The Battle Creek Sanitarium
By G. C. Tenney
IN the autumn of 1898 I left the Sanitarium for Australia, our former field of labor. We went at the earnest request of the union conference, and during our absence from this country labored in Queensland, Sydney, Auckland, and to a small extent in general work. Last April, at the request of the Medical Missionary Board, we returned from Auckland to the Sanitarium, to resume the work of Bible instruction in the Training School and to edit the Medical Missionary monthly. I take the liberty thus to refer to my movements for the benefit of the readers of the REVIEW who have known us in the past, but may not have heard from us for some time. As a family our hearts and lives are still bound up in this work, and we are of good courage in the Lord. It has not been from my own choice that we have shifted about so much in our work. We have always been content in every place, and have only wished to be where the Lord wanted us. This was the light that brought us back, though it was with the understanding that we were not to return that we took the second trip to far-off Australia. We reached Battle Creek on May 15 of this year, and found matters at the Sanitarium in a state of considerable commotion. The building was approaching completion, the date of the dedication was set, and everybody was doing his utmost to get things into shape for that event, and at the same time to carry on the regular work of the institution. At the time of the dedication the building was hardly in a state of readiness for occupation by guests, but it was quickly placed in that condition; and even before this could be done, the usual summer inrush of patients had begun. The surrounding buildings were soon full, and the main building was occupied as fast as it could be put in readiness. It was necessary to issue emergency calls to many nurses scattered about the entire country, and they readily responded. In a short time the number of the family ran up to a large figure. During July the number of guests reached seven hundred, and in August another hundred was added to that. The number of helpers was not far from the same. The novelty of the situation consequent upon moving into new quarters and using new facilities brought a degree of embarrassment, and for weeks the workmen on the building mingled their noise with the work of the house. But the evidences of confusion soon disappeared, and things assumed a normal condition. The departments were newly organised, and department meetings arranged for twice a week. These meetings are principally of a devotional character, and matters pertaining to the interests of the work are also discussed. On each Sabbath afternoon the heads of the departments, of which there are not less than twenty-five, meet with the doctors for religious counsel, and to hear reports14from all departments. These meetings unify the work, and are the means of organic and spiritual strength. It is very noticeable that the patrons of the institution are of a most intelligent and earnest class of people. They are receptive of the principles of the institution and of religious influences. Many of them are attracted to us by the fact that God is recognized here, and there is spiritual comfort to be obtained. The religious services are well attended, and not a few have manifested the deepest interest in them, while universally there is manifested the utmost respect for our principles. Several have been led to accept the special truths for our times. Lectures on the cardinal points of our faith are held twice each Sabbath, and these are well attended by the helpers, and a few patients are generally there, though no pains are taken to induce them to come, as they are especially for the benefit of our helpers. On the evening of August 24 graduating exercises for medical missionary nurses were held in the Tabernacle. For some years the custom of giving diplomas has been discontinued, but it is now thought best to resume it. Consequently the privilege of receiving diplomas was extended to all who are entitled to them, but have had no opportunity to get them. About one hundred and forty diplomas were given out to those who were present on that evening, and as many more are being sent to those who are absent. The granting of these diplomas was made conditional upon the passing of satisfactory examinations both in professional efficiency and in loyalty to the principles of hygienic reform and the work of a missionary of Jesus Christ. On the latter condition we are gratified to be able to state that with the privilege of withdrawing their former declaration of their determination to live and work as missionaries, not one availed himself of the opportunity to withdraw. This was a most extraordinary meeting, because there were sent forth at this time the largest number of Christian missionaries that were ever ordained at one time. The Spirit of God witnessed to the occasion in power. I am glad to report that God and the truth are being exalted in the Sanitarium, and as we draw near to him, we realize his precious blessing. The Sanitarium needs as never before the prayers and sympathy of its friends. It is a splendid equipment, but without the blessing of God in a special degree it will come far short of being what it should be. The Lord is gracious to us, but we long for more of his blessing and power. Since the opening of the surgical ward, two months ago, there have been one hundred and seventy-five operations without a single death, and in no case has there been even the rise of one degree in the temperature. This is a record that shows what the Lord will do when we come into harmony with his will. As we come into accord with the divine mind in all things, we shall see the mighty working of God in our midst. The question of what to do with the people that come to us for help and comfort will, from present appearances, be one which the Sanitarium will have to confront again. It is hoped that it will find its solution in the establishment of sanitariums everywhere. The world is sick, and is getting worse year by year; and while this is so, there is no cause for fear that the work of providing places of refuge and healing will be overdone.