E. G. Fulton, being asked to occupy ten minutes describing the work of the vegetarian restaurants, cafes, and cafeterias, stated that vegetarian work is real missionary work, and constitutes an opening wedge for the entrance of the message. Many who inquire about food by so doing have their interest aroused in regard to spiritual matters. We always have reading matter. The Testimonies say that vegetarian restaurants should be established in all large cities. Twice the number of employees necessary to conduct restaurant work may be employed, and let them alternate between restaurant work and various lines of city mission work.GCB June 2, 1909, page 267.1

It is impossible to make a successful cook in two or three years. More interest should be taken in the education of cooks who can prepare food that is hygienic, and at the same time acceptable to those whom we want to reach through the restaurant work. We are attempting to get away from all “mock” dishes. We have been compelled to use these names more or less, otherwise our patrons would not partake of the dishes; but as fast as we can educate them, we are using names more in harmony with our principles.GCB June 2, 1909, page 267.2

Restaurants should be closed on the Sabbath. We have had definite instruction on that point, and have been blessed in following out the instruction. Some, it is true, will accuse us of being narrow, of attempting to starve them or forcing them to eat meat; but as a rule, when we have talked with them, they come to admire our principles. On Friday afternoon we have a number of the girls put up lunches for our patrons and our helpers. These they take for luncheon on the Sabbath.GCB June 2, 1909, page 267.3

Elder Starr: We have found in Australia that these lunches are a means of introducing our health foods in the homes.GCB June 2, 1909, page 267.4

E. G. Fulton: And I will say also that the restaurants are a great help to the sanitariums. Moreover, properly conducted restaurants pay well; but in order to do this, they must have good cooks and good service. It is my conviction that not one girl in forty knows how to set a table. Our work should be educational. We should have the very best service in America.GCB June 2, 1909, page 267.5

Dr. A. B. Olsen: I move that we ask Brother Fulton to prepare a manual on service. The motion was carried.GCB June 2, 1909, page 267.6

Dr. W. A. Ruble: I am very anxious to have this restaurant work started here in Washington and in other Eastern cities. We are behind the times in this matter.GCB June 2, 1909, page 267.7

Dr. W. A. George: We have had definite instruction that there should be restaurants started in all the large cities of the South.GCB June 2, 1909, page 267.8

D. E. Blake: Can we not have a demonstration here of correct service? It was moved and carried that we ask Brother Fulton to give before this body a demonstration of setting a table and a tray.GCB June 2, 1909, page 267.9

Dr. D. H. Kress: It is difficult to teach health principles when we have no place to direct people to get proper food. A restaurant could be made a great blessing in Washington.GCB June 2, 1909, page 267.10

Dr. A. B. Olsen: A properly conducted restaurant is genuine missionary work. I wish we could get more of them in this country and also in Europe.GCB June 2, 1909, page 267.11

A paper by Dr. F. E. Braucht, entitled, “Relation between Medical and Business Departments of Sanitariums,” was read by Dr. Leadsworth. In part, he said: “I think we are all aware that the relation is a very close one, and one in which the duties are very often likely to overlap; but I am of the opinion that in most cases no serious misunderstanding need arise, provided the medical and business heads consult much, and see to it that each knows exactly what the other is doing and planning. Each institution should have a purchasing committee. In the smaller institutions, this could be composed of the superintendent, the business manager, and the matron. In larger institutions, other heads of departments could be added. All money for the institution should be received and paid out through the treasury department; but no bills should be paid without the ‘O. K.’ of the head of the department for which the articles were purchased. It is a fact that the superintendent must be responsible for all medical and surgical work done in the institution, as the laws, as well as the patients, have made this so.”GCB June 2, 1909, page 267.12

In discussing this paper, L. M. Bowen, business manager of the St. Helena (Cal.) Sanitarium, said: “In considering the underlying principles of business management, I believe we should start with the board of trustees. I believe the board should be made up of men who understand sanitarium work, and should have a policy outlining the work of the different departments. We should have men to fill positions who are consecrated men, and who can work together. All should understand what their duties are, and should counsel together regarding the work of the institution, even in small details. Under the board, I believe the business and medical departments can be so organized that they will not conflict.” Concerning a question in regard to advertising, he thought the board should settle such questions by fixing a policy for the institution to follow. In closing, he said, “I believe when it comes to a matter of precedence, we should favor the medical department.”GCB June 2, 1909, page 267.13

L. A. Hansen stated it to be his opinion that the board should be the court of appeal in matters causing a difference of opinion.GCB June 2, 1909, page 268.1

Dr. W. B. Holden related instances showing that by closely urging the settlement of small items, the business manager can harm an institution to the extent of thousands of dollars, also that a superintendent should not make special rates with patients independently of the business office.GCB June 2, 1909, page 268.2

Dr. Ruble spoke of the need of the board’s taking a sufficient interest in an institution as an essential toward success; and Dr. Henry Harrower emphasized the importance of good letter-writing and a knowledge of business methods as a factor in success.GCB June 2, 1909, page 268.3

THE EDUCATIONAL DEPARTMENT

WASe

Fourteenth Meeting, May 30, 1909.

Prof. B. G. Wilkinson read an intensely interesting and highly instructive paper on “How to Improve Our Bible Teaching.”GCB June 2, 1909, page 268.4

He said, in part, that in its struggle against paganism, Christianity had to create a system of its own. The more advanced we are in the study of the Bible, the more advanced we are in Christian education. It is just as important to have the best methods in Bible teaching as it is to have the best methods in teaching other subjects. The Bible teacher should not be overworked, but should be given an opportunity to reach a high standard. There is a dearth of successful Bible teachers in our ranks. There is a great difference between teaching and preaching. It will never do to use the Bible in the schoolroom as a text-book for preaching. The teacher should be able to develop in the student the ability to bring forth truth from the Scriptures.GCB June 2, 1909, page 268.5

There are several chief methods of teaching the Bible. The first is the topical method, which seems to be the natural way the Holy Spirit takes to lead men into a knowledge of the truth. But this is not the best method for youthful minds.GCB June 2, 1909, page 268.6

Chapter-by-chapter study is the best method for those who want to learn how to study the Bible. It is most valuable to learn how to outline the chapters. Outlining gives a better grasp of the subject-matter, and compels the memory to do its duty.GCB June 2, 1909, page 268.7

Teaching by books of the Bible is a valuable method. It helps us to see things in systems. It cultivates the higher faculties, and makes clear the relation of parts to the whole. The strength or weakness of the Bible teaching in a college measures the strength or weakness of the entire work of the college.GCB June 2, 1909, page 268.8

Prof. H. C. Lacey led in the discussion of the paper. He emphasized the importance of improving the Bible teaching. The Bible teacher should be the best man on the faculty. He should be spiritually minded, intellectual, well educated, and not a fanatic. It would be well if he possessed a knowledge of the original languages, and he ought to have the gift of teaching. He should make definite assignments, requiring constructive efforts on the part of the pupil. The study of the life of Christ should result in a masterful view of the events in their sequence. He ought to teach the main points in Bible doctrines, not harping upon his own special views. He should seek for symmetry of presentation, since the mind more readily grasps such an outline. There should be definite assignments—texts to memorize, propositions to arrange, outlines to construct, and charts and diagrams to make. Bible study, properly pursued, will give intellectual training, as well as spiritual understanding. There should be telescopic study first and microscopic study afterward. The subject should first be grasped as a whole, and then the details should be filled in. The differences and likenesses in related books should be carefully noted.GCB June 2, 1909, page 268.9

Elder R. S. Owen emphasized the importance of requiring texts to be committed to memory, leaving the results to the Holy Spirit.GCB June 2, 1909, page 268.10

Others followed with brief suggestions; and words of approval brought to a close one of the most enthusiastic and profitable meetings of the CouncilGCB June 2, 1909, page 268.11

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Testimonies - FAITHFULNESS IN HEALTH REFORM READ TO THE CONFERENCE