Within a comparatively few years, the importance of California as a mission field has increased many-fold. Southern California is world-renowned as a health resort. Every year thousands of tourists come here. These must hear the last warning message. We are called upon by God to explain the Scriptures to these people. And as many of those who come are in search of health, one of the most important agencies for reaching the passing multitudes is institutional work along medical missionary lines.
In the providence of God, the minds of a few of our workers were directed to this field as a center for medical missionary work. At the time I returned from Australia, in 1900, treatment-rooms and a large vegetarian restaurant were being conducted in Los Angeles.
A year or two later, some of the brethren in Los Angeles were very active in planning for the extension of the medical missionary work in Southern California. In their eagerness to advance rapidly, some seemed to lose sight of the plain instruction the Lord had given regarding the establishment of new sanitariums. Instead of planning to find some country location suitable for sanitarium work, they sought to establish a mammoth institution in the heart of the city.
The Lord instructed me in the night season that this was not a wise plan to follow. The counsel that had been given our people thirty-five years before, was repeated. The same scenes that had passed before me prior to the establishment of the Battle Creek Health Reform Institute, passed before me again; and I wrote out the instruction concerning the sanitarium work that is published in “Testimonies for the Church,” Volume VII. In this it is pointed out that the Lord would be pleased to have several small country sanitariums, instead of one mammoth city sanitarium, in Southern California; and the leaders of the medical work were counseled to search for properties on which were buildings that could be utilized to advantage, and which could be secured at very low prices.
We are now beginning to see carried out the purposes of the Lord for this field. Already there are sanitariums in running order in three of the most important tourist centers. These are beautifully located at Glendale, near Los Angeles; at Loma Linda, in the Redlands-Riverside-San Bernardino district; and at Paradise Valley, near San Diego.
For a long time, however, the medical missionary work in Southern California was at a standstill, because of the unbelief of some. Suitable properties were found, but the brethren in responsibility would not advance. A special opportunity came to us in the form of a property a few miles south of San Diego, known as the Potts’ Sanitarium. The Lord had manifestly prepared the way for us to begin sanitarium work at this point; and when the wheel of612providence turned in our favor, and the property came within our reach, we felt as if we must act without further delay, notwithstanding the hesitancy of brethren in responsibility, who should have been quick to discern the advantages of this place as a center for medical missionary work.
In the securing of the property now known as the Paradise Valley Sanitarium, we see the gracious leading of God. This property has been secured at a price far less than its real value, and the Lord would now have His people build up and strengthen the medical missionary work in this important tourist center.
PROVIDENTIAL OPPORTUNITIES
During my stay in Southern California, September, 1902, I was enabled to visit places that in the past have been presented to me by the Lord as suitable for the establishment of sanitariums and schools. For years I have been given special light that we are not to establish large centers for our work in the cities. The turmoil and confusion that fill these cities, the conditions brought about by the labor unions and the strikes, would prove a great hindrance to our work. Men are seeking to bring those engaged in the different trades under certain unions. This is not God’s plan, but the planning of a power that we should in no case acknowledge. God’s word is fulfilling; the613wicked are binding themselves in bundles ready to be burned.
I have been instructed that the work in Southern California should have advantages that it has not yet enjoyed. I have been shown that in Southern California there are properties for sale on which buildings are already erected that could be utilized for our work, and that such properties will be offered to us at much less than their original cost. In these places, away from the din and confusion of the congested cities, we can establish sanitariums in which the sick can be cared for in the way in which God designs them to be. . . .
This subject was laid out before me in Australia. Light was given me that the cities would be filled with confusion, violence, and crime, and that these things would increase till the close of this earth’s history. There is much to be said on this point. Instruction is to be given line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little. And our physicians and teachers should be quick to see the advantage of retired locations for our sanitariums and schools.
Properties such as those to which I have referred are being offered to us, and some of them we should purchase when it is plain that they are what we need, and when provision can be made for their acquisition without a burdensome debt. Where there are orchards on these places, so much the better; but on other properties, where the buildings are just what we need, trees can be set out.
The fact that in many cases the owners of these properties are anxious to dispose of them, and are614therefore willing to sell at a low price, is greatly in our favor. We must study economy in the outlay of means. At this stage of our work, we are not to erect large buildings in any of the cities. And we are not to follow extravagant and unduly large plans in our work in any place. We are to remember the cities which have been neglected, and which must now be worked. The people in these cities must have the light of truth. In our establishment of sanitariums, we are not to spend large sums of money in the erection of costly buildings; for there are many places to be worked. We are to be wise in securing advantages already provided that the Lord desires us to have. We are to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves in our efforts to secure country properties at a low figure, and from these outpost centers we are to work the cities.
The work in Southern California is to advance more rapidly than it has advanced in the past. The means lying in banks or hidden in the earth are now called for to strengthen the work in this part of the field. Every year many thousands of tourists visit Southern California, and by various methods we should seek to reach them with the truth. . . .
I have been instructed that the greatest work that we can do in this life is to prepare for the future immortal life and help others to prepare for it. We are to arrange our business in such a way that we and all who are connected with us shall be able to serve God with all our powers. We must allow nothing to obscure our vision of heavenly things.
A REVIEW OF OUR EXPERIENCE
During the spring of 1902 the attention of several of our brethren was called to the Paradise Valley Sanitarium building, which was erected for a sanitarium by Mrs. Mary L. Potts about twenty years ago. After being used for a few months, it lay idle for many years, and was then offered for sale at twenty thousand dollars, with encouragement that it might be purchased for fifteen thousand dollars cash.
In September, 1902, after the Los Angeles camp-meeting, we spent a week in San Diego, and visited several places that were offered us for sanitarium work. In the building offered us by Mrs. Potts, it seemed to me we found about all that we could ask. Here was a well-constructed, three-story building of about fifty rooms, with broad verandas, standing upon a pleasant rise of ground, and overlooking a beautiful valley. Many of the rooms are large and airy. . . .
Besides the main building, there is a good stable, and also a six-room cottage, which can be fitted up for helpers. The property is conveniently located, being less than seven miles from San Diego, and about a mile from the National City post-office.
There are twenty-two acres of land. About one-half of this had once been planted to fruit-trees, but during the long drought that this country has suffered, all the trees died except the ornamental trees and shrubbery around the buildings, and about seventy olive-trees on the terraces.
When we learned that the agents holding this property, becoming discouraged on account of the many years of drought, were offering it for twelve thousand dollars, I said to our brethren, “I believe that the Lord has kept this place for us, and that He will open the way for us to secure it. I never saw a building offered for sale that was better adapted for sanitarium work. If this place were fixed up, it would look just like places that have been shown me by the Lord.”
A year before, light had been given me that our people in Southern California must watch for opportunities to purchase such properties, and it seemed plain to me and to those who were with me that the opportunity of securing this place was a fulfilment of the encouragement given us, and published in the “Testimonies for the Church,” Volume VII, in the following words:
“As soon as possible, sanitariums are to be established in different places in Southern California. Let a beginning be made in several places. If possible, let land be purchased on which buildings are already erected. Then, as the prosperity of the work demands, let appropriate enlargement be made. . . . In Southern California there are many properties for sale on which buildings suitable for sanitarium work are already erected. Some of these properties should be purchased, and medical missionary work be carried forward on sensible, rational lines. Several small sanitariums are to be established in Southern California, for the benefit of the multitudes drawn there in the hope of finding health. Instruction has been617given me that now is our opportunity to reach the invalids flocking to the health resorts of Southern California.”
In December we learned that this place could be purchased for eleven thousand dollars, and I encouraged Dr. Whitelock to take steps to secure it. But our leading brethren in the Southern California Conference were not ready to co-operate in the matter, and nothing was done.
In the summer of 1903 the property was offered to us for eight thousand dollars, and again we found that our brethren were not in a position to act.
The drought continued, and the owners of this property were very much discouraged. The orchards were dying. In January, 1904, Dr. Whitelock wrote to me that the mortgages could be bought for six thousand dollars, and perhaps less. Again I advised our brethren connected with the medical work in Southern California to secure the place. But I learned that they were not prepared to act. Then I laid the matter before Sister Gotzian, and she consented to join me in securing the place. Then we telegraphed an offer of four thousand dollars for the mortgages. Two days later a telegram returned accepting the offer. Meanwhile a letter from other parties in San Diego was on its way to New York, offering six thousand dollars for the mortgages.
Shortly after we had secured the place, Elder and Mrs. J. F. Ballenger joined us in raising the amount to be paid for the property.
Having secured the place, we needed a manager, and we found one ready for the work. Brother E. R.618Palmer and his wife, who had spent the winter in Arizona, were in San Diego, and they were willing to take charge of the work of fitting up the sanitarium building for use.
When we visited the place in November, 1904, we found that much had been done during the summer. The building had been thoroughly repaired, inside and out, and painted outside. It had been fitted up with electric lights, and about one third of the rooms were furnished. By taking advantage of several sales of furniture by wealthy families leaving the country, first-class furniture had been secured at very low prices.
Our great anxiety about the place was the matter of an ample supply of water. Years ago, when the valley was prosperous, it depended upon the water of the mountain streams stored up by great dams, but as the result of the many years of drought, there was no water in the reservoirs to supply our needs. Some of our neighbors in the valley had good wells, but our place was a little to one side. The great question was, Can we get plenty of water by digging?
The well-diggers had gone down eighty feet, and found a little water, but they wanted much more. O how much depended upon our finding plenty of good, pure water! With an abundance of water our work could go forward, but without it, what should we do? From the beginning, I had felt the assurance that the Lord would open the way; but who could tell when and how? Our people were deeply desirous of seeing the sanitarium make a success, and as we met them, the question was, “Have you found water?”
While this important question was pending, Professor E. S. Ballenger and my son went to San Pasqual and Escondido to present to our people the encouragements that had attended the enterprise thus far, and the plan of organization that had been prepared, and to ask for their help.
All were glad to share the burden of making this sanitarium, as far as possible, a San Diego County enterprise, and they gave freely according to their ability. About fifteen hundred dollars was subscribed, and half of this was brought back for immediate use.
The very day of the return of Professor Ballenger and my son, with the evidence of the hearty, practical support of the people, the workers in the well struck a fine stream of good, pure water. The next morning Brother Palmer came up early to tell me that there was fourteen feet of water in the well. The water is clear and pure, and we are greatly rejoiced to know that there is an abundant supply. This well is a treasure more valuable than gold or silver or precious stones.
One morning a lady came to the sanitarium unannounced, and insisted upon staying. Others arrived before we were ready, and patients continued to come till there were twenty, and our workers were kept so busy that the formal opening was postponed indefinitely.
One evening just before we left, a four-horse team drawing a large, heavy wagon, drove in, bringing gifts to the sanitarium from San Pasqual. In the load there were potatoes, squash, and canned fruit, and also, in the same wagon, two beautiful Jersey cows.
During the last three nights of my stay at this institution, much instruction was given me regarding the sanitariums which for years have been greatly needed, and which should long ago have been equipped and set in working order. 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 in their need.
The workers connected with our sanitariums are to be sympathetic, kind, and straightforward in their dealings with one another and with the patients. Their words and deeds are to be noble and upright. They are ever to receive from Christ light and grace and love to impart to those in darkness. By their efforts the sick, the sinful, 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 of the world.” “Fear not, neither be discouraged: for I am thy God.”
December, 1904.
SOUND FORTH THE MESSAGE
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 the621Holy 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.
AN OPPORTUNITY TO HELP
The Lord has greatly blessed His people in Southern California by enabling them to secure, at very low cost, valuable properties that can be utilized for institutional work. At Fernando, at Loma Linda, at Glendale, and at Paradise Valley, He has manifestly gone before us, preparing the way.
For years the Lord instructed us that we should have a sanitarium in the vicinity of San Diego, where many thousands of tourists come every season. In the winter of 1903-04, when the way opened up for us to purchase the Paradise Valley Sanitarium property, about six miles from San Diego, a few brethren and sisters at first bore the entire financial burden. They felt clear in doing this, because of the necessity of doing something at once, at a time when others hesitated to advance in the opening providence of God.
In equipping the Paradise Valley Sanitarium for effective work, it has been necessary to provide adequate treatment-rooms and other facilities, and additional rooms for patients and helpers. The founders of the institution advanced what they could spare for this work, and the balance was hired at low rates of interest. Some of these loans have been paid, and others are now coming due. Until the indebtedness of the Paradise Valley Sanitarium can be met by increased profits and through the sale of “Ministry of Healing,” the institution will need to continue to (15)623hire money from the friends of the cause which it represents.
The brethren and sisters of the Southern California Conference have done much to help the three sanitariums in their territory, and our friends in the East have lent their assistance. In this they have done well. At the August (1908) camp-meeting in Los Angeles, our brethren pledged many thousands of dollars to the foreign missions. And Sister Gotzian, who has been a strong supporter of our California sanitariums, is desirous of transferring some of her means to the needy enterprises in Nashville, Madison, and Huntsville.
Our brethren in charge of our sanitarium work must not be left destitute of sufficient means to carry on the medical missionary work in an acceptable way. And just now, when our people in Southern California are struggling to build up a strong work in that important missionary field, we should study ways and means of strengthening their hands. I would therefore urge our brethren and sisters to whom the Lord has entrusted the talent of means, to consider the advisability of loaning money to the Paradise Valley Sanitarium, at a low rate of interest, or without interest, so that this institution can be in a position to do, without embarrassment, a thorough work, to the honor and glory of God.
ELLEN G. WHITE.
Letters from Ellen G. White
to
Sanitarium Workers
An appeal to workers in the Sanitariums to raise the standard by purifying their lives from all cheapness of character and carelessness of conduct.
“I have been instructed to say to our leading Sanitarium workers throughout our ranks: The work must move forward on a higher plane, and after a more sacred order than it has heretofore, if it is to accomplish all that God designs should be accomplished by it in our churches and for the world.”—E. G. White.
The College Press
Loma Linda, California
1911
To Ministers, Physicians, and Counsellors
At Loma Linda
Sanitarium, Cal., May 7, 1911
I have words of instruction for you and your coworkers who are ministers and physicians and counselors at Loma Linda. During my visit to Southern California, light was given me that many of the leaders in our sanitariums were failing of meeting the requirements of God, and, more than this, they did not realize their lack. I was instructed that those who stand in positions of responsibility in these important institutions are engaged in a most sacred work, that they have little time in which to do the work committed to their trust, and that it was of the utmost importance that faithfulness and consecration mark their efforts in every line.
In a remarkable way God has brought into our possession some of the institutions through whose agency we are to accomplish the work of reformation to which as a people we are called. At this time every talent of every worker should be regarded as a sacred trust to be used in extending the work of reform.
The Lord instructed me that our sisters who have received a training that has fitted them for positions of responsibility are to serve with faithfulness and discernment in their calling, using their influence wisely, and, with their brethren in the faith, obtaining an experience that will fit them for still greater usefulness. The instruction of the apostle Peter, “Add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge,” they are to bring into their individual experience, and this work of daily sanctification through cooperation with the Spirit of God, will develop their knowledge and capabilities.
In ancient times the Lord worked in a wonderful way through consecrated women who united in His work with men whom He had chosen to stand as His representatives. He used women to gain great and decisive victories. More than627once, in times of emergency, He brought them to the front and worked through them for the salvation of many lives. Through Esther the queen, the Lord accomplished a mighty deliverance for his people. At a time when it seemed that no power could save them, Esther and the women associated with her, by fasting and prayer and prompt action, met the issue, and brought salvation to their people.
A study of women’s work in connection with the cause of God in Old Testament times will teach us lessons that will enable us to meet emergencies in the work to-day. We may not be brought into such a critical and prominent place as were the people of God in the time of Esther; but often converted women can act an important part in more humble positions. This many have been doing, and are still ready to do. It is a women’s duty to unite with her husband in the discipling and training of her sons and daughters, that they may be converted, and their powers consecrated to the service of God. There are many who have ability to stand with their husbands in sanitarium work, to give treatments to the sick and to speak words of counsel and encouragement to others. There are those who should seek an education that will fit them to act the part of physicians.
In this line of service a positive work needs to be done. Women as well as men are to receive a thorough medical training. They should make a special study of diseases common to women, that they may understand how to treat them. It is considered most essential that men desiring to practice medicine shall receive the broad training necessary for the following of such a profession. It is just as essential that women receive such training, and obtain their diplomas certifying their right to act as physicians.
Our institutions should be especially thorough in giving to women a training that will fit them to act as midwives. There should be in our sanitariums lady physicians who understand well their profession, and who can attend women at the time of childbirth. Light has been given me that women instead of men should take the responsibility in such,628cases. I was directed to the Bible plan, in which at such times women acted the part of the physician. This plan should be carried out by us; for it is the Lord’s plan.
Again and again light has been given me that women should be chosen and educated for this line of work. Now the time has come when we should face the matter clearly. More women should be educated for this work, and thus a door of temptation may be closed. We should allow no unnecessary temptation to be placed in the way of physicians and nurses, or the people for whom they minister.
The Lord has greatly favored us in providing suitable buildings at Loma Linda for the carrying forward of the work as it should be carried. Let us be in earnest in following the counsel we have received.
I have been instructed to say to our leading sanitarium workers throughout our ranks: The work must move forward on a higher plane, and after a more sacred order than it has heretofore, if it is to accomplish all that God designs should be accomplished by it in our churches and for the world. We need to pray and to consider earnestly what is the great spiritual need of men and women in this age. Strange things are being done, which are not after the Lord’s counsel, but after the devising of men. As wicked practices increase among those who are determined to do wickedly, there is great need that our people bring into prominence before the world a pure untainted work. The Lord says to us, Be ye clean that labor in the health institutions. Work under the influence of the Holy Spirit of God. Let the men holding positions of sacred trust view the work from a high standpoint.
I ask you who stand as leaders in this work to read prayerfully chapters four to eleven of the book of Deuteronomy, for there is instruction that all need who would understand God’s dealings with His people. And I wish to impress upon all who read these chapters that they mean much to every soul who carries responsibilities in connection with sanitarium work. “Thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy629God,” the Lord declares, “and the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto Himself above all nations that are upon the earth.” All the directions He has given are to be carefully observed, from the greatest to that which may seem the least.
The Lord says to all, Purify your souls from all commonness. Set before your children and households an example in word and deportment that will lead them to desire above all things to render to God consecrated loving service. Pray for your home; instruct your family; sanctify the Lord God of Israel in your hearts and in your lives.
I am deeply pained as I see with some a spirit of carelessness in speech and deportment. This is a hinderance to spirituality. The Lord declared to Israel: “What doth the Lord require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, and to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thine heart and with all thy soul, and to keep the commandments of the Lord, and His statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good. Behold the heaven, and the heaven of heavens is the Lord’s thy God, the earth also, and all that therein is. Only the Lord had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and He chose their seed after them, even you above all people, as it is this day.” Read these words thoughtfully, and consider how great are the privileges of the people whom the Lord chose to serve Him. To all connected with sacred duties I am charged to say, Seek the Lord. Take heed to your conversation; lay off all cheapness of speech, for the Lord would have you become intelligent workers and wise counselors. Let those with whom you associate see nothing of frivolity in your words and works. You have the knowledge of sacred truth, and you are to honor those truths as men and women who must give an account for the talents entrusted to them.
God would have His honor exalted before men as supreme, and His counsels confirmed in the eyes of the people. The witness of the prophet Elijah on Mount Carmel gives the example of one who stood wholly for God and His work in630the earth. The prophet calls the Lord by His name, Jehovah God, which He Himself had given to denote His condescension and compassion. Elijah calls Him the God of Abraham and Isaac and Israel. He does this that he may excite in the hearts of his backslidden people humble remembrance of the Lord, and assure them of His rich free grace. Elijah prays, “Be it known this day that thou art the Lord God of Israel.” The honor of God is to be exalted as supreme, but the prophet asks further that his mission also may be confirmed. “Let it be known that thou art God in Israel,” he prays, “and that I am thy servant, and have done all things at thy word.” “Hear me, O Lord,” he pleads, “hear me.”
Elijah is intense. As he prayed the silence of death seemed to be about him. As the Amen was spoken, lo, the fire of heaven descended on the sacrifice in the sight of the multitude.
The people were wonderfully affected by the scene. At the manifestation of God’s power, they fell on their faces on the earth and extolled the God of Abraham, and gave glory to the God of Israel. With a loud voice they shouted, “The Lord, He is God; the Lord, He is God.”
But while the people acknowledged the God of heaven, the priests, with hardened hearts, refused to be convinced. They would still remain the prophets of Baal. Thus they showed themselves ripe for destruction. And Elijah said to the people, “Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape.” The time had come when delusion was unveiled. The people saw the awful deception that had been practiced upon them by the false prophets; and when the word was spoken, they fell upon the prophets, brought them down to the brook Kishon, and took part in their slaughter. Thus was Elijah’s faith crowned with victory, the priests of Baal put to shame, and the worshipers of false gods confounded.
Elijah’s whole life was devoted to the work of reform. He was a voice crying in the wilderness to rebuke sin and press back the tide of moral evil. And while he came to the people as a reprover of sin, his message offered the Balm of631Gilead for the sin-sick souls of all who would be healed. His zeal for God’s glory and his deep love for the house of Israel present lessons for the instruction of all who stand to-day as representatives of God’s work in the earth. Let the conductors of our institutional work catch the spirit of zeal felt by Elijah and learn its intensity. Let them seek for the grace of God that will give them an experience in advance of that which they have heretofore enjoyed. Let them love the work of God, and pray for its advancement in the world.
The following is my talk to the Paradise Valley Sanitarium:—