Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Sep 29, 1904
Publishers' Page
Conducted by the Department of Circulation of the Review and Herald Publishing Company.
Definite Words About the Missionary Campaign
We are glad to say that at the General Conference Council now being held at College View, Neb., definite and detailed suggestions concerning the missionary campaign have been made. They are as follows:—
Missionary Recommendations
“1. We recommend, That a mighty missionary campaign be inaugurated this fall, which shall know no cessation until this gospel of the kingdom is carried to every nation, tongue, and people; and that such varied and effective plans be developed in every conference and church as will assign a specific place in this movement to every man, woman, and child among us.”
Outline of the Plan
“2. That this campaign be introduced in the following manner:—
“(a) By devoting the month of November principally to the circulation of periodicals and tracts, and the month of December to the sale of ‘Object Lessons,’ ‘Story of Joseph,’ and such other literature as may be adapted to the development of interests already created.
“(b) That missionary conventions in all our churches be held on Sabbath, October 29, and Sabbath, November 26. On the first Sabbath, October 29, the following topics are to be considered:—
“A Call to Service, by Mrs. E. G. White.
“Continuance in Well-doing, by A. G. Daniells.
“The Best Ways of Using Tracts and Periodicals, by various writers.
“Our Young People, Their Privileges and Responsibilities, by M. E. Kern.
“In the second convention, Sabbath, November 26, consideration is to be given to the following topics:—
“Dedicated Literature, by W. C. White.
“The Development of House to House Workers, by H. H. Hall.
“Mission of Our Large Books, by E. R. Palmer.
“Family Bible Studies and How to Conduct Them, by S. N. Haskell.
“The readings and a suggestive program for these conventions, together with detailed plans for the campaign, are to be published in the REVIEW, and in order that this essential information, and the valuable instruction and interesting reports from the world-wide field, which this paper contains, may be studied by all our people,—
“3. We recommend, That during the month of October, the librarians, church elders, and conference laborers seek to place it in the home of every Sabbath-keeper.”
Follow-up Work
“To make this movement most effective and economical,—
“4. We recommend, That special attention be given to the work of following up every effort made, by securing yearly subscriptions to our periodicals, holding family Bible studies, making missionary visits, etc.”
Missionary Campaign Supplies
“5. That the periodicals to be given particular prominence be, The Third Angel’s Message Series of The Signs of the Times, the Signs Number of the Southern Watchman, and such special issues of Life and Health and our foreign papers as may be announced later.
“6. Among the tracts the use of which we would suggest, are ‘The Last Generation Message,’ ‘Heralds of His Coming,’ ‘Waymarks to the Holy City,’ and ‘Who Changed the Sabbath?’ We also recommend The Family Bible Teacher and the new envelope series of the Religious Liberty Leaflets.
“7. We suggest the following books as particularly appropriate in this movement, as they may be used anywhere and at any time without waiting to consult with the State agent: ‘Object Lessons,’ ‘Story of Joseph,’ ‘Education,’ ‘Mount of Blessing,’ ‘Things Foretold,’ ‘Cobblestones,’ ‘Thoughts on Daniel’ (paper), ‘Thoughts on Revelation’ (paper), ‘Great Nations of To-day,’ ‘Little Folks’ Bible Nature,’ ‘Sunshine at Home’ (in foreign languages), ‘Steps to Christ,’ and ‘Power for Witnessing.’”
Organization
“8. That the president, missionary secretary, State agent, and superintendent of Young People’s Work be recognized as a committee in each conference to direct this campaign; but in view of the necessity of immediate action, we urge each church elder and librarian to begin work at once.”
“H. H. HALL,
“S. N. HASKELL,
“H. H. BURKHOLDER,
“W. C. WHITE,
“GEO. I. BUTLER,
“A. T. JONES,
“DAVID PAULSON.”
The discussion of these suggestions indicated a determination on the part of every member present to hasten into the field, and help our brethren and sisters everywhere to carry them out. We believe we are entering upon one of the strongest missionary campaigns ever inaugurated. Certainly the time for such a movement has come. Shall we not all unite in making it a season long to be remembered because of the blessings received from soul-winning efforts?
H. H. HALL,
Sec. Gen. Conf. Pub. Committee.
Story of Daniel the Prophet
BY ELDER S. N. HASKELL
This book possesses some important features not found in any other publication.
In the first place, it is written in story form, which interests many who would not be interested in a more argumentative study of the book of Daniel.
The scriptures narrating the story are printed in the margin, together with 4,048 other Bible references, making it an exceedingly valuable reference book for Bible students. There are also given over 2,200 questions concerning the contents. These bring out many important and practical facts which otherwise might be overlooked. “Story of Daniel” is illustrated, and contains 369 pages, artistically bound, and sells for $1, subject to agent’s discount.
Talks With My Students
BY PROF. FREDERICK GRIGGS
This little work is composed of the pith of stenographic reports of Professor Griggs’ heart-to-heart chapel talks to his students upon such practical subjects as Adaptability, Be Enthusiastic, Learn to Wait, The Value of Minutes, Our Conversation, Economy, Promptness, Our Manners, Association of Young Men and Young Women, If Thine Eye Be Single, The Love of the Beautiful, and Lest We Forget.
These talks were given to meet circumstances in the actual experience of the students, and proved to be of much value to them in character building and the preparation for successful life. They will prove the same to any young person who will read them, for this series of talks reveals in a practical manner the qualifications necessary for happiness and true success in all walks of life. They should be in the possession of every young person. Paper covers, 25 cents; cloth bound, 40 cents.
Kept by all State Tract Societies.
By Land and Sea
The new revised edition of this book seems to meet the approval of the general public. Orders are being received from news companies and from religious organizations, and many excellent testimonials are received in its behalf. Recommendations are freely given, and all young people are advised to study the book carefully, and especially those who are contemplating entering the missionary field. It is an excellent history, written in an attractive manner for use in our young people’s societies.
The reduced price ($1.50) brings the book within the reach of all.
Lover’s Love, or John Three Sixteen
This book has a special message. Every chapter is as good as gold. The revelations clustering around the words “God,” “so,” “loved,” “gave,” “life,” etc., as portrayed in this book, are worthy of the consideration of all. The first chapter on “God” is a feast to the soul. It gives a new conception of his divine character. It portrays why some do not believe in him, and why some deny his existence. Every page of the entire book sparkles with inspiring truths. Every chapter glows with lofty thought, clear reasoning, and a moving tenderness.
Order of Review and Herald, Washington, D. C.; Review and Herald, Battle Creek, Mich.; Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal.; Kansas City, Mo.; Southern Publishing Assn., Nashville, Tenn.; or of your State Tract Society.
The Same Cause
By L. A. S.
Editorial
The Same Cause
WE are living down at the end of time, when the controversy between good and evil has reached its climax. It may be helpful as we engage in work for the Lord at this time to look back over the history of his work, and remember that the cause committed to our hands is the same cause that was represented by the faithful ones of the past ages. There is a new setting of circumstances and events, but it is the old cause, the same “everlasting gospel.” The cause for which Abraham stood, and Moses, and Elijah, and Luther, and other heroes of the faith, when great crises in the controversy were reached, and the power of God was manifested in a way that thrills us as we read the account, has come down to us. The ancient heroes have passed away, but the cause has survived, and is stirring the world to-day. It is the same cause, and the same God is with it. Let there be on our part the same faith that brought victory in the former days.
L. A. S.
The Truth
God has so ordered it that his truth shall be recognized for what it is, and not by its surroundings. He took the very jewel of heaven and set it in sinful flesh, in order that men might learn to recognize truth for what it is, and not by its surroundings. God calls upon every man and woman to-day to recognize truth, and to bow in humble obedience to it, regardless of who presents it or of what its setting is, whether it be in a palace or in a hovel, whether from eloquent lips or the lips of a stammerer, whether it comes set forth with all the attractiveness the world can give it, or from so humble a place as a manger. God has so ordered it that human minds, uninfluenced by the things of time and sense, shall learn to recognize and rejoice in truth; and to every one who will have his eyes anointed with eye-salve that he may see, to every one who seeks after the truth as it is in Jesus Christ, in order that the truth as manifested in Jesus Christ may be manifested in him, God will open before him a wondrous field of truth. But let God’s word be the test of all truth. Take what no man says, no matter who he is, unless he gives you the word of God; and if he does give you this word, receive it as the truth of God, prize it as the truth of God, and let God transform your lives into the very image of truth, as it is in Jesus Christ.
The Gospel of the Glory of God
THE purpose of everything—including Christ himself—outside of God the Father is that the glory of God the Father may be revealed. God is called the God of glory; he is called the Father of glory. He is the God of glory; he is the Father of glory; he is the source of glory. All other glory is nothing. There is no other glory. Glory, if it is real, must be the glory of God. There are many other appearances of glory calculated to deceive; they are not real. The only glory is God's glory. First this glory was revealed in Christ, and so we read of Christ, the Son of God, “Who, being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person.” Christ was the brightness, or the outshining, or the revealing of the glory of God. When he created man, he said to the Son, “Let us make man in our image;” and when man was made in the image of God, he was created for the glory of God; that is, he was created that the glory of God might further be revealed. And the Scripture says: “What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honor.” But that was for the glory of God. It was also for the glory of man; but it was for the glory of man because it was for the glory of God, and primarily, it was for the glory of God. But then, what happened? Then sin came in. So we read, “For all have sinned, and lack the glory of God.” All have sinned, and having sinned, and because of sin, lack the glory of God. It is a lack. Just as the young man said to Christ in the nineteenth chapter of Matthew, “All these things I have kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?” That is the same word. Now all have sinned, and lack the glory of God, and lack the glory of God because of sin, and on account of sin. But what is God's purpose, even after sin had entered? We find it stated in Numbers fourteen. After the people had heard the report from the spies, and had turned against God, and would have stoned Caleb and Joshua because they would encourage them to go up and take possession of the land, then God said he would blot them out, and make a great nation of Moses, and Moses besought the Lord that it should not be done. “And now, I beseech thee, let the power of my Lord be great, according as thou hast spoken, saying, The Lord is long-suffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.”
How did Moses know that?—Because, when in connection with his work of leading out the children of Israel he besought the Lord, “I beseech thee, show me thy glory,” the Lord said, “I will make all my goodness pass before thee,” and he stood with Moses there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord, and told him that he was long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin. Now that is what he was, and he told Moses that that is what he was and that was his goodness; that was his glory; that was his character. Now Moses brings back his own word to him: “Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people4according unto the greatness of thy mercy, and as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now. And the Lord said, I have pardoned according to thy word: but as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord. Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not harkened to my voice; surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it.” “But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord.”
Now that was his purpose when he sent John the Baptist out with his message. “The glory of the Lord shall be revealed,” “and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” That is still his purpose. In order that that purpose might be carried out, even after sin had entered in, and the human family lacked the glory of God,—in order that all the world might be filled with the glory of God, the gospel came in. So what is the gospel?—It is “the gospel of the glory of the blessed God.” That is the gospel—the gospel of the glory of God; and again, “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost; in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” That is the gospel—the gospel of the glory of God. That is the everlasting gospel; it is the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, and who is the very brightness of his glory.
Now, John declared that “the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,” and he was preparing the way for the Lord, and he was making ready a people prepared for the Lord. And when Christ came the first time, the glory of the Lord was revealed. For “the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father.” And the glory of the Lord was revealed, but they did not see it. It was revealed, veiled in his humanity; and Christ, who was himself in the flesh the gospel, was the gospel of the glory of God.
Now he is to be revealed again with power and great glory, unveiled glory; and he has given a message now to prepare a people made ready for the Lord, and made ready for that time, now so near, when he will be revealed in the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. Then what are we to look forward to?—“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the appearing of the glory of God our Saviour.” Then, what is the purpose of the gospel?—It is that that original purpose in the creation of the world shall be carried out. “I am the Lord, I change not.” He created this world and all in it to reveal his glory. He has never changed his mind, and he says, “As truly as I live”—and he is the living God—“As truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord.” And it will; and it is through the gospel that it will be done,—the gospel of the glory of the blessed God,—the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
An Evil and Its Cause
By L. A. S.
UNDER the heading, “The Law or the Mob,” the United Presbyterian of September 22 makes this comment on one of the striking signs of the times:—
The spirit of the mob is rising. It is rising in every part of the country. In almost any city, there is a possibility of an outbreak of popular passion that throws away all sense of right, and defies restraint. If an accident occurs, by which some one is injured, a crowd may gather quickly, and if some excited one cries, “Bring a rope,” there are a hundred to take it up.
There are doubtless many causes for this increase of the mob spirit, but whatever they may be, the spirit gains headway and force through the indifference of the people. First, there is gross dereliction on the part of many whose special duty it is to prevent and quell disorder. Beyond any question, in the case referred to, a very reasonable determination on the part of the police would have prevented the riot. And back of this, and, if possible, worse, is the public at large. We read and are scarce startled at the violence. Strikers combine and commit gross violence, even to the degree of murder, and it is accepted as an incident of labor strikes. A man is charged with crime, and before it is possible to arrest him, he is seized and cruelly killed, and we read of it with but little feeling of indignation. There is, at the present time, no greater danger to our institutions and the very existence of the nation, than this spirit of lawlessness, which first disregards legitimate authority, and then in fierce passion seeks to inflict punishment without law, or commits violence where no law is violated, but only personal interests are affected. The spirit of obedience to legitimate authority is at the foundation of the nation, and is essential to righteousness.
What is the cause of this present reign of lawlessness? “There are doubtless many causes,” says the journal quoted above, but it does not attempt to state them. Religious journals often speak of the increasing lawlessness, but they are more ready to state remedies for the situation than to trace effect back to its cause. Yet the cause of an evil must be discovered before any effective remedy can be applied.
Has the United Presbyterian or other church organs in this country ever considered the question whether the teaching that the law of God has been abolished has had anything to do with fostering disrespect for law in the minds of the people? Of late years this teaching has become very prominent. Not all churches have taught this, it is true, but the abolition of the decalogue, either in whole or in part, has been taught by all the leading religious bodies, Protestant and Catholic.
The Catholic Church teaches that the law of God has been changed by authority of the church; which is to say that the precepts of God have given place to those of man. A part of the Protestant church teaches that the law of God has been abolished altogether; and the great bodies composing the remaining part teach that the fourth commandment of that law has been abolished, and a new sabbath substituted in place of the one there ordained. Has all this teaching of the abolition of the highest law in the universe had any effect upon the carnal minds of men, to lower in them respect for law and for authority?
What other effect could it have? And when people are taught disrespect for the law of God, how long will they continue to respect the laws of men? This teaching, we say, has been especially prominent of late years, and for a certain reason, which is, that of late years a message has been going to the world calling upon men to return to the observance of God’s holy law wherein they had departed from it, namely, in the matter of Sabbath observance. This teaching has arisen mainly in opposition to the message calling men to return to the observance of the fourth commandment.
Which teaching is most calculated to promote respect for law in the world, that which says that the law of the Supreme Ruler has been abrogated, and is no longer binding on mankind, or that an essential part of that law—the fourth precept, which alone names the God who gave it—need not be regarded, but may be set aside for popular custom and the authority of tradition; or the teaching that the law of God is holy and immutable, and is as binding on all mankind to-day as it was when the world shook with its proclamation on Mt. Sinai; and that that holy law is the standard by which men’s lives will be tested in the judgment? Which of these opposite teachings that are being heard to-day in the land is best calculated to restrain the spirit of lawlessness in the human heart? The churches and the church5organs would do well to consider this question.
By the spirit of prophecy we are told that lawlessness prevails in the earth because men have cast off the divine restraints, and driven away the Spirit which strives with men and brings forth in the lives of those who yield to it the fruits of gentleness and peace. We are told that we are in the last days, when conditions should be as in the days of Noah, when “the earth was filled with violence.” Others see that these conditions exist; they point them out and comment upon them; and this should confirm Seventh-day Adventists in their belief of the truth, and stimulate their zeal to go forward to accomplish the work committed to them, while the day of mercy still lingers upon the earth.
L. A. S.
Legislation to Prevent Sin
By L. A. S.
SOME weeks ago that influential journal, The Outlook, expressed the opinion that a great mistake had been made in the management of the St. Louis fair, in closing its gates on Sunday, while neighboring beer gardens and other demoralizing resorts remained open. Replying to this, Rev. W. F. Crafts, who was mainly instrumental in securing Sunday closing, argues that the opening of the fair would not diminish the Sunday crowds at the beer gardens, and adds:—
The whole theory that we can draw people from one sin by giving them another, one grade higher, would call for a graduated scale starting with the opening of a Sunday fair to draw from a beer garden. . . . Congress has wisely decided that the fair at least shall exhibit, in celebrating the Louisiana purchase, not the French Sunday, but the American sabbath, which is by far our best exhibit.
In this statement Mr. Crafts reveals the real motive which actuates him in his zeal for the enactment and enforcement of Sunday legislation. It would be a sin, he says, to open the fair on Sunday. It would be drawing the people “from one sin by giving them another.” So he has the fair closed by Congressional legislation to prevent sin. He asks Congress to legislate on sin.
It is easy to see what is involved in this. If Congress is to legislate to prevent sin, Congress must know what sin is, and be prepared to distinguish between sin and righteousness. Some religious authority must be recognized in Congress to which appeal may be made, and by which Congressional legislation may be guided. Congress must become a religious body, and not only that, but also, an orthodox religious body. It must legislate in harmony with the prevailing religion.
And from this it follows that only those men should be elected to Congress who are properly qualified from a religious standpoint. But it would necessarily fall to the church to determine qualifications of this sort, hence the selection of members of Congress and of State legislatures would be in the hands of the church, and the church would be the supreme power in the nation. A legislature selected by the church would naturally legislate as the church directed.
Congress would be a thoroughly religious body, and there would be a complete union of church and state.
This would also involve a conflict between the churches—Catholic, Protestant, and Protestant divisions—for supremacy in the matter of directing State and national legislation, and the old contests of former centuries, to decide which religion is the orthodox one, would be renewed. Or, there might in these days be formed a church trust, composed of the more numerous and powerful religious bodies, to the exclusion of the smaller and less popular ones, to whom the trust would dictate as it saw fit. In any case, there would be deadly moral confusion and strife, religious persecution, and the complete overthrow of Protestant republican government in this country.
All this, we say, would be involved in any carrying out of the idea that Congress ought to legislate to prevent sin, as Mr. Crafts desires and designs shall be done. All this is contained in the system which Mr. Crafts is working to foist upon the nation.
But, it may be said, murder is sin, and surely there must be legislation to prevent murder, hence there must be legislation to prevent sin. This argument ignores the distinction between sin and crime. Men legislate against murder, theft, false witness, etc., as crimes, not as sins. They consider the offense against man and against society, not the offense against God. The offense against man, the invasion of his rights, is a crime; the offense against God and invasion of his rights, is sin. Of such acts God himself will take care, and he asks no assistance from man. He has appointed a day of judgment and he will execute judgment on all the transgressors of his law. He has his own spiritual agencies to restrain men from evil and to punish them for wrong-doing—agencies far higher and more powerful than any the state can command. It is not the business of the state to concern itself with any act as an offense against God. It is not possible for any legislature, State or national, to determine what is sin, and what is not, or to deal with sin in any effective way.
If it is proper for Congress to legislate against the sin of Sabbath-breaking, it is also proper to legislate against covetousness and the worship of idols; for these are just as plainly sins as is the desecration of the Sabbath. If Congress ought to legislate against one sin, it ought to legislate against all sins. But, as stated, Congress and other legislatures do not legislate against murder, theft, etc., as sins, but as crimes; and with any act which does not invade the rights of mankind—any act which is not a crime—the legislature has rightfully no concern.
Mr. Crafts says that the “American sabbath” is by far our best exhibit at the fair. What proper business has Congress with the exhibition of a religious institution? What proper concern has Congress with the question whether the first day of the week or the seventh day is the Sabbath? with the question whether the original Sabbath remains in force, or whether the Sabbath was changed at the resurrection of Christ? or with the question whether the law which contains the Sabbath commandment has been abolished, or whether it is still binding? What business has Congress with the religious controversies which exist between the various sects in this country? What right has Congress to legislate in favor of one side, or the other of such controversies? These are questions that need to be raised and answered by the people; for it is the aim of Mr. Crafts and the associations allied with his “reform bureau” to unite church and state in this country through Congressional legislation upon religion, and they have already made alarming headway.
L. A. S.
Interparliamentary Peace Conference Appeals for Mediation in Far East
A VERY laudable effort in favor of international peace is being made by the “Interparliamentary Peace Conference,” which recently convened in Congress Hall, St. Louis. It is composed of representatives of fifteen parliaments, the president being Senator Richard Bartholdt, of France, and the General Secretary Albert Gobat, of Switzerland. The conference sent the following message of greeting to President Roosevelt:—
The Interparliamentary Peace Conference, shocked by the horrors of the war that is being waged in the Far East between two civilized states, and deploring that the powers signatory of the convention of The Hague have been unable to have recourse to the clauses thereof, which direct them to tender their mediation immediately upon the outbreak of hostilities, asks the powers signatory of the convention of The Hague to intervene immediately with the belligerents in order to facilitate the restoration of peace, and instructs the Interparliamentary Bureau to bring the present resolutions to the knowledge of the said powers.
The New England Sanitarium
By Ellen G. White
MRS. E. G. WHITE
EVER since the removal of the New England Sanitarium to Melrose, I have had a desire to see the new location, and to tell those connected with the institution of the important influence which its work may exert to benefit the people of Boston.
I have now been at the Melrose Sanitarium for a week, and I find it one of the most favorably located sanitariums that I have ever seen. The spacious lawns, the noble trees, the beauty of the scenery all around, answer to the representations given me of what our sanitariums ought to be. The quietude is delightful. The surroundings are attractive to the eye and refreshing to the mind. Here I see the very pictures that I have been shown in vision,—patients amid beautiful surroundings lying out in the sunshine in wheel-chairs and on cots. I see before me the sights that the Lord has helped me to present before our people in print.
Our sanitariums should be attractive places, and the surroundings of this sanitarium correspond more closely than anything else I have seen to the representations that have been given me by the Lord. This place, and several other places, were presented to me some time ago. This place was pointed out as a most desirable site for the sanitarium work that should be carried on near Boston. It has the attractiveness that will bring to it wealthy people from Boston. It has been reserved for us, that we may reach the people of that city. I have been instructed that it is in the providence of God that the sanitarium is here; and we should appreciate the advantages thus placed within our reach.
Since coming to the sanitarium, I have had opportunity to see a great deal of its surroundings. The buildings, with the forty acres which go with them, are in the midst of the Middlesex Fells, a State reservation of three thousand five hundred acres. We have driven slowly through the park in every direction, looking with delight at the trees and the lakes, and inhaling the health-giving fragrance of the pines. It is delightful to ride through the forest. There are many beautiful drives, and much fine scenery. I enjoy looking at the many different kinds of trees, but most of all I enjoy looking at the noble pines. There are medicinal properties in the fragrance of these trees. “Life, life,” my husband used to say when riding among the pines. “Breathe deep, Ellen; fill your lungs with the fragrant, life-giving atmosphere.”
It is impossible for me to find words to describe the beauty of this place. Just in front of the sanitarium buildings there is a beautiful lake, called Spot Pond. This lake supplies the city of Boston with water, and it is most carefully guarded from contamination. No bathing or boating are allowed in it.
The sanitarium buildings are fairly well adapted to their present use. They were originally used as a hotel, but have been easily adapted to sanitarium purposes, though, of course, some changes had to be made. The buildings, with the forty acres of land, were purchased for thirty-nine thousand dollars. There was about six thousand dollars’ worth of furniture in the buildings, and for this no charge was made.
I have been instructed that it was in the providence of God that our people obtained possession of this place. I have also been instructed that proper facilities should be provided for the increasing number of patients. Many from Boston and other places will come to this institution, to be away from the din and bustle of the city. Additional buildings will have to be put up. Rooms must be provided for the rich as well as for the poor. The money of the rich is needed; it will be a great help to the institution.
I groaned in spirit when I saw the sanitarium site in South Lancaster. I knew that the work ought to be carried on in a more favorable place, and when the opportunity came for it to be moved, I felt that the providence of God was guiding. A wealthy family living in South Lancaster offered to buy the sanitarium property, and gave our people a good price for it. Then they offered to give them the building, if they would move it off the ground. This offer was accepted, and the building was afterward taken down, and shipped to Melrose.
At the time that the sanitarium work was moved from South Lancaster to Melrose, I bore testimony to the wisdom of the change, and I now say again, The providence of God has been revealed in the transfer. The Melrose Sanitarium is a place that will be well patronized; and great good will be accomplished by the institution if it is rightly conducted.
There were those who said that the move would result in financial embarrassment. But there is no necessity for this institution to become embarrassed by debt. Should there be a pressure for means, money can be borrowed at four per cent interest. Thus the matter stands at the present time. But another building is needed. There should be accommodations for those who desire and are willing to pay for rooms with a private bath-room. People come here who say that they are willing to pay whatever is asked for rooms which are just what they want. But they see nothing that satisfies them, and they go away. Accommodations must be provided for people of this class. We are to labor in the highways as well as in the byways.
I am instructed that Boston must be worked; and I know that the possession of this sanitarium site is one of the greatest blessings that could come to our work in the Eastern States. A hundred or more might be cared for here were there suitable accommodations. Therefore we advise that the work on the new building be begun soon, so that patients of the wealthy class may be cared for. This class must hear the message. Let those in charge counsel together, and make arrangements to put up a building that will provide the necessary accommodations. The material now lying in the barn can be utilized. Remember, this material was a gift.
We rejoice that the Lord in his providence has guided us to this place. No buildings can be put up near the sanitarium. There is here nothing to offend the sense of sight or the sense of smell, and care must be taken that there shall be nothing of the kind. I am instructed that close inspection is being made by those who are not supposed to be inspectors. Everything about the building will be investigated. Note will be taken of the care given to the barns and stables; therefore there must be no laxness or looseness in the care of the premises. Let everything be such that it will bear favorable testimony to the institution.
Those who are acting a prominent part in connection with this sanitarium should be encouraged by what the Lord has done in behalf of the institution. Let all move forward unitedly. Let every one strive to become better acquainted with Christ Jesus, the great Medical Missionary. Let all strive with every power of the being to control the blind passions, which, if not purged from the life, would lead to the dishonor of God’s holy name.7Self is to be subdued. Every thought, word, and act is to be brought into obedience to the will of Christ.
Let all who are connected with the sanitarium inquire at every crisis, What would Christ do were he in my place? Keeping the way of the Lord always leads men into paths of truth and righteousness. We are to make advance moves; we are not to stagnate.
If there are members of the board who can not see clearly what ought to be done to advance the work that other members of the board regard as essential, let all bow before God in prayer, asking him to cure the evil of disunion, and make the right way clear. Time is too short for any one to put his foot on the brake, so that the chariot of the Lord can not move forward. If there is one who persists in putting his foot on the brake, let others say, “We will now seek the Lord in prayer.” Do not enter into controversy with the one who has set himself against the work that needs to be done. Take it all to the Lord in prayer.
Self, self, self—how it struggles for the supremacy! In all things the Word of the God of truth is to be our criterion. Study this Word. Constantly praying with meekness and reverence, constantly rendering obedience to a plain “Thus saith the Lord,” you will reveal to angels and to men that you are members of the redeemed family.
Caution should be exercised not to bring an unnecessary burden of debt upon the institution. Stand in the light and freedom, without a yoke upon your necks. Come up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty. Satanic agencies are constantly seeking to discourage and destroy those who will listen to the counsel of the enemy. Keep close to the word of God; for it is spirit and life. Then the Lord will be able to say of you, Ye “are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.”
The Path of Obedience
By George Macdonald
I said, Let me walk in the field;
He said, Nay, walk in the town.
I said, There are no flowers there;
He said, No flowers, but a crown.
I said, But the skies are black,
There is nothing but noise and din;
But he wept as he sent me back.
There is more, he said, there is sin.
I said, I shall miss the light,
And friends will miss me, they say;
He answered me, Choose to-night,
If I am to miss you, or they.
I pleaded for time to be given;
He said, Is it hard to decide?
It will not seem hard in heaven
To have followed the steps of your Guide.
I cast one look in the field,
Then set my face to the town.
He said, My child, do you yield?
Will you leave the flowers for the crown?
Then into his hand went mine,
And into my heart came he.
And I walk in a light divine
The path I had feared to see.