Chautauqua Health Educational Work
By David Paulson
THE Chautauqua idea has become so popular during the last few years that now almost every State has one or more of these great summer educational assemblies. To these gather thousands from the best society, to enjoy two weeks of recreation, and at the same time listen to lectures from famous men and women, as well as to study various specialties. These occasions furnish most favorable opportunities to present our health principles, and for several years past some of our trained medical missionary workers have had a place on the program of the leading State Chautauquas. This year I had an opportunity to fill out the last half of the time in the Old Salem Chautauqua in Illinois, Dr. Geisel being called to a similar work at Rockford. Morning classes were conducted upon the most important health topics, and in the afternoon Lucy Winegar gave practical lessons on hygienic cookery. On account of the large attendance, it was necessary to hold these classes in the great auditorium, and hundreds of the most intelligent people on the ground were in attendance. Never before have I witnessed such deep interest and profound enthusiasm for the life-giving principles which God has imparted to us. At the conclusion of each lesson the people would line up in large numbers about the great platform, and besiege us with additional questions. They would follow our workers to their tents, to secure still further information in regard to the very truths that were given to us more than a quarter of a century ago. In the highest terms the Chautauqua management expressed their appreciation of this work. The Lord has committed to our hands the most beautiful and fascinating truths, and he has created a hunger and thirst in the hearts of the multitude for them, and he will speedily use other means to get them before the people if we are untrue to our God-given trust. Some of our largest daily papers are now carrying into millions of homes some of the very truths that we supposed a few years ago were specially committed to us. May the Lord put into each of our hearts some of that same kind of love for humanity that a true mother exhibits in caring for her helpless child. Then the argumentative and controversial spirit will be banished from our minds, and a sweet, persuasive influence will take its place, and will win its way to every honest heart with which it comes in contact.