The Lord is calling upon us to awake to
a realization of our responsibilities. God has given to every
man his work. Each one may live a life of usefulness. Let us
learn all that we can and then be a blessing to others by imparting
a knowledge of truth. Let everyone do according to his several
ability, willingly helping to bear the burdens.
Everywhere 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 higher classes--the
lawyers, ministers, senators, and judges, many of whom are slaves
to intemperate habits. We are to leave no effort untried to show
them that their souls are worth saving, that eternal life is
worth striving for. To those in high positions we are to present
the total abstinence pledge, asking 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 may be prepared to fill positions of usefulness in the
world.
Great light has been shining upon us, but
how little of this light we reflect to the world! Heavenly angels
are waiting for human beings to co-operate with them in the practical
carrying out of the principles of truth. It is through the agency of our sanitariums and kindred
enterprises that much of this work is to be done. These institutions
are to be God's memorials, where His healing power can reach
all classes, high and low, rich and poor. Every dollar invested
in them for Christ's sake will bring blessings both to the giver
and to suffering humanity.
Medical missionary work is the right hand
of the gospel. It is necessary to the advancement of the cause
of God. As through it men and women are led to see the importance
of right habits of living, the saving power of the truth will
be made known. Every city is to be entered by workers trained
to do medical missionary work. As the right hand of the third
angel's message, God's methods of treating disease will open
doors for the entrance of present truth. Health literature must
be circulated in many lands. Our physicians in Europe and other
countries should awake to the necessity of having health works
prepared by men who are on the ground and who can meet the people
where they are with the most essential instruction.
The Lord will give to our sanitariums whose
work is already established an opportunity to co-operate with
Him in assisting newly established plants. Every new institution
is to be regarded as a sister helper in the great work of proclaiming
the third angel's message. God has given our sanitariums an opportunity
to set in operation a work that will be as a stone instinct with
life, growing as it is rolled by an invisible hand. Let this
mystic stone be set in motion.
The Lord has instructed me to warn those
who in the future establish sanitariums in new places, to begin
their work in humility, consecrating their abilities to His service.
The buildings erected are not to be large or expensive. Small
local sanitariums are to be established in connection with our training schools. In these sanitariums
young men and young women of ability and consecration are to
be gathered--those who will conduct themselves in the love and
fear of God, those who, when prepared for graduation, will not
feel that they know all that they need to know, but will diligently
study and carefully practice the lessons given by Christ. The
righteousness of Christ will go before such ones, and the glory
of God will be their rearward.
I have been given light that in many cities
it is advisable for a restaurant to be connected with treatment
rooms. The two can co-operate in upholding right principles.
In connection with these it is sometimes advisable to have rooms
that will serve as lodgings for the sick. These establishments
will serve as feeders to the sanitariums located in the country
and would better be conducted in rented buildings. We are not
to erect in the cities large buildings in which to care for the
sick, because God has plainly indicated that the sick can be
better cared for outside of the cities. In many places it will
be necessary to begin sanitarium work in the cities; but, as
much as possible, this work should be transferred to the country
as soon as suitable locations can be secured.
The light that has been given me is that,
instead of devoting our energies to the upbuilding of a few mammoth
medical institutions, we should establish many smaller ones.
It is almost impossible to find talent to manage a large sanitarium
as it should be managed. The workers are not all under the control
of the Spirit of God as they should be, and a worldly spirit
comes in.
The strength and joy of benefiting humanity
lie not in expensive buildings. We must remember how many are
suffering for want of necessary food and clothing. In erecting
buildings we should not be influenced by a desire for appearance.
We should do our duty, and leave
the results with God who only can give success. Let any extra
means that we may have be spent in providing proper health-restoring
facilities. Let all our sanitariums be erected for health and
happiness; let them be so located that the patients will have
the blessing of the sunlight; let them be so arranged that every
unnecessary step will be saved.
In this work it is best to make small beginnings
in many places and allow God's providence to indicate how rapidly
facilities should be increased. The small plants established
will grow into larger institutions. There will be a distribution
of responsibilities, and workers will thus gradually acquire
greater mental and spiritual power. The establishment of these
institutions will result in much good if all connected with them
will suppress selfish ambition and keep ever in view the glory
of God. Many of our people should be laboring in new fields,
but let none seek notoriety. The minds of the laborers must be
sanctified.
In all our work let us remember that the
same Jesus who fed the multitude with five loaves and two small
fishes is able today to give us the fruit of our labor. He who
said to the fishers of Galilee, "Let down your nets for
a draft," and who, as they obeyed, filled their nets till
they broke, desires His people to see in this an evidence of
what He will do for them today. The same God who gave the children
of Israel manna from heaven still lives and reigns. He will guide
His people and give skill and understanding in the work they
are called to do. In answer to earnest prayer He will give wisdom
to those who strive to do their duty conscientiously and intelligently.
Under His blessing the work with which they are connected will
grow to larger proportions, many will learn to be faithful burden
bearers, and success will attend their efforts.