Medical Missionary Work in Washington, D. C.
By O. B. KUHN
IN regard to the medical work in Washington, instruction has frequently been given the workers. From this instruction we gather that “from the Washington Sanitarium and its city branch the light of the third angel’s message is to shine forth upon counselors and statesmen;” that “our medical work is to do its part in convincing the influential men of America of the truthfulness of the third angel’s message;” that “the principles of civil and religious liberty are to be brought before the rulers of the nation;” that “these statesmen will, as the result of the knowledge gained through sanitarium work, restrain opposing religious legislation that would hinder or close up our general work before it had accomplished its full purpose;” that “our sanitarium work would give character to our general work, and pave the way for evangelical truths.” The work at the city branch brings us in touch with the classes of persons referred to in these testimonies. Among regular patrons are chief justices, Senators, Representatives, heads of government departments, judges, lawyers, physicians, ministers, and other prominent persons. The branch is patronized by the wives of these influential men. Recently arrangements were made for the daughter of one of the highest officials in the government to receive treatment here. Personal spiritual work is being done for these individuals. The relief of physical suffering, the promotion of health, the presentation of health principles, instruction in the care of the body, are but lesser objects leading to the chief purpose of the work—the presentation of the special truths for this time, and the winning of souls for the eternal kingdom. A Senator, chairman of an important committee, feeling much improved after a few treatments, inquired further into our methods of treating the body. He became interested in our health and temperance work, and after reading the book “Ministry of Healing” decided to give up cigars. The Senator said that if one followed the instruction in “Ministry of Healing” he would have health and a sound Christian experience. For a number of years a justice of the United States Supreme Court has received treatment. While there has not been an enthusiastic response from him, we trust that impressions for good have been made. A judge, with all the nervousness, irritability, and unpleasantness of chronic dyspepsia and insomnia, having been dealt with in a kind, patient, and gentle manner, said that he could recommend the faith that could mold such lives as those of the attendants. A Congressman receiving treatment for the first time, asked if the persons operating the branch were connected with the people who publish the magazine Liberty. He said that for a number of21years this magazine had been sent to him. He spoke highly of our religious liberty work, and hoped that personal effort for the statesmen might continue, as it was doing great good. An associate editor of one of Washington’s largest newspapers, after reading one copy of Liberty, decided that he would no longer advocate Sunday laws. This man read “The Great Controversy,” and said that no one but a person inspired of God could write such a book. Before leaving the bathroom one day, he read aloud from Job 33:12-29, and said that God had allowed physical affliction to come upon him in order to teach him more truth. A banker who had a remarkable recovery, was speaking to another patient so heartily in praise of the treatments that the other gentleman asked him if he also was a Seventh-day Adventist. The banker answered, “No,” but said he knew that Adventists hold the true Bible faith, Sabbath and all. A lawyer called by telephone and desired a treatment at his home. The attendants were busy at the hour, so the gentleman said he would call in an osteopath. Thinking that perhaps an opportunity was lost, the attendant prayed the Lord to send the man to the bathrooms if a spiritual blessing could thus be imparted. In less than an hour the lawyer came in. He was broken with sorrow and with business trouble. He asked what was God’s attitude toward men. Comforting scriptures were quoted. The man inquired concerning the Sabbath and Sunday question. Before he left, the last three paragraphs on page 72 of “Ministry of Healing” were read to him. The lawyer borrowed the book, and also asked for literature concerning our faith. A young man, a Catholic and a Knight of Columbus, after suffering many things at the hands of all kinds of doctors, was advised to exchange an injured limb for a cork one. A former patient advised him to try our treatment. After ten treatments the limb was nearly normal. This man had taken the position of floor-walker in a large store, a position formerly held by a Protestant who was discharged because he delivered a religious liberty lecture at a meeting of a patriotic order. This Catholic young man read the literature given him, and seemed interested. One evening he said that the influence of the place made him wish to give up everything in his life that was wrong. One of Washington’s wealthiest men, a Quaker, after having had a few treatments, said that he was curious to know about Seventh-day Adventist views of the Bible. This man took home a supply of tracts dealing with various subjects. A young Jewish man, one of the leaders of the Zionist movement, read the Eastern Question Extra. He said the points presented were not in harmony with the Zionist movement, and requested literature explaining our views of the return of the Jews. The tract “Return of the Jews” was given him, besides other reading matter related to the subject. One of New York City’s leading attorneys, with a branch office in Washington, comes for treatment when in this city. He says that the influence of the institution appeals to him as much as the treatments, which he considers superior to any other. Another attorney, secretary of the American Highway Association, said that he did not understand why Seventh-day Adventists were so peculiar about the Sabbath day, but if their religion was responsible for the character of the work and workers it must be good. The Secretary of one of the departments of the government is receiving treatment from one of our workers. The Secretary has read “Daniel and the Revelation” and the REVIEW EXTRAS. He is interested. Another worker is giving treatment to the wife of the Commissioner of Education. This lady is also reading the books and papers given her. When calling for a nurse she requested that a Christian woman be sent. The workers distributed to the patients and their friends two hundred copies each of the REVIEW WAR EXTRA and the Eastern Question EXTRA, besides much other literature. One hundred copies of the REVIEW Present Truth Series will be distributed monthly to the patrons. Many other missionary experiences could be reported at this time, but these are sufficient to show the wisdom of operating treatment rooms in Washington City. We pray for a fitness to know how to meet these persons, and desire that the Lord may accomplish his purpose through us. O. B. KUHN.