Work for All by I. H. Evans

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 12, 1910

_Work for All_

By I. H. Evans

A FEW years ago the book, “Ministry of Healing,” was donated by its author, Mrs. E. G. White, to the noble work of helping our sanitariums. Many of these struggling institutions had long been burdened with a heavy indebtedness, incurred in operating, or in the original expense of erecting and equipping. The time came when it seemed wise to endeavor to free these institutions from their indebtedness. When other available means were lacking with which to accomplish this noble work, the author of “Ministry of Healing” sent the cheering word that all the proceeds from the sale of this book should be used to help our sanitariums that were struggling under a burden of debt.

In the past some efforts have been put forth to make the sales of “Ministry of Healing” bring relief to our institutions. However, the lack of a well-organized policy to push the relief campaign so that all could share in its blessings, made the results meager, and the work discouraging to those who were trying so hard to do their best, in comparison to what it might have been, had all taken hold in one strong, united effort to push the sale of this valuable book.

The book will prove a real blessing to all who read and follow its instructions. Those who purchase the book will have no cause for regrets, and those who sell the same are certainly doing the Master’s bidding. There are many lonely hearts that will find much comfort from reading the gracious words of love and mercy found in this little volume. The sick, as they listen to its message of divine forgiveness and healing, will turn with longing hearts for that better portion which comes by a full surrender to Christ. The young and the old alike will find in this little volume instruction which will do them good. Those who sell the book can not but be doing the Master noble service.

Then, too, many of our sanitariums must have financial help. Most of these institutions were started with a heavy indebtedness. As a people we have never donated largely to these institutions. Too often they have been built from funds borrowed at a high rate of interest. Without a constituency, it has been the duty of those managing these institutions to make them pay from the start. In many cases this has proved impossible, and the result has been that the institution has gone deeper and deeper in debt. These financial responsibilities prove most discouraging to those who are asked to manage and superintend the work of these sanitariums. The spirit of prophecy has indicated a way to free ourselves from some of these heavy financial burdens. The question is, Will we as a denomination take hold

of the plan given us, and do our best? An army of sixty thousand soldiers marching on a common foe will certainly do far more than a few straggling men without any plan for general co-operation. United, sixty thousand men and women will accomplish much for the Lord. When we go forth in his name to do service for him, we may reasonably hope for large returns.

Surely the plan as adopted by the General Conference Committee concerning the sale of “Ministry of Healing” for the relief of our sanitariums is as safe and as good a plan as any that we ourselves could have devised. Then, why should not each one fall into line and do his best in pushing the sale of this good book? That is all that we can ever do, simply do our best. But with the Lord blessing our efforts, and each doing his share, there will surely be much accomplished in this united effort. Many thousands of dollars will come to our needy institutions which will be a great blessing to them; for they need financial aid. The workers who take hold of this will also be greatly blessed, for the Lord’s blessing always follows the performance of duty. And those who read the book will surely be blessed, for it will bring to them life, comfort, and hope. The campaign ought to be opened in each conference soon, and be persevered in till each has done his whole duty.

I. H. EVANS.