In a testimony written in 1882 we see the same sentiment expressed in these words, “That union and love might exist among his disciples was the burden of our Saviour’s last prayer for them prior to his crucifixion. . . . ‘Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.’”
Danger of Individual Independence
In 1885 this testimony was given: “One point will have to be guarded, and that is individual independence. As soldiers in Christ’s army, there should be concert of action in the various departments of the work.”
Satan Delights to Overthrow Order
In a special testimony published in 1895 we read, “O how Satan would rejoice to get in among this people, and disorganize the work at a time when thorough organization is essential, and will be the greatest power to keep out spurious uprisings, and refute claims not endorsed by the word of God. We want to hold the lines evenly, that there shall be no breaking down of the system of regulation and order.”
Commendation of Ministers
One of the first points to be considered in establishing order among our people, in harmony with the testimonies just quoted, was some mode of recognizing those who preached the message. From 1850 to 1861 the plan adopted was that of giving the ministers who had proved their gift, and were evidently approved of the Lord, and in harmony with all the work, a card recommending them to the fellowship of the Lord’s people everywhere, simply stating that they were approved in the work of the gospel ministry. These cards were349dated and signed by two of the leading ministers, known by our people to be leaders in the work.
Ministerial Support
In the winter of 1858-59 instruction was given to the effect that the Bible contained a complete system for the support of the ministry, and that if our people would study the subject from a scriptural standpoint they would find that system. Accordingly a Bible class was held in Battle Creek, over which Elder J. N. Andrews presided. After careful and prayerful study of the Scriptures, an article was prepared and published in the Review of Feb. 3, 1859, presenting a plan that embraced the principle of tithing. An address on that subject was submitted to a large gathering of our people, assembled in a general meeting in Battle Creek, Mich., June 6, 1859, and unanimously adopted by a vote of the entire assembly.
The Established Order Commended
In Testimony No. 6, 1861, the Lord thus spoke, through Mrs. White, concerning the system that had been adopted by Seventh-day Adventists: “Rob not God by withholding from him your tithes and offerings. It is the first sacred duty to render to God a suitable proportion. Let no one throw in his claims and lead you to rob God. Let not your children steal your offerings from God’s altar for their own benefit.”
The Tithing System to Develop Character
“This tithing system, I saw, would develop character, and manifest the true state of the heart. If people have this matter presented before them in its true bearing, and they be left to decide for themselves, they will see wisdom and order in the tithing system.”
In this manner a system of finance was established among Seventh-day Adventists, for supporting the work of the ministry, and it is now in use by our people all over the world.
In the Review of July 21, 1859, as the result of instruction previously given through the Testimonies, it was first suggested that each State hold an annual meeting in which a careful planning of the work be made; and thus avoid the confusion which too commonly existed in the manner of ministerial labor, and that order and system be observed in our work. This suggestion really looked forward to the formation of State conference organizations.
Holding Church Property
As the message advanced and numbers increased, there naturally followed an accumulation of property, which led to the consideration of legally holding church property. In an article from Elder White, found in the Review of Feb. 23, 1860, we read the following:—
“We hope, however, that the time is not far distant when this people will be in that position necessary to be able to get church property insured, hold their meeting-houses in a proper manner, that those making wills, and wishing to do so, can appropriate a portion to the publishing department. We call upon our preachers and leading brethren to give the matter their attention. If any object to our suggestions, will they please write out a plan on which we as a people can act?”
Legal Organization Endorsed
During the summer of this year, there was more or less friendly discussion of this subject in the Review. And in a general gathering of representatives of our people from Michigan and several other States, held in Battle Creek from September 28 to October 1, there was a candid consideration of the subject, and a full and free discussion of legal organization for the purpose of holding the office and other church property—meeting-houses, etc. This discussion is found at length in the Review, Vol. XVI, Nos. 21, 22, and 23, issued October 9, 16, and 27, 1860.
As the result of the deliberations at this gathering, it was voted unanimously to legally organize a publishing association, and in order that such a corporation might be formed as soon as practicable, a committee of five was elected by the conference assembled.
A Denominational Name
This conference also took into consideration the subject of a name by which our people should be called. This again called forth a diversity of opinions, some pleading for one name and some for another. The “Church of God” being proposed, it was objected to on the ground that it gave none of the distinctive features of our faith, while the name “Seventh-day Adventists” would not only set forth our faith in the near coming of Christ, but would also show that we were observers of the Seventh-day Sabbath. So unanimous was the assembly in favor of the latter name that when put to vote, only one man voted against it, and he soon afterward withdrew his objection.
The Name Approved
In Testimony No. 6, we read: “No name which we can take will be appropriate but that which accords with our profession, and expresses our faith, and marks us as a peculiar people. . . .
“The name Seventh-day Adventist carries the true features of our faith in front, and will convict the inquiring mind. Like an arrow from the Lord’s quiver, it will wound the transgressors of God’s law, and will lead to repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.” The effect of the testimony was to settle forever this question in the minds of the believers.
The Office of a True Gift
Is not this the special province of a manifestation of the gifts of God’s Spirit? Paul said they were placed in the352church “for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith,” etc. How appropriate, that after the believers have prayerfully and in humility sought for light, the Spirit should speak and say, “This is the way; your conclusions are correct;” and then “edify” the church still further, as in this case, by telling them the practical bearing of the question, and some of the good results that will accrue from their decisions.
Church Organization
In an address delivered by Elder White before the General Conference in Battle Creek, in April, 1861, and published in the Review, June 11, 1861, he introduced the idea of a more complete organization of our churches. By invitation, nine ministers held a Bible class to seek light upon the subject, and were requested by the Conference to publish in the Review the results of that investigation. After presenting the Scriptural testimony on church order and church officers, the topic of equal representation from the several States in the General Conference was considered, as well as proper and equal representation of churches in the State conferences. In reality this was the first introduction of the idea of having duly elected delegates to general associations on some equal ratio that might be agreed upon.
Michigan State Conference Organized
Oct. 6, 1861, the Michigan Conference was organized by the election of a chairman, a secretary, and an executive committee of three. By vote of the conference it was recommended that the churches enter into organization, adopting the following as a church covenant:—
“We, the undersigned, hereby associate ourselves together as a church, taking the name ‘Seventh-day Adventists; covenanting to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ.”
Ministers’ Credentials
At this conference it was first decided that credentials should be granted to all Seventh-day Adventist ministers in this State who were in good standing, and that ministers should carry papers consisting of a certificate of ordination, and credentials signed by the chairman and clerk of the conference, which credentials should be renewed annually.
It was also voted that a committee be selected to prepare an address setting before our people the mode of procedure in organizing churches. This address was published in the Review of Oct. 15, 1861.
Delegates’ Credentials
In the month of September, 1862, the Michigan Conference held its first session in Monterey. Here for the first time was presented the idea of receiving churches into the conferences as members were voted into churches. As seventeen churches in the State had already been organized, these were, by vote, taken into the conference; and all members of these churches who were present were accepted as delegates.
Ministers’ Salaries
It was at this conference, too, that the plan was adopted of paying ministers a certain sum per week for services rendered. The ministers on their part were required to report the time spent in labor in the conference, with their receipts and expenses; and the conference receiving this report was to make proper settlement.
Credentials First Presented by Delegates
May 20, 1863, the General Conference was held in Battle Creek, Mich. It was the first session of that body in which the delegates bore credentials from their respective States. The representation was not, however, on a numerical basis.354The States represented on this occasion were Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, New York, and Ohio.
General and State Conference Constitutions
May 21, a constitution was adopted by the General Conference, and on the same day a State constitution was recommended to the State conferences. It was adopted in a session of the Michigan Conference. These constitutions provided a numerical basis for delegate representation in the State conferences and in the General Conference. The State constitution, there recommended, is about the same as that used now by our seventy-two local conferences throughout the world.
At the time of the General Conference, in the spring of 1864, a recommendation was first made to the State conference that an Auditing Committee of laymen who had not been in the employ of the conference during the year, be selected to act with the executive committee in auditing and settling accounts with ministers. Thus step by step, as necessity required, order was established in the work and cause of God.
Thus we have briefly traced the steps that led to the formal organization of the work. This was done when the denomination was very small compared with what it is at the present time.
When the General Conference was fully organized, in 1863, the whole number of delegates was not so large as we now have annually in some of the small local conferences.
Object of Organization
The object to be accomplished by organization was that the property of the body might be lawfully held and legally managed; and that the laborers in the work might move in harmony, without confusion, because their movements were with counsel, and, therefore, without distraction. The same355principles adopted in our organization up to 1864 were incorporated into the work as it enlarged and extended to other countries and nationalities.
General Organizations Formed
As the message advanced, the following general organizations were formed, the officers of which were elected at the regular sessions of the General Conference:—
The General Conference Association—a legal body of twenty-one members, to hold the title to the property of the various institutions in America and other countries.
The Foreign Mission Board—to superintend and extend mission work outside of organized conferences.
The International Tract Society—which province was the distribution of reading matter, and correspondence, seeking to open up new missions.
The Religious Liberty Association—its special field being to aid those persecuted for conscience’ sake, and to circulate literature on the principles of religious liberty.
The International Sabbath-School Association—the object of which was the building up and advancement of the Sabbath-school work in all fields.
The Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association—its work relating to the training of physicians and nurses, the conducting of sanitariums, homes for orphans, the aged, etc.
The Field Occupied up to 1868
Up to 1868 our field of operations included that portion of the United States east of the Missouri River and north of the parallel of latitude corresponding with the southern line of Missouri. At that time the General Conference Committee had only three members, the president of the conference being one of the members. The eight local conferences were all under the supervision of the General Conference, which had its headquarters at Battle Creek, Mich.
Why Re-organization was Necessary
As the message extended to other lands, a necessity arose for a re-organization of the entire field. Hence, steps were taken in 1897 pointing in that direction; but the work of re-arranging has been more thoroughly accomplished during the last four years, in which time a European General Conference has been organized, with an executive committee of fourteen members; and the original General Conference, with its headquarters at Washington, D. C., has an executive committee of twenty-eight members, representing all the various interests of the message, and taking the place of some of the general associations, which have been discontinued.
Organized Standing Jan. 1, 1903
The following from the General Conference Year Book of 1904 gives some interesting statistical facts up to Jan. 1, 1903:—
At that time our organized work consisted of two General Conferences, comprised of fourteen Union Conferences, seventy-two local Conferences, and forty-two missions. These are distributed as follows: Local Conferences in North America, forty-nine; outside of North America, twenty-three. Union Conferences in America, eight; in other countries, six. Mission fields in America, including Alaska, Hawaii, and New Foundland, five; missions outside of America, thirty-seven, located as follows: Twelve in Europe; four in Africa; three in Asia; two in South America; two in South Africa; and the remainder in Central America, Mexico, West Indies, and the Pacific Islands. Connected with these missions are sixty-seven ordained and licensed ministers and one hundred and thirty-one churches.
Unity in Diversity
It is a source of encouragement to know that these different organizations in various countries and nationalities are357all united in the promotion of the one great cause of truth and the salvation of men. Not in the mere formal machinery of organization do we trust, but in God, the author of order. With his blessing upon the united and harmonious action of his workers we may realize how good and pleasant it is to have “all things done decently, and in order.”
CHAPTER XXIII
HEALTH INSTITUTIONS
BELOVED, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”
On Sabbath, June 6, 1863, Elder White and his wife attended a tent-meeting held by Elders Cornell and Lawrence in Otsego, Mich. Mrs. White was there given a vision which opened before her the subject of health reform. From that time, articles on health and healthful living were published in the Review, and she began to write what had been revealed to her on health. Some of this appeared in Testimony No. 11, and in a work entitled, “How to Live.”
The subject of healthful living and its proper relations to physical, mental, and spiritual development, was brought prominently before the people. In the Review of Oct. 25, 1864, Elder J. N. Andrews made the following important suggestions on the subject:—
J. N. Andrews on Healthful Living
“To leave off every injurious article of food, and to lead lives of temperance under the influence of good instruction and of conscience toward God, are among the things most essential to good health. Our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit. That we may truly glorify him in our bodies as in our spirits, how requisite that we possess in full vigor all the powers of our physical being! Thank God that this subject is now being especially set before our people. Health359and strength are among the things most valuable to us, and of greatest consequence to those who shall witness the grand events of the time of trouble.”
The subject of Bible hygiene and Christian temperance was advocated, not only through the columns of the Review, but by our ministers.
At the General Conference, May 20, 1866, the following instruction was given through Mrs. White (the same is found in Testimony No. 11):—
A Health Institution to be Provided
“I was shown that we should provide a home for the afflicted, and those who wish to learn how to take care of their bodies that they may prevent sickness. . . .
“As unbelievers shall resort to an institution devoted to the successful treatment of disease, and conducted by Sabbath-keeping physicians, they will be brought directly under the influence of the truth. By becoming acquainted with our people and our real faith, their prejudice will be overcome, and they will be favorably impressed. By this being placed under the influence of truth, some will not only obtain relief from bodily infirmities, but will find healing balm for their sinsick souls.”
Prediction of Results
“As the health of invalids improves under judicious treatment, and they begin to enjoy life, they have confidence in those who have been instrumental in their restoration to health. Their hearts are filled with gratitude, and the good seed of truth will the more readily find a lodgment there, and in some cases will be nourished, spring up, and bear fruit to the glory of God. One such precious soul saved will be worth more than all the means needed to establish such an institution. . . .
“Some who go away restored, or greatly benefited, will be the means of introducing our faith in new places, and raising360the standard of truth where it would have been impossible to gain access had not prejudice first been removed from minds by a tarry among our people for the object of gaining health.”
It was decided by a unanimous vote of our people assembled, that as soon as practicable a health institution should be opened in or near Battle Creek, and that it should be under the medical management of Dr. H. S. Lay, who had, in addition to his former medical education, spent over a year at an Eastern water-cure to learn the hydropathic methods of treating disease.
Site for a Sanitarium Purchased
The establishing of such an institution at that time looked like a great undertaking; and had it not been for this encouraging testimony concerning the result, there would have been some delay in taking hold of the work. Instead of delay, however, only a few days passed after the close of the conference before the spacious dwelling house of Judge Graves, with eight acres of land, constituting his beautiful place of residence in West Battle Creek, was purchased. Adjoining this building a two-story addition was at once constructed to serve as bath-rooms. In these buildings the Health Reform Institute was opened.
In the Review of June 19, 1866, the first general call for stock in the institution was made. In the same number of the paper a statement was made that stock had already been subscribed by the churches of Battle Creek, Mich., and Olcott, N. Y., to the amount of $2,625, or 105 shares of $25 each. As there was no law in the State of Michigan under which a corporation for managing health institutions could be formed, the property was held in trust for a time, until an incorporation could be effected.
A Health Journal Started
The first of August there was also begun by the managers the publication of a monthly health journal, sixteen pages with361cover, in magazine form. This was called the Health Reformer. This journal is still continued, under the name Good Health, and is now the leading health magazine of the world. This journal not only treated on health and temperance principles, but was also a means of advertising the health institution, which was formally opened for patients and boarders on the 5th of September, 1866. So here was the institution, purchased, equipped, and in running order less than four months from the time the subject was first mentioned to our people; and the sum of $11,000 was subscribed to stock, a large proportion of which was already paid.
A Medical Corporation Organized
During the winter of 1866-67 a law was passed by the Michigan Legislature under which a corporation for managing the health institution could be formed. May 17, 1867, this step was taken, by-laws were adopted, and the real estate and other property passed over to duly elected trustees. The whole amount of stock subscribed up to that date was $26,100, of which $18,264.87 was paid. The institution had a competent corps of physicians and helpers, and the buildings were nearly full of patients, several of whom had already embraced our faith, having learned of us as a people and of the truth after coming to the institution.
Healthful Dress
In all ages and in all countries the natural heart is susceptible to the influence of the world, with its pride of life, its follies and fashions. The year 1863, in our own land, when the health and dress question was shown to Mrs. White, was not an exception, as will be seen by the infatuation of the ladies in following the prevailing fashion of wearing hoops, the dimensions of which made many of them look as if walking in an inverted balloon. About the same time two other extremes in dress were introduced which excited much discussion.362A brief notice of these will, perhaps, prepare the reader to better understand a testimony given by Mrs. White on the subject of dress, found in “Testimony for the Church,” No. 10.
Extremes in Dress Condemned
The first extreme was that of wearing dresses made with a trail, or train, from ten inches to half a yard or more in length, according to the fancy of the wearer. These were often left to drag upon the ground, and were denominated by the gentlemen as “street sweepers.” The second extreme was exactly the opposite, and was in a style as nearly like that worn by the men as possible. This fashion was adopted by those following in the wake of Miss Bloomer, and hence was called the “bloomer dress.” Finally the name was changed to the “American Costume.” Conventions were held from place to place by the advocates of this costume, and many of our sisters were in favor of adopting it. Some did wear it.
A Testimony on the Dress Question
Concerning what was shown Mrs. White on the dress question, I will quote a few paragraphs from Testimony No. 11:—
“God’s loyal people are the light of the world and the salt of the earth, and they should ever remember their influence is of value. Were they to exchange the extreme long dress for the extreme short one, they would, to a great extent, destroy their influence. Unbelievers, whom it is their duty to benefit and seek to bring to the Lamb of God, would be disgusted. Many improvements can be made in the dress of women in reference to health without making so great a change as to disgust the beholder.
The Reform Dress
“The form should not be compressed in the least with corsets and whale-bones. The dress should be perfectly easy.363that the lungs and heart may have healthy action. The dress should reach somewhat below the top of the boot, but should be short enough to clear the filth of the sidewalk and street, without being raised by the hand. A still shorter dress than this would be proper, convenient, and healthful for women when doing their housework, and especially for those who are obliged to perform more or less out-of-door labor.
The Body to be Evenly Clothed
“Whatever may be the length of the dress, their limbs should be clothed as thoroughly as are the men’s. This may be done by wearing lined pants, gathered into a band and fastened about the ankle, or made full and tapering at the bottom; and these should come down long enough to meet the shoe. The limbs and ankles thus clothed are protected against a current of air. If the feet and limbs are kept comfortable with warm clothing, the circulation will be equalized, and the blood will remain pure and healthy, because it is not chilled or hindered in its natural passage through the system.”
The length of this dress was presented as a commendable medium between the dress with a trail and the American costume. It was not said that any one must put it on, but that they must not take a course to cut off their influence, and disgust those they should help. It was not said that they must clothe their ankles in the manner here described, but that it might be done in that way. If the same object is accomplished in some other manner, as with long undersuits and knitted leggins, it would be in perfect harmony with that testimony.
Five Points Essential to Healthful Dress
It will be noticed that in the style of dress recommended there are five points essential to healthful clothing, viz.:—
Discarding corsets and all compression of the waist.
Dispensing with all bands on arms or limbs that would hinder the free circulation of the blood.
3. Clothing all parts of the body equally, especially the feet and ankles.
4. Suspending the skirts from the shoulders, and in no case allowing them to hang upon the hips, with bands.
5. The length of the dress.
The first four points are now advocated by every intelligent physician, and as to the fifth, the trail and the extreme short dress are now both discarded.
Mrs. Jenness-Miller on Dress
During the year 1890 Mrs. Jenness-Miller, of New York, in the most scientific hygienic dress journal of the age, advocated that women shorten their dresses little by little, so as not to make too abrupt a change, until they are brought up to about the top of a lady’s boot,—just the length that Testimony No. 11 advocated.
Dr. Trall’s Endorsement
In 1868 it was arranged for Dr. R. T. Trall, of the Hygieotherapeutic College of Florence Heights, N. J., to give a week's course of lectures before our ministers in Battle Creek, Mich., the last of May. During the course the doctor was the guest of Elder White. Mrs. White did not attend the lectures, but as the doctor would ride out daily in the carriage with Elder White and his wife and Elder J. N. Andrews, it was understood that he was to listen to her ideas of hygiene, disease and its causes, the effects of medicines, etc. She simply talked what had been shown to her in vision, not telling, however, the source whence she derived her knowledge. The doctor stated that medical science was in harmony with the ideas expressed by her. Elder Andrews told me that on concluding the conversation of the second day the doctor asked Mrs. White where she graduated in medical science. He was surprised on learning that she had never studied these things, but was giving him the result of what had been shown to her in Ostego,365Mich., June 6, 1863. He assured her that her ideas were all in the strictest harmony with physiology and hygiene, and that on many of the subjects she went deeper than he ever had. After about five days of such rides and talks the doctor wanted to know of Elder White why he was invited to leave his college to lecture before the ministers in Battle Creek. Said he, “Mrs. White is just as well prepared to give them the needed instruction in hygiene as I am.”
Medical Science Approves
Her numerous writings on the various branches of practical hygiene have been for years before the public, and many of them are now compiled in a volume entitled “Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene.” Some of the best educated physicians have declared, after a careful examination of these writings, that medical science is in perfect accord with them. With her they are not the result of study, but simply the writing out of what the Lord has revealed to her in vision.
Dr. Kellogg’s Testimony
As a testimonial of how the researches of medical science accord with what was opened in vision before Mrs. White in 1863, I will quote from the preface to “Christian Temperance” words written by J. H. Kellogg, M. D., who stands at the head of the world-famous sanitarium of Battle Creek, Mich. He says:—
“1. At the time the writings referred to first appeared, the subject of health was almost wholly ignored, not only by the people to whom they were addressed, but by the world at large.
“2. The few advocating the necessity of a reform in physical habits, propagated in connection with the advocacy of genuine reformatory principles the most patent, and in some instances, disgusting errors.
“3. Nowhere and by no one was there presented a systematic and harmonious body of hygienic truths, free from patent errors and consistent with the Bible and the principles of the Christian religion.
“Under these circumstances the writings referred to made their appearance. The principles taught were not enforced by scientific authority, but were presented in a simple, straightforward manner by one who makes no pretense to scientific knowledge, but claims to write by the aid and authority of the divine enlightenment.
The Principles Have Stood the Test
“How have the principles presented under such peculiar circumstances and with such remarkable claims stood the test of time and experience?” is a question which may very properly be asked. Its answer is to be found in facts which are capable of the amplest verification. . . . The principles which a quarter of a century ago were either entirely ignored or made the butt of ridicule have quietly won their way into public confidence and esteem, until the world has quite forgotten that they have not always been thus accepted. New discoveries in science and new interpretations of old facts have continually added confirmatory evidence, until at the present time every one of the principles advocated more than a quarter of a century ago is fortified in the strongest possible manner by scientific evidence.
Proof of the Divine Origin of the Visions
“It certainly must be regarded as a thing remarkable, and evincing unmistakable evidence of divine insight and direction, that in the midst of confused and conflicting teachings, claiming the authority of science and experience, but warped by ultra notions and rendered impotent for good by the great admixture of error,— it must be admitted to be something extraordinary, that a person making no claims to scientific knowledge367or erudition should have been able to organize, from the confused and error-tainted mass of ideas advanced by a few writers and thinkers on health subjects, a body of hygienic principles so harmonious, so consistent, and so genuine that the discussions, the researches, the discoveries, and the experience of a quarter of a century have not resulted in the overthrow of a single principle, but have only served to establish the doctrines taught.” Dated, “Battle Creek, Mich., 1890.”
The Health Institution Enlarged
Under the management of J. H. Kellogg, M. D., who became connected with the institution as physician-in-chief in 1876, it was found that the demand for treatment was so great that in the spring of 1877 more room must be provided. The name of the institution was in 1876 changed from Health Reform Institute to the Medical and Surgical Sanitarium, and in 1878 a new main building was erected.
This structure was 136 x 46 feet in size, four stories above the basement. It was heated throughout by steam, and lighted by gas. Shortly after its opening it was nearly filled with patients and guests.
Up to that time what had been predicted in 1866 by the testimony of Mrs. White respecting the institution had been most strikingly fulfilled. Scores had already accepted the light of present truth whose attention had first been called to this people by their coming to the institution in pursuit of health.
Rural Health Retreat
In the Signs of the Times of Nov. 22, 1877, M. G. Kellogg, M. D., half-brother of J. H. Kellogg, announced that he had secured grounds on the side of Howell Mountain, two and a half miles northeast from St. Helena, Napa County, Cal., and was about to erect a building to be called the “Rural Health Retreat,” located by the side of Crystal Springs. During the winter of 1877-78 a building was erected, and was opened for the treatment of patients in the early part of 1878.368This health retreat, like the parent institution, the sanitarium in Battle Creek, has not only grown in proportions, but has also been a place where very many have been brought to the knowledge and acceptance of the message.
The Pacific Health Journal
The summer of 1885 was quite an eventful period of progress in the cause of the third angel’s message. The first of May the Rural Health Retreat at St. Helena was placed under the medical management of a regularly graduated physician. In the month of June was begun the bi-monthly issue of the Pacific Health Journal and Temperance Advocate, a 24-page magazine under the editorial supervision of Elder J. H. Waggoner. By these agencies new life came to the health institution, which, instead of losing, as in previous years, began to show, from year to year, a net profit in its workings of from $2,000 to $4,000 per year, until the year which closed April, 1891, it showed a net gain of over $12,000.
At the meeting of the Rural Health Retreat Association, at St. Helena, 1887, the following statement was made in reference to the finances of the institution: May 1, 1885, the net worth of the institution was only $5,322.76, or $2,547.24 less than all the stock that had been issued up to that date. In other words, the institution had consumed all of its earnings and $2,547.24 of its capital stock. April 1, 1887, the value of the institution above all its debts was $21,372.64, or a gain in twenty-three months of $16,049.88. Of this sum, stock had been taken to the amount of $5,280, and donations had been made to the institution to the amount of $2,497.60; so on the workings of the institution there was a net gain of $8,272.28. About this time the Pacific Health Journal was issued as a 32-page monthly, with a cover, and was found to be of still greater service in advancing the interests and principles of the institution.
Charitable Work
In the Medical Missionary for January, 1891, speaking of the Battle Creek Sanitarium, Dr. J. H. Kellogg said:—
“The charity treatment administered during the quarter of a century which the institution has existed amounts to considerable more than $100,000, several times more than the capital stock originally invested.
“In addition to the charity work referred to, the institution has sent out lecturers, nurses, instructors in cooking schools, and other persons who have been trained for various lines of missionary work.”
A Plea for the Orphans
At the General Conference, March 8, 1891, Dr. Kellogg made a very earnest plea in behalf of the orphans. He said: “I find myself appointed ‘a delegate at large,’ and I am going to represent the unrepresented—the orphans, who have no one to care for them.”
Mrs. Haskell’s $30,000 Gift
In the Home Missionary for January, 1892, a strong plea was made for means with which to provide a home for the orphan children. In that journal were the names of those whose pledges for the home amounted to $17,716—too small an amount, the promoters of the enterprise thought, for so large an undertaking, hence a delay in the execution of the work was feared. But He who sees the end from the beginning, and who owns the “cattle upon a thousand hills,” so ordered events that a wealthy lady not of our faith, Mrs. Caroline E. Haskell, of Chicago, widow of Mr. Frederick Haskell, on hearing of this contemplated work of charity, at once placed at the disposal of the building committee the sum of $30,000, with the simple stipulation that it be wholly used in building an orphanage according to the plans previously outlined, that it be conducted in a broad and liberal spirit,370and that the institution be called the Haskell Memorial Home in memory of her deceased husband.
With means thus furnished the Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association was enabled, during the year, to erect and open the building as an orphans’ home. This building was dedicated Jan. 25, 1894. For much of the time since that date the family, consisting of orphans, helpers, and teachers, has averaged one hundred.
The James White Memorial Home
Besides the care and support of these orphans, this association has the management of another charitable institution, called the James White Memorial Home, where more than a score of aged and homeless people are cared for and made comfortable.
Medical Missionaries
In this line of work, another aggressive step was taken when the training of medical missionaries was undertaken. In commendation of this effort for the uplifting of humanity, Mrs. White, when writing from Preston, Australia, Sept. 16, 1892, said:—
“I could wish that there were one hundred in training where now there is one. It ought to be thus. Both men and women can be more useful as medical missionaries than as missionaries without a medical education.”
The number taking a course of instruction preparatory to entering a life service of this character has been largely augmented since the above was written.