p. 197 | SPEAK A GOOD WORD FOR IT by Stephen Nelson Haskell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 19, 1879

SPEAK A GOOD WORD FOR IT.

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

A good word for what? The Medical and Surgical Sanitarium at Battle Creek, Mich. There are many reasons for this. First, the medical skill of those who have charge of this institution is not excelled anywhere. Nearly every remedial agent known is here employed for the relief of the afflicted. Secondly, it is so intimately connected with other institutions which relate directly to the work of God that those who visit the Sanitarium become more or less acquainted with the work of present truth. Thirdly, it is an institution that has been established in the providence of God, and therefore we can expect his blessing to attend it when it is conducted in his fear. God by his Holy Spirit has spoken concerning it. Fourthly, prejudice against present truth has been removed from the minds of scores who have received treatment at this institution; and as they have returned home, their influence has been decidedly in its favor. This we have known to be true in many instances. Our ministers should take an active interest in this branch of the work. They should carry circulars with them, to give to those who are suffering from disease, wherever they may find them. They should also carry with them a supply of the

DESCRIPTION OF THE SANITARIUM,

which, if discretion is used, may be left at public reading-rooms, and with proper persons. Be ready always to speak a word in favor of this branch of God's work, as well as every other. Of the miracles performed by our Saviour, more than two-thirds which we find on record pertained to a restoration of physical health and strength. In healing physical maladies the Saviour opened an avenue to the heart. “Who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who healeth all thy diseases.” Thus the forgiveness of sins and the healing of the body are frequently associated together in holy writ.

TO OUR MISSIONARY SOCIETIES

We appeal in particular upon this point. Do not neglect the sick and afflicted wherever you may meet them. Not only talk with them of the blessed hope, and pray with them, but instruct them how they may find relief from physical suffering. Call their attention to the Sanitarium, and explain to them the manner of treating disease which is there adopted. Many whose minds are prejudiced can only be reached by thus showing an unfeigned interest in their welfare, and it is a successful method of reaching others. Our presidents and secretaries should see that they have a supply of both kinds of the Sanitarium circulars, to place in the hands of missionary workers. There are thousands of public places which should be supplied, and tens of thousands of invalids who should be informed of the Sanitarium and its facilities for the treatment of disease. If you have not seen the circulars, send for them immediately. This institution should be filled this year with paying patients. When these patients return home to all parts of the country, they will carry with them a good report of what they have seen and heard, and thus a powerful influence will be exerted, in removing prejudice, and preparing communities to listen to the truth. Do not put this work off, but begin now. Are there not invalids in your neighborhood whom you can persuade to subscribe for Good Health, by telling them of the good instruction contained in it? Speak of the successful method of treating the sick at the Sanitarium, and leave them a circular. We should be awake to the wants and needs of the people, and, in every branch of the work, lead men and women to the truth.

Perhaps some will ask, “Can the poor be cared for at the Sanitarium?” We answer, Yes; if individuals are too poor to pay anything, providing the Conference to which they belong considers them worthy, and will pay a portion of their expense, the managers of the Sanitarium will make a liberal discount. But it should be remembered that additional facilities for treating the sick, including new buildings, have occasioned great expense, and also that the only help asked by the Sanitarium has been the loan of money at a low rate of interest, and the assistance of our brethren and sisters in sending patients who are not of our faith to the institution. Many are being treated elsewhere at greater expense than they would incur at the Sanitarium, and yet are receiving less benefit than they would here.

The principles of health reform sustain the relation to this cause that the right arm does to the body. Therefore, we say, Speak a good word for the Sanitarium. Speak at the camp-meetings, where you visit, wherever your attention is called to suffering humanity. God will bless you in so doing. S. N. HASKELL.