WHAT SHALL BE DONE? by Dr. H. S. Lay

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 8, 1867

WHAT SHALL BE DONE?

By Dr. H. S. Lay

PATIENTS are coming to the Health Institute so rapidly, that we are already being crowded for room. We do not dare to advertise the Institution to any great extent, for fear we shall not have place for those that may wish to come. In addition to the three buildings which are wholly devoted to the wants of the Institution, every room of which is occupied, we are fitting up a cottage for lodging rooms, which, according to present prospects, will be filled with patients in a few weeks. And the question arises, What shall be done?

We hear from individuals from all parts of the country that are desirous of coming and enjoying the benefits of our Health Institute. And unless we soon have another large building erected for the accommodation of patients, very many of our people who need the benefits of this Institution, will be denied the privilege; but let our buildings be of sufficient capacity, and we can take care of at least one hundred more patients than we now have, just as well as not.

Probably there are but few who realize the magnitude of this enterprise. I think nothing has ever arisen among our people that equals it. It can be made the means of benefiting thousands, not only of our own people, but of all that may be influenced by it; and in many cases preparing the mind for the future reception of those truths which we as a people so sacredly cherish. And to those who have by their means assisted thus far in the establishing of this Institution, I would say, You have engaged in a noble cause, and undoubtedly besides soon receiving a fair percentage for the use of your money, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you have been instrumental in relieving the sufferings and ameliorating the condition of your fellow beings.

Now when the readers of the Review fully awake to this subject, I trust there will be no want of means, but there seems to be an imperative demand that some action be taken immediately. There is need of another building being commenced as soon as early in the spring, the erection and furnishing of which will in all probability cost some Twenty-five Thousand Dollars.

Shall this money be raised immediately and this building erected as soon as possible? or, shall we continue to do business on as limited a scale, as at present, and in a few months from now not be able to receive at the Health Institute but a very small portion of those that may wish to come?

I ask again, What shall be done?

DR. H. S. LAY.

Western Health Reform Institute, Jan. 6, 1867.