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THE FORWARD MOVEMENT

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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 31, 1901

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 78, No. 53.

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THE FORWARD MOVEMENT

By W. W. Prescott

A Revival of the Study and Practical Application of the Physical Side of Spiritual Truth in its Relation to the Second Advent of Our Lord
“PREPARE YE THE WAY OF THE LORD.”
We are living in the time when the earth should be lightened with the glory of the message which is to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord. It is time for the truth to shine forth. The light of life must reach all those who sit in darkness. It is a time of privilege and a time of opportunity. “Arise, shine; for thy light is come.” We have been strangely slow to appreciate the meaning of the light committed to us, and slow to impart it to others. It is plain that a decided advance must be made. There must be an awakening and a new experience among all this people.
The very circumstances as shaped by the providence of God seem to indicate that the time has come for a genuine revival of interest throughout the whole denomination in that phase of the gospel truth which relates to the body as the temple of the living God. It has been a long time since there has been a general movement of this kind. In the meantime a whole new generation has grown up, and many thousands have received the message. It is true that these truths have been taught among us during these years, but their importance as an integral part of the gospel message has not always been appreciated, and in too many cases their practical application has been largely neglected. During these years there has also been a wonderful increase of light, and a development of the truths which were but dimly perceived in former years, so that to-day there is offered to this people a system of truth dealing with the principles which govern our physical well-being, such as has not been committed to any other people since the days of Israel.
These facts and their meaning were considered at the council of the General Conference Committee and other brethren, which was held in Battle Creek, Oct. 23 to Nov. 3, 1901, and it was decided to conduct a special educational effort in behalf of the gospel of health for at least six months, beginning with January, 1902. This work has since been placed under the direction of a central committee composed of the following persons: W. W. Prescott, Chairman; J. H. Kellogg, W. A. Spicer, G. W. Thomason, A. J. Read, E. R. Palmer. The general scope and purpose of this effort are indicated by its name, “The Forward Movement: A Revival of the Study and Practical Application of the Physical Side of Spiritual Truth in Its Relation to the Second Advent of Our Lord.” We hope to make this a real forward movement in Christian experience, based upon a study of the complete gospel for spirit, soul, and body. We hope to set forth the right way of living, the pathway of an intelligent faith in the revelation of God’s life, and thus to have the teaching positive rather than negative. It will be a study of the gospel of life, the gift of God’s life to man, and how to co-operate with God’s purpose in this gift.
In order to carry out the design to make this movement a general one, the central committee has suggested the forming of local committees in the different parts of the field, to direct the work in their several districts, especially in the matter of health conventions and other meetings for practical instruction in the application of the principles studied. The central committee has also asked the co-operation of the editors of all our publications in the United States, and as far as practicable in other countries, that space may be granted for articles by special writers, a large number of whom have been asked to contribute.
A book is also being written by Dr. J. H. Kellogg for use in this movement. This book will contain twenty-six chapters, thus providing one chapter as the basis of a study for each week duringthe six months. The title of the book, “The Living Temple,” suggests the general plan of the work. Viewing the body as the temple of the Holy Ghost, the writer gives such instruction in the essential principles of anatomy and physiology as will enable one to apply intelligently in daily life those rational methods for the preservation of health and the cure of disease which are based upon Biblical principles, and attested by a long experience.
This book will be ready about the first of February. In the meantime there will appear in our different publications articles which will present some of the fundamental principles upon which the studies in “The Forward Movement” will be based.
The hearty co-operation of all the people is earnestly asked for, that this effort may prove to be the means of real and permanent blessing. More definite suggestions for organized efforts will be made later, and through other channels, which we hope will commend themselves as worthy of being adopted. It has been decided to merge the Reading Circle into this larger educational effort, and that work will therefore not be carried forward as a distinct department. It is for this reason that no announcements have appeared concerning it.
The headquarters of this movement will be at the office of the General Conference, and any correspondence relating to it should be addressed to “The Forward Movement,” 267 West Main St., Battle Creek, Mich., U. S. A.
In behalf of the Central Committee,
W. W. PRESCOTT, Chairman.