Untitled article by E. S. WALKER

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, August 27, 1867

$15,000 WANTED IMMEDIATELY.

By E. S. WALKER

We are now in want of means to complete the new building for the Health Reform Institute. And we have that faith in our people to believe that, if we lay the matter fairly before them, and present the wants of the cause, the necessary amount, as it always has been, will be forthcoming. Up to this time there has been no lack of means. The brethren generally have responded nobly, and supplied means sufficient to carry on the business; and the Institute thus far has prospered beyond the most sanguine expectations of its friends.

During the first eight months of its existence it paid a dividend of ten per cent. per annum on the amount invested; and it is still in the same prosperous condition. We have been for some time laboring under disadvantages for want of room, being compelled to rent rooms in the vicinity, at high rates, to accommodate our patients. The Directors, after mature and prayerful deliberation, have resolved to put up a suitable brick building, with apartments adapted for cooking,

dining and lecture rooms, and other conveniences which we could not have in the buildings now occupied, which were built for private dwellings. Acting on this resolution, we have purchased and had delivered on the ground about all the timber and finishing lumber necessary for the building, to the amount of about $6,000.00, and have completed the lower story of stone, all of which is paid for. We are now ready for the brick, and have expended all our ready means. The question now is, Must we stop here for this season, and continue under the disadvantages spoken of for another winter, and incur the extra expense in hiring rooms outside; or shall we have the necessary means to purchase the brick and immediately complete the erection of the building, and finish off the first floor for kitchen, cellar, store room, and dining room; and the second floor for parlor, lecture room, and Physicians’ and Treasurer’s offices? This much is needed, and the wants of the cause certainly demand it. This would enable us to vacate rooms that we are now using, and give us ample room for forty or fifty more patients. The remainder of the building could be finished as means came in and the wants of the cause demanded.

Now brethren, the matter is before you. What shall be done? What will you do who have unpaid pledges? What will you do who have means and have not yet pledged any? What will you do who have pledged and paid to sustain the enterprise thus far, and who still have spare means at your command? Let the receipts in the Review answer.

We have no doubt that you all know your duty, but we are all so liable to forget that we think a few short quotations from Testimony No. 11, would not be amiss to stir up our minds by way of remembrance.

“I was shown that the Health Reform is a part of the third angel’s message, and is just as closely connected with this message, as the arm and hand with the human body. I saw that we as a people must make an advance move in this great work. Ministers and people must act in concert. God’s people are not prepared for the loud cry of the third angel. They have a work to do for themselves which they should not leave for God to do for them. He has left this work for them to do. It is an individual work. One cannot do this work for another. Sabbath-keepers who are looking for the soon appearing of their Saviour should be the last to manifest a lack of interest in this great work of reform. Men and women must be instructed. Ministers and people should feel that the burden of the work rests upon them to agitate the subject, and urge it home upon the people.

“I was shown that we should provide a home for the afflicted, and those who wish to learn how to take care of their bodies that they may prevent sickness.

“I was shown that there is no lack of means among Sabbath-keeping Adventists. At present their greatest danger is through their accumulations of property. Some are continually increasing their cares and labors. They are overcharged; and the result is, God and the wants of his cause are nearly forgotten by them; and they are spiritually dead. They are required to sacrifice to God an offering. A sacrifice does not increase, but decreases and consumes.

Here, I was shown, was a worthy object for God’s people to engage in; and where they can invest means which will advance the glory of God. I was shown that there was an abundance of means among our people which was only proving an injury to those who were holding on to it.

“There is a liberal supply of means among our people to carry forward this great enterprise without any embarrassment, if all will feel the importance of the work. All should feel a special interest in sustaining this enterprise; and especially those who have means, should invest in it. A suitable home should be fitted up for the reception of invalids, that they may, through the use of proper means and the blessing of God, be relieved of their infirmities, and learn how to take care of themselves, and thus prevent sickness.

“Many who profess the truth are growing close and covetous. They need to be alarmed for themselves. They have so much of their treasure upon the earth, that their hearts are on their treasure. They have much the largest share of their treasure in this world, and but little in Heaven; therefore their hearts and affections are placed on earthly possessions instead of on the heavenly inheritance. There is now a good object before them where they can use their means for the benefit of suffering humanity, and also for the advancement of the truth. This enterprise should never be left to struggle in poverty. These stewards to whom God has entrusted means, should now come up to the work and use their means to the glory of God. Those who through covetousness withhold their means will find it will prove to them a curse rather than a blessing.”

E. S. WALKER, Sec’y Health Reform Institute.