Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 144, 1904

Diary, July 1904

Washington, D. C.

July 14 - 20, 1904

Portions of this manuscript are published in 5Bio 378.

July 14, 1904

Washington, D. C.

This morning I awakened at three o’clock. My heart goes up in prayer to my heavenly Father that I may have His Holy Spirit upon me continually, that my mind shall not be drawn away to contemplate things that will only prove to burden me from which I have not power to relieve myself. 19LtMs, Ms 144, 1904, par. 1

There is much to be considered now, just now. Where should I be? It seems that my place is with my workers in my home at St. Helena, California. I can accomplish double the work in preparation of my articles for my books in my own office room than I can in any other place. I have much writing I have been preparing for years. I cannot do that work here. I would be pleased in about three or four weeks to take the sleeper to perform this journey. But I want not to follow any choice of my own, but to be where I can best glorify God. 19LtMs, Ms 144, 1904, par. 2

Marian is collecting that which I have written and placing it in order to frame the book now being prepared, The Ministry of Healing. Marian feels that I must be where she is and urges that it is time to complete so important a book. In arranging my writings I feel the same. I need very much the blessings of my own home. The work Marian does is to collect from my diaries that which I did my best to prepare. 19LtMs, Ms 144, 1904, par. 3

I have a most excellent place here. We hired a house on a farm; but I find little relish for my food. I have been at times quite sick. How I should appreciate food from my own garden which would, I think, be relished. I would prefer much to be at home where we can consult together with my copyist, but what is the will of my heavenly Father? That shall be my will, and that will I do if I know what is best. 19LtMs, Ms 144, 1904, par. 4

Last night I had very strong impressions that here, right here, should be located one of our most important sanitariums. We would have the very best impressions upon the community. I could donate from the proceeds of the book Ministry of Healing to partially, if not fully, set at rest this matter of building a sanitarium. I believe this beautiful spot in Takoma Park has been kept for us that we might make a proper presentation in school buildings and sanitarium. 19LtMs, Ms 144, 1904, par. 5

It may be argued that the climate is not the best climate in some seasons of the year. And this is the very argument I shall be obliged to use. If it is not the very best climate, that is why a sanitarium should be established in this locality—out of the din and confusion of the city. We cannot locate any buildings in the cities to do the very work which must be done to properly help suffering humanity and properly educate the invalids. 19LtMs, Ms 144, 1904, par. 6

July 15, 1904

Washington, D. C.

Cannot sleep after twelve o’clock. I was in an important meeting of the medical fraternity. There were a large number collected, and the Lord’s delegated Instructor was present. He addressed one, then another by name. 19LtMs, Ms 144, 1904, par. 7

July 20, 1904

Washington, D. C.

I have now the opportunity to meet with the workers in Takoma Park who are putting up our buildings. They assemble in the large room below my room. They first sing an appropriate hymn, then have prayers. Then, if able, I talk to them, and the Spirit of the Lord comes in. 19LtMs, Ms 144, 1904, par. 8