Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 285, 1905

Wade, Brother

“Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California

October 2, 1905

Portions of this letter are published in ChL 63; 6Bio 40-41. +^Note

Dr. Wade

Dear Brother,—

I have not written to you before, regarding the sanitarium enterprise with which you are connected; for I have received no light that would lead me to write anything contrary to that which was contained in the testimony read in Denver by Elder Irwin. But I am now prepared to speak positively. Last Thursday night the matter was presented to me more fully. 20LtMs, Lt 285, 1905, par. 1

I was shown that you need to receive treatment from the great Physician of soul and body. There is hope for you if you will consent to come under His saving influence; but until you feel your need of the services of the great Physician, you will never be purified by the blood of Christ. 20LtMs, Lt 285, 1905, par. 2

Physicians are placed in positions of trial and temptation. But they may stand firm to their allegiance, if they will take hold of the strength that God offers them. He says, “let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me, and he shall make peace with Me.” [Isaiah 27:5.] The Lord will be the helper of every physician who will work together with Him in the effort to restore suffering humanity to health, not with drugs, but with nature’s remedies. Christ is the great Physician, the wonderful Healer. He gives success to those who work in partnership with Him. 20LtMs, Lt 285, 1905, par. 3

My brother, you need a new spiritual life. You need to strip yourself of all selfishness. You should learn to seek the glory of God and the good of your fellow men. When you are truly converted, you will understand what I am now writing to you. For the reasons that I am presenting to you, I beg of you to keep free from the burdens that would come to you in connection with a sanitarium. 20LtMs, Lt 285, 1905, par. 4

It has been plainly revealed to me that you possess some very objectionable traits of character which make it unadvisable for you to unite with your brethren in such an enterprise as you contemplate. Your disposition is such that you are not prepared to exert a healthful, wholesome influence in a sanitarium. 20LtMs, Lt 285, 1905, par. 5

Were a sanitarium established by you, circumstances would arise that would injure the experience of others who might be connected with the institution. The matter has been made plain to me, and I am authorized to say that the men who are united in the matter of erecting and controlling a sanitarium in Canon City are not qualified to do the best kind of work. Should they carry out their plans there would be disappointment and continual friction. Your lack of self-discipline forbids you to take upon yourself such responsibilities as you have contemplated. It means much more than you realize for one to assume that he is fitted for the management of a sanitarium. 20LtMs, Lt 285, 1905, par. 6

My brother, you need to be converted and to become as a little child. You should be fearful of following your own judgment. Should you in any way become suspicious of one who does not harmonize with you, you would make trouble. When your will and way is crossed, bitter feelings arise in your heart. You cherish a feeling of hatred toward the one whom you think has made a mistake. You forget that when a brother has made a mistake, you should “seek to restore such an one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself lest thou also be tempted.” [Galatians 6:1.] We are out of place in cherishing bitter feelings toward any of the Lord’s purchased possession. 20LtMs, Lt 285, 1905, par. 7

God desires you to be sound in the faith, day by day manifesting in your words and spirit the righteousness of Christ. You may gain a valuable experience in the cultivation of that self-control which is essential for every Christian. “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” [Matthew 5:5.] 20LtMs, Lt 285, 1905, par. 8

The Lord desires all who profess to believe in Him to cultivate the heavenly graces. An unsanctified character is the greatest evil we have to meet in our work. Every soul is to be tested and tried. If self is not hid with Christ in God, human beings will do that which will hinder the work of God. I am sorry that you do not understand the weakness of your nature. But remember that where sin abounds, grace doth much more abound. 20LtMs, Lt 285, 1905, par. 9

May the Lord strengthen His people and sanctify them unto Himself. My brother, there rests upon you a solemn obligation to overcome hatred. Those who have overcome their selfishness will respond to the efforts of Christ to purify their hearts. 20LtMs, Lt 285, 1905, par. 10