Lt 113, 1905

Gotzian, J.

“Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California

April 11, 1905

Portions of this letter are published in MM 208-209. +^Note See earlier draft as Lt 94, 1905.

Dear Sister Gotzian,—

I was glad to receive a letter from you a few days ago. Through my absence last summer, we lost much time on our book work, and for some time I have been very busy preparing matter for and reading the proofs of Ministry of Healing. This work has taxed my brain heavily, and I have been compelled to be somewhat moderate in my letter writing. However, I desire to keep up correspondence with you. We are united, with others, in bearing responsibilities, and we should communicate with each other frequently. 20LtMs, Lt 113, 1905, par. 1

There is an important work to be done in the place where you are. If we seek the Lord earnestly, He will teach us, as His agents, what to say and what to do to win souls to Christ. He will bless us in seeking to cultivate the kindness and tenderness and sympathy of Christ. 20LtMs, Lt 113, 1905, par. 2

We must take up the work of the Lord disinterestedly. It has been my desire to do all I possibly can for the sanitarium at Paradise Valley, that from it the very best influence may go forth, resulting in the salvation of many souls. Our work is to win souls to Christ. It is for this purpose that we have united our interests in a determination to carry forward God’s work in San Diego. But we must deal lovingly and kindly with all. To blame or to chide tries people and does not help them. We must be careful not to cast blame upon those who are trying to do the Lord’s work, but rather seek to encourage them, commending them whenever possible. 20LtMs, Lt 113, 1905, par. 3

If it should be my privilege to visit the Paradise Valley Sanitarium once more, I desire that we may be united in seeking to bless all with whom we associate. We are not to set ourselves up as a criterion to which others must conform. We should reveal a tenderness of heart and a whole-souled enthusiasm in promoting the happiness of all with whom we are connected. We have a duty to perform in eliminating self from our plans and in feeling a personal responsibility to act as Christ would act in circumstances similar to those with which we are surrounded. Then we shall impress the minds of others in such a way that God will be glorified. 20LtMs, Lt 113, 1905, par. 4

Those who are connected with our sanitariums are to be educators. By pleasant words and kindly deeds they are to make the gospel attractive. As followers of Christ, they should seek to make the most favorable impression of the religion they profess and to inspire noble thoughts. Some will be affected by their influence for time and for eternity. 20LtMs, Lt 113, 1905, par. 5

In the work of helping others, we may gain most precious victories. We should devote ourselves with untiring zeal, with earnest fidelity, with self-denial, and with patience to the work of helping those who need to develop. Kind, encouraging words will do wonders. There are many who, if a constant, cheerful effort is put forth in their behalf, without faultfinding or chiding, will show themselves susceptible of improvement. The less we criticize others, the greater will be our influence over them for good. To many, frequent, positive admonitions will do more harm than good. Let Christlike kindness be enjoined upon all. 20LtMs, Lt 113, 1905, par. 6

There is a science in dealing with those who seem especially weak. If we would teach others, we ourselves must first learn of Christ. We need broad views, that we may do true medical missionary work and show tact in dealing with minds. 20LtMs, Lt 113, 1905, par. 7

Those who are really the least in need of help are likely to receive the most of our attention. But we need to show special wisdom in dealing with those who seem inconsiderate and thoughtless. Some do not comprehend the sacredness of the work of God. Those of the least ability, the thoughtless, and even the indolent especially demand careful, prayerful consideration. We must exercise tact in dealing with those who seem to be ignorant and out of the way. By persevering effort in their behalf, we must help them to become useful in the Lord’s work. They will respond readily to a patient, tender, loving interest. 20LtMs, Lt 113, 1905, par. 8

We are to co-operate with the Lord Jesus in restoring the inefficient and the erring to intelligence and purity. This work ranks equally in importance with the work of the gospel ministry. We are called upon by God to manifest an untiring, patient interest in the salvation of those who need divine polishing. 20LtMs, Lt 113, 1905, par. 9

These words I seemed to be speaking before a company of teachers and students. My soul was stirred by the instruction given. God will not withhold wisdom from those who seek for it. 20LtMs, Lt 113, 1905, par. 10

The mind is to act intelligently, not to follow inclination, but to bring all the actions into harmony with the divine law. We may be opposed by those who desire to vindicate their sins; but we are to teach the Word of the Lord, leaving all selfish authority out of our discipline. 20LtMs, Lt 113, 1905, par. 11

The life and the teachings of Christ are intensely practical. They deal with the actual duties of life. They enjoin patience in the performance of all necessary duties, whether they be agreeable or disagreeable. “Whatsoever ye do in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.” [Colossians 3:17.] 20LtMs, Lt 113, 1905, par. 12

This is the sanctification that is needed in every institution that is established for the healing of the souls and bodies of those who are suffering from the malady of sin. Bible truth is to be exemplified before a sinful world. By obedience to the requirements of God’s law, our characters are to be made complete in Him who knew no sin. 20LtMs, Lt 113, 1905, par. 13

“As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name; which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man but of God. And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, ... full of grace and truth.” [John 1:12-14.] 20LtMs, Lt 113, 1905, par. 14

Such is the sanctification of the soul, through the operation of the Holy Spirit. A new nature is implanted. The human being is made a partaker of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 20LtMs, Lt 113, 1905, par. 15

“Ye are the light of the world. ... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14, 16.] 20LtMs, Lt 113, 1905, par. 16