p. 20 | The Health Institute by George I. Butler

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 31, 1872

The Health Institute.

By George I. Butler

FOR some length of time I have felt desirous of saying a word through the REVIEW, concerning this institution, its present management, and its wants. It has been my lot the past season to be in Battle Creek considerably, and to be quite conversant with the working of things at the Institute; and I am happy to say that my mind has been very favorably impressed in regard to its present management and the work it is doing. I confess there have been times in the past when I could not say as much as this, being rather slow, and, withal, a little suspicious of certain influences which have been connected with at least some of the health institutions of our land.

There has evidently been a great improvement in this institution within a very few years. This has been more and more manifest, as it has come

nearer to the condition indicated in the light originally given concerning it. And we fully believe every particle of that testimony will be vindicated, as the agents connected with the management of the Institute carry out what the Lord has said concerning it.

When we contrast the present prosperity of the Institute, as shown by the last annual report, with the state of things manifest several years ago, the friends of health reform have great reason for gratitude to God for his blessing upon it, and also to those who have labored to bring things into as favorable a condition as they are. That there is a great field of usefulness open before this institution, we cannot doubt. To cure the sick, relieve the afflicted, and care for suffering humanity, has ever been regarded as in the highest degree a beneficent work. Such works as these are mentioned by our Saviour as being a distinguishing mark between the good and bad when the great separation takes place between the sheep and the goats. In a pre-eminent sense should our Institute be a place where such principles are exemplified. Neither does the fact that those who are able to do so give of their means to pay for their treatment, thus enabling the institution to fill a larger field of usefulness than it otherwise could, go to show that this should not be a really benevolent institution. While such are cared for, others must be who are not able to pay anything toward the care they receive.

When the blessed principles of love such as distinguished the Saviour of sinners animates the hearts of officers, physicians, and helpers, in the Institute, then will an influence be felt by patients, whether rich or poor, such as money cannot pay for or procure, and which must leave its impress upon believers or unbelievers. This spirit should and will characterize the institution when it becomes what the Lord would have it, and then it will certainly be, not only a source of relief to bodily ailments, but sick souls will find also a healing influence, which will cause them to rejoice with an unspeakable joy.

There are many health institutions in our land, which are doubtless doing a great and good work so far as the curing of disease is concerned. The true principles of the healing art, as carried out in the hygienic system, can be made available by infidels, spiritualists, and others, whose theological views are terribly perverted, and physical health may result from the use of such means. And I have no doubt that Satan, who is ever on the alert to take advantage of all circumstances by which he may cast an influence to destroy souls, has in some instances connected with the noble principles of health reform influences very detrimental to true spiritual growth—principles at war with the Bible and God's holy truth—and, while those in distress from bodily sickness were recovering physical health, their religious health was being undermined. It is very natural that those whose pains are being alleviated should gain confidence in those who are benefiting them, and should be in a favorable position to imbibe any opinions they may present before them in that condition. Satan knows this, and has no doubt taken advantage of this avenue to the human mind and made impressions which will result in eternal ruin in many instances.

In this age of skepticism we cannot be too watchful of influences which break down faith in God's word. While Satan is thus engaged taking advantage of truth connected with the treatment of disease, shall God's servants be less mindful of these influences? Shall they leave this field unoccupied? Our Institute is the answer to this question. It is believed that, even so far as the recovery of health is concerned, where the blessed influences of religion prevail, they must, through their power upon the physicians and helpers and the soothing and healing influence of the Spirit of God upon disordered nerves, discouraged hearts, and perverted imaginations, work most favorably. Heaven is a place of health, and all influences connected with it tend healthwise.

We are most thankful, then, that there is one health institution in our land where these principles are being carried out, at least measurably; we expect they may yet be fully. Having abiding faith that God is in this truth, and believing health reform to be an important branch of it, we firmly believe in its triumph. And, from the great progress made in the last year or two, we expect the good result will be reached, and that the Institute will exert a powerful influence for the recovery of the sick and in favor of religion. From personal acquaintance with those connected with it the past season, I feel certain they are trying to carry out these principles, and I believe the prospering hand of God has been upon their efforts. The friends of health reform have great cause for gratitude under God to Bro. and sister White for the interest they have taken in this institution. They have planned and toiled for its benefit, often against adverse influences, and its prosperity of late is witness to the correctness of their plans in respect to it.

The number of those converted to the truth while receiving treatment should be a weighty evidence of God's willingness to use this institution for the furtherance of his cause. We think the time has now fully come when many of our people should lay aside their suspicions concerning the Institute, and see the hand of God in its establishment.

There might have been some excuse for this a few years since, when things stood as they did, but they are excusable no longer. There is a great, a noble field of usefulness before it, if we make it what it is fast becoming, an Institute where God is honored, and where the suffering are ministered unto with Christian love and sympathy, and in accordance with the true principles of the healing art. Let us all rally to its support, morally and pecuniarily, and unite our efforts with those who have labored with faithfulness in the time of its trial, and not stand looking on with suspicion at their earnest efforts for its prosperity.

A few words in reference to its pecuniary condition may be appropriate here. As the reports have shown, the Institute has been rapidly paying off its indebtedness of late till it is nearly free from debt. This has been brought about by careful management, by economy, and by those connected with it manifesting a spirit of sacrifice and of faithfulness. This result is very gratifying indeed to those who have its interests at heart. The indebtedness to which I refer as having been mainly liquidated, consisted of notes and accounts against the institution, and had nothing to do with shares that had been taken by its patrons. It is well known that when these were first raised one prominent inducement held out to get people to take shares by those who had the matter in hand, was that large dividends would doubtless be paid on stock. By this means many individuals who had a little means at their command, which perhaps was their main dependence for a living (it certainly was in some cases), put it into shares. When it was seen to be best that it should be a benevolent institution instead of a money-making one, many of those who had taken stock gave up the idea of receiving anything back, and cheerfully donated it to the institution for the good of the cause and humanity. But there were quite a number who had been induced to take stock as I have said above, who could not afford to do this without absolute distress to themselves and those dependent on them. There were several thousand dollars in the amount of such cases who could not reasonably be asked to donate their stock. In some cases which have come under my knowledge real privation has resulted from the loss to them till the present time of that means which was put in as I have described. And the question has been how to relieve such cases.

The superintendent, directors, or anybody else, have no legal right to take of the funds invested in the institution to pay back these shares. No provision is made in the law authorizing such institutions for any such course of procedure. Neither would it be proper for them to take of its regular earnings, which are necessary for its ordinary business, to do it. Under these circumstances the perplexities of the superintendent have been great while receiving many letters, from those who have really needed these means, to refund the amount of their shares. While he would have been most glad to do this he was not properly authorized to do it, and thus, as I know in some cases, real want has been the consequence. Now the way relief may be obtained is to have the friends take additional stock in the Institute, and as this is paid in it can be used to take up the stock of such persons, and they receive back the money they signed under a wrong idea, and these cases be helped out of their trouble, and the institution built up. Several thousand dollars ought to be raised in this way. Our ministers should solicit the taking of stock. Our tract societies also should care for this branch of their work. And whenever there are those charitably disposed, and who wish to know where means are needed in the cause, let them know that the Health Reform Institute needs their means. There are many who have come into the truth within the last few years who have never taken hold in these things as our older brethren have. Our ministers should everywhere encourage them to lift in these important enterprises. The Institute must be a success. Its interests are of great importance. Shall we not relieve it and its officers from all embarrassments, and thus help the cause and humanity.

GEO. I. BUTLER.

Centerville, Kan. Dec. 17, 1872.