The Health Reform by D. T. Bourdeau

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 12, 1866

The Health Reform.

By D. T. Bourdeau

It is truly an interesting feature in the development and progress of the cause to see the measures which are being taken to set forth more fully before our people, and before the world, those truths on the health reform, which we so much need at this stage of the message. Having had some experience and derived rich benefits in practically carrying out those truths, my whole being responds to, and is elated by, the article in the last Review, headed, "Prospectus of the Health Reformer." Such a journal as is therein described, is just what we need, and can, without exaggeration, be made one of the most interesting and useful health journals in the world. To this end, the preachers in the wide field should contribute to its columns. Let others also, who can, use their pens, bring in their communications on experience, on interesting facts, or on some of the numerous branches of the health question. Brethren and sisters, another door of usefulness is here opened before us. Let all who can, step in and help by their faithful and earnest endeavors, and make this journal practical and illustrative, as well as theoretical. Such a journal will give us more room to express our minds on the health reform, and will also leave more space in the Review for other subjects.

I also fully approve of the idea of establishing a Health Reform Institute, in which our principles on health can be taught and applied to the sick, that they may recover, and to those who are well, that they may retain their health. There are many sick people who can get well without going to such an Institution; but there are others whose cases and surroundings are such that they need, and should have, the benefit of such an Institution. The benefits accruing from a short stay at this Institution would also be of priceless value to many who are on the point of breaking down in health, and to some who are strong, that they may learn how to apply and keep their strength.

But some of our good brethren may object to establishing such an Institution, by saying that it is a denial of our faith in the speedy coming of Christ. To which we reply, that to our minds it is just the reverse. It is one of the strongest proofs that the Lord is near. When we see mighty agencies at work to bring about a state of preparation for the coming of Christ, we say the work will go on rapidly, and the Lord will soon come. But if we failed to see these agencies at work, then might we with propriety say, "My Lord delayeth his coming."

The same objection was once urged against publishing the Review and works on our faith, by which the writer and thousands of others have been led to receive the truth, and which will still be instrumental in bringing thousands to a knowledge of present truth. This objection was also urged against the Publishing Association and organization. But these agencies were set to work, and have done a good work. And now that another agency comes, let us hail it as a welcome precursor of the coming of the Just One, and work in harmony with it, thus evincing our consistency, showing to the world that we overlook no truth as we move along as reformers, but that we respect and cherish all truth and every true improvement, that we may commend ourselves to every enlightened conscience, give force to the message, and lead others to glorify our Father who is in Heaven.

D. T. Bourdeau.

Battle Creek, Mich.