It is encouraging to be able to report that the number of native workers is gradually increasing in our union. September 1 we began a course of instruction at Bahia for the workers of the East Brazil Mission, and for those who desired to enter the work. Three of the four states that compose the East Brazil Mission were represented, as follows: five brethren from Bahia, five from Pernambuco, and one from Alagoas. There was also one brother from Para, of the North Brazil Mission.
The first part of the course was designed especially for the canvassers. But as much of the instruction was of such a nature as to benefit all classes of workers, and as Bible workers and licentiates often find the circulation of literature the best means of gaining an entrance to the homes of the people and creating an interest, these also attended the studies from the beginning.
Two native brethren who have proved themselves good canvassers, were appointed field agents. One takes charge of the work in Bahia, the other in Pernambuco. These new field agents are still canvassers, yet they counsel, help, and further develop the canvassers under their care, and for this receive a compensation from the mission.
GROUP OF WORKERS ATTENDING THE BAHIA (BRAZIL) TRAINING COURSE
We have long waited for some bookmen from abroad, but as none were sent, we thought it best to lay the responsibility upon the most experienced workers we have at hand. This plan has some advantages: the native brethren have the language; they are accustomed to the climate; they are acquainted with the conditions and the customs of the people, understanding their peculiar prejudices; and thus, other things being equal, can do more than a foreigner could, at least in the beginning.
After the field agents and the canvassers had gone into the field, the instruction for Bible workers was continued. Not only do they receive instruction in the theory of the truth and the best methods of work, but Elder J. Lipke (the principal instructor) writes me that, besides the lessons given, he accompanies the six different students, one at a time, in their Bible work from house to house thus assisting them in a practical way.
We find the native brethren desirous of taking the truth which they have found so precious to their souls, to their countrymen; and as they take these short courses of instruction, we see that they grow in efficiency, and that the Lord blesses them in their humble efforts to help others; and souls are gained and prepared for the coming of Jesus. Still, we need men to act as leaders in our union, and we hope a few such may soon be sent to our field.
Estacao Sao Bernardo.
Porto Rico
By S. A. OBERG
S. A. OBERG
This morning while the sea was thundering its heavy surf artillery outside, in a baptistery made by the Lord's own hands Elder Wm. Steele baptized five precious souls. Four of these were natives of one of the English islands, the other was a Porto Rican who had been a Catholic from childhood. Four others are keeping the Sabbath, and will doubtless follow their Lord in baptism a little later.
For the encouragement of our faithful book and paper workers, it might be well to add that this Porto Rican learned of the Sabbath from the Señales, our good Spanish monthly magazine. When he was visited with “Coming King,” he at once wanted to know which day the book taught was the Sabbath, and said that he had been waiting for some one to show him how to observe the day.
Two of the others had been studying “Bible Readings,” and had begun to pray that God would send some one to study the Bible with them. Another had been speaking to a friend of her desire to know more about the Scriptures, so when the friend was visited, she passed on the good word. As a result, the friend is now against the truth, while the honest soul seeking for light is numbered among God's chosen ones here. The other is a woman over seventy years old, of good report among all who know her.
During the week of prayer, as these believers all came together, from their different places, in a union meeting with the others who have known the truth before, our hearts were made tender and our eyes filled with tears, as we heard the testimonies revealing God's all-wise providence in bringing the message for their salvation.
There are others who are now inquiring, so we have rented a large room and fitted it up for a chapel, in a section where all the believers and those studying with us can meet and worship together. We know the end is near, so we are hastening onward the closing message, and God is richly rewarding every effort put forth to hasten the coming of our Saviour and King.
Pray for us that the persecution that the other churches are bringing upon those who are now seeking for light may be the means of driving others to our Master, to be numbered among the remnant.
Joy Consorts with Him Who Scatters It
“Joy consorts with him who scatters it.”
Tissue Builders
By A. R. Olsen
Their Selection, Composition, and Preparation
A. R. OLSEN, M. D., D. P. H.
BUILDING and repair foods are of vital importance to the body because in them we find the one essential element for tissue construction and the support of life. Without the presence of this all-important element, nitrogen, all other foodstuffs are absolutely valueless for nutrition. If an animal were freely fed with sugar, starch, fats, and various food salts and acids, but without any nitrogenous food whatever, it would very quickly perish, much sooner, indeed, than if completely starved.
Nitrogenous Food
Fortunately, all natural foodstuffs, whether animal or vegetable, contain varying amounts of protein food in a varying form. Some, such as nuts and pulses, are particularly rich in nitrogen; while others, such as rice and most fruits and vegetables, contain but a comparatively small amount. Most nuts make a very concentrated food, and they are rich not only in protein, but even more so in oil, and make a very pure, nourishing food. Ripe nuts do not require any further preparation than thorough mastication, for they have been baked by the sun and are ready for the table. But thorough and prolonged chewing is essential to insure easy digestion and complete assimilation of their nutritious material. Speaking of nuts, Prof. W. G. Thompson, of Cornell University, tells us that “eaten with fruit, they are an excellent form of food; and if carefully selected and thoroughly masticated, their coefficient of digestibility is high for persons in health, and they furnish very little residue of waste.”
A handful of almonds and raisins makes both a tasty and a sustaining lunch. For those who have poor teeth, nuts may be cooked in various ways, and thus made still more digestible. There are, however, some nuts, such as coconuts, Italian chestnuts, and litchi-nuts, which contain less protein and a far larger proportion of sugar and starch, thus more nearly resembling rice, than do almonds or walnuts. The following table gives the composition of some of the more common nuts according to C. F. Langworthy, with the exception of the pine-kernel:—
Water %
Protein %
Fats %
Sugar & Starch %
Almonds
4.8
21.0
54.9
17.3
Brazil-nuts
5.3
17.0
66.8
7.0
Filberts
3.7
15.6
65.3
13.0
Hickory-nuts
3.7
15.4
67.4
11.4
Pecans
3.0
11.0
71.2
13.3
English walnuts
2.8
16.7
64.4
14.8
Chestnuts (fresh)
45.0
6.2
5.4
42.1
Beechnuts
4.0
21.9
57.4
13.2
Butternuts
4.5
27.9
61.2
3.4
Walnuts
2.5
27.6
56.3
11.7
Coconuts
14.1
5.7
50.6
27.9
Pistachios
4.2
22.6
54.5
15.6
Peanuts (roasted)
1.6
30.5
49.2
16.2
Litchi-nuts
17.9
2.9
.2
77.5
Pine-nuts
6.4
33.9
49.4
6.9
Pulses or Legumes
The pulse family includes beans of all sorts, lentils, peas, and peanuts, all of which also make a concentrated form of diet with an abundance of nitrogen. Some sedentary persons find the pulses too hearty a food, and can take them only sparingly with advantage. Unlike nuts, the pulses require most thorough cooking in order to render them palatable and digestible. According to M. H. Abel, “the percentage of protein in legumes exceeds that of the best beef.” Professor Thompson tells us that “Hindus rely upon the lentil for its staying power when undertaking arduous journeys.” Egyptian lentils are said to be particularly rich in iron, while haricots, or the ordinary kidney-beans, are “the cheapest and best of all pulses.” Their composition is given in the following table taken from Dr. Robert Hutchison’s book on “Food and Dietetics:”—
Water %
Protein %
Fat %
Sugar & Starch %
Mineral Matter %
Green peas
78.1
4.0
0.5
16.0
0.9
Dried peas
13.0
21.0
1.8
55.4
2.6
Lentils
11.7
23.2
2.0
58.4
2.7
Horse-beans
13.1
25.5
1.7
50.9
3.3
Broad beans
8.4
26.4
2.0
58.6
3.6
Haricots
11.7
23.0
2.3
55.8
3.2
Butter-beans
10.5
20.6
2.0
62.6
4.3
Soy-beans
11.0
32.9
18.1
28.7
4.9
Peanuts
8.3
24.0
44.3
17.0
1.9
Cereals
In the grains and cereals we find some of the most perfectly balanced articles of diet obtainable. Wheat, rye, oats, and barley, which are perhaps the most important as well as most widely distributed grains, contain not only the maximum amount of nutrition, but also as far as starch and protein are concerned, nearly the ideal proportion. Well-baked wheat-meal or rye bread may be truly regarded as the staff of life, and, with butter and the addition of a little fruit or vegetables, contains the essential elements for the sustenance of life. Furthermore, grain foods are among the cheapest as well as the most nutritious and well-balanced articles of diet, and they can be prepared in a very large variety of wholesome and attractive dishes. Oats are richest of all cereals in both protein and fat, and poorest in starch, while rice is richest in starch and poorest in both protein and mineral matter. We give herewith a table of some of the leading grains and cereals and their composition, also from Dr. Hutchison:—
Water %
Protein %
Fat %
Sugar & Starch %
Calcium %
Mineral Matter %
Wheat-meal
12.1
12.9
1.9
70.3
1.6
1.2
Oatmeal
7.2
14.2
7.3
65.9
3.5
1.9
Rolled oats
7.2
15.4
7.2
64.8
3.5
1.9
Barley meal
11.9
10.0
2.2
71.5
1.8
2.6
Pearl barley
12.7
7.4
1.2
76.7
0.8
1.2
Rye flour
11.4
15.3
2.1
66.7
2.3
2.2
Corn-meal
11.4
8.5
4.6
72.8
1.4
1.3
Buckwheat flour
14.0
7.1
1.2
75.9
0.6
1.2
Rice (unpolished)
12.0
7.2
2.0
76.8
1.0
1.0
Millet
12.3
10.4
3.9
68.3
2.9
2.2
Dairy Products and Flesh Foods
Both milk and eggs contain an ample amount of nitrogenous food, and when eggs are fresh and the milk is clean and free from germ contamination, they make wholesome and nutritious foods, and add much to the amenities of the vegetarian diet. Eggs may be taken raw or cooked, but are usually most easily digested in the raw state. It is not wise to use them freely, and as a rule only one egg, or at the most two, should be taken daily.
There is not the slightest doubt that the milk which is ordinarily served in our towns and cities is the dirtiest and oftentimes the most dangerous food that comes to our tables. If we expect to go on using milk freely, we must revolutionize our dairy methods, for otherwise we shall never be able to conquer tuberculosis and some other preventable diseases. Of course, we can render the milk less dangerous by sterilizing or cooking it, but it is not pleasant to think that one might as well, as far as filth is concerned, take sterilized sewage as sterilized milk, for that is what it amounts to from the bacteriological standpoint.
Animal flesh of all kinds consists essentially of nitrogenous matter and fat. Strictly speaking, we may regard flesh-meats as second-hand food. Originally the elements which compose it were taken from the vegetable kingdom, for few persons, without necessity, care to182eat carnivorous animals. Considering that disease is so prevalent among animals, and considering also the constant presence of more or less poisonous waste material in all forms of flesh, we do not hesitate to condemn the flesh of animals as a poor food, only to be resorted to when purer and more wholesome food is not available. The following data from Dr. Hutchison give us the composition of some common animal foods:—
Water %
Protein & Gelatin %
Fat %
Sugar %
Beef
76.5
20.0
1.5
..
Mutton
65.2
14.5
19.5
..
Pork
60.9
12.3
26.2
..
Fowl
70.0
23.3
3.1
..
Fish (fresh)
44.0
10.5
2.5
..
Milk
87.5
3.0
4.5
4.5
Eggs
73.7
14.8
10.5
4.5
The following table of the composition of fruits, taken from “Food and Dietetics,” was intended as a portion of the article on “Fuel Foods,” in the issue of February 6, under the subhead “Selection of Sugars:” —
Water %
Protein %
Fatty Matter %
Sugar & Starches %
Acids %
Apples
82.5
0.4
0.5
12.5
1.0
Apples (dried)
36.2
1.4
3.0
49.1
3.6
Pears
83.9
0.4
0.6
11.5
0.1
Apricots
85.0
1.1
?
12.4
1.0
Peaches
88.8
0.5
0.2
5.8
0.7
Green gages
80.8
0.4
..
13.4
1.0
Plums
78.4
1.0
?
14.8
1.0
Nectarines
82.9
0.6
?
15.9
..
Cherries
84.0
0.8
0.8
10.0
1.5
Gooseberries
86.0
0.4
..
8.9
1.5
Currants
85.2
0.4
..
7.9
1.4
Strawberries
98.1
1.0
0.5
6.3
1.2
Whortleberries
76.3
0.7
3.0
5.8
1.6
Blackberries
88.9
0.9
2.1
2.3
..
Raspberries
84.4
1.0
?
5.2
1.4
Cranberries
86.5
0.5
0.7
3.9
2.5
Mulberries
84.7
0.3
..
11.4
1.8
Grapes
79.0
1.0
1.0
15.5
0.5
Watermelons
92.9
0.3
0.1
6.5
..
Bananas
74.0
1.5
0.7
22.9
..
Oranges
86.7
0.9
0.6
8.7
1.7
Lemons
89.3
1.0
0.9
8.3
..
Pineapples
89.3
0.4
0.3
9.7
..
Dates (dried)
20.8
4.4
2.1
65.7
..
Figs (dried)
20.0
5.5
0.9
62.8
1.2
Figs (fresh)
79.1
1.5
..
18.8
..
Prunes (dried)
26.4
2.4
0.8
66.2
2.7
Prunes (fresh)
80.2
0.8
?
18.5
..
Currants (dried)
27.9
1.2
3.0
64.0
..
Raisins
14.0
2.5
4.7
74.7
..
Caterham, England.
EUGENE ROWELL
By Eugene Rowell
Patience
EUGENE ROWELL
LORD, I will not complain
Nor fretful be
If through long loss instead of gain
Thou leadest me
At thine own length
Through toil and hunger, grief and pain,
To surer strength.
Though through foul sloughs abhorred
My pathway lies,
Where, by dread beings daily warred,
Faith all but dies;
Through nameless fears,
Through doubts and struggles, lead me,
Lord,
To calmer years.
Through dangers desert-massed,
Through torrid heat,
Through lurking foes and wintry blast,
Through rain and sleet
And torrent's foam,
Lord, grant me this, to come at last
To my calm home.
The Noon-Hour Prayer
“Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.” “And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends.”
THE chamber of prayer is the birthplace of peace. Our Father—the God who holds the sea in the hollow of his hand, who marshals the stars, and guides the planets in their blazing paths with undeviating accuracy—bids you and me, “In nothing be anxious.” Anxiety hinders the power of God. Prayer brings to the heart that peace which passeth all understanding. We flee to God for help when in trouble, or when some great need or crisis comes into our lives, but concerning the little things which comprise the sum of daily living we often forget to pray. If we would have perfect peace in all things, we must come to the Saviour in prayer concerning all things.
“It is so sweet to know,
When we are tired, and when the hand
of pain
Lies on our hearts, and when we look in
vain
For human comfort, that the heart divine
Still understands these cares of yours
and mine;
“Not only understands, but day by day
Lives with us while we tread the earthly
way,
Bears with us all our weariness; and
feels
The shadow of the faintest cloud that
steals
Across our sunshine, ever learns again
The depth and bitterness of human pain.
“There is no sorrow that he will not
share,
No cross, no burden, for our hearts to
bear
Without his help, no care of ours too
small
To cast on Jesus; let us tell him all—
Lay at his feet the story of our woes,
And in his sympathy find sweet repose.”
Answered Prayer
A Michigan sister, who was seriously afflicted, recently made request through this department for the prayers of God’s people. She writes: “God has heard and answered our petition. I am well now, and able to work, and enjoy that peace of mind which only God can give.”
Requests for Prayer
101. From Ohio an isolated sister sends the plea that prayer be offered in behalf of her husband and son and daughter. She earnestly desires their conversion, and asks us to pray that she herself may be healed of internal cancer if it is God’s will to restore her.
102. A sister in Wisconsin requests prayer for the conversion of her husband and children.
103. From New York a sister writes in behalf of two friends who are passing through severe trials. She asks us to pray that they may stand firm in the truth in spite of opposition, and that their husbands may be converted to God.
104. An afflicted sister in Florida desires prayer for the restoration of her sight and hearing.
105. “I desire the prayers of God’s people for the conversion of my four children,” writes a burdened mother from Pennsylvania.
106. A friend in Texas, who is interested in the truth, requests prayer that he may be given strength to accept this message fully; also for the healing of three afflicted friends.
107. An Indiana sister, who has almost entirely lost her hearing, and whose sight is fast failing, asks us to pray that God will manifest his healing power in her behalf if it can be to his glory.
108. Prayer for the conversion of her mother, husband, two sons, and a stepson and his family, is requested by a burdened sister.
109. An anxious mother, writing from Montana, asks that prayer be offered for the conversion of her six children; for her husband, who once rejoiced in this truth but has drifted back into the world; and for the healing of two daughters and a daughter-in-law.
110. A Michigan sister desires us to pray for her brother, who has given up the truth; also for the conversion of a dear friend and of relatives, some of whom are bitterly opposed to this truth.
111. From the same State (Michigan) a wife and mother makes request that we pray earnestly for the conversion of her husband, who gave up the truth more than forty years ago; also for two sons and one daughter, and for another daughter who has just started to keep the Sabbath in spite of the bitter opposition of her husband.
Health Reform—Is It a Mistake?
By O. B. Kuhn
O. B. KUHN
IN the matter of health reform, many have made a mistake,—not a mistake in accepting the principles of healthful living, but in placing them wholly upon a religious basis rather than upon a physiological basis. Health reform should be accepted from a moral and religious viewpoint, but placed upon a physiological basis. Health will then be guarded as sacredly as the character.
By putting the principles of health reform upon a moral and religious basis alone, some have gone to extremes, disregarding the actual needs of the body. Also some have been unstable in their physical habits when doubt and unbelief and discouragement in things spiritual overtook them, and their religious experience wavered.
When health reform is placed upon a physiological basis, there is less tendency to go to extremes, as the human mechanism will be studied, the needs of the system discerned, and the controlling laws recognized. If one is religiously inclined, and desires to live for God, he will also study the relation of the physical to the intellectual and spiritual natures. The better the physical being, the better and greater the possibilities for intellectual work and development; while with poor health come lessened possibilities for mental and moral exercise and growth.
The prophet Daniel “purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank.” He asked for a vegetable diet with water to drink, basing his request upon physiological requirements. See 1 Cor. 10: 19-33. His good health and physical vigor made possible a great intellect, and at the end of three years he had ten times as much wisdom and understanding as the great men of the king’s realm. He had good success in business, and no fault could be found in him concerning his administration of the affairs of the kingdom. His intellectual ability won and maintained for him the highest positions in statesmanship.
His physical and intellectual achievements made possible great spiritual development. He walked so close to God and had such communion with him that he had understanding in all visions and15dreams. He received the miraculous protection of the Lord, and enjoyed not only the association of the highest angels, but of the Son of God himself. So great was he in the sight of heaven and so highly esteemed there that it was said to him, “O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong.” Dan. 10:19. Men confessed that he possessed “an excellent spirit.” Dan. 5:12.
Many who have received much knowledge on health principles, and who have passed through the “nut-butter age” and other like periods, holding extreme views on matters of health reform, have become disgusted and discouraged because of previous strained conceptions. But the glorious principles remain unchanged, and all who will adjust themselves to the beautiful and absolute laws of life and health will be greatly benefited in every way.
Let us learn that the great principle of healthful living is obeyed in the choice of the best obtainable to meet the needs and conditions peculiar to each individual, and that we can rightly value health only by recognizing the possibilities of personal development, improving opportunities to minister to others, and by perfecting a spiritual and sincere worship of God. Let us stand by the principles of health reform, placing our ideas on a common sense, physiological basis. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
Evangelistic Work in Greater New York
By R. D. QUINN
The past season’s evangelistic efforts in Greater New York have been very encouraging, and quite a large number of persons have accepted the truth. Elders Lee Wheeler and L. T. Nicola, with a company of experienced Bible workers, held a joint meeting in connection with the Manhattan and Bronx English churches near 180th Street and Jerome Avenue. This was a very successful effort, and twenty converts were baptized and joined the church. The interest is still good, and is being followed up in a fine hall near by. Others have begun the observance of the Sabbath, and the brethren are hopeful of another good baptism before the work is completed in that section of the city.
WORKERS IN THE GREATER NEW YORK CONFERENCE
Elder A. V. Cotton and Brother R. J. Bryant, with an excellent corps of workers, conducted a successful tent effort in one of the most beautiful sections of Brooklyn. Thirteen have accepted the truths presented and been baptized, and the workers still have a large number of interested persons on their visiting list.
Elders B. E. Miller and D. N. Wall conducted separate German tent efforts in Brooklyn and New York during the summer and fall. These were both very successful. Elder Miller has baptized thirty-four converts as a result of his year’s work, and has followed up the summer’s interest in a hall this winter. Elder Wall has baptized seventeen. It will be remembered that Elder Wall did not reach this field until last spring, but his work shows excellent results for the time he has been here.
Elder N. P. Neilsen held a tent-meeting for the Danish-Norwegian people, and quite a number were baptized and joined the church at the close of his summer’s work. This tent effort was held on the ground recently purchased for the Danish-Norwegian mission building, which is now under construction and will be finished in about six weeks. There will soon be a very commodious meeting-place for this department of our work, thanks to the brethren in the West and in all other places who have given liberally to this worthy enterprise.
A tent effort was conducted in South Brooklyn by Elders E. Rosenwold and A. Boettcher and Brother R. Immomen, our Finnish laborer. These meetings were conducted in the Swedish language, and every other night were translated into the Finnish. Thus efforts were held for these two nationalities in one tent, and as a result some excellent persons accepted the truth. One promising young Finn who united with us has gone to the Seminary in Washington to prepare himself for the work.
Elder J. K. Humphrey and Brethren C. H. Wilkinson and Samuel Laviscount, with a corps of Bible workers, conducted a tent effort in Brooklyn for the colored people, resulting in thirteen being baptized.
Brother F. M. Dana has had charge of the Italian department during the past year. He and Brother C. Scordo, our Italian laborer, have conducted hall efforts in the interests of this work, and quite a number have been baptized.
The conference has greatly appreciated during the past year the help of Elder J. H. Schilling, who has taken up his residence in Brooklyn. While Elder Schilling has general charge of the foreign184work in the East, he has still been able to give considerable attention to the German work in this city, and also to the Hungarian department.
We are glad to report a growing and developing work among the Hungarian people for whom Brother John Sivak, our Hungarian laborer, has been working. Twenty-one were baptized into the Hungarian church last year.
As a result of our combined evangelistic work during the past year, one hundred fifty converts have been baptized and joined the church. The prospects for the work in Greater New York were never brighter. The interest at our public meetings this fall and winter has been excellent, and every indication points to the fact that in a special way God’s Spirit is impressing the people with the importance of the truth. Our workers and church-members are all united in perfect love and harmony, and for the speedy finishing of the work in this great city and in all other places.
The spirituality of the New York churches is expressed in their liberal gifts to foreign missions during the year that has just passed. The General Conference reports having received from this conference $10,140, or an amount equal to almost twenty cents a week a member. When we consider that our congregations have few church buildings of their own, and are thus compelled to pay heavy hall rents and other extra expenses incurred in a city like New York, we can not but feel that God’s blessing has been very manifest upon his people and his work.
R. D. QUINN.
A Song of the Sinking Sun
By Arthur W. Spaulding
ARTHUR W. SPAULDING
In shadow and in brightness God's
doomed fair world doth lie;
The low-dipped sun sinks swiftly upon
the boding eye;
The swales and the hills catch glory, the
hollows and dales are dim,
And thicker the shadows cluster, awesome, menacing, grim.
But yet for your courage, comrades, remember, amid the fens,
The sunlight bathes the hilltops, though
purple are the glens.
O, but the night is gathering! Ominous
fades day's light;
Chill is the steel that the heavens, darkening, bare to the sight.
The wail of the hoarse night-chorus —
hounds of the nether world —
Up from the shattered canyons flat on
the ear is hurled.
Yet, if the night grows darkly, and sight
in the chasms fails,
The sunlight rests on the hilltops,
though blackness hides the vales.
Over and over the message strikes with
the sun's swift beams:
Courage! and let your vision rest where
the glory streams.
God plans a hastened sunrise; fear not
the falling night.
On with the work in patience; trust to
the lingering light.
And, when the lowlands fail you, look
where the headland leaps;
For the sunlight touches the hilltops,
though lost in night are the deeps.
A Visit to Loma Linda
By G. B. Thompson
From the splendid council at Mountain View, with others I went to Loma Linda to attend the meeting of the constituency of the sanitarium and medical school, which was called to meet January 27. This meeting proved to be a most excellent one, characterized by a spirit of unity throughout.
This was my second visit to our institutions established in Loma Linda. I greatly enjoyed the opportunity of becoming better informed concerning the work being built up at this important center, and of coming into closer touch with the large body of consecrated teachers and students gathered here. In no institution among us have I found a deeper spiritual atmosphere, or a more earnest and loyal company of workers and students than at this place.
I found the sanitarium well filled with a good class of patients. This institution has become widely and favorably known, and is exerting a strong influence in favor of the truth. There seems to be no reason why, with careful management, the indebtedness of the sanitarium can not be reduced each year, if its present good patronage can be maintained, and at the same time efficient nurses trained for work in mission fields.
The medical school has over sixty strong, consecrated students enrolled, all of whom are endeavoring to secure a medical education with the view of devoting their lives wholly to the advancement of God's work in the earth, in either home or foreign fields. This is the high and noble aim that all connected with the school are endeavoring to keep constantly before the students.
No argument is necessary to prove the need of a medical school. Those receiving a medical training for the work of God should be able to obtain it in a school where God is reverenced and the Bible believed, rather than be compelled to secure their education where infidel sentiments are constantly met, and a worldly goal is held before them.
The need of a Christian medical school is apparent. To have Christian doctors of the highest type, we must have a Christian school in which they can secure their training. As well expect the schools of the world to train teachers in other lines, as to expect a worldly medical college to train Christian physicians. While some may go through these schools and stand the test, the risk is very great. It is to establish a school to give a training in our methods of medical practise that I understand the Lord, through the spirit of prophecy, is calling for here at Loma Linda, and that those upon whom the burden has especially rested have been trying to build up.
To establish such a school is a great undertaking. But there is a way to do whatever the Lord calls upon his people to do. Our whole work is a great undertaking; but it can be done by faith and united effort. If we all take hold of this enterprise, the Lord will bless us, and give the strength and means necessary for the work. An excellent beginning has been made. The equipment already brought into existence is good, but not extravagant. It meets the needs of the school so far, and fulfils the requirements of the medical board as a beginning. But we must continue to advance. Funds must be furnished with which to provide additional equipment as the work of the school goes forward.
Among the most urgent needs at present is that of a clinical hospital. This must be provided at once, or the work will be greatly hindered. The foundation of this building has been started with what funds the brethren had on hand. But in harmony with the instruction not to create further debt, they have stopped and are waiting for funds with which to complete the building. We believe that this is an opportune time for all our people to take hold and lift, and thus place this struggling and necessary institution upon vantage-ground. In doing this, we shall be following the instruction of the Spirit of God, and shall bring a great blessing to our own hearts, and to the work of God as well.
To secure the clinical hospital and yet not incur further indebtedness, Sabbath, March 15, has been appointed as Loma Linda Hospital day, in which a collection is to be taken in all our churches to secure the necessary funds with which to build the hospital. This is the first general offering that has been called for to help this institution, and the response should be very liberal.
To secure funds with which to make a beginning in starting the medical school, the various union conferences have been called upon for several years to raise a certain stipulated amount. With the apportionment for 1913, and the amount unpaid for the two previous years, the sum due from the various unions is about $27,000. It is agreed, however, that the collection taken on Loma Linda day, March 15, shall be applied on this sum, and whatever is raised will cancel this entire amount. If we should average in every church a sum equal to fifty cents a member, there would be raised sufficient to build the hospital and furnish it. Why not set this as a goal to reach? Some can give many times this amount, others not so much; but this amount can be readily raised if all take hold and lift with willing hearts. We expect the Lord will greatly bless his people in their efforts to help forward this work. Why should not every individual take hold heartily and help to secure a most liberal offering?
G. B. Thompson.
A Faithful Colporteur Laid Away
By E. R. Palmer
THE many friends and fellow workers of Elder Ernest S. Taylor, formerly of Texas, will deeply regret to learn that after several years of battle against the dread disease consumption, he has been laid away. A night letter received January 30, informs us of his death on the previous day.
Twelve years ago when a call was made by the Foreign Mission Board for ten colporteurs to volunteer for the work in the British Isles, Brother Ernest Taylor, at that time a strong, successful colporteur in Texas, was one of the first to volunteer.
For several years Brother Taylor labored very successfully in Great Britain, the larger part of his time being spent in Scotland. He was greatly loved and appreciated in the British field, as he had also been in his home conference.
After several years' service as a colporteur, he was invited to the gospel ministry, in which he labored faithfully and with success until stricken with consumption. This made it necessary for him to return home. For several years he has been battling with the dread disease, sometimes apparently making progress, and then losing all that was gained. Finally, he moved to Monrovia, Cal., in a final effort to stay the disease.
Early in December we received a letter from his sister, Mrs. Backus, of the Pacific Union College, St. Helena, stating that he was at that time failing rapidly, and might pass away any day.
A short time before his death, when conversing with his sister concerning his past experience and all that he was suffering at that time, he said:—
“I want you to write to Brother Palmer and tell him to say to my brethren and comrades in the field that I have never once regretted going to the British field in response to the call of the Mission Board, and would do it as quickly again if another opportunity were offered, though knowing what the cost would be.”
His sister continues: “I shall never forget the beautiful light in his face as he told me this.”
The telegram bringing the information of his death, reads: “Triumphant in faith and cheerful until the end, my husband passed away peacefully at 6:15 P. M., Wednesday, January 29. Signed, Mrs. E. S. Taylor, Monrovia, Cal.”
Believing that it will add a mingling of joy and consolation to the sorrow of Brother Taylor’s associates and friends to receive this word of courage and faith from him, I am passing it on, trusting that it will prove an inspiration to all the workers who read his parting message. E. R. PALMER.
