Loma Linda Messages

E. G. White to the Ministers in S. Calif., June 30, 1904 (Lt 211, 1904)

Nashville, Tenn., June 30, 1904.

To the Ministers in Southern California:—

Dear Brethren:—

I have no desire to hurt the soul of any one, but I must bear the straight testimony given me. Some of the ministers and leaders in the Southern California Conference need to realize the necessity of counselling with their brethren who have been long in the work, and who have thus gained a valuable experience. Their disposition to shut themselves up to themselves, and to feel competent to plan and execute, according to their own judgment and preference, brings them into financial embarrassment. Then, when the embarrassment bears heavily upon them, they are tempted to think that the Union Conference or the General Conference should help them out. This independent way of working is not right, and should not be followed. The ministers and teachers in our Conferences are to work unitedly with their brethren of experience, asking them for advice, and paying heed to this advice. LLM 43.7

Earnest work should be done in Southern California in carrying the Fernando school forward successfully, and earnest work should be done in establishing a sanitarium near Los Angeles. Several buildings have already been offered for sale. If these are not suitable, or if they cannot be purchased for a reasonable sum, land should be purchased and buildings erected. LLM 44.1

Our small conferences should be careful not to create burdens of debt for the General Conference to carry. At times (70) inconsiderate moves are made, buildings are put up without sufficient thought as to their use, and responsibilities are assumed where there is not ability to carry these responsibilities. Thus, money is absorbed that brings no returns. Enterprises are started which consume without producing. This is not as it should be. LLM 44.2

Diligent efforts should be made to lessen the debt resting on the school, but these efforts should be made by all. I have supposed that Christ's Object Lessons, handled discreetly, would do much toward relieving our schools from debt, and I believe that this book will yet be the means of doing much to help the Fernando School. LLM 44.3

I do not see the wisdom of the school depending on the second tithe to meet so much of its expenses. I fear that if the brethren rely so much upon this that difficulties will rise. You should labor patiently to develop those industries by which students can partly work their way through school. LLM 44.4

Let each family try to pay the expenses of the students that it sends to school. Some families, in which there are several children attending school, will be hard pressed. Would it not be wisdom to create a fund by the sale of Christ's Object Lessons for the assistance of such ones? There are many young people who desire to be in school, and who ought to be, but who have no means. These young people can be helped through school, if our people will do their duty in handling Object Lessons. LLM 44.5

The purchase of the school buildings at Fernando was in the order of God. Valuable property was obtained at a price far below its original cost. The brethren did right to buy it, and the school can be sustained if the families of believers in Southern California will do their best to make it a success. The young men and women who expect to attend school should do all in their power, before entering the school to earn money to meet their expenses. LLM 45.1

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