Loma Linda Messages

Loma Linda Meeting

(August 17, 1905.)

“For as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them and brought the prices of the things that were sold and laid them down at the apostles' feet.” Acts 4:34. Such is in brief the description of the spirit and power that actuated the followers of Christ in the establishment of the early church under the outpouring of the early rain. As we have read the account of their experiences and realized that under the outpouring of the latter rain a greater work is to be accomplished, how we have longed to see the same spirit and power come to the people of God. Those who were privileged to be present at the Los Angeles campmeeting Aug. 17, from 9:30 to 12 m., and witnessed the response of the people to the call of the Lord to secure the Loma Linda property for Sanitarium purposes, could not help being reminded that the same spirit that actuated the early church, causing them to dispose of earthly possessions to advance the Cause, was again hovering over His people, and the same God that supplied the finances for their necessities, can in His own good way supply the means to carry forward His present work, if we but trust Him and move out in faith when He bids us to go forward. Not seeing the means, we hesitated to take the first step, and thus came short of the substance,—the things hoped for. LLM 115.2

For nearly four years the Lord has been calling us to a forward move in Medical Missionary work in Southern California not only in setting forth the wonderful opportunities for helping the many thousands coming to this country in search of health, but outlining in detail and accurately describing the places in which the work was to begin, even telling us that such places (192) would be offered for sale at prices far below their real value. With all this our faith still faltered to move out in God's appointed way. During this time in following our own plan the work had become embarrassed financially, until it seemed impossible from a human standpoint to carry out the plan outlined by the Lord even when He called the second time for us to secure Sanitarium property outside the cities. Many reasoned that since we were involved financially in our Medical Missionary enterprises our first duty was to liquidate those obligations before undertaking other enterprises. So an effort was put forth to secure means for this purpose, but only about $800 was raised in donations. When the call came one year ago for a Sanitarium to be established near Los Angeles we resolved to move forward by faith in the Lord's way, with the result that nearly $4,000 in cash has been raised in donations. This with the net earnings of the institution makes about $5,500 gained in the Lord's way with a good institution in full running order, against $800 in our own way and no institution; demonstrating clearly that the wisdom of man is foolishness with God. LLM 115.3

Although the Lord in His plan for the medical missionary work in Southern California, had outlined that Sanitariums were to be located in the Los Angeles, San Diego and Redlands and Riverside districts, we supposed that when the first two were established, we should be relieved from further obligation, at least until these institutions were well established; but we had waited so long in starting the work in these places that the Lord saw it was time to begin the work in the Redlands and Riverside district. No sooner was the Glendale institution well opened than word came to keep watch for Sanitarium property (193) near Riverside and Redlands. This was repeated again in March and April with the suggestion that it was to be nearer Redlands. With this suggestion came the thought that possibly it was Loma Linda to which the Lord was calling our attention. A Committee of five was appointed by the Conference to look into the matter with the result that it was soon learned that the place was for sale at a very low price. About this time Sister White passed through Los Angeles on her way to the General Conference. A few of the Committee reported to her the result of their investigation. She instructed them to look up all the particulars and write her. The Committee then visited Loma Linda, looking up all the details and securing their lowest price. Full particulars with circulars of the institution were sent to Sister White at Washington, and to the brethren present from this Conference, asking them to counsel over the matter and write us their impression concerning the place. The Lord answered through His servant by telegram to secure the place without delay. Others acting in harmony with the counsel and advice of the leading brethren, wrote and telegraphed discouraging the movement. LLM 116.1

Then followed the conflict between faith and doubt as to whether we should follow the Lord or our own wisdom. It seemed that our present obligations and burdens were all we could carry. How could we possibly undertake the establishment of another institution? The conflict waged far and wide. From the General Conference to the Union and Sate Conference—from church to church and from individual to individual, with quite a general expression that we should keep free from further obligations. Still the voice of the Lord came clear and positive (194) to move forward without delay. Sister White on her return from Washington, in company with about twenty of the brethren and sisters visited Loma Linda and was clear in her conviction that it was the place that the Lord designed for us to have, as will be seen in her articles in this pamphlet. As the small number present did not feel free to assume so large a responsibility, a larger council was then called at Los Angeles to consider what should be done. Sister White rehearsed the light that had been given her concerning the work in this field since her return from Australia and stated that this place fully met the description given. The vote of the members present was favorable to securing the place. It was then decided to call a similar council at San Diego for the same purpose, and another more general meeting at Los Angeles for June 20th, and to invite all the churches to send delegates to this meeting. In the meantime Elder G. A. Irwin, Vice-president of the General Conference, passed through Southern California, and after visiting Loma Linda, attended the general meeting at Los Angeles. His convictions concerning the enterprise are fully set forth in his letter in this pamphlet and in his remarks at the Los Angeles meeting. In this meeting it was manifest by the varied remarks that many minds were wavering as to the duty of the people as a Conference. While the voice of the Lord outlined no definite plan for the handling of the enterprise, it was still clear and positive that it should be assumed without delay; hence the following action was passed unanimously, and about $1,100 were subscribed in cash and pledges. Others came forth with loans to meet the first payment. LLM 116.2

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At the meeting on the camp-ground August 17, a full account of the light given concerning the Medical Missionary work in Southern California was presented to the entire Conference dwelling particularly upon that which related to the establishment of sanitariums in this field, and how God would open the way for us to secure buildings at reasonable rates, if we would move forward in faith. The light concerning the two already established and the instruction concerning Loma Linda was carefully reviewed, and the question left with the people as to what we should do. As one after another expressed themselves as ready to move forward in harmony with the light the Lord had given, it manifest that the time for a forward move had fully come, so an opportunity was given, first, for donations and pledges, second, for cash loans to meet present payments, and third, for those who had property that they could dispose of, to consecrate it for sale, that means might be used to help in this enterprise. The result was that in less than an hour the donations and pledges amounted to more than $2,000; the cash loans to $18,000; and property consecrated for sale to help in this enterprise amounted to nearly $20,000, most of which it was thought would find ready sales within a year. Some of the property was sold before the camp-meeting closed. The people rejoiced as of old when they had willingly offered to the Lord His own. The next day the book, Ministry of Healing, which has been dedicated to the relief of our sanitariums, was presented to our people, and in a very few minutes over three hundred copies were subscribed for, to be taken and paid for before the end of the year. We do not relate these circumstances to boast in any way of what was accomplished, but to (196) make clear that what the Lord commands us to do, we are abundantly able to perform. The cause is not languishing for lack of means so much as a willingness on our part to consecrate what means we have to His service. The expression of all as the meeting closed seemed unanimous: “This is the best camp-meeting I ever attended.” LLM 117.1

(Signed) J. A. Burden.

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