers of Nashville gave good reports of our recent union conference, and the leading business men of that city, with the governor of the State, extended a most cordial invitation to our people to hold the next General Conference in Nashville. In no section of the country are the best-educated people more friendly to our work than in Tennessee. There is a wonderful change in the sentiment of the people, the most bitter prejudice having formerly been manifested. This is especially evident in Springville. The old church is built in the woods, two miles from the little village near the Nashville, Chattanooga, and St. Louis Railroad, built before the war. During the time of the meetings it was so rainy that the roads were impassable, and yet when the time of the services approached, from almost every direction could be seen among the trees the twinkling of lights of lanterns carried by people walking to the meetings, some of them coming two or three miles through the rain and mud. The interest shown by our own people and by strangers was really remarkable. On this old battle-ground, it was encouraging to see how the truth had won respect and interest. The Lord blessed in the meetings, and several are going out into active work as missionary colporteurs. It is a fact, demonstrated in my own experience and in that of others, that with many of the people of Tennessee it is a positive recommendation to say, “I am an Adventist,” or, “The book I am selling is an Adventist book.” The cities are well supplied with excellent schools, and the public schools in the country are rapidly improving. The winters are mild and short; the summers, though long, are by no means unpleasant. We have seen it much warmer in Iowa than in Tennessee. Workers who have tact to adapt themselves to the situation and be at home among the generous, hospitable, warm-hearted, Bible-loving people of the South can accomplish much good right now, both in the cities and in the country. We can not expect this condition to last long; now is the time to work in the South. The Lovers of Gold and the Lovers of God
By Albert Carey
Two companies passed down the highway of life;
Each, armed for great conflict, pressed on in the strife
Of gathering wealth from the nations of earth,
Each seeking great treasures, or jewels of worth.
’Neath a banner befitting, their pathway they trod,
The lovers of gold and the lovers of God. The lovers of gold made journeys afar,
Where reigns the long, bleak night of the polar star,
Or where the fierce sun belches withering heat,
Where sickness and death spread a net for their feet.
For love of their idol, e’en virtue was sold,
Life’s best things were bartered for perishing gold. The lovers of Him who is lover of man,
With no less of ardor pursued his great plan,
Of gathering treasure from lands near and far—
The blood-bought of earth—for the bright Morning Star.
In heat and cold, from ’neath sin’s cruel rod,
They sought priceless jewels to bring to their God. The lovers of gold gathered treasure to burn,
Both fading away at eternity’s morn:
The lovers of God trod a path paved with pain,
But gathered a harvest of immortal gain.
The first fell at last in the dust of the sod:
In the city of gold dwelt the lovers of God. ELDER B. L. POST reports the baptism of six new Sabbath-keepers in Milwaukee, Wis. ELEVEN adults and seven children have accepted present truth, through the labors of Elder C. F. Cole, at Burke, S. Dak. As the definite result of a series of meetings held in Butte, Mont., during the month of March, seven persons were baptized. ELDER B. F. STUREMAN has been holding meetings at Charleston, Ill. Fourteen persons decided to obey the commandments of God. ELDER E. R. LAUDA baptized seven adults at Barbers Hill, Ind., a few weeks ago, and three new members were received into the church at Hartford City. SEVERAL weeks ago four pupils attending the normal school at Lodi, Cal., were baptized, making a total of thirty-three who have been baptized during this school year. ELDER W. L. NOTT has been laboring in Preston, Kans., for some time. He reports that three persons have decided to observe the Sabbath, and a number of others are deeply interested in the truth. ELDERS Meade MacGuire and B. L. House recently conducted a series of revival meetings with the church at Hastings, Nebr., at the close of which nine persons were buried with their Lord in baptism. ELDER N. P. NEILSON reports from Brooklyn, N. Y.: “Sabbath, March 30, I baptized four persons, who united with our Danish-Norwegian church here.” One new member was recently added to the West Valley church. THE goal of human history is the redemption of the world. If the field of Christ and the field of the church is the world, so the field of every man with the love of God in his heart is the world.
—J. Campbell White. A Jubilee Sound From the St. Helena Sanitarium
By L. A. H.
A financial report of unusual interest was rendered by the manager and treasurer of the St. Helena (Cal.) Sanitarium, at its recent annual constituency meeting. The report was such as to cause great joy to those who heard it, and its encouraging features may properly be presented to others who are interested in the success of our institutions. The experience of the St. Helena Sanitarium in getting rid of a burden of debt that at one time almost crushed it is more than interesting, offering, as it does, a most helpful example from which we may take instruction and counsel, especially while we have other institutions that need help. In 1903 this sanitarium faced a crisis. The financial statement, covering a period of twenty months, and closing with the year 1902, showed an operating loss of nearly $8,000, leaving a very small net worth, which was practically wiped out afterward. The obligations of the institution reached a figure considerably over $100,000. Patronage was light, at times not sufficient even to meet the pay-roll. The interest alone amounted to $400 monthly, and the actual loss of operation was about $1,000 a month. It was seriously suggested that the institution be closed rather than continue running at such a loss. It was a question whether the assets of the institution would meet the obligations. The outlook was most discouraging. With a view to helping matters, meetings of the sanitarium family were held, and the situation was carefully and prayerfully considered. Believing that the Lord had established the work, it seemed giving the enemy a victory to close it. A call was made for those to stand who were willing to help place the institution on a paying basis, relieving it of its burdensome debt, even by personal sacrifice. The response was hearty, and all entered upon the work with earnest prayer for success. Consistent economical measures were adopted, stopping various leaks. During the next four weeks over $500 in cash and time was donated by employees toward the support of the institution. The patronage almost doubled in this time, and it was considered that the institution was paying expenses. The accounts at the end of the year showed a gross business of $3,000 less than the previous year, but with a net gain of $3,255. So much for cooperation of employees and proper economy. The board of directors now adopted the plan of setting aside ten per cent of the yearly net profits to be devoted to some phase of denominational work, preferably foreign missions. Prosperity continued until at the close of 1905 the profits for the three years amounted to more than $20,000. A substantial reduction was seen in the indebtedness, notwithstanding the four changes in the office of medical superintendent in the three years. The following year the prosperity of the institution was more marked. Some extraordinary losses and expenditures were met during nine years, 1903-11, as shown by the following figures:— Interest ................................ $27,800
Bad accounts ............................ 25,300
Loss on old association transfer .......... 6,100
Loss by laundry fire ...................... 3,700
Depreciation of plant and equipment ...... 57,800
Charity .................................. 31,000
Missionary funds, ten per cent net gain ... 21,800
Total .................................. $173,500
Less donations from all sources .......... 3,208
$170,292 The officials' of the sanitarium church report almost a full tithe received from the employees of the sanitarium and food company, amounting in the last seven years to $38,000 in round numbers, besides $20,000 in donations. During this time the indebtedness of over $100,000 has been paid. The net worth of the institution has grown to $207,806, and the patients' business increased from $45,531 to $150,130 a year. The missionary fund, made up of the ten per cent of the net yearly earnings, had accumulated, and last year the family of workers decided to remit $5,000 to the General Conference treasury to be expended in the Orient, as follows:— For equipment of medical missionary work in China ........ $1,500
For providing homes for medical missionaries in China ...... 650
For betterment of medical missionary work in Korea ........ 1,200
For providing homes for medical missionaries in Korea ...... 650
Toward support of Dr. Larsen .............................. 500
Toward support of Brother Chan Harris and wife ............ 500
Total ................................................... $5,000 The family is thankful for the privilege to help carry the message to the dark corners of the earth. A conscientiously kept record shows the expenditure of more than $12,000, or eight per cent of the gross patients' business, in charity work. This figure could consistently be considerably increased by adding to it a large portion of the $8,900 charged to bad notes and accounts, as the reason many fail to pay their accounts is because of poverty. The amount lost in this way is nearly four per cent of the entire business of the institution. A new main building is greatly needed. The plans for securing it are in keeping with the policy that has brought the institution out of debt. The management has carefully counted the cost, and from the earnings of the institution is setting aside a fund, that when they begin to build they may be able to finish. At the same time, the policy of laying aside ten per cent of the net gain for medical missionary work will be continued. It is also planned to expend at least twenty-five per cent of the net gain in charity work. It is very evident that this excellent record has not been made without much effort. Such things do not come of themselves. It has required the fullest cooperation of managers and helpers. It has meant, at times, taxing labor and long hours to many. It has taken careful planning and an exercise of business economy. Much earnest praying has been necessary, with sincere seeking to know God's will, in the conduct of the work. To all this the Lord has added his rich blessing, and results have been obtained. The efforts put forth, the hard labor performed, and the consecration shown have their reward. Those connected with the work are rejoicing for the part they have had in it. The lesson in this experience must be obvious to the thoughtful. What has been done is not credited so much to any particular men or methods as to cooperation in carrying out right principles, and to the Lord's blessing on the same. Right principles work the same everywhere. What has been done in St. Helena, Cal., can be done in other places. What God has done for one institution he will surely do for another, if permitted. City Treatment-Room Work
By L. A. H.
A WORK of considerable importance is being developed in connection with our treatment-rooms located in various cities of this country. There are now forty of these enterprises operated by persons of our faith and representing more or less fully our interests. We get very good reports from some of these, indicating that they occupy a field that may be truly a missionary one when the opportunities which they afford are well improved. A few words from some of them will be of interest. One of the more recent of these enterprises is at Ottawa, Ill., and is operated by Mr. and Mrs. Earnest A. Dunn. Opening in September, the patronage began small, but steadily grew until, in the early part of March, over three hundred treatments had been given, including ninety-two different people. Brother Dunn writes:— “It gives us courage to see the Lord thus increase our record, and to him we give all the praise. Our particular aim in operating treatment-rooms is to improve the opportunity it affords to give the message, by our own lives, and in conversation when permitted. Our Sabbath-closing notice on the door is a weekly reminder, and causes some inquiry. An interesting case is that of a prominent lawyer here, who is also a stockholder in a large corporation. The gentleman who brought him in told me I would need to be careful in mentioning religion to him, for he was a Catholic. He began to inquire about our belief, and soon told me that he had left the Catholic religion, and that he denounced all others because their adherents did not live what they taught. He is a well-read man, has traveled extensively, and is a deep thinker. My wife asked him if, should he see people who live what they teach, he would consider their belief. After a little thought, he said very decidedly, ‘Yes, I would.’ He very courteously accepted a loan of ‘Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation,’ and stayed and talked with us until 10:30 P. M., an hour and a half after finishing his treatment. The next time he came, he said he read ninety pages in the book after leaving us that night, and was enjoying it very much. He was in last week; and16 said he had finished Daniel, and would start on Revelation. He remarked: ‘That book is very interesting. I am reading it slowly, and giving it careful thought; and, if there is anything to this belief of the near end of the world, I want to know it.’ He asks me all kinds of questions about our belief, and talks all through his treatments.” “Our patrons consist principally of the wealthier class of people. One priest was in. One doctor came for treatment, and is now highly recommending it. During the past three weeks he has sent us forty dollars’ worth of work.” With a report of work done, R. E. Paton, of Erie, Pa., says:— “Our institution has the cooperation of the physicians of the county medical society, and we have succeeded in getting the cooperation of the best physicians of this city. Not only do they send us patients, but the physicians themselves and members of their families come for treatment. Our patients are, as a rule, from among the intellectual and cultured; such as, lawyers, teachers, dentists, and representatives of other professions. I consider this evidence that our method of treatment is appreciated by the thinking people. It is encouraging for us to think that we are only a part of a great world-wide work, and that we are not alone in this mission.” Mr. J. M. Carnahan writes from San Francisco:— “Our work has been more with the poorer class of people, though we have some very well-to-do patients. We had a very agreeable experience a short time ago with a young Catholic man who had been drinking for some time. He had tried to stop drinking, but could not. He came to us, and we gave him treatment. To-day he is studying the truth, and expects to be baptized in about two weeks. He is a graduate nurse, and we are praying that he may be a useful man to help finish this closing work. We are of good courage.” Dr. Effie A. Brown, writing from Santa Ana, Cal., says:— “I have two competent, consecrated nurses assisting in the work. We are endeavoring to please the people, and give them what they need, both spiritually and physically. I am glad to say that the work is growing, and we have a good class of patients. We gave 167 treatments during the month of February.” Mr. T. A. Shannon, of Atchison, Kans., writes:— “We are continually dealing with a class of people that probably can never be reached in any other way. The doctors are very friendly toward our work. One comes regularly for his treatments, and many others recommend the treatments very highly. While we are endeavoring to relieve the physical conditions, we also try to drop some word that will give spiritual encouragement. One of my patients said that his wife always enjoys her treatments because she likes to hear my wife talk on Scriptural subjects. On the whole, we have had a very good year of it. It seems the Lord has led in the move to seek better quarters, as it has brought to us a more influential class of patients, thus affording us the privilege of helping to give the message in this city; and, as further evidence that God is with us in our work, we have had a better average number of patients a day. It is our sincere desire that our little institution may stand as a light in this city. We are endeavoring so to unite our efforts with those of the other gospel workers that we may truly occupy the place God intends we should.” In a letter from Mrs. D. M. Cobb, of Ravenna, Ohio, she tells us at length of interesting experiences in connection with the treatment-room work she and her husband are doing. Although meeting with serious loss by fire within the year, they have succeeded in opening a new place with good equipment and in securing even a better patronage than formerly. Besides meeting with success financially, they are blessed with a good experience in their relations with their patients. Medical Missionary Department
Conducted by the Medical Department of the General Conference GEORGE THOMASON, M. D. - - - Secretary L. A. HANSEN - - - Assistant Secretary