Earlier text: NOT FOR PLEASURE SEEKERS.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 were143 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 facilities 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, so 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. Dependence145 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 thus 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 a146 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 dignity 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 must147 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 sanitariums148 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 ABOUT ANOTHER PLACE.
Sanitarium, Cal., April 12, 1905. I hear that plans are being laid for Elder W. W. Simpson to leave Southern California to labor elsewhere. If Elder Simpson feels it his duty to go, I have nothing to say against it, but I had hoped to see him extend his work from Los Angeles to Redlands and Riverside. The condition of Brother Simpson’s health is such that great care must be exercised in regard to the location of his field of labor. He should have suitable help that he may be relieved from the burden of speaking so frequently. Redlands and Riverside have been presented to me as places that should be worked. These two places should not longer be neglected. I hope soon to see an earnest effort put forth in their behalf. Please consider the advisability of establishing a sanitarium in the vicinity of these cities with treatment rooms in each place to act as feeders to the sanitarium. We can not afford to allow these places to go unwarned. Instead of Elder Simpson’s going somewhere else to labor, would it not be better to put forth a determined effort to strengthen the work in these places? There are other cities in Southern California in which a work similar to that carried on by Elder Simpson should be conducted. The Lord would have His ministers working zealously for those who have never heard the truth. Our people in Southern California need to awake to the magnitude of the work to be done within their own borders. Let them awake to prayer and labor. Let them manifest more spiritual vitality. They need a new conversion that they may labor untiringly for souls. Wherever there is spiritual life there will be an imparting as well as a receiving of light and blessing. The nourishment from God’s word will be received, and earnest work will be done. The act of imparting keeps150 open the channel for receiving. This truth our Saviour ever sought to keep before the people. I have a message to bear to the church members in Southern California. “Arouse, and avail yourselves of the opportunities open to you. While Christ pleads in your behalf, plead for yourselves that you may be purified from every unrighteous thought, every unholy action. Make an entire surrender to God, of body, soul, and spirit. Be determined to do all in your power to learn the true science of soul-saving. While the light of God’s day of mercy still shines, gather up every divine ray. “Are you prepared to sell all, that you may purchase the field that contains the treasure? Said the apostle Paul: ‘I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, . . . that I may win Christ, and be found in Him.’ “Give up the self-righteousness that you have been cherishing. If the Lord permits you to behold such a work as has been done in Los Angeles, seek with all humility to act your part. Not in your own strength, but in the strength of Christ, you are to ascend the ladder heavenward, round by round. Make diligent, thorough work in humbling yourselves, that the old habits and practises and all evil speaking may be put away. Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you. Die to self; live to God.” The Lord will manifest Himself to all who seek Him with humble hearts. The end of all things is at hand. Our eyes must be fixed upon Christ. As the called and chosen of God, we must represent the truth in its purity. Our lives are to be such that the world will take knowledge of us that we have been with Christ, and that the truth may seem to them more desirable than error. If rightly conducted, our sanitariums may exert a refining, ennobling influence, and lead many souls to Christ. The religious principles maintained in these institutions will demonstrate that there is relief for the soul, weary and sick with151 sin. Many are weak and sick because of disease of the soul. Let Christ be held up before them as the great Healer, who invites them to come to Him and find rest. Tell them that the heart of Christ is drawn out in compassion and love for His blood-bought heritage. He will heal the troubled heart that looks to Him in faith. To the poor sin-sick soul repeat the Saviour’s invitation, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” There is true joy in learning of Christ. Tell the suffering ones of a compassionate Saviour. He is the only Physician who can heal both body and soul. He has given His life for the world, that men should not perish, but have everlasting life. He looks with compassion upon those who regard their case as hopeless. While the soul is filled with fear and terror, the mind can not see the tender compassion of Christ. Our sanitariums are to be an agency for bringing peace and rest to the troubled mind. If you can inspire the despondent with hopeful, saving faith, contentment and cheerfulness will take the place of discouragement and unrest. Wonderful changes will then be wrought in their physical condition. Christ will restore both body and soul, and, realizing His compassion and love, they will rest in Him. He is the bright and morning star, shining amid the moral darkness of this sinful, corrupt world. He is the light of the world, and all who give their hearts to Him will find peace and rest and joy. The world is filled with sickness. Sin is increasing, especially in the large cities. Death is taking away large numbers. But the great Medical Missionary invites men to come to Him. “Come unto Me,” He says, “and I will give you rest.” “Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Our part is, by believing His word, to find rest in Christ152 Jesus. His words are spirit and life. In believing them there is rest and peace. “Knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Our prayers will reach the ear of Christ, and He will open unto us the rich treasures of His grace. Through prayer we are brought into communion with the high and holy One who inhabiteth eternity. He opens the door to every one who will knock. Glendale, Cal., May 7, 1905. Mrs. E. G. White, Washington, D. C., DEAR SISTER WHITE: While on the train at Los Angeles, we spoke to you of a property for sale near Redlands which seemed to be well adapted for sanitarium purposes. I asked those with you to call your attention to it as the train passed the place. I am sending you a little pamphlet that contains a few views and a brief description of the property, but words and pictures can but faintly describe its beauty. It is simply ideal and grand for a sanitarium. The buildings are in excellent condition, well furnished, heated with steam heat, and lighted with electricity. Everything is complete to begin business at once. The main building has sixty-four rooms, and there are four cottages having four rooms each, with bath and toilet. Three of these cottages have four porches each, with broad windows, so that beds can be wheeled right out on the porch, and patients can sleep in the open air. There is another beautiful building—a two-story cottage of nine rooms, with bath and toilet. Another building which has been used as a recreation pavilion, and has four nice rooms, would make a fine gymnasium and chapel. There are barns and sheds, and a house for the workmen. There are ten acres of good bearing orange orchard, fifteen acres of alfalfa, eight acres of apricots, plums, and almonds. The rest of the grounds are beautifully laid out in lawns, drives and walks, there being more than a mile of cement153 walk. The principal buildings are on a beautiful knoll about one hundred and twenty-five feet above the valley. The main building is surrounded with pepper-wood trees from thirty to forty feet high. There are five horses, four cows, one hundred and fifty chickens, thirty-five turkeys, some hogs, farm implements, buggies, carriages, and wagons. The place has an ample supply of water from the mountains. An artesian well, which has a good pumping plant, yields an abundance of water, if for any reason the mountain water should fail. The water is piped all over the seventy-six acres. The place cost the present owners about $150,000. They have tried to run it as a tourist hotel, but it was a failure, and they lost money, so it was closed the first of April. The stockholders are financially embarrassed, and have ordered the property sold for $40,000. The furnishings alone in the buildings cost $12,000, and have been used for only about two years and a half. A number of us went to see the place to-day, and we were deeply impressed that this is the place which the Lord has shown you, near Redlands and Riverside, in which sanitarium work should be carried on. It is five miles from Redlands. The question is, what shall we do? We must act at once, for the company is anxious to sell, and there are others who want it. I know a number of brethren and sisters who have means that ought to be helping the cause. Some of them, I am sure, are watching for an opportunity to put it where they feel that it would be safe and at the same time be advancing the work of the Lord. Two brethren have told me that they would have about five thousand dollars each. I know of a number of others that have means, whom I shall see in reference to the matter. We do not wish to move hastily, and we should like to hear from you and the brethren in Washington who have gone154 from this field, as to how you and they feel about the matter. I wish that if it is at all possible you would take the matter up in council with them, and have them wire us. I do not know how long we can hold the offer open, but will try to do so until we hear from you. I think that those here who are considering the matter feel such a strong conviction that we should have the place that they will pay down a deposit, even if we lose it, rather than let the property pass out of our hands before we can hear from the brethren in Washington. How I wish that you could have stopped off and seen the property while on your way to conference; but it may be that you can return this way and see it then. I hope that you can send us some counsel as soon as you receive this letter. Wishing you much of the blessing of the Lord in the conference, I am,
Yours in the work,
J. A. Burden. Tacoma Park, D. C., May 14, 1905. Dear Brother Burden: Your letter has just been read. I had no sooner finished reading it than I said, “I will consult no one; for I have no question at all about the matter. . . . Secure the property by all means, so that it can be held, and then obtain all the money you can and make sufficient payments to hold the place. Do not delay; for it is just what is needed. I think that sufficient help can be secured to carry the matter through. I want you to be sure to lose no time in securing the right to purchase the property. We will do our utmost to help you raise the money. I know that Redlands and Riverside are to be worked, and I pray that the Lord may be gracious, and not allow any one else to get this property instead of us. We had a very pleasant trip from San Francisco to Washington. Several times a song-service was held in the car,155 and this took well. Many of the passengers outside of our party united in the singing. I am recovering from the cold that I caught three weeks before leaving home. On Thursday morning I spoke in the large tent, and on Sabbath morning I spoke again. The large tent was crowded, and I am told that my voice could be heard distinctly even by those on the seats at the very back. I shall send you a copy of my talk when it is written out. We hope that this meeting will be the means of accomplishing much good. If the Lord sees that we are in earnest in seeking Him, He will be found of us. O, it would be sad indeed to get above the simplicity of the work. When we are humble enough to receive wisdom, the Lord will certainly teach us His way. I have such a hungering and thirsting after God! I must have a strong faith, and I must bear a decided testimony, which will not be weakened. Bible truth will prevail, and, O, how my heart longs to see our church-members obtaining a deep experience, which will stand the test that is before us. Let us seek the Lord while He may be found, and call upon him while He is near. “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him, and to our God; for He will abundantly pardon.” Let us make straight paths for our feet. The Lord will not leave those who love Him and keep His commandments to be spoiled by the enemy. A short work will the Lord do upon the earth, and He will stir His people mightily. A great work is to be done. Let us read and study the fifty-fifth and sixty-sixth chapters of Isaiah; for they contain wonderful encouragement, and the Lord wants us to bring all the uplifting possible to His people. “Thus saith the Lord, Keep ye judgment, and do justice; for My salvation is near to come, and My righteousness to be revealed. Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son156 of man that layeth hold on it, that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.” Here is the word of the Lord. Open up every place possible. We are to labor in faith, taking hold of a power that pledged to do large things for us. We are to reach out in faith in Los Angeles and in Redlands and Riverside.
ELLEN G. WHITE. Tacoma Park, Washington, D. C., June 2, 1905. DEAR BROTHER BURDEN: I am much encouraged by the letters that I have received from you regarding Loma Linda. From your description of this place, I believe it meets the representation which I have seen of what we should seek for as sanitarium locations. Such a place was presented to me a few miles from an important city. The city had recently been built up. I have tried to place before our people the representations given me regarding sanitariums in the country, and I have urged upon them the necessity of establishing our sanitarium outside of the cities. I have had repeatedly presented to me the advantage of securing locations some miles out of the cities. Those who follow the counsel of God in providing places where the sick and suffering can receive proper treatment will be guided to the right places for the establishment of their work. Let our sanitariums be located where there is an abundance of land. I can see the advantage of such a place as Loma Linda. The Lord worked to help us to secure this property. The work of this institution is to be carried forward on pure, elevated lines. It can be conducted in such a way that truth will be presented as the rock upon which to build. In order that our institutions shall teach right lessons, there must be connected with them men of such simplicity that they are willing to learn of the great Teacher. “To you it is given,” Christ declares, “To the people who keep My commandments and do those things that I have157 presented in My word, to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven.” We are to proclaim the truth to the world, for thus the great Medical Missionary has commanded us. What ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetop, for there is nothing hid that shall not be made known. The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him and keep His commandments. “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God.” We need workers who will gain breadth of mind by studying the book God has opened before us of His created works. Angels co-operate with those who proclaim the truths represented by the things of nature. These things are not God, but they are specimens of God’s handiwork. Our medical workers are to do all in their power to cure disease of the body and also disease of the mind. They are to watch and pray and work, bringing spiritual as well as physical advantages to those for whom they labor. The physician in one of our sanitariums who is a true servant of God has an intensely interesting work to do for every suffering human being with whom he is brought in contact. He is to lose no opportunity to point souls to Christ, the great healer of body and mind. Every physician should be a skilful worker in Christ’s lines. There is to be no lessening of the interest in spiritual things, else the power to fix the mind upon the great Physician will be diverted. While the needs of the body are to be strictly attended to, while all possible efforts are to be made to break the power of disease, the physician is never to forget that there is a soul to be labored for. God would draw minds from the conviction of logic to a conviction deeper, higher, purer, and more glorious, a conviction unperverted by human logic. Human logic has often nearly quenched the light which God would have shine forth in clear rays to convince minds that the God of nature is158 worthy of all praise and all glory, because He is the Creator of all things.
ELLEN G. WHITE.