EVERY year marks a great advance in our missionary work in the foreign fields. The medical work in Japan has been no exception to this, and we are looking forward to this coming year with greater courage and brighter hopes than ever before. The medical work here is becoming the right arm of the message, and is bringing many souls to a knowledge of the truth. But our medical17work for the natives is just beginning, and with the plans now laid we may reasonably expect to see results increased manyfold within the next few years.
Our native sanitarium at Kobe is daily gaining in strength and effectiveness. Brother John Herboltzheimer is there, helping Drs. Noma and Arita train a class of nurses, who, in opening treatment-rooms and in the capacity of visiting nurses, shall be the vanguard of scores of others in penetrating every part of the empire. Our principles are rapidly gaining acceptance among the rank and file of the people, and many of the best people, including the nobility, are coming for our treatments.
Here and there are openings for lectures, which we wish to fill as soon as we have a short time longer on the language. My wife and I have now been in Tokyo several months, studying this difficult language, and thus preparing for our work in the new sanitarium, which we expect soon to open in the vicinity of Tokyo. However, while we have been studying, we have often been called to treat the sick, especially during the summer, when we were in contact with the missionaries. During the two hot months I made several hundred visits, did some surgical work, and had the opportunity of presenting the truth to many.
We expect to be able to buy land this spring, and soon after we hope to begin to erect our sanitarium, school, printing plant, etc. One of the most hopeful signs of our medical work here is the strong class of medical workers who are developing and will soon be ready for active work.
Dr. Kawasaki, who has had a successful medical and surgical experience in the country around Nagasaki, is now at the St. Helena (Cal.) Sanitarium obtaining a practical knowledge of our methods, which will make him of great value in opening up the work here in Tokyo. In a recent letter he writes that there are several consecrated Japanese young men in our sanitariums on the Pacific Coast, receiving a training in medical missionary work with the object of joining us here when their course is finished. Another earnest young man is in San Francisco, taking the medical course with the same object in view. Four of the young people now attending the Bible school here expect to enter the nurses' course at Kobe this spring. And so our Japanese brethren see the importance of the medical work, and many earnest, consecrated believers are offering themselves for service. We are glad to have Dr. Arita engaged in our institutional work. He has studied our methods in America, and will make an efficient worker. He is now helping Dr. Noma at the Kobe Sanitarium.
But while there are many encouraging things to report, and though the future is bright with promise, we would not have our brethren think that we are not sadly in need of help. Over three years ago it was planned to change our manner of working, and direct our efforts chiefly to the Japanese. Before this our work had been largely for foreigners. To do this we needed land, a building, and equipment. Resolutions in favor of immediately carrying this plan out were passed at three successive general meetings, but up to the present there has not been a cent to go ahead with. For three years we have been waiting, patiently waiting, and working the best we could.
But now the time has come for the work in Japan to go forward. We must no longer delay. Our work here will soon be rendered more difficult. Buddhism has awakened into new life; and seeing the danger which threatens it, the priests are imitating many of the methods employed by Christians. They hold Sunday meetings, and at these services they are beginning to use the organ. On the other hand, much of the Christian teaching here has degenerated into general moral precepts instead of old-fashioned Bible religion.
Send us the needed help before the opened doors are forever closed.
W. C. DUNSCOMBE, M. D.
Medical Missionary Department
Conducted by the Medical Department of the General Conference
W. A. RUBLE, M. D. — Secretary
D. H. KRESS, M. D.
L. A. HANSEN — Field Secretaries
Caterham (England) Sanitarium
By Alfred B. Olsen
OUR drawing-room improvement is getting on nicely, and we hope to see it completed in the course of two or three weeks. We shall then have a lounging-room at the entrance, a pleasant and commodious drawing-room opening into this room, and a generous veranda which we have sorely needed ever since we have been here. The extension will also give us a much-needed basement, which we shall use as a fruit and vegetable store. Above the drawing-room we are enlarging two of our bedrooms, putting in fire grates, and building on sleeping verandas. The improvement will probably cost us a total closely approaching, if not exceeding, £500. In spite of the expense I feel confident that it will prove a great boon to us, and we are very glad to get it.
At our late annual meeting in Watford, it was decided to go ahead with the Watford Sanitarium next summer, and get it ready for use in the course of another year. I feel confident that we shall have ample use for it at that time, for if our patronage improves proportionately this summer, we shall not be able to accommodate all the patients and guests who will want to come. Even during these winter months, with all the noise and annoyance of the building improvement, we have enjoyed very good patronage, and have at no time dropped below twenty.
ALFRED B. OLSEN.
Religious Liberty Notes
A SUNDAY-CLOSING crusade is on in Akron, Ohio, and our people are taking advantage of the situation to enlighten the citizens on the principles of religious liberty.
Elder A. J. Clark, the New York Conference religious liberty secretary, reports another interesting and important hearing before the New York legislature, on the 9th inst., relative to certain Sunday bills there under consideration.
The New York Independent of Feb. 3, 1910, says: “We do not quite approve of the penalty imposed by an Indianapolis magistrate of requiring offending saloon-keepers to go to church for a Sunday and get a certificate of it from the minister as a condition of renewing a suspended license. It makes a spectacle of the man, and it does not make him love the church to be sent to it as to a penitentiary. On the public it has the appearance of a joke, in a place where a joke is not befitting.” It will be remembered that recently four Indianapolis saloon-keepers were thus treated by the mayor of that city.18
The religious liberty report to the recent Pacific Union Conference contained the interesting item that during the excellent institute campaign only lately closed, there were distributed in the fields of these institutes three quarters of a million of leaflets teaching proper governmental principles that should guide legislative bodies in their attitude toward any proposed religious legislation.
The Religious Liberty Department has had very good encouragement in the matter of supplying typewritten copies of extracts from the Sunday Mail Reports of the 1829 and 1830 sessions of Congress to show those of our people in different parts of the country who were willing to make an effort to secure their publication in their local papers. It would seem from the numerous orders that much might be expected from this style of effort at enlightening the American people on the harmfulness of religious legislation. We should like our readers to remember that we are glad to supply all who will try to use them. The long form costs but one cent each; short form, one-half cent. There will be months yet during which this will be prime matter for the public press; for, even should the present measure pass Congress, public interest in the matter pro and con will long continue to be very keen.
Medical Missionary Notes
By W. A. R.
The Lake Union Herald calls attention to the fact that Mr. P. L. Larson has recently entered upon the work of business manager of the Madison Sanitarium. The same periodical says much more surgery has been done in this institution of late than for some time in the past, and that every case has been successful; also that Dr. Hopkins is proving himself to be a surgeon as well as an excellent physician.
Dr. J. E. Froom, of Boise, Idaho, has just completed some postgraduate work in the New York Postgraduate School, Corner Twenty-Second St. and Second Ave., New York. He speaks very highly of the advantages offered in that school for this kind of work. He mentions the fact that the school freely offers half-rates to accredited missionaries. He calls attention also to the opportunity of learning to do real missionary work while in the large city of New York.
The International Society for the Prevention of Tuberculosis has secured the co-operation of the ministers throughout the United States in presenting in all their churches on Sunday, April 24, appropriate matter pertaining to the cause, prevention, and cure of this disease. As a people, we have great need of giving careful attention to this subject. We are hoping to co-operate in this movement by presenting in these columns next week such matter as will enable our people to present this subject intelligently in all our churches throughout the United States on Sabbath, April 23. It is desired that our ministers and church elders take an interest in this matter, and prepare to give such instruction as will be of the greatest benefit.
By recent decision of the supreme court of Massachusetts, the Melrose Sanitarium is declared to be a charitable institution, within the meaning of the State law, and therefore, is exempt from taxation. The following statement concerning this decision is taken from the Boston Herald of March 1: “Judgment in favor of the New England Sanitarium against the town of Stoneham for the abatement of $2,476 taxes assessed in 1907 upon its property in the town was ordered by the full bench of the supreme court yesterday. The court holds that the plaintiff is a charitable corporation, and as such is exempt from taxation. It was incorporated to found a hospital for the care and relief of indigent or other sick and infirm persons, with a right to receive paying patients, but all funds which it received should be and were devoted to maintain the institution. The larger number of patients received by it were paying patients, but the income received was not sufficient to pay the expenses of the institution in certain years. No part of the income was retained as compensation or divided as profits. The court holds that as the property taxed was occupied and used for the administration of the charity for which the corporation was organized, it was exempted from taxation by general law.”
W. A. R.
A Beneficent Institution in the Village of Camarero
This is not the first time that our attention has been called to the beneficent institution that the Adventists have established in the village of Camarero, department of Diamante.
Their model school, which is installed in a large building of their own, with efficient teachers, bearing diplomas, is well known, and its functions have merited the applause of the school authorities, such as the late and well-beloved Professor Barzola, who gave a report of it as honorable as it was just.
Besides the school these modest people of science have equipped and regulated a sanitarium, which is attended in the best manner. Many expressions of thanks have reached our editorial table for this institution, which is directed by Dr. R. H. Habenicht, a person competent and well respected in those parts.
These good words come from persons who have been attended in that institution and are perfectly contented with the treatment and cure they have received.—Editorial in El Tribuno, Parana, Argentina.
Christian Liberty
By K. C. Russell; W. A. Colcord
Reports, Notes, and Comments Pertaining to the Current History of the Rights of Conscience
Conducted by the Religious Liberty Bureau
K. C. RUSSELL — Secretary
W. A. COLCORD — Corresponding Secretary
A Temperance Rally in Every Church
By M. E. K.
Our Relation to the Temperance Movement
Every Seventh-day Adventist church should be a beacon light of Christian temperance, and every Missionary Volunteer Society a loyal band of temperance workers. In a special sense we are a temperance people, and “as we near the close of time, we must rise higher and still higher upon the question of health reform and Christian temperance, presenting it in a more positive and decided manner. We must strive continually to educate the people not only by our word, but by our practise.” Does not the great army of young men and—sad to say—young women, who today are being bound about by soul-destroying habits of intemperance, constitute a mighty appeal to our young people to “give themselves to God for the purpose of helping other youth”?
Weapons for Temperance Warfare
For months devoted workers have been laboring to produce some valuable helps to be used by our young people in this temperance warfare. “Temperance Torchlights” and the Temperance number of the Instructor are the result. Now it remains for every loyal soldier to seize these valuable weapons, rally around the standard, and make a vigorous charge upon the enemy.
Beginning a Campaign
Let us begin this campaign with a grand temperance rally, about the third of April, or as soon as it can be arranged. Will not you who read this article study this question from the standpoint of the message we have for the world? Will you not study it from the standpoint of your community, its needs, and your duty? And while you muse, will you not let the fire of enthusiasm burn in your heart till you are anxious to do more for God and for weak, tempted humanity than you have ever done before?
Plans for the Rally
Every society or church must of course adapt its work to local needs and conditions, but the following general suggestions may be of service:—
1. Prayer is the key to success in the Lord's work. Begin to pray that God will give wisdom to plan and power to carry forward this effort.
2. The Missionary Volunteer leader should consult with the other officers of the church in regard to having such a rally. Let a committee from the society and church be appointed to plan for, and to take charge of, the program. If there is no Missionary Volunteer Society, the church should take up the matter anyway, as this is a work for all. Let the committee begin its work at once.
3. It would be well to study the many helpful plans and suggestions made in “Temperance Torchlights,” in the section on “Temperance Meetings.”
4. An abundance of material from which to draw in preparing the program will be found in “Temperance Torchlights” and the Temperance Instructor. Procure these at once, if you do not have them, and study them carefully.
5. Get some earnest temperance worker who is willing to co-operate with you to take part in the program.
6. Let some central theme which your community especially needs, be emphasized by one or two leading parts. Even these parts, however, need not be long addresses.
7. Remember the power of song to influence the human heart. “Temperance Torchlights” has some good ones.
8. Simple experiments, well prepared, do much to impress an audience. “Temperance Torchlights” suggests several. Charts, maps, and illuminated statistics (such as cords or ribbons of various lengths to illustrate the comparative expenditure for liquor, tobacco, and other things) appeal to the sense of sight, and are not easily forgotten, if well selected and prepared.
9. Having put forth your best effort to prepare a good program, do not neglect to let the people know about it. Successful people in any business must advertise. Announce your rally in the papers, in the schools or previous public meetings. Distribute well-prepared printed announcements, and invite the people to attend.
10. In the rally, “call for signers to the temperance pledge;” have pledge cards at hand. Beautiful lithographed pledges—one against liquor, tobacco, tea, and coffee, the other against liquor and tobacco—can be procured for one cent each; a liquor pledge alone for one cent, or seventy-five cents a hundred. Order from the Review and Herald.
11. If possible have a well-arranged exhibit of temperance literature. Have on hand a quantity of the Temperance Instructor, also copies of “Temperance Torchlights” and “Ministry of Healing.” Endeavor to sell the Instructor to every one present. Many will also be interested in these books if their attention is called to them.
12. Lay plans to follow up this rally by a vigorous campaign with the Temperance Instructor. In connection with this canvass many yearly subscriptions for the Instructor might be obtained, and copies of “Temperance Torchlights” and “Ministry of Healing” be sold.
Let these words from the spirit of prophecy stir us to a continuous effort: “The honor of God, the stability of the nation, the well-being of the community, of the home, and of the individual, demand that every possible effort be made in arousing the people to the evils of intemperance.”
M. E. K.
“Temperance Torchlights”
By Fannie D. Chase
THE liquor traffic more than any other one thing, or combination of things, is responsible for the graft, sloth, and self-seeking that are fast undermining the foundation principles of our government. The “gold-mad graft” of this traffic is surely the nation's chief peril. The best citizenship of the country is awakening to this fact. But so determined is this great evil to retain its grip upon our national life that it can not be destroyed without earnest, persevering effort.
Men and women who love justice must strike a blow at this evil whenever, however, and wherever possible. Young people should join in the battle. They19should read, study, think, and work for the overthrow of this nefarious traffic.
“Temperance Torchlights,” a new book recently published by the Review and Herald Publishing Association, will give courage, inspiration, and ammunition for the battle.
It contains valuable temperance statistics, addresses, quotations, recitations, blackboard illustrations, songs, and arguments. The price of the book is fifty cents.
FANNIE D. CHASE.
Additional Notes About the “Hearing”
By F. F. Bliss
The friends of religious liberty had given up all hope of securing another hearing on the famous Johnston Sunday bill. A special prayer-meeting was called at Takoma Park, and the Lord was most earnestly besought in the matter. The next day the hearing was granted. Not only so, but it was set for two weeks in the future, giving ample time for publicity work.
It being evident that a large number would wish to attend, the Religious Liberty Department requested the committee to secure a larger room, if possible, than the District Committee room, in which to have the hearing. To this the committee kindly agreed, and a room was secured which would accommodate three hundred or more. This was crowded.
Not a member of the committee had been sufficiently wrought upon to be led to ask a single question till the fundamental principles of legislative prerogatives and limitations began to be set forth by our people, but these brought from them some most searching inquiries.
The first speaker for the bill unwittingly gave away the non-congressional-favored character of the measure for which he was pleading, by reminding the committee of the number of years he had been fighting their unwillingness to enact such legislation.
One pitiful spectacle presented was that of one of the leading clergymen of the city complaining powerfully that for weeks his services had been disturbed on Sundays by workmen on the Masons Temple, which we have been informed is seven hundred feet from his church; while only a few blocks from his edifice is located our Memorial Church, within ten feet of which was erected an immense apartment house, of the noise of which constructive work we should not dream of complaining. F. F. Bliss.
Young People's Work
By Milton E. Kern; Matilda Erickson
Conducted by the Young People's Missionary Volunteer Department of the General Conference
M. E. KERN - - - Secretary
MATILDA ERICKSON - Corresponding Secretary
The Temperance “Instructor” and Its Circulation
By D. W. Reavis
Last spring the Temperance Instructor came forth equipped for a strong battle against the most deadly enemy of mankind, and it fought a good fight. Its victories are yet being prized by thousands of the best people in this country, and many in foreign lands. But by the help and through the special inspiration of the Great Reformer, the Lover of Humanity, a veritable “Dreadnought” temperance issue is now ready to launch in the defense of thousands of starving children, heart-broken mothers, and enslaved boys and men. It is by far the strongest, largest, best illustrated, and in every way the most attractive and effective temperance number ever issued. It contains the best matter obtainable on the various phases of the temperance question from the world’s leading temperance writers and speakers.
No sane man or woman who reads the present Temperance number of the Instructor can remain indifferent to the evils of tobacco and liquor. Each of its thirty-two pages is filled with convincing facts against the saloon, tobacco, and general intemperance.
Having such a weapon against this wrecker of individuals, homes, and nations; and witnessing on every hand the ravages of this deadly canker of health, happiness, and morals, how great an opportunity is afforded us to work for souls! God’s call for volunteers to battle against the demon of drink may now be answered by our young people offering their services in the circulation of the Temperance Instructor. His blessing will accompany their efforts.
There is nothing so appropriate, so influential, ennobling, and inspiring as the spectacle of strong, vigorous young people, in the bud and flower of life, giving their energies to remove the causes of human miseries, and in promoting the principles of true health and happiness. And the moral influence of our young people in temperance work will be worth as much to the elevation of humanity as the strong message contained in the printed page they circulate.
Thorough Preparation Necessary
No person can approach efficiency in any work without thorough preparation. One must become absorbed in the thing in which he desires to become successful. It must be a thrilling inspiration compelling decided action. It will be necessary, therefore, for our young people in taking up work with the Temperance number of the Instructor, first of all to become thoroughly familiar with the contents of this issue, and to allow the whole matter it contains to become fire in their very beings. If this is done, there will be no question about being successful in whatever they attempt. We recommend that all our young people read this paper through consecutively, uninterrupted — shut themselves up with the Instructor and God, and allow him to teach and to inspire them individually for service in arousing a sleeping world to the evils of intemperance. Many will thus be commissioned and sent forth with an irresistible influence and power.
The Way Prepare
For years the Lord has been preparing the way for the temperance movement to serve as a means for the advancement of the third angel’s message. The best class of people everywhere are interested in promoting temperance. They see the terrible results of the whisky traffic, and many are beginning to see the evils of tobacco. They are ready to join in earnest effort in suppressing these evils. So our young people may be sure of the hearty co-operation of the best element in every locality. They should not, therefore, hesitate in approaching the people and soliciting their help in circulating the present Temperance number of the Instructor.
To Whom Shall We Take the Paper?
Present this paper to ministers, Sunday-school superintendents, leaders of Epworth Leaguers and Christian Endeavor societies, and seek their co-operation in bringing it before their people. Many Y. M. C. A. and Y. W. C. A. secretaries and public-school teachers will welcome such a magazine as this in their work for the youth. Many mayors of towns and villages will favor such a work, and will give it their support, if it is properly presented to them by Spirit-filled young people. The W. C. T. U. ladies everywhere will join in circulating a strong temperance issue of any good paper. Most of the doctors and business men can be interested in a good work of this kind.
But while some should be chosen to present the paper to these good people and secure their co-operation in the circulation of it, none must lose sight of the importance of all our young people’s taking up the work of selling the paper from house to house. Arrangements should be made to have the Temperance Instructor presented and sold to the people who attend the temperance rallies. In many communities the temperance question is an issue in the spring elections. Let our young people take advantage of these opportunities, for the Instructor will do much to influence the voters in behalf of temperance.
After becoming thoroughly familiar with the paper, study the prepared instructions on how to present it to the people. Plan together how you can introduce it to the best advantage, and pray that God will give you success and courage to meet opposition. We know from experience that the Temperance Instructor sells readily. Several young persons last year earned scholarships in school in this way. And now let our volunteers step forward and make this the largest young people’s enterprise that has ever been launched. Who will respond?
D. W. REAVIS.
The Succession of Human Events
QUICK is the succession of human events; the cares of to-day are seldom the cares of to-morrow; and when we lie down at night, we may safely say to most of our troubles, “Ye have done your worst, and we shall meet no more.” — Cowper.
The Missionary and Publishing Work
By E. R. Palmer; N. Z. Town; A. J. S. Bourdeau
Notes, Plans, Reports, Statistics, and Other Information Regarding Missionary Endeavor and the Circulation of Gospel Literature.
Conducted by the Missionary and Publishing Department of the General Conference.
E. R. PALMER Secretary
N. Z. TOWN Assistant Secretary
A. J. S. BOURDEAU Missionary Secretary
Notes of Progress
By E. R. P.
BROTHER A. J. S. BOURDEAU, missionary secretary of our Publishing Department, who has attended the union conference meetings and conventions in the Central, Pacific, North Pacific, and West Canadian union conferences during the past three months, is now on his return journey, and before this paper reaches its readers, he will doubtless be in his place again at the office.
The readers of the REVIEW have already been introduced to the three new ten-cent magazines which appear in the accompanying summary. Agents who sell the English magazines will certainly appreciate this opportunity of securing magazines in German, Swedish, and Danish, which they can supply to the people who prefer literature in those languages. The summary shows a good beginning for these three periodicals.
The new Temperance number of the Youth’s Instructor for 1910 is now off the press. It is a beautiful number. Its bright cover page, its striking cartoons, beautiful illustrations, and best of all, its stories, incidents, and statistics concerning the great temperance movement which is now sweeping over our land, will doubtless make this number one of the most popular magazines we have ever placed on the market. Our agents who enjoyed selling the Temperance number of the Youth’s Instructor last year will certainly be even more pleased and more successful with this number.
Nearly all the union conferences at their sessions this winter have appointed missionary secretaries to take charge of the home missionary and periodical work. The rapid developments in these branches of work during the past two years have stirred the entire field, and it seems evident that in a few months, at most, our territory will be well manned for handling the church missionary work and the periodical work on a systematic, educational basis, which will insure far greater success than has yet been attained. May the Lord greatly bless in these plans.
We were caused some little concern when our summary dropped to a sale of only eighty-four thousand copies of our magazines for January, for it seemed possible, though hardly probable, that the sale was being affected temporarily by changes in prices, and by the transfer of the supervision of the work from our publishing houses to the conference tract societies. It is therefore very cheering to see the total for February compare so favorably with any previous month since August, 1909. Now that the changes are made, and the work is on a better foundation, we can go on with better courage, and with better assurance of success during the present year.