A Message of Cheer

There was a ringing note of cheer and encouragement in this message from heaven. There were words of commendation for the liberal supporters of the enterprise and for the sacrifices and exertions that had contributed in raising “the health institute from its low state in the autumn of 1869 to its present prosperous, hopeful condition.” Ibid., 174.SHM 189.3

“The physicians and some of the helpers went to work earnestly. They worked hard, under great discouragements. Drs. Ginley, Chamberlain, and Lamson^{1Dr. H. S. Lay had resigned his position in the health institute.} worked with earnestness and energy, for small pay, to build up this sinking institution. And, thank God, the original debt has been removed, and large additions for the accommodation of patients have been made and paid for. The circulation of The Health Reformer, which lies at the very foundation of the success of the institute, has been doubled, and it has become a live journal. Confidence in the institute has been fully restored in the minds of most of our people, and there have been as many patients at the institute, nearly the year round, as could well be accommodated and properly treated by our physicians.”—Ibid., 175, 176.SHM 190.1

It would be gratifying to be able to record truthfully that by this time the enemy of righteousness had been finally thwarted in his attempts to bring to naught the health reform movement, and that the future success of the health institution and of the journal through which sound health education was to be given was now assured. However, it must be borne in mind that God was calling upon humble men with no former experience to guide them in the great enterprise to which they were called, and there were yet lessons which they must learn in the hard school of adversity and trial. Were it not for the guiding hand of God and the messages which He sent to expose the strategy of the enemy, there would have been certain failure.SHM 190.2