A Hearty Response From the Field

Such a bold statement as this would indicate either a foolhardy and unwarranted self-confidence or else a profound faith in a divine power that could and would work through feeble instruments and with meager facilities. The future of the enterprise, with its failure or its success, must determine which interpretation is correct. The courage to venture upon such an undertaking can be understood only as we see it as a sequel to the period of fasting and prayer followed by the powerful and convincing message delivered by Mrs. White before the conference.SHM 147.2

The announcement of this new health journal brought an encouraging response from the field. We cite Elder D. T. Bourdeau as an enthusiastic spokesman for the ministry, others of whom gave similar expression to their hearty welcome to this new enterprise. His joy and hopeful expectations were penned promptly for the very next issue of the Review and Herald:SHM 147.3

“Having had some experience and derived rich benefits in practically carrying out those truths [on health reform], my whole being responds to, and is elated by, the article in the last Review, headed, ‘Prospectus of The Health Reformer.’ Such a journal as is therein described is just what we need, and can, without exaggeration, be made one of the most interesting and useful health journals in the world.”—The Review and Herald, June 12, 1866.SHM 148.1

Elder Bourdeau could not base his confidence in the success of the journal upon the support of trained workers in professional health lines. The ministry and lay members must largely bear the responsibility of contributing to the new periodical, and he set before them the following challenge and opportunity:SHM 148.2

“To this end, the preachers in the wide field should contribute to its columns. Let others also, who can use their pens, bring in their communications on experience, on interesting facts, or on some of the numerous branches of the health question. Brethren and sisters, another door of usefulness is here opened before us. Let all who can step in and help by their faithful and earnest endeavors and make this journal practical and illustrative, as well as theoretical. Such a journal will give us more room to express our minds on the health reform and will also leave more space in the Review for other subjects.”—Ibid. (Italics mine.)SHM 148.3