The Medical Missionary Council in New York City
By Arthur G. Daniells
It will be remembered by some of the readers of the REVIEW that the Atlantic Union Conference, at its late session, organized the medical missionary work in its territory as a department of the conference work. A medical missionary board of nine members was elected to advance the interests of this department. The Greater New York Conference in its session, which immediately followed the Atlantic Union Conference, adopted the union plan, and elected a board of five to look after and develop the medical missionary work in that conference. February 5 these two boards met in New York City for a joint council to arrange and plan for effective work. Besides the members of the two boards, there were present by invitation, W. C. White, H. W. Cottrell, A. E. Place, C. H. Edwards, and A. G. Daniells. The council covered four days, during which time eight meetings were held. All the members of both boards except one were present, and took a lively interest in the questions that were presented for consideration. The proceedings of the council are given on another page of this issue. It will be understood that these brief minutes can not give any adequate idea of the interesting and instructive discussions of four days. The recommendations that were passed give some idea of the various topics considered. It is the intention of the Union Medical Board to carry out these recommendations the best they can during the present year. As the members of the board are bearing heavy responsibilities in connection with various institutions, it will be difficult to give the work of the department all the attention it deserves. We hope the day is near when capable persons can be placed in the field to give this work their entire time. Then the decisions and plans of the board can be carried out with a vigorous hand. Conference officers, ministers, and church officers can do a great deal to assist the medical boards to make their work a success. This is especially true with reference to the distribution of literature. The ministers can render excellent service to this department by giving frequent addresses, both to our own people and to those not of our faith, on the subject of health and temperance.8This is a part of our message, and should have the place it deserves in our efforts to advance the cause. Altogether, the council was a very enjoyable and profitable occasion. While every one enjoyed the fullest liberty of thought and speech, the discussions were temperate, dignified, and harmonious. The foundation was laid for a good, well-balanced medical missionary department of the union conference. I will refer the readers to the report of the proceedings, as given on another page, for the details of the plans laid. Great light has been given to us as a people, and we should rejoice in the privilege afforded us to pass it on.