Earlier text: FREEDOM IN CHRISTTo Our Brethren and Sisters in Southern California—
Again and again during the past five years symbolic representations have been presented to me in visions of the night, showing what we ought to be doing in sanitarium work to help the sick to recover soundness of body and mind. On the104 night of October 10, 1901, I was unable to sleep after half past eleven at night. Many things regarding the sanitarium work were presented to me in figures and symbols. I was shown sanitariums near Los Angeles in running order. At one place I saw sanitarium work being carried on in a beautiful building. On the grounds surrounding the building there were many fruit trees. This institution, which was away from the city, was filled with life and activity. As in the visions of the night I saw this place, I said to our brethren, “O ye of little faith! You have lost much time.” On the lawn were the sick in wheel chairs. There were some patients to whom the physician had given a prescription to spend all their time out-of-doors during pleasant weather. Some had come to the institution with discouragement written on their countenances. I seemed to be living there myself, and I could not help speaking of the change that took place in these countenances. Where once was written despair, we could now read hope and joy. Amidst the singing of the birds, we all knelt down on the grass, and united in praising the Lord. Then it seemed as if we had been in the place for months. I was speaking to the sick people, telling them of God’s goodness and mercy, when one arose and sang a beautiful hymn. The voices of nearly all were raised in expressions of thankfulness for help received. While speaking, I said: “We must have sanitariums in favorable places in different localities. This is God’s plan. He has ordained medical missionary work as a means of saving souls, and that which we see here is a symbol of the work before us. We are to arouse our churches to engage disinterestedly in God’s work, and to carry forward this branch,—medical missionary work.” The physicians present were interested in these words, and one, extending his arms and waving them back and forth, said, “Is not this better than drugs? Aches and pains have left you, without the use of medicine.” On the grounds of this beautiful place that I saw in the visions of the night, there were many shade trees, the boughs of which hung down in such a way as to form leafy canopies somewhat in the shape of tents. Underneath these canopies patients were resting. The sick were delighted with their surroundings. While some worked, others were singing. There was no sign of dissatisfaction. I awoke, and for some time could not sleep. Many vivid scenes had passed before me, and I could not forget the words I had spoken to the patients and the helpers. Brethren and sisters, Christ has instructed me to say to you, The Holy Spirit will make your hearts tender and soft by His grace. The Lord will guide you and teach you His way. Again I lost consciousness, and other scenes passed before me. I was in another locality, surrounded by different scenery. Again it seemed as if I were pleading with those who were sick to look unto Jesus, the great Healer. . . . The love of Jesus in the soul will banish all hatred, selfishness, and envy; for the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul. There is health in obedience to God’s law. The affections of the obedient are drawn out after God. Looking unto the Lord Jesus, we may encourage and serve one another. The love of Christ is shed abroad in our souls, and there is no dissension or strife among us. Let us invite Christ to be an abiding Guest in the soul-temple. His law will be engraved in the minds and hearts of His commandment-keeping people. It is greatly to our advantage to keep the law of God. Of this law, Moses said: “Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers giveth you.” It is pleasing to the Lord for us to obey His law; and upon all who are obedient He bestows His special blessing. In obedience there is life and happiness. Moses continued: “Ye shall not add unto the word which106 I command you, neither shall ye diminish aught from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.” There was a tendency to add to the law by making human restrictions; and the Lord guarded against the adding of man-made tests, which would bring in confusion. And He guarded, too, against the taking away of any of His precepts. Never are we to put our words in the place of God’s words; for thus we would be taking away from His law. “Your eyes have seen,” said Moses, “what the Lord did because of Baal-peor; for all the men that followed Baal-peor the Lord thy God hath destroyed from among you. But ye that did cleave unto the Lord your God are alive every one of you this day.” After reading these scriptures, I seemed to be instructing the people that man-made laws, man-made yokes, would be prepared for the Lord’s people, but that we are not to allow our minds to be diverted from the Word of the Lord, to the words of men. “Break every yoke,” is the instruction given. I then awoke, and began writing out some cautions that had been given me. In the midst of the company in which I had been, there seemed to be a divine Presence, which all recognized. Praise the Lord for His lovingkindness and for the precious assurances that are given us in His Word. In the night season I was given a view of a sanitarium in the country. The institution was not large, but it was complete: It was surrounded by beautiful trees and shrubbery, beyond which were orchards and groves. Connected with the place were gardens, in which the lady patients, when they chose, could cultivate flowers of every description, each patient selecting a special plot for which to care. Outdoor exercise in these gardens was prescribed as a part of the regular treatment. Scene after scene passed before me. In one scene a number of suffering patients had just come to one of our country107 sanitariums. In another scene I saw the same company, but, oh, how transformed their appearance! Disease had gone, the skin was clear, the countenance joyful; body and mind seemed to be animated with new life. I was also instructed that as those who have been sick are restored to health in our country sanitariums and return to their homes, they will be living object-lessons, and many others will be favorably impressed by the transformation that has taken place in them. Many of the sick and suffering will turn from the cities to the country, refusing to conform to the habits, customs, and fashions of city life; they will seek to regain health in some one of our country sanitariums. Thus, though we are removed from the cities twenty or thirty miles, we shall be able to reach the people, and those who desire health will have opportunity to regain it under conditions most favorable. God will work wonders for us if we will in faith co-operate with Him. Let us, then, pursue a sensible course, that our efforts may be blessed of heaven, and crowned with success. Sanitarium, Cal., April 26, 1905. I have always looked with great interest upon the work in Los Angeles and in San Diego, hoping that right moves would be made, and that the sanitarium work might be established in these important places. Every year large numbers of tourists visit these places, and I have longed to see men moved by the Holy Spirit meeting these people with the message borne by John the Baptist: “Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” “This is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord; make His paths straight.” “Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region round about Jordan,” went out to hear John the Baptist, “and were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.” Just such a work as this can be done to-day in Southern California. The Lord has ordained that memorials for Him shall be established in many places. He has presented before me buildings away from the cities, and suitable for our work, which can be purchased at a low price. We must take advantage of the favorable openings for sanitarium work in Southern California, where the climate is so favorable for this work. It is the Lord’s purpose that sanitariums shall be established in Southern California, and that from these institutions shall go forth the light of truth for this time. By them the claims of the true Sabbath are to be presented, and the third angel’s message proclaimed. Institutions in which medical missionary work can be done are to be regarded as especially essential to the advancement of the Lord’s work. The sick and suffering are to be relieved, and then, as opportunity offers, they are to be given instruction in regard to the truth for this time. Thus we can bring present truth before a class of people who could be reached in no other way. There is a special work to be done at this time,—a work of great importance. Light has been given me that a sanitarium should be established near Los Angeles, in some rural district. For years the need of such an institution has been kept before our people in Southern California. Had the brethren there heeded the warnings given by the Lord, to guard them from making mistakes, they would not now be tied up as they are. But they have not followed the instruction given. They have not gone forward in faith to establish a sanitarium near Los Angeles. The buildings secured for this work should be out of the city, in the country, so that the sick may have the benefit of outdoor life. By the beauty of flower and field, their109 minds will be diverted from themselves, from their aches and pains, and they will be led to look from nature to the God of nature, who has provided so abundantly the beauties of the natural world. The convalescent can lie in the shade of the trees, and those who are stronger can, if they wish, work among the flowers, doing just a little at first, and increasing their efforts as they grow stronger. Working in the garden, gathering flowers and fruit, listening to the birds praising God, the patients will be wonderfully blessed. Angels of God will draw near to them. They will forget their sorrows. Melancholy and depression will leave them. The fresh air and sunshine, and the exercise taken, will bring them life and vitality. The wearied brain and nerves will find relief. Good treatment and a wholesome diet will build them up and strengthen them. They will feel no need for health-destroying drugs or for intoxicating drink. It is the purpose of God that a sanitarium shall be established at some suitable place near Los Angeles. This institution is to be managed carefully and faithfully by men who have clear spiritual discernment and who have also financial ability,—men who can carry the work forward successfully, as faithful stewards. TACOMA PARK, WASHINGTON, D. C., April 27, 1904.
Elders Santee and Owen— There is a special work to be done just now. A sanitarium should be established near Los Angeles. My brethren, will you not remember that it is the expressed will of God that this shall be done? Why this work should be delayed from year to year is a great mystery. This is a matter that has long been kept before you, my brethren. Again and again sanitarium work has been pointed out as an important means of reaching the people with the truth. Had the light given by God been followed, this institution might now be in running order, exerting a strong influence for good. Arrange110 ments could have been made to utilize for sanitarium work buildings already erected. In order for successful work to be done in the field or in our institutions, workers with harmonious elements of character are needed. The work can be carried forward only by patience and harmony of action. It has been a lack of harmony, a lack of determination on the part of the workers to lift with one purpose in view, that has delayed the establishment of a sanitarium in Southern California. There has been so much variance that means which should have been invested in a sanitarium has been turned into other channels. The idea that a sanitarium should not be established unless it could be started free from debt, has put the brake upon the wheels of progress. In building meeting-houses, I have had to borrow money, in order that something might be done at once. I have been obliged to do this, in order to fulfil the directions of God. For the past twenty years I have been borrowing money and paying interest on it, to establish schools and sanitariums and to build meeting-houses. The institutions thus established and the churches built have been the means of winning many to the truth. Thus the tithe has been increased, and workers have been added to the Lord’s forces. Will my brethren consider this, and work in accordance with the light God has given us? Let that which should be done be done without delay. Do your best to remedy the neglect of the past. The word has come once more that a sanitarium is to be set in working order near Los Angeles. If this sanitarium is conducted in harmony with the will of God. It will be a means of great blessing, a means in the Lord’s hands of leading souls to the truth. From the light given me when I was in Australia, and renewed since I came to America, I know that our work in Southern California must advance more rapidly. The people111 flocking to that place in search of health must hear the last message of mercy. For years the work in Southern California has needed help, and we now call upon our brethren and sisters who have means to spare to put it into circulation, that we may secure the places so well suited for our work. God has not been pleased with the way in which this field has been neglected. From many places in Southern California the light is to shine forth to the multitudes. Present truth is to be as a city set on an hill, which can not be hid. THE PARADISE VALLEY SANITARIUM.
The providence of God was manifested to a large degree in all the circumstances connected with securing the sanitarium property in Paradise Valley. Nearly twenty years ago a lady physician, possessed of more than ordinary enterprise, selected a site in this little valley commanding a magnificent view of the mountains and the sea. The main building was erected at a cost of over $25,000, and the entire plant was fitted up for sanitarium purposes at a cost of over $60,000. But complications arose in the business affairs of the institution, and it was never actually opened for sanitarium purposes. For quite a number of years it was kept up in beautiful condition with the anticipation that the builder would finally be able to carry out her original plan. Then the Sweetwater dam, upon which they had entirely depended for water for irrigation and household purposes, entirely failed, and little by little the shrubbery died and the place ran down. Several years ago our attention was called to this property, and it was offered to us, first for $16,000, then for $11,000, and later for $8,000. But we were restrained from buying at the prices mentioned. Finally we received intimation that the desire of the holder of the mortgage to close out the estate would lead to the acceptance of a nominal sum. Dr. Whitelock and others took the responsibility of making an offer of $4,000 for the mortgages, which practically covered the value of the place. At this time the Southern California Conference was not prepared to promote the enterprise, therefore Mrs. E. G. White, Mrs. Josephine Gotzian, and Prof. E. S. Ballenger and his parents took up the responsibility and advanced the necessary funds for the original purchase. This first purchase included simply the purchase of the mortgages. The deed was held by a second party, the property had been sold to the state for taxes amounting to over $300, there was a judgment against the estate, imposed by a court in England, amounting to $2,000, and the twenty-acre tract of land on which the building stands was as dry as the hills of Gilboa, with only a remote prospect for water under ground. But the Lord had spoken concerning these points, and his servants responded by purchasing the estate. The faith manifested in this purchase has been rewarded in a most remarkable manner. After the mortgages were secured, the deeds, which were really not worth a cent, were purchased at a nominal price, the delinquent taxes were paid, and the judgment was removed for a small consideration. All this was effected without any legal trouble or unpleasantness with any one, and at such reasonable figures as to make the total cost of the place, including expenses, only $4,500. There were twenty acres in this original purchase, and as a block of land of eight acres adjoining closely was needed, it was purchased for $800, making the total cost of real estate $5,300. Faith had met its reward and God had been glorified thus far. The next question was water. Without water the place would be of no practical value. With what anxiety we surveyed the ground and tried the wizard water stick and discussed the possibilities can only be imagined by those who were not present. Finally we chose a place and began digging113 down through the dry earth where the dust flew more than twenty feet below the surface; but the Lord had said that we would find water, and He who could give a river of water from a rock in the desert could also give it in Paradise Valley. At about eighty feet below the surface we struck the first moisture, and at ninety-five feet we came, directly in the center of the well, upon a splendid stream of as beautiful water as can be found in San Diego County. Seemingly the last step in the dark had been taken and light was shining clearly upon the entire project. Others joined the original investors in taking stock in the institution, and though the most of the repairing went rapidly, sufficient money came in to pay the bills. And thus, after a few months of earnest toil, with God’s evident blessing attending us every step, a comfortable, commodious sanitarium, with about fifty rooms, and located in one of the most health-giving spots under the shining sun, was ready to receive its first patients. THE FIRST PATIENTS AT THE PARADISE VALLEY SANITARIUM.
Our first patient came unsolicited before we were ready to receive guests, and her willingness to accommodate herself to the inconveniences, and her great desire to receive the benefits of the treatments and board, appealed so strongly to the manager that he could not refuse to admit her. She willingly shifted from room to room while the repairs and painting progressed, and in spite of all the inconveniences, continued to improve. We were greatly rejoiced at her improvement in health, and her acceptance of the Sabbath and kindred truths. Thus, our first patient found healing of body and spirit. After one had been admitted, others were encouraged to press their requests, until the house was crowded. People learned of our work without advertising on our part. Several came through the reading of a notice of the filing of our Articles of Incorporation. Another learned of our work by reading an account of a wedding at which the matron of the Paradise Valley Sanitarium was present. One lady, prominent in social circles, after trying theosophy, spiritualism, Christian science, etc., came to the sanitarium in the last stages of an incurable disease, with no hope for this life and confused and discouraged regarding the future life. The spirit of the place, the loving, unselfish care of the attendants stimulated a spirit of inquiry, which soon resulted in her thorough conversion. Near relatives with whom she had not spoken for years came at her request, that by confession she might make wrongs right. Every evening, at her request, the doctor, the manager, the matron, and her attendant gathered around her bed for evening worship. She never lost an opportunity of expressing her gratitude for being led to such a place to spend her last days. The class of patients that came to the institution were very gratifying. A large proportion of them were people of culture and influence. Among them were judges, senators, civil and army officers. These people are hungry for something they can not find in the world and there is no better means of reaching them with the message than to gather them into our sanitariums where the Spirit of God prevails. They attended our family worship, prayer meetings, and Sabbath services. For the first two months after patients were admitted, all the treatments were given in a small room only about 8x13 feet. At times we were so crowded that some of the patients were obliged to wait until 10 o’clock at night. These inconveniences were cheerfully endured so long as the guests knew we were unable to provide better, and knowing that we expected to build new bath rooms as soon as we were able. Many of these people are coming back in the fall, therefore are we not under obligations to provide better facilities115 to care for them? San Diego is the winter home of the wealthy and cultured. They will come to us if we are prepared to care for them. God has placed this duty upon us with no uncertain voice. SANITARIUM, Cal., December 21, 1904. We feel very grateful to God that our brethren and sisters in Southern California have secured a property near the city of Los Angeles, which is well adapted for sanitarium purposes. For a long time our people in that city have had messages from the Lord that there should be sanitariums near Los Angeles. For want of means the work has been delayed. But in September, a building at Glendale, nine miles from Los Angeles, was purchased, and is now being fitted up for work. This building is a three-story structure, of seventy-five rooms. Many of these rooms are arranged in suites, a small one for a bedroom and a larger one for a sitting-room. Many of the rooms are very pleasant. There were two bathrooms on each floor, but they were not suitable for sanitarium work, and new treatment-rooms have been built. This new sanitarium is beautifully situated. It is eight miles from Los Angeles, in a pleasant, fertile valley. On every hand may be seen orange and lemon groves. The institution is only two blocks from the Glendale post-office. It is in the country, and yet can be very easily reached from the city; for an electric car line from Los Angeles runs past the sanitarium grounds. The building cost over forty thousand dollars, and the land is worth five thousand. Through the providence of God we were enabled to obtain it for twelve thousand five hundred dollars. We hope that our people in Southern California will come heartily to the support of the Glendale Sanitarium, so116 providentially placed in our hands, and that it may be fully equipped to do its blessed work. The Lord has not been honored or glorified by the past showing of the sanitarium work in Southern California. This work has been greatly hindered because men have relied upon human devising instead of following the Lord’s leading. Dependence has been placed upon human wisdom, and failure has been the result. But now we see a united force of workers anxious to push sanitarium enterprises forward along right lines, and we are confident that if they will follow the Lord’s instruction and rely upon His guidance, He will co-operate with them. Elder J. A. Burden has been chosen as business manager of the institution, and Sister Burden as bookkeeper. Brother Burden has had a long experience in the St. Helena Sanitarium. He also spent about three years in Australia, acting an important part in the building up of the Sydney Sanitarium. The self-denying efforts and unselfish labors of Brother and Sister Burden in connection with that institution were greatly appreciated. Dr. Leadsworth disposed of his treatment rooms in Riverside, that he might act a leading part on the medical staff of the Glendale Sanitarium. Dr. Abbie Winegar-Simpson is the lady physician, and will stand at the head of the training-school for nurses. She is fully capable of filling this position. Dr. Abbott has been chosen to assist in the medical work. We have been much encouraged to see these laborers taking hold of the work at the Glendale Sanitarium. They have had a wide experience in sanitarium work, and they understand how such institutions should be conducted in order to be successful. Brother W. R. Simpson has been appointed to act as purchasing agent. In this work he will be brought into contact with many business men, and will have opportunity to reveal the high, ennobling principles of truth. He can speak words in season to some who will appreciate the light thus117 given them. He should be constantly watching for souls as one who must give an account. Each of these workers has an important place to fill. Each has a special line of work. They must harmonize and counsel together, seeking wisdom from Him who never makes a mistake. They are to help one another as each takes up his important line of work. HOW SHALL THE WORK BE ADVANCED?
One night we seemed to be in a council-meeting, and the question was being considered, How can the sanitarium work in Southern California be best advanced? One present proposed one thing, and still another proposed something entirely different. One of dignity and authority arose and said: “I have words of counsel for you. Never, never repeat the mistakes of the past. Men have placed too much confidence in themselves, and have allowed cultivated and hereditary tendencies to wrong, which ought to have been overcome, to bear away the victory. Various lines of work are to be earnestly carried forward for the enlightenment of those who are in spiritual darkness. Evangelical work must receive first attention, and it is to be intelligently carried forward in connection with all lines of medical missionary work. “You have,” said our Instructor, “come to an important place in the history of your work. Who shall be chosen to carry responsibilities in the sanitarium at the beginning of its work? No mistake must be made in this matter. Men are not to be placed in positions of trust who have not been tested and tried. Men and women who understand the will of the Lord are to be chosen,—workers who can discern that which needs to be done, and prayerfully do it, that the mistakes and errors of the past may not be repeated.” “The one who is placed in the position of business manager,” He said, “must daily be managed by the Lord. He occupies a very important place, and he must possess the necessary qualifications for the work. He should have dignity118 and knowledge, together with a clear sense of how to use his authority. Christ must be revealed in his life. He must be a man who can give religious instruction and exert a spiritual influence. “He must know how to deal with minds, and he must allow his own mind to be controlled by the Spirit. Wisdom is to come forth from his lips in words of encouragement to all with whom he is connected. He must know how to discern and correct mistakes. He must be a man who will harmonize with his fellow workers, a man who possesses adaptability. He should be able to speak of the different points of our faith, as occasion requires. His words and acts should reveal justice, judgment, and the love of God.” He who gave the Israelites instruction from the pillar of cloud, and led them through the wilderness into the promised land, is our Leader to-day. We are under divine guidance, and if we are obedient to God’s commandments, we shall be in perfect safety, and will receive distinguished marks of His favor. The Israelites often suggested their own plans. Often they refused to follow God’s plans, and this always led to failure and defeat. Christ led them through the wilderness that they might be separated from all that would tend to interfere with His purposes for them. During their journey He gave them instruction through Moses. These truths are to be gathered up and cherished by His people to-day, and they are to be sacredly obeyed. No imagination can present the rich blessings that come to those who learn daily of God. These blessings are secured through the most diligent efforts to advance the work in every way possible. The throne of God is arched by the bow of promise. Every Christian worker should ever keep before him the remembrance of this emblem. A covenant-keeping God holds the reins of guidance. He is to bear rule in every home, in every church, in every school, in every printing-office, in every sanitarium. Our medical missionary work is to be to the third angel’s message as the right hand to the body. Our sanitariums are one great means of doing medical missionary work. They are to reach the people where they are. The workers in our sanitariums are to be sympathetic, kind, and straight-forward in their dealings with one another and with the patients. Their words and acts are to be noble and upright. They are to receive from Christ light and grace to impart to those in darkness. By their efforts the sick and the sinful are to be pointed to the great Healer, and the prodigals who have left the Father’s house are to be encouraged to return. God’s word to these workers is, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end.” “Fear not, neither be discouraged; for I am thy God.” We are now called upon to show an unselfish interest in establishing sanitarium work in Los Angeles and in San Diego. Sanitariums and treatment-rooms are greatly needed in these places. A work is to be done that will open the Bible to the sick and suffering, and point them to the great Medical Missionary. My brethren and sisters, I ask you to remember that money is needed to advance the work at the Glendale Sanitarium. Do you wish to act a part in the important work that the Lord has given you to do in that institution? Will you now do your best to help us to secure the necessary facilities for the advancement of that work? Intelligent, self-denying, self-sacrificing effort is now needed,—effort put forth by those who realize the importance of the Lord’s work. The medical missionary work given us to do means much to every one of us. It is a work for soul-saving. Christian philanthropists should step forward just now to fulfil the gospel commission. Let our brethren send in their gifts with thanksgiving and with prayer that they may be multiplied and blessed by the Lord, as was the food given to the disciples to give to the five thousand. If we make the best use we can of the means we have, God will enable us to feed the multitudes who are starving for the bread of life. LETTERS FROM ELLEN G. WHITE TO
SANITARIUM WORKERS
IN
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
WITH
ANSWERS AND DESCRIPTIONS
OF
SANITARIUM PROPERTIES
“Say not, . . . . There are yet four months, and then cometh the harvest. Behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, that they are white already unto harvest. He that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal.” PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING COMPANY
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CAL.
1905 The Lord says to the leaders in our medical work:— The Lord says to the leaders:
“Places that have been neglected are now to receive attention. My people are to do a sharp, quick work. Those who with purity of purpose fully consecrate themselves to Me, body, soul, and spirit, shall work in My way and in My name. Every one shall stand in his lot, looking to Me, his Guide and Counselor.” “I will instruct the ignorant, and anoint with heavenly eyesalve the eyes of many who are now in spiritual darkness. I will raise up agents who will carry out My will to prepare a people to stand before Me in the time of the end. In many places that before this ought to have been provided with sanitariums and schools, I will establish My institutions, and these institutions will become educational centers for the training of workers.” The Lord will work upon human minds in unexpected quarters. Some who apparently are enemies of the truth will, in God’s providence, invest their means to develop properties and erect buildings. In time these properties will be offered for sale at a price far below their cost. In various places properties are to be purchased to be used for sanitarium purposes. Our people should be looking for opportunities to purchase properties away from the cities, on which are buildings already erected and orchards already in bearing. Land is a valuable possession. Connected with our sanitariums there should be lands, small portions of which can be used for the homes of the helpers and others who are receiving a training for medical missionary work.