Is There a Need of a German Training-School for Christian Workers?
By Ole Andres Olsen
THE above question is a practical one and deserving of careful thought. The answer will lie in the existing conditions and what these call for; therefore our first attention will be given to a study of the conditions and magnitude of the German field in this country.
The population of the United States differs from that of any other country in the world in that it is composed of so many nationalities that have come and settled here in such large numbers. In the census of 1900 the government statistics give the entire foreign population to be 25,850,980—more than one third of the entire population of the country, which is given as 76,303,387. At the present time these figures are larger, but the proportion is about the same. This will give the reader some idea of the vast foreign population within our borders.
Of the foreign nationalities in the United States the Germans number nearly ten millions. Second in number stand the Scandinavians, with a little more than two and one-half millions; and third, the Italians, with a little more than two and a quarter millions. Then follow others in less numbers.
What can be the meaning of Providence in the gathering of so many nationalities to this country in this late day of our world's history? is a question well worth considering. Some may attach no meaning to it, but the thoughtful reader will hardly pass the matter by in that indifferent way.
Looking at this matter from our own standpoint and from that of the work that is to be accomplished preparatory to the coming of the Lord and the end of this world's history, the matter has great significance. In the short period of one generation a warning message is to go to all the world, to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people—a vast work indeed. In the first generation, when a great work was to be done, and when the Holy Spirit came upon the church, there was then dwelling in Jerusalem devout men, out of every nation under heaven. In the same chapter seventeen different nationalities are mentioned as hearing the truth spoken in their own tongues. See Acts 2: 5-12. Well might they all be amazed and ask the question, “What meaneth this?”
Now, we have come to the last generation and the closing work of the gospel, and again it is to go to all the world with power. In the providence of God the third angel's message,—the last one of the threefold messages, and the one that carries the final warning, representing the last and finishing work of the gospel in the earth,—took its rise in America. This message was to go to all the world, and now, as in the early period of the gospel, the last message is launched in a country where all the nationalities of the world are largely represented. The object of this is so plain that every one can see it; namely, that these many nations and people should hear the message here and carry it back to the home country from which they came, and thus rapidly hasten the gospel warning to all nations, kindreds, tongues, and peoples, the same as in the early time of the gospel.
To accomplish this work, laborers are needed, and in a special manner should efforts be made to bring the truth to the attention of all these foreign nationalities in this country, that in turn they may take it to their own people in both this country and their home land.
Already an encouraging beginning has been made among the Germans and the Scandinavians, and a little also among other nationalities. Now, among the Germans and Scandinavians we have a large number of children, and also of young people just maturing into manhood and womanhood. These ought to be encouraged to enter a training-school, for it is to this class that we must look for the supply of workers of which there is such great need everywhere.
Church-schools are needed. A small beginning has been made, but many more church-schools should be started, and our churches are anxious to have them, but we can not start them because we have not the teachers. Therefore one of the first needs in the educational branch of the work is a training-school for the training of teachers to supply the call for church-school teachers. Again, not only church-schools are needed, but in such conferences as Oklahoma and Kansas, where there is such a large German constituency, there is a demand for intermediate schools. Before we can have these, we need properly qualified teachers to carry on that work successfully. Thus, again, the demand for a properly qualified and equipped training-school is the first great need. But it is not teachers only for church and intermediate schools that are needed, we need field laborers, Bible workers, and ministers. We are in a sad plight because of the lack of faithful, earnest, and efficient laborers to meet the Macedonian calls coming from so many places. Thus, from whichever standpoint you view the matter, the need of a centrally located, properly qualified training-school is of the first importance. Can not this need be supplied by our16schools already in operation? If it could, the problem would be easily solved. But how can an English school prepare teachers and laborers for the German work, or for the Scandinavian work? The fact is that it can not be done with success. Mere class recitations in German or some other language does not meet the demands for the development of workers. We would not discredit even the help that has come from this class of recitations in German and other languages, but we have come to a time when something more decisive is needed.
We need a German school—a school where the German language is not only taught in the class room, but also spoken in the school home, at chapel exercises, and in the daily associations, that the students may acquire an easy and natural use of the German tongue. It is needful that the German workers should understand the English, and such a school would have some class work in the English, but it would be a German school with some needed class work in English instead of an English school with some German class work. The reader will readily see the difference in this.
The demand for German laborers in various lines is most urgent. German church-school teachers are called for, and German intermediate schools also, but we lack the teachers. We also lack laborers for the field, Bible workers, and workers in the ministry. Here we have State after State, with hundreds of thousands of Germans, where we have not even a single German laborer of any kind. Surely such a condition presents a most urgent appeal for a properly constituted German training-school, to be established as quickly as possible.
Such a school should also be centrally located, that it may command the united sympathy and interest of all our German believers and serve the whole German interest in this country to the fullest extent possible. We rejoice in the prospect that this need may soon be realized, and all our people will be deeply interested in this important move.
The same facts and conditions that call for a German school also call for a like school in the Swedish and Danish-Norwegian, and we are glad that this need is to be filled. But the great preponderance of the German nationality in this country over the other nationalities makes the demand for the German school of first importance.
O. A. OLSEN.
Temperance Work in Public Schools
By Edmund C. Jaeger
For some time I have planned to give a report of my temperance work in the schools of Southern California, believing it would be a source of encouragement to others to engage in this work. I have for several years had a burden to see something done toward getting the truth before the thousands of boys and girls in our public schools. I spent three years praying and planning to find a way to reach them. Only a few, a very few, will ever come into our church or Sabbath-school. The question was, “How can I reach the masses?” God answered my prayer, and outlined the plan to pursue. It was the course Jesus pursued—the way of the medical missionary. The temperance and the health work was to be the avenue of approach to the hearts of the boys and girls.
As quickly as possible I prepared myself for work by getting acquainted with the science of alcoholism. My four years’ experience in teaching and my acquaintance with the Master Physician also were to prove a help.
With a heart filled with supplications, I interviewed the proper school authorities of my home town (get a good name at home first, I thought), asking permission to give some lectures on scientific temperance in the different buildings. The idea was new to them, and at first they hesitated; but afterward they said they would give me a trial. I visited the buildings, gave my lectures, and then waited. A few weeks later I received through the mail the following letter from the city superintendent. It was in the form of a recommendation:—
“To Whom It May Concern:—
“Mr. E. C. Jaeger has given talks upon scientific temperance before several of our city schools. His talks are sane and sensible, free from exaggeration, and deal with the subject in a strictly scientific way.
“From my personal experience with Mr. Jaeger, I feel free to recommend him to any school authorities, and feel sure that they may trust him to present his subject in a sane and helpful fashion.
“A. N. WHEELOCK.”
You may imagine how happy I was. I had been received, and with approval. The way was at last open. The teachers asked to have me come again, and finally arrangements were made for a course of lectures to cover a period of nine months.
I saw that I needed a small publication to further the cause and get the truths into the homes. Accordingly, a small journal adapted to the children, named Practical Hygiene, was the next undertaking. I went to the printers. One hundred eighty dollars was the cost of printing it for the year. That amount looked like a pretty large sum of money just then. But faith in the goodness of God and a large stock of youthful enthusiasm launched the affair. I had but one dollar in the bank when I gave the printer my manuscript. I went to praying for means. I knew that if God wanted the paper printed, he would send the money. And he did. The business men and parents heard about my work, and began to help me. They saw it was a good thing. They said they would pay the bills. Do you know who put this into their minds? I do.
A thousand copies were distributed in the schools; this meant about one to each family represented by children in the schools. And did the children read the paper?—Yes, indeed, and digested it too. They took the papers home, and the parents read too. And O, the good words I heard from them! I had a right to rejoice as I saw them drinking in the precious truths. You can get the hearts of the parents in no better way than through the children. In fact, that is the only way many of them will ever be reached. “Teach the children. It is painting in fresco.” The little paper is now a permanent publication.
The children often stop me on the street and ask me questions, and every once in a while we have a little talk about the Master.
My work was brought to the attention of the W. C. T. U., and just before Christmas I was invited by the State president of the L. T. L. work to lecture in the Long Beach and Pasadena city schools. I was well received in both these places. This will prove a great help to me, as these are considered the best schools in the State. I have been asked to return and give another series soon in Pasadena.
By God’s help I have been able to speak to almost twenty thousand children since September,—children in grades from the first on through the high school. I have talked, besides the places mentioned above, in the San Bernardino, Ontario, Tropico, and San Fernando schools, and in many of our church-schools.
The daily press has been very kind in making quite full reports of the lectures, and thus the facts have been given wide publicity. Last November I made a crusade against public drinking cups in the Riverside schools; the paper took up the matter, and to-day the school authorities are putting in drinking fountains in all the schools.
Besides my regular work in the schools, I am giving a course of lectures on Sunday afternoons to the Moral Muscle Club of the Y. M. C. A. This is an organization of high-school boys. The talks are religio-scientific. Several of the boys are, as a result of the truths presented, seeking for more light. Pray for these young men.
I have tried to follow the Master’s plan of working as far as possible. I have asked no pay for my work. “Give, and it shall be given unto you,” were his words. I go wherever my expenses are provided for. Several friends have helped some toward defraying these costs. The great satisfaction of knowing I am doing a little toward bringing sunshine into the lives of these dear children makes up for the lack of a moneyed salary. Don’t think I have no difficulties in the way. Sometimes the way seems hard, but the great Jehovah has said this work should be done; and when I know I am doing his bidding, it makes the darkness flee away.
EDMUND C. JAEGER.
Why Do Christians Hate the Jews?
By A. E. Sanderson
THIS was the question a young Hebrew asked me a few days ago, “Why do the Christians hate the Jews?” I was engaged with him in an interesting conversation when this question was asked me. I then improved the opportunity to explain to him that every true Christian really loves the Jew. I told him that Christ was a Jew, and the Jews were the ancient people which God had chosen for himself.
I told him that Jesus came as the Messiah, but that the Jews hated and rejected him, and even put him to death. Nevertheless Jesus still loves them and desires to save them from their sins. I told him that I loved the Jews, and that I was engaged as a Christian minister.
When I told him that I was engaged in the work of the Christian ministry, one of his friends remarked, “Well, you ought to have lots of money.” The Jewish idea of a Christian minister is a man who gathers much money from the people. When I told them that we had very little money, for we gave it away17to help the Jewish people and other people too who need help, they seemed much interested.
I told them that I observed the Sabbath of the Lord, that I ate no swine flesh, that I believed in the Bible, the Old Testament, and that I loved the Jews. They could hardly understand how a Christian could really love the Jews, and still believe the Bible as the Word of God, especially the Old Testament. From my conversation with them there seemed to be a deep impression made upon their minds.
I am convinced that we have a great work to do for the lost sheep of the house of Israel, and we have many advantages to labor for and among them which others do not have. May the Lord help us to improve all the opportunities he affords us.
A. E. SANDERSON.
Brazil
By Jacob G. Kroeker
My work during the year 1909 has been in different places in the state of Sao Paulo. The Lord has blessed it with some success; to him be all the praise. After I had overcome the difficulty of the language to some extent, I began working as the way opened.
After the work was finished in Itapetininga, the church and Sabbath-school re-established, and six dear souls baptized, I went home to spend a few days with my family.
I next made a trip to a little town called Ibitinga, where we had already a small beginning. Here I baptized four souls, and organized a church of twelve members. I then started for another place near by, where I labored for quite a while, with but little success. However, about three leagues from town I baptized four, and organized a Sabbath-school of eight members.
The last two months I worked my home town, Sorocaba, selling papers, visiting families, and holding meetings. December 25 three were baptized, and we have yet a good interest. Of course all whom I have baptized know and speak the Portuguese language, but among them are Germans, English, Italians, French, and Brazilians. This, I know, is in fulfilment of Rev. 14: 6-9, also 10: 11.
The Lord has blessed his work through the weak instruments. By this we know that the work is his, and not our own.
We are running far behind in our work here, for lack of workers. There are at present three or more places where work should be done at once. Some have begun to keep the Sabbath, and are looking for more light; but we can not go to all at once. They must wait. Some offer halls and houses for meeting.
This is only in the state of Sao Paulo, but we have twenty-one states in Brazil. Some have not been worked at all. What can we do for them? We can pray for them, of course, but we must do more; we must bring them the truth to their homes. Brethren, pray for us.
JACOB G. KROEKER.
Uruguay
By Otto H. Schulz
GUADALUPE.—After leaving the General Conference, I had the privilege of attending our River Plate school in Diamante, Argentina, for about four months. Its doors were closed after the commencement exercises, November 8, and a large band of young people, with Brother Maximo Trummer, formerly a student of Union College, as captain, started out to canvass. Though having had only a few words of the Spanish language, I could not stay at home, and chose the republic of Uruguay as my field. I took with me a young man only seventeen years of age.
A three-days’ trip upon the rivers Parana and La Plata took us to the wealthy cities of Buenos Aires and Montevideo. After a stay of a few days at the home of some friends, also German, we started out, with one horse and a two-wheeled cart, to canvass in the departments of Canelones and San Jose. Many of the people are longing for something better, and are ready to receive Christ as their Saviour, and be freed from the chain of bondage. Here are many who can not read or write, including some men in office and policemen. Frequently they tell us they would buy our good books and papers, if they could read. It is sad to hear them talk thus. Many whom I met said they had been in school eight years, but had not learned how to read or write.
I thank God I have a share in his great harvest-field. My hope is made bright to see even a few of the “Coming King” in this country of darkness. I only wish I could speak the language well, so I might tell the people something about the Word of God and the eternal love of Christ. I see many precious souls longing for the truth, waiting for somebody to give the light of the gospel. Hands are outstretched appealingly to us, beseeching for help. Many have left their homes in the north, to be scattered among these millions, but they seem lost in this great field. We must be a light; we must not forbear for one moment to give this glorious message to the dying race of men.
Canvassing gives me a better idea of the habits and customs of this country. Satan is not idle in interposing obstacles; but my Saviour is able to take them away. This gives me a good preparation for my future work in Bolivia, where I shall go in three months. Until then I shall be at the school in Diamante, Argentina. — Otto H. Schulz.
Field Notes
Recently Elder P. G. Stanley organized a church of sixteen members at Athens, Tenn.
Mrs. M. M. Faulkner reports twelve who are now keeping the Sabbath at Alpena, Mich.
At Norwich, N. Y., eleven were recently taken into the church, and others are awaiting baptism.
A report from J. W. Watt states that at present eight persons are keeping the Sabbath at Dixonville, Pa.
Quite a large number have decided to obey the commandments of God at Ola, Mich., among whom are eight adults.
Two new members were recently taken into the church at Lock Haven, Pa., and there are others who will probably unite soon.
Brother F. E. Gibson reports several keeping the Sabbath at Youngstown, Ohio, and also the baptism of one adult recently.
The meetings at West Clifford, Pa., conducted by Elder C. S. Weist, have resulted in one young man accepting the Sabbath.
Elder C. D. M. Williams reports seven or eight Sabbath-keepers at Honolulu, H. T., who will soon go forward in baptism.
Elder C. A. Beeson spent some time with the North Loup (Neb.) church, and through his efforts one sister was added to the church.
A total of eighteen Sabbath-keepers to date at Hisson, Ill., is reported by Elder J. B. Locken. They organized a Sabbath-school there recently.
Some have already accepted the truth at Meers, Okla., through the efforts of Brother J. B. Hampton. A number also have taken their stand at Walter and Temple, Okla.
A report from Staples, Minn., says that thirteen persons have accepted the truth as the result of the effort being made there by Elder C. M. Babcock with Brethren Fry and Ruskjer as assistants. There are a number of other persons interested, and a good, strong church may be built up.18
Brother G. M. Alway reports five baptisms at Pueblo, Colo., recently.
A letter from G. W. Stilson states that one young man has recently taken his stand for the truth at Fond du Lac, Wis.
The report of three new Sabbath-keepers at Hornell, N. Y., comes from Elder J. W. Raymond, who has been conducting a series of meetings there.
As a result of Bible work done in Milwaukee, Wis., by Mrs. B. L. Post, two more have begun to keep the Sabbath, and several others are interested.
Elder J. H. Hoffman reports from Superior, Wis., that another Swedish lady has just begun the observance of the Sabbath, and that her husband is also very much interested.
Word from Elder J. B. Scott, of Bear Lake, Wis., brings the information that fourteen have been won for the Lord and his truth at that place, and the Sabbath-school is more than doubled.
Elder E. E. Farnsworth reports that recently he baptized fourteen of the students of the Campion Academy in the Baptist church at Loveland, Colo. Two of these were young men who were not previously Sabbath-keepers.
Elders G. F. Watson and C. F. Cole recently opened a series of meetings at Madison, S. D., resulting in five accepting the truth. There are six or eight more who are firmly convinced, but who have not yet taken their stand.
Elder L. E. Sufficool writes that as a result of meetings held at Crystal Falls, Md., fifteen souls are keeping the Sabbath, and a Sabbath-school has been organized. It is expected others will soon decide to take their stand.
Elders A. G. Haughey and C. A. Hansen report excellent results of meetings recently held at Otsego, Mich. At the close of the meetings, thirteen joined the church subject to baptism, and still others are getting ready to unite with us.
A church was recently organized at Lake Arthur, N. M., with a membership of seventeen, and it is expected that several others will unite with them soon. At Mesilla Park, N. M., a church of sixteen members has also been organized.
The colored believers in St. Louis have undertaken to raise the payments on their church building by the sale of books and magazines. This is what is expressed as “killing two birds with one stone,”—it is enlightening the world and building a church at the same time and with the same effort.
A blessed occasion was enjoyed by the members of the West Side (Chicago, Ill.) church at its service, Sabbath, February 5, when four sisters, new converts to the truth, were baptized. Elder Wm. Covert was present, and gave an instructive study on baptism, following which the service was performed. Two of the members baptized were taken into church fellowship.
South India
By M. Belle Shryock
NAZARETH.—I love India and her people, and am so glad I came here. The heat has not bothered me at all, so far. We are only a few miles from the sea, and have a nice sea-breeze every day, so I presume that is why the heat does not seem intense.
I am getting so I can speak quite a little Tamil in the dispensary. One native woman said, “Missie Ammal speaks much dispensary Tamil, but very little house Tamil.” I think these people here are about the nicest in India. They seem ahead of the natives of north India.
Not long ago a Hindu came with a very bad sore. After we had treated it, I offered him some tracts, but he refused them, saying, “I am a Hindu, and do not want your religion.” Day after day he came for treatment. After he had been coming three weeks, I said to the native boy who works in the dispensary, “That man’s sore is almost well. Ask him if he is thankful.” He did so, and the man replied, “I am very thankful.” Then he said, “I have been to three hospitals, and they did not help me, and I came here, and my sore is well.” I then told him it was the Lord who had blessed with healing as we gave treatments. I then spoke of the God of love, the only true God, and he replied, “Yes; I am already beginning to believe in your God.” I offered him tracts, and he gladly accepted them. While I treat the body, God’s Spirit treats the heart. These experiences cheer the lonely missionaries from time to time, and make them feel like pressing on and doing with their might what their hands find to do.
M. BELLE SHRYOCK.
Medical Missionary Work in New York City and Boston
By George B. Starr; Mrs. G. B. Starr
We are happy to report that the small beginnings already made in these two largest cities of the East to organize and definitely introduce the medical missionary phase of the message, have met with a hearty response upon the part of societies, churches, and individuals, and have brought us into close and friendly relationship with many of the most earnest and refined men and women.
As we looked at New York City from its harbor, and traveled its miles of streets by train, and car, and carriage, and as we viewed Boston from the heights of Melrose and other points, and thought of its hundreds of thousands of inhabitants, strangers, with whom God's workers must come in close touch, the task looked herculean, and the obstacles loomed mountain high. But word from God had come to us that if we would move forward, and put to the front the medical missionary work, mountains of difficulties would be moved out of the way; and so we are finding it.
Here at Boston we have begun in the simplest manner. We have called at homes of the best class of people. We have introduced ourselves as representatives of the medical missionary work for which the Melrose Sanitarium stood as one of a sisterhood of eighty-one institutions. We stated that these institutions existed not only for the purpose of demonstrating to those who became their guests the virtues of dietetic and kindred reforms, but that these institutions were regarded by their managers as educational centers from which workers and publications were to carry light and blessings to the people. As we state that this is to be accomplished through parlor talks and demonstrations, through co-operation19with existing societies, such as church and women's clubs, and W. C. T. U. societies, all these avenues have been thrown open to us. Ladies have offered their parlors, and given us a list of the names of their neighbors, with permission for us to invite them to their homes certain afternoons, usually once a week.
One lady gave us the names of fifty-four ladies residing in the best part of Melrose, representing several churches. As a result of visiting these persons, health talks and demonstrations have been held in private homes and before the W. C. T. U. in the Congregational church in Melrose. Arrangements are also completed for a luncheon and lecture to be provided by us for the members of the Congregational Ladies' Union, they meeting all expenses. About eighty guests are expected.
At the W. C. T. U. meeting we formed the acquaintance of between eighty and ninety persons, and the interest manifested was truly gratifying.
At Roxbury, a suburb of Boston, we co-operated with a public effort made by the Central New England Conference workers, and held a health institute for a period of six afternoons, one each week. This class was attended by from fifty to ninety ladies. These ladies came through snow and rain in order not to miss a single demonstration. At one afternoon meeting we secured seventy names and addresses, accompanied by cordial invitations to call. In all we have secured over one hundred fifty addresses in about eight weeks, and made as many or more calls.
In this work the Melrose Sanitarium and the Central New England Conference are co-operating in the most cordial manner. At the largest demonstrations we are aided by our intelligent sanitarium chef, Mr. George Cornforth, and at these and others we have the assistance of Miss Stone, a trained nurse, with the promise of one or two more as the increasing interest may demand.
Dr. D. H. Kress has assisted by lecture at each of the larger demonstrations mentioned. Dr. W. E. Bliss and Dr. Estella Houser have also co-operated, answering the many questions propounded.
MR. AND MRS. G. B. STARR.
Fireside Correspondence School
By W. E. Howell
More About the Perennial Bible Institute
Let no one get the impression that “Bible doctrines” is the only study offered in the Perennial Bible Institute. There is another already being given, and three more on our list of “prospective studies” to be developed in the near future.
The other one we are giving now is New Testament history; in other words, the life of Christ from his birth to his ascension, prefaced by an introductory lesson on the “Preparation of the World for Christ.” It is an excellent thing to have a thorough knowledge of the great doctrinal themes which give power to the second advent movement, and to be able to present them simply and intelligently to others; but this can never take the place in the Christian’s experience, of the vital, practical principles of daily living so clearly and impressively exemplified in the life and teachings of the lowly Nazarene. When we are tempted and weary and perplexed and afflicted, we do not generally go for strength and comfort to doctrinal study as such, but rather to the sweet, simple words of invitation, forgiveness, and assuring promise uttered by Jesus or his apostles.
It is easy for us to say in a general way that we know the life of Christ, we are getting that in the Sabbath-school lessons free, we feel more need in another direction, etc. But it can be said with confidence that any one who will take up a systematic study of Christ’s life in its historical and geographical setting, and in the light of the many customs and traditions of the times which throw light on his teachings, with the degree of thoroughness inculcated in our course, will find that his supposed knowledge of these things is somewhat meager and indefinite after all. In Lesson I of this course, the author says, “You should be able at the end to think through the life of our Saviour and outline his wonderful teachings.” That these lessons have a very practical trend is suggested by the first question of the first Test Paper, “Why do many fail to have a healthy Christian experience?” Lesson II is entitled “Immanuel, God With Us;” Lesson III, “Early Years and Private Life of Jesus,” etc.
This is an especially fine course for young people. It will fortify them against temptation, will revive and sustain them when under discouragement, will help them to sense more fully the value of the personal companionship of Jesus at all times and under all circumstances. It covers the same ground that is passed over in this subject in resident schools, and the student’s work, if satisfactorily done, will be credited on the course he may wish to complete later in any of our schools.
But its value is by no means confined to the young. Some are taking it who have reached middle life and more. Those who are willing to use their spare time faithfully, making a little sacrifice on other things if necessary, will be surprised at what they can accomplish.
The way in which one spends his spare time is a truer index to what he is and what he really desires to become, than his use of the time demanded for his regular occupation. The doors of the Fireside Correspondence School are open to all who really care to become more than they are. There is no feature of its work that gives more substantial aid in self-improvement than the Perennial Bible Institute. The subjects to be added to its list of studies as soon as the lessons can be completed, are Old Testament history, Acts and the Epistles, and Daniel and the Revelation. Much has been said on the importance of the latter study, and an entire course of forty lessons will be given to it, as also to the other two.
Any who are interested to attend the Perennial Bible Institute should address Fireside Correspondence School, Takoma Park, D. C., or—
W. E. HOWELL, Principal.
Christian Education
By Frederick Griggs
Conducted by the Department of Education of the General Conference
FREDERICK GRIGGS - - - - Secretary
Medical Missionary Department
Conducted by the Medical Department of the General Conference
W. A. RUBLE, M. D. — Secretary
D. H. KRESS, M. D.
L. A. HANSEN — Field Secretaries
Sanitarium Relief Campaign
By L. A. Hansen
Campaign Work at Union Conference Meetings
In the consideration of the “Ministry of Healing” campaign at the last three union conference meetings there was manifested a most excellent disposition on the part of the strong to help the more needy.
Southwestern Union Conference
This union has no conference sanitarium. It has no sanitarium debts. The brethren are not in favor of creating a debt in order to secure a sanitarium. When the relief campaign was presented to them, they very naturally asked why they should help pay debts which they had no part in making.
The matter was given careful attention by the committee on plans in a two-hour session. The committee brought in a recommendation to the effect that the campaign be pushed in the union conference, and that one third of the proceeds be devoted to the General Conference to help the Philadelphia Sanitarium, the disposition of the remaining two thirds to be left to a later time.
A free discussion was entered upon by the body assembled. Pertinent questions were asked. Ample time was given for the consideration of the measure in all its phases, resulting in a unanimous vote in its favor. Opportunity was also given for the entire congregation to express itself, which it did by rising as one man in answer to the call for the affirmative vote.
Lake Union Conference
Here, too, was found a good example of the principle that when one member suffers, the whole body suffers. There are four conferences in this union that have neither sanitariums nor sanitarium debts. Some of them have other interests that are pressing. At Berrien Springs, Mich., is a big demand for the establishment of a sanitarium in connection with the school. The brethren there have lived in hopes of seeing a long-standing promise fulfilled that such an institution would be started. They had some feeling that it might be right to use proceeds from the sale of “Ministry of Healing” to set on foot this much-needed enterprise.
In the very full consideration that was given the recommendations by the conference it was brought out quite clearly that the object of the movement is to give relief and not to create a building fund. The author of the book has given it to relieve existing indebtedness. Elder A. G. Daniells gave a very good illustration of the situation. He said: “Suppose there is a shipwreck, and there comes a call for help. As the life-boat crew puts out to sea, what is the one object before it?” Here, some one replied, speaking ironically, “Build a new ship.” “No, it is not to build new institutions, but to help those that are now in need.”
When the vote was taken on the proposition, there was not one voice heard against it.
Northern Union Conference
This union has but one conference sanitarium, located at Nevada, Iowa. It has some indebtedness. The union conference president, Elder R. A. Underwood, had already presented through the union conference paper, his position with reference to the relief campaign. He proposed that the union conference should take up the matter, and that a good proportion of the proceeds be given to the General Conference to help the Philadelphia Sanitarium, inasmuch as that sanitarium is in a position to require assistance outside of its own territory.
About three hours of the time of the committee on plans was given to the question, and recommendations were drafted to suit the local needs, devoting two thirds of the proceeds of the campaign to the General Conference. The subject came before the conference at the afternoon session, and overtime was used in its presentation. The question was put, resulting in a unanimous affirmative.
The next morning there were expressions to the effect that the measure had been put through without giving ample time for full discussion. When the morning session opened, a statement was made regarding this feature, and it was voted to reconsider the recommendations. It was explained that fullest freedom of discussion was desirable, there being nothing to be kept back about the whole proposition. An hour and a half was given to further consideration, and at the close of the discussion the former action was reaffirmed.
It is certainly a good indication when men who are already heavily burdened will shoulder other burdens in order to help those who may not be so well situated as they. It takes real Christian spirit to do this. We may well be glad that this spirit exists with us. Only good can come from it.
L. A. HANSEN.
The Power of Literature as a Gospel Agent
By Uriah Smith
WE are all familiar with the importance assigned to the publishing work, in the literary world at large. In any enterprise that is set on foot, in any reform that is being agitated, almost the first inquiry is, What is its literature? What use is it making of the press? Any organization which makes no use of the press is set down at once as something of no consequence or no character; something which seeks to conceal itself from the presence of men, instead of coming to their knowledge; something that seeks darkness rather than light, with the suspicion that always attaches to such a course, in reference to the character of their deeds. Whereas any cause which gives evidence that it courts publicity; that it is willing to avail itself of every means to make itself acquainted with the people, and the people acquainted with it; that spreads before the public a record of its doings, a statement of its purposes and its plans, its means and its20methods, and keeps these things, by means of the publishing facilities of these times, ever before the eyes of the people, in public ways, and in the by-paths of individual life, shows that it has nothing to cover up, to conceal or keep back; and in pursuing such a course, that cause is sure to gain the attention of the people, and to some extent their confidence, and perhaps sympathy, and possibly adherence. . . .
To form some idea of the value of the publishing work, as an instrumentality for the proclamation of the message, we have but to think a moment of what would have been the condition of the work had this agency never been used. But this is too hard a problem to propound for solution; for we can form no conception of it. How many thousands have been made acquainted with the truth who never would have heard it but for the publishing work? The books never tire in their message. They never grow angry. They speak the same truth again and again. They never answer back. How many have they thus won to the truth who would have seen something in the living preacher, in tone, or manner, or expression, to offend, or repel, or weary! This is an instrumentality that can not be dispensed with, or allowed to fall into disuse. The query is, and the problem to be solved is, how to make it more efficient, and work it more successfully.—A statement by Elder Uriah Smith, at the General Conference in 1901.