Remarks of Mrs. E. G. White Regarding Agressive Moves at Loma Linda
(Thursday afternoon, April 20, 1911, there was held in the Loma Linda chapel a council meeting to consider the opportunity that had just been presented to purchase from Mr. Kelly a tract of land west of Pepper Drive and south of Colton avenue, consisting of about eighty-seven acres. After very brief remarks about the Vine and the branches, and the benefits resulting from the disciplinary process of pruning, Sister White spoke of various phases of the work.)
“To-day with Sister McEnterfer, and again with my son, I rode around the Loma Linda grounds. . . . As I looked over the place more thoroughly than ever before, and saw the grounds, the drives, and the cottages that were standing before we came here, I felt gratitude in my heart toward God, that through His providence we had been brought into possession of Loma Linda. I felt thankful also to see the improvements that have been made since we have had the place. And I thought how important it is that we make every move in accordance with the will of God.”
“As the Lord prospers us, we should manifest our gratitude by a willingness to advance. We should see the advantage of adding to that which we already have. I feel a burden regarding the danger of letting anybody come into the neighborhood to spoil the place.”
“There is a piece of land across the railroad, lying next to a piece already purchased, which should724be secured. One day we drove over it, and all around it. We wanted to see all about it. And I am sure from the representations that have been made to me, that this piece of land ought to come into our possession. If you are wise, the next time I come here, you will have that land. I will try to help you all I can. Let us work intelligently.
“There are several reasons why you should have this land. You need the produce from it for your ‘cattle to subsist upon; this piece is close at hand, and joins that which you already have.
“Here we have our school, and here many important interests are centered. We must not permit elements to come in that will tend to hinder and retard the work. It will be pleasing to the Lord if we keep our eyes wide open, and are fully awake, ready to take advantage of every circumstance that will place us in right relation to the work we have to do. It would be a grievous error for us to allow to pass an opportunity to secure this property, for we might never again have such an opportunity. I advise you to secure it before it becomes so expensive that you could not afford to buy it.”
“There is danger of our becoming too narrow. These many little houses close together across the railroad do not look well. If we can get land, and have room, so as not to build any more in that way, it will be better.
“You need the land, and it will be a matter of regret by and by if it is not secured. Do not make any delay to take steps that will prevent its being taken up by those who would plan for unbelievers to crowd into it. We should keep them out. If we do this, we shall have reason to rejoice.
“The Lord is well pleased with what you have725already done here at Loma Linda. When one sees the prosperity that has attended the work, and the spirit of consecration that prevails, the conviction deepens that you are working in harmony with God.
“I desire that all the work of this place shall be a correct representation of what our health institutions should be. Let everything that we lay our hands to, show the result of the moving of the Spirit of God upon the human heart. This will be evidence that we have the higher education. Workers whose hearts are in obedience to the movings of the Spirit of God, will make this place what God desires it to be. I am surprised, happily surprised, to see everything looking so well. It is beyond my expectations. And now let everyone strive to keep it so, and labor for improvement.
“I am highly gratified as I look upon the land we already have. This will be one of the greatest blessings to us in the future—one that we do not fully appreciate now, but which we shall appreciate by and by. I hope that you will get the other land that I have spoken of, and join it to that which you already have. It will pay you to do this. As I have carried the burden of this place from the very beginning, I wanted to say this much to you. Now I leave the matter with you; and let us work in harmony.
“If your will is united with Jesus Christ, we shall see the work of God advance steadily in this place. It will reach to Riverside; it will reach to other places that are all around. There is a work to be done in many little settlements round about here. There is no virtue in settling down in one place, and spending all your time and energies there. There are many towns and settlements726where earnest work needs to be done for the saving of souls. You are to have an arm of strength in all these places. The word comes to you: Be wise; be vigilant.
“We should feel a deep interest in those souls who are brought into connection with us. We are to labor for them, leaving unused no means that God has put in His world for our use in the behalf of others. It was thus that Christ labored. Going from place to place, He preached the precious gospel, sowing the seeds of truth in the hearts of the men and women who would listen to His testimony. And He wants every soul of us to appreciate the work that He has given us, and the example He has set.
“I am glad there are sensible men and women here. I am pleased that there is a strong force of physicians and teachers. And I want to say to you all: Work in harmony. ‘I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.’ The Lord wants you to do this, and I believe you will. . . . We need to draw steadily with Christ, and to labor to glorify His holy name. And the responsible men and women in this place should give thanks to God for His manifold mercies. But do not complain or indulge in criticism, because this is all out of place. It will spoil the work.
“There are some who feel that if there is prosperity here it will be necessary to get up some amusement. Let us not cherish such thoughts as this. Rather let the people see that you have a mind for usefulness and duty, and that to the saving of the soul. The amusements that consume time, just to gratify self, do not pay.
“I have felt so thankful regarding the improvements that I see here. God has prospered you, and He will continue to prosper. And we must give ourselves to the education of those who do not appreciate these things. We must keep it before them in the living light. Regarding the securing of means for the development of the work, you must exercise that living faith that takes hold from above. Some here know what a battle we had in order to secure harmonious action; and we thank the Lord that when the enemy comes in like a flood, then the Spirit of the Lord lifts up for us a standard against the enemy.”
Purchasing the Land
At the close of her talk, the matter was again considered in council. The brethren felt that as a Board we could take no further steps in the matter, but that it would be right and best for a group of individuals to associate themselves to purchase the land and hold it, as shown by the following agreement dated April 22, 1911:
“KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, That we, the undersigned, do hereby agree together and with each other to purchase the balance of the Kelly tract of land, about seventy acres, lying west of the Loma Linda avenue (Pepper Drive), and south of the Colton avenue, for eighteen thousand dollars ($18,000), or two hundred and seventy-five dollars ($275) per acre; one thousand dollars ($1,000) cash to be paid down, four thousand dollars ($4,000) to be paid in thirty days on showing of clear title, and completing of legal papers; balance to be paid in two yearly payments. Provided, however, that satisfactory rights can be secured for the use of the waste water now being used to irrigate the same; and to hold the same, not for ourselves, but for the College of Medical Evangelists. To be taken over by the Corporation with-728out profit to us whenever the action of the Board can be secured, on or before September 1st, 1911. Or, in case the Board does not see its way clear to receive the property by that time, we agree to sell off that portion lying along the Colton avenue in small tracts at a reasonable advanced price to our brethren only who desire to purchase, subject to a reasonable building restriction.”
“We further agree to hold the balance of the land subject to purchase by the College of Medical Evangelists for a reasonable price, to May, 1912. It is distinctly understood by us and with each other that this purchase is not for speculation or private profit, and shall only ask that we individually be reimbursed for actual money invested, including interest, taxes, etc. But if not purchased by the College of Medical Evangelists at the time specified, we shall be at liberty to dispose of the property as may seem best. We invest the amount set opposite our names.”
When the land was surveyed, it was found that instead of seventy acres as thought, there were 86.88 acres. At $275 an acre, this brought the purchase price to almost $23,500. Of this amount, $5,500 was paid in cash, and the balance, $18,000, stands against the property on three years’ time at seven per cent. interest.
In a letter written April 30, 1911, Sister White wrote regarding the purchase of the land at Loma Linda as follows:
“My mind is settled in regard to the purchase of the land in front of the Loma Linda Sanitarium. We must have that piece of land. I will pledge myself to be depended on for one thousand dollars. I hope to be favored with an opportunity to hire some money soon; but I shall not worry in regard to this, or I shall not be able to do anything. The effort of speaking on Sabbath and of reading my letters to-day is all that I have been able to do to the present time. But as soon as I can I will make some movement concerning the raising of the one thousand dollars. The piece of land we must have;729for it will never do to have buildings crowded in there. Do not fail to carry through the purchase of it. Do your best, and I will do my best. The money from me you may depend upon. We shall be able to send it soon.”
And again:
“Sanitarium, Cal., May 18, 1911.”
“Dear Brother,—
“The money which I pledged to help purchase the eighty-five acres will be sent without fail. Please let me know if a couple of weeks’ delay will trouble you seriously. I am truly glad that I gave my promise to help to purchase this land, under the influence of the Spirit of God. I felt that the land must be secured; otherwise that we should have reason to regret that we did not obtain it.”
Still later, on June 7, she wrote:
“Dear Brother and Sister Burden,—
“I want to say to you both that I am thankful I was moved to speak as I did concerning the piece of land in front of the Loma Linda Sanitarium. I was urged by the Spirit of God to make the pledge of one thousand dollars; and I did so, hoping that others, who were better able to advance means than I, would follow my example. I dared not leave the meeting without following the conviction I had; and now I feel that I have done my duty, showing my faith by my works.
“I am glad that we were able to send you my part of the first payment a few days ago.
“I would like to inquire what progress has been made in the raising of the means for the purchase of the land. My investment was not made in order to lessen the responsibility of others who should help. Do what you can to encourage those who730have money that they can use in the cause, to use it wisely and not let it slip away into speculation. Secure pledges from those who have not the money in sight. We need special wisdom to move out at the right time. I thank the Lord that He encouraged me to walk by faith, and I pray that He will help you to show others their privilege in this matter.”
“True faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Thus far the Lord has led us as we have moved under the guidance of His Spirit. He will continue to work for us if we are careful to follow the counsel He gives.”
“Medical missionary work is the pioneer work of the gospel. Let us seek to understand the scope of the work to be done in our sanitariums for the saving of the souls and the healing of the bodies of those who come to us for relief. My soul is drawn out to encourage men and women to see in Christ the great Physician. If they will be drawn to Him, He will be their Helper. He understands their every need. He stands ready to heal both body and soul. Let physicians and nurses learn to tell of the One who has power and who is willing to do a marvelous work for human beings. Talk of His love; tell of His power to save every sinful soul who will cast himself upon Christ’s merits. His power will save to the uttermost all who truly accept Him.
“I am glad that your wife is whole-heartedly united with you in the work. Let her stand by you to give help and encouragement.”
“I have written to you the instruction that has been given me regarding the special work to be done by the lady physicians in our sanitariums. It is the Lord’s plan that men shall be trained to731treat men, and women trained to treat women. In the confinement of women, midwives should take the responsibility of the case. In Bible times it was not considered a proper thing for men to act in this capacity; and it is not the will of God that men should do this work to-day. Very much evil has resulted from the practice of men treating women, and women treating men. It is a practice according to human devising, and not according to God’s plan. Long has the evil been left to grow, but now we lift our voice in protest against that which is displeasing to God.”
Resolutions on Purchasing
At the annual meeting held at Loma Linda, August 21, 1911, the following partial report was handed in by the committee on plans:
“Whereas, Eighty-six acres of land lying south of the Colton avenue and west of Pepper Drive was offered for sale shortly after the spring Board meeting for $275 per acre, the entire plot aggregating $23,500, and
Whereas, The securing of this tract was advised by Mrs. E. G. White, and its purchase was considered advisable by a meeting composed of business men, physicians, and ministers connected with the institution, and
“Whereas, The members of the Board of Managers present did not wish to act in the matter in the absence of the majority of the members of the Board, and
“Whereas, A group of individuals, including Mrs. E. G. White, Mrs. J. Gotzian, J. R. Scott, W. A. Ruble, A. C. Burrows, Alfred Shryock, and J. A. Burden entered into a partnership to purchase and hold the tract for the College; therefore, be it
“Resolved, That we approve of this action and express our opinion that it is to the best interests of the College that it ultimately own this land for the following reasons:
1. That it is a safe investment if used for farming purposes only.
2. The portion on the roads may be used for homes for persons connected with the institution.
“3. The control of the property will prevent the formation of a settlement in close proximity to the institution.
4. The College needs more land for supplying farm produce and to furnish employment to worthy students.
“Be it further resolved, That we request the present owners of the property to hold it for the College, until the Board meeting to be held in March, 1912.”
Hazen Kelly Tract
During her visit to Loma Linda in April, 1911, Sister White inquired about the Hazen Kelly tract on the east side of Pepper Drive, especially that portion lying east of the cottages of the Sanitarium, and said that we ought to get control of the land, if possible. Before leaving, she suggested that we interest some one to secure the place and hold it for the Sanitarium, if possible. An effort was made to do this, but in the meantime it was sold to an outside party for $35,000, who planned to lay out the vacant land into lots and sell them, retaining the orange orchard. It was also planned to put up a packing house for packing oranges at Loma Linda. This we regretted very much. It was the very thing we had feared.
We interviewed the parties purchasing the land, and did what we could to discourage laying out any town site. When they found we were opposed to such an effort they finally let the option on the land pass. Mr. Kelly then approached us about purchasing the land. While the matter was pending, we received the following, written Aug. 29, 1911:
Regarding the Purchase of Land Adjoining Loma Linda
“Loma Linda is an important center. We needed this place and all its advantages. We were successful in obtaining it, and we have had success in operating it, notwithstanding the opposition shown by some who should have been acting as helpers in the effort to equip a sanitarium properly. I have a deep interest in Loma Linda. It is a beautiful place. For sanitarium work, we could not have a more favorable situation. And it is well adapted for the other lines of work that we desire to see done there.
Recently the question arose about securing more of the nearby land that is for sale. One piece, a tract of eighty-six acres, has already been purchased, and there is now on sale another tract of forty-seven acres joining the Loma Linda property. Because this piece of land is so near to our Loma Linda buildings, we do not want to see it sold to unbelievers, who will divide it up, and sell it to those who may desire to crowd into this neighborhood. In the night season I was talking to our brethren, telling them that this must not be allowed, and pointing out what unfavorable results would follow. If this piece of land should be purchased by unbelievers, and divided up and sold to those who would be no help to our work, the injury to Loma Linda would be serious and lasting. I cannot bear the thought of this. Cannot a group of individuals who are alive to the vital interests of the Lord’s work, unite together and make this land our property? Then if we wish to sell a portion of it, let it be sold to our people. There is an orange orchard on the place, and this could be734handled to advantage by the Sanitarium. The institution is hardly complete without the control of this orchard.
“As the number of patients and students increases, more land will be needed. Grape vines could be planted, thus making it possible for the institution to produce its grapes.”
“Families and institutions should learn to do more in the cultivation and improvement of land. If people only knew the value of the products of the ground, which the earth brings forth in their season, more diligent efforts would be made to cultivate the soil. All should be acquainted with the special value of fruit and vegetables fresh from the orchard and garden.”
“Will not some of our brethren who thus far have invested but little in Loma Linda, help the Lord’s cause by assisting in the purchase of this piece of land? I place this matter before you, feeling sure that you will not allow the land to pass into the hands of unbelievers. We ought not to place ourselves where we shall become unfavorably associated with those who could make it hard for us if they chose to do so, and restrict us to certain limits.
“We must have room to keep ourselves distinct as a Sabbath-keeping people. The Lord has given directions that we are to make provision which will prevent our being harassed and inconvenienced by having to crowd in with unbelievers. I wish I might make on your minds the impression that has been made on mine regarding this matter
“If a portion of this land must be sold, we can sell it to the friends of the institution.”
The Property Secured
On receiving this communication, another effort was made by Elder Burden to interest some one of means to secure the property, and hold it until the College could take it over. At this time, without solicitation on our part three different bankers offered to supply us means that we might secure the property, although they had refused to loan money on it to the previous owners. When they were told that we would need ten thousand dollars to purchase it, they unhesitatingly furnished the money. So the property was secured, and is waiting for the College to take it over if they desire it.
At the Board meeting held in November, 1911, the communications concerning the land, and the conditions upon which it was held by the present owners, were fully presented, and the board took action, renting the land for the current year at a price to cover interest and taxes, and also taking an option to purchase both pieces of land for a year or until it could be presented to the constituency at the spring meeting in March, 1912.
Action Taken at Annual Meeting
At the annual meeting of the constituency held at Loma Linda March 27 to April 2, 1912, the advantages736to the institution of its having the full control of both, the 86 acre tract and the Hazen Kelly tract of 47 acres lying east of Loma Linda Ave., was freely discussed. In an address before the constituency, Thursday evening, March 28, Sister White spoke of the matter as follows:
“As we were coming from Los Angeles, I thought of many things that should be considered at this meeting; but I did not expect to be the one to speak first. This I say, however, I thank the Lord that we have this beautiful place. Last night I was considering this: We must always keep in mind that we are doing a work for time and for eternity.
“In our Los Angeles meeting there was a unity of sentiment in the councils that gives me great encouragement; and here at Loma Linda, we must strive to see, not how much we can differ from one another, but how closely we can come into the perfect unity of which the Word of God advises us.
“Whenever I look at the buildings, the fields, and the orchards here at Loma Linda, I am thankful that we have this beautiful place, thankful for every foot of ground we control. By and by you will see, if you do not understand it now, that the securing of the land was essential. It may not appear to you now that it was necessary for us to secure so large a tract, but I am instructed that our work here must be carried forward on broad lines and in solid unity. That the will of the Lord may be done in this place, we must be in a position737where we can understand His pleasure in regard to our words and actions, where we may be always helping forward that work which is most essential. During the night it was again impressed upon my mind that it was through the providence of God that we obtained this place when we did. Also that the branching out and enlargement that we have done, and the development of the work as it stands today, is what the Lord would have us do.
“As a people we can not stand still. The work must grow as we move forward. We have now come to a time when there will be intensity of action on the part of some whose movements we do not now understand. How then shall we carry the work at such a time, when opportunities for advancement come unexpectedly and difficulties are constantly increasing. We must daily commit our ways to God in faith, and be learning continually of Christ Jesus. He will not leave us to walk in darkness, but will give us the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit.” . . .
“As I looked out the window this morning after the fog had lifted, and saw the fields and the orchards in front of the institution, I felt thankful for all the land that is now in our possession. We are not to sell portions hastily to this one or to that; but we are to consider well who it is that we may sell to. Let every decision be made after prayer and faithful study. We need to cultivate the spirit of prayer, that all our plans may be laid wisely and in the fear of God.”
Plans regarding the securing of these properties were discussed by the constituency March 29, and resolutions were adopted which after referring to previous action and the reasons therefor as recorded on page 15, recommended to the incoming Board of Directors, that it should “secure the title to the above described Kelly property of 86 acres at the price of $276.00 an acre with the understanding that no general solicitation be made for funds to pay for said property, and further that this property may be subdivided and sold when thought advisable by our Board of Managers, and
“WHEREAS the Hazen Kelly land of 47 acres is also adjacent to our present property, and is desireable for the same reasons as enumerated concerning the 86-acre tract, and said tract can be secured with an option to purchase at such a figure as seems reasonable, THEREFORE
“WE RECOMMEND that our incoming board of directors take a three years lease on the said adjacent Kelly land with an option to purchase at a price to be agreed upon. The rental in said lease to be sufficient to cover all annual expense of interests, taxes, water, etc., that the present owners are meeting on said property.”
Subdivision
In harmony with the foregoing, eighteen acre lots have been laid off fronting Colton Avenue,739which may be sold to friends of the institution at $600.00 each.
Along the west side of Loma Linda Avenue, sixteen half acre lots have been laid off, which, when fenced and provided with water and sewer privileges, may be leased to those connected with the institution at $48.00 a year rental.
TheNashville Sanitarium
Extracts from Letters and Articles on Sanitarium Work at Nashville, Tenn.
By ELLEN G. WHITE
“For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth.” Isa. 62:1.
THAT a great and good work has been accomplished through the agency of well equipped sanitariums, operated by efficient physicians, nurses, and helpers who fear God and love their fellow men, is clearly manifest to any one who will give study to sanitarium work and its results.
It is easily discerned that the more efficient and powerful a man or an agency is for the service of God and humanity, the more diligent and artful are the efforts of the enemy of God and man to destroy or weaken that man or agency. Therefore we should not be disheartened when difficulties surround the work of our sanitariums.
In “Testimonies for the Church,” vol. 6, at the beginning of the department entitled, “Medical Missionary Work,” under the chapter-heading, “God’s Design for Our Sanitariums,” we read: “Every institution established by Seventh-day Adventists is to be to the world what Joseph was in Egypt and what Daniel and his fellows were in Babylon. . . . In prosperity and adversity they honored God, and God honored them.”
All along the way God has honored our sanitariums by using them as agencies for good in many ways. He has recently delivered some of them from the bondage of debt; and he is especially blessing others which have been made centers for evangelistic work.
With the experience of the past few years of the sanitariums at College View, St. Helena, Melrose, and742Loma Linda before us, we should take courage, and fight valiantly for freedom from debt and for efficiency in service in connection with each and every one of our sanitariums.
It was my privilege to be associated with my mother during the years that she carried on her heart a heavy burden for the establishment of our sanitariums at Nashville, Graysville, Atlanta, and Huntsville. And I have witnessed her joy and rejoicing as these institutions began their noble work. That there have been delays, disappointments, and sorrows connected with their early experiences, has not surprised her. Of their ultimate success she is confident. Therefore to me it has been a pleasant duty to unite with Bro. C. C. Crisler in searching her writings to find some of her many utterances regarding the necessity, the character, and the value of a well-equipped sanitarium at Nashville, Tenn.
It is with the hope that this little pamphlet may bring strength and efficiency to the institution, and hope and courage to its friends and supporters, that it is sent forth on its mission of good cheer.
W. C. White.
The Nashville Sanitarium
Nashville as a Center
As a people we should take a special interest in the work at Nashville. At the present time this city is a point of great importance in the Southern field. Our brethren selected Nashville as a center for work in the South because the Lord in his wisdom directed them there. It is a favorable place in which to make a beginning. . . .
Sanitarium work . . . has begun in Nashville. This must be wisely managed and given support. Medical missionary work is indeed the helping hand of the gospel ministry. It opens the way for the entrance of truth.
Are there not some nurses and doctors who will go to the Southern States, and devote their energies to helping those who are so greatly in need of help?
Health reformers are needed—men and women who are as true as steel to principle. Nurses are needed for the sanitarium in Nashville.
Some may say, “If the Lord is coming soon, what744need is there to establish schools, sanitariums, and food factories? What need is there for our young people to learn trades?” It is the Lord’s design that we shall constantly improve the talents he has given us. We can not do this unless we use them. The prospect of Christ’s soon coming should not lead us to idleness. Instead it should lead us to do all we possibly can to bless and benefit humanity. No idler is guiltless in the Lord’s sight. . . .
There is a work to be done for all classes of society. We are to come close to the poor and the depraved, those who have fallen through intemperance. And at the same time, we are not to forget the ministers, lawyers, senators, and judges, many of whom use strong drink and tobacco. Leave no effort untried to show them that their souls are worth saving, that eternal life is worth striving for. Present the total abstinence pledge to those in high positions. Ask them to give the money they would otherwise spend for the harmful indulgences of liquor and tobacco, to the establishment of institutions where children and youth can be prepared to fill positions of usefulness in the world.
Long years of neglect make the work in the Southern field far harder than it would otherwise have been. Obstructions have been accumulating. Great progress might have been made in medical missionary work. Sanitariums might have been established. The principles of health reform might have been proclaimed.745This work is now to be taken up. And into it not a vestige of selfishness is to be brought. It is to be done with an earnestness, perseverance, and devotion that will open doors through which the truth can enter, and that to stay.
God has given our sanitariums an opportunity to set in operation a work that would be as a stone instinct with life, growing as it is rolled by an invisible hand. Let this mystic stone be set in motion. If ever a place needed medical missionary work, it is the Southern field.
Those living in places where the truth has been long established should remember the needs of the preparatory work to be done in Nashville. This place has been selected as a center because of the large educational institutions situated in and near it. In these institutions there are those who are doing a noble work for the people of the South. They must be given opportunity to hear the message that is to prepare a people to stand in the day of the Lord. . . .
My brethren, what are you going to do in regard to the Southern field? With earnest effort you are to strive to establish memorials for God throughout the Southern States.
A great work is before us in the South. The brethren there need means to erect inexpensive buildings that are necessary for the carrying forward of the work that must be done speedily. Churches should be746raised up; houses of worship should be built; small schools and sanitariums should be established; and the publishing interests should be strengthened.
It was in the order of God that Seventh-day Adventists should enter Nashville. I was instructed that memorials for God were to be established in this place, not only right in the city, but at a little distance from it. Efforts were to be made to reach both the white and the colored people. The medical missionary work was to be established there; for it is the right hand of the gospel. But the work would have to move slowly; for there was not much means with which to carry it on. . . .
A deep interest should be shown in the building up of the work in and around Nashville. A sanitarium should be established. If possible, a building already erected should be secured, if a suitable one can be found in a favorable locality. As soon as possible, steps should be taken to advance this work. When this institution is established, it will have great influence among the people. Let us ask the Lord to open the way for this work, and to lead us in its advancement. We have a God who hears and answers prayer.
In this work, one man’s mind is not to control. The work is to be done in the fear of the Lord. All the brethren are to have a voice in the final decision.
The Lord in his providence will work on minds as747he has worked in the past, leading men to favor our people by offering them property at low prices.
Medical missions should be opened as pioneer agencies to prepare the way for the proclamation of the third angel’s message in the cities of the South. Oh, how great is the need for means to do this line of work! Gospel medical missions can not be established without financial aid. Every such mission calls for our sympathy, and for our means, that facilities may be provided to make the work successful. Separate sanitariums for both races should be established.
There is a vast amount of work to be done in Nashville and vicinity. Workers can go into the suburbs and do excellent work. There must be sanitariums in Nashville, one for the white and one for the colored people. This will make the work more expensive, but its importance can not be estimated.
I was instructed by the Lord that the Southern field was to be given every advantage. Especially was Nashville to be worked. Special plans were to be taken to reach the students and teachers of the large schools and colleges in and near Nashville. . . .
Great care must be exercised in regard to appropriating to the institutions already established in the South the means raised in other fields for advance work in this field. Something should be done toward748the establishment of a school and a sanitarium near Nashville. Efforts must be put forth to advance the work in places in which hardly anything has been done.
The cause of God is in need of every dollar that you can spare. There are many places where money is greatly needed to help; places which the Lord desires to see provided with facilities for the proclamation of the truth for this time.
The Lord has plainly specified that in Nashville, memorials for him should be erected. A sanitarium is needed in that place, and a school should be established there.
I am in full sympathy with you in urging our churches in the North and the South, the East and the West, to immediate action in supplying the present needs of the work in the South. Let all now take up in earnest the work of helping to relieve the pressing necessities of the work at Nashville.
Nashville has been presented to me as the most favorable center from which to do a general work for all classes in the Southern States. In and near Nashville there are established institutions of learning, which should be respected by our people. Their influence has helped to make it possible for us to carry forward successfully, many lines of work from that center.
In Rented Quarters
We have been in Nashville for nearly two weeks. . . .
Last Friday we went out to visit the sanitarium, which is about three miles out of Nashville. The country all around there is as pretty as a picture. At present the sanitarium work is being carried on in a rented building, but we hope that arrangements can soon be made to secure a place of our own.
When, in Nashville, I saw Brother and Sister Hansen trying in every way to do the greatest amount of good in the city, fitting up a few rooms in which to give treatment, economizing, and not sparing themselves, I felt like weeping. I thought, O, what a great work might be accomplished if every Seventh-day Adventist family would do their utmost in God’s service!
Brother and Sister Hayward are also working earnestly to carry forward medical missionary work in Nashville. I visited them at the place in which for the present they are carrying on their sanitarium work. The house is not at all suitable for their work. Brother and Sister Hayward and their helpers750are doing their best. They make the facilities that they have, go as far as possible. But they must have a more suitable building for their work.
During my stay in Nashville, I saw the necessities of the work there, and its great need of help. I visited the sanitarium conducted by Dr. Hayward and Brother Hansen. For several years Brother Hansen has had treatment-rooms in Nashville. Recently the Medical Department of the Southern Union Conference purchased his business, and Dr. Hayward, from Graysville, joined Brother Hansen in the work. They have treatment-rooms, a health food store, and physicians’ offices in a large house in the city. They have also rented a house three miles out of the city, for the accommodation of patients and nurses. I visited both of these places, and found them full of sick people receiving help.
Brethren Hayward and Hansen, with their faithful helpers, are doing their best with the facilities they have, but the inconvenience under which they are at present conducting their work are very trying, and I wished that they might have a larger building, where they could accomplish more with less effort.