Loma Linda Messages

To the Executive Committee of the Southern California Conference

Sanitarium, National City, Calif.

B-261-1905 Sept. 14, 1905.

Dear Brethren,

I am instructed to say that where an effort is made to open the gospel work in a new field, there should be not less than two speakers, to labor together in the ministry. When Christ sent forth His disciples on their missionary tour, He sent them out two by two. This is the Lord's plan. LLM 128.1

In opening up the work in San Diego, Elder Simpson should not be left to stand alone. There should be associated with him some one who is fitted to share these responsibilities. Elder Owen should be freed from other work that he may unite with Elder Simpson in presenting the truth to the people of San Diego. LLM 128.2

That this may be accomplished, another Bible teacher must be selected for the school at Fernando, But it will be easier to find a suitable Bible teacher than to secure the service of one who has the wisdom and tact necessary to deal with an interest in the important city of San Diego. I ask you to unite in an effort to make such changes that Elder Owen may be released from the school work, to unite with Elder Simpson. LLM 128.3

Elder Healey may consider that he is fitted to share this burden with Elder Simpson. But this would be a mistake. Elder Healey has neither the necessary physical strength, nor the tact and ingenuity that should be manifested by those who are engaged in a large public effort. LLM 128.4

The Lord designs that His work shall be carried solidly. To enter a new field involves large expenses. But the extra expense of a second man to help Brother Simpson will be an investment that will bring returns. I feel to urge this matter, because so much is at stake. I pray the Lord to impress your minds to carry out His will. LLM 128.5

I will now leave the matter with you, but I cannot free myself from the conviction that it is God's will that Elder Owen and Elder Simpson shall unite in the important work that is to be undertaken in San Diego. I entreat of you to secure some one else to give instruction in Bible at Fernando, that Elder Owen may be free to unite with Elder Simpson. LLM 128.6

Ellen G. White

*****

Sanitarium, National City, Calif.

P-265-1905. Sept. 14, 1905.

Dear Sister Peek,

During our conversation this morning, I felt greatly perplexed to know what to say in reference to your work. I love you, and I want to see you in a position where you can best serve the Master. LLM 128.7

I do not know what would be your own choice of work. Many of our people desire and urge you to enter the educational work. If you feel that this is your duty, I am willing to release you from my employ. I know of no one who is better fitted than yourself to undertake educational work. In regard to your connection with me, I can not say very much, because you have in the past been called to so many other lines of work. LLM 129.1

One thing I must say: If you choose to remain with me, the school work must be laid aside. If you prefer to labor in educational lines, then you must be free so that you can give your undivided attention to that work. I leave the matter entirely with you, that you may follow your own choice. I dare not decide for you. The great necessity for your efficiency as a teacher is the only consideration that leads me to be willing to release you. So many have spoken to me of your efficiency and talent as an educator that I dare not hold you. If at any time in the future you shall choose to connect with me again you will not have become less efficient. LLM 129.2

I write this that you may not be left in uncertainty. Seek the Lord for yourself. If you feel impressed that you prefer to remain with me, I have abundance of work that you can do. If it seems to be the will of God for you to remain with me, we must take hold of the work in earnest, and not allow others to come in and give you a double burden to bear. LLM 129.3

Now, my sister, I feel anxious that if you take up the school work, you shall not load yourself down with too many responsibilities. Make that your work, and carry it as you did the school in St. Helena. If I should act a part in the work at Redlands and Loma Linda, we may be more or less connected in preparing students for time and for eternity. LLM 129.4

May the Lord bless you and give you much of His Holy Spirit, wherever you may labor. If it be your lot to educate students that they may impart to others the heavenly intelligence, I shall be pleased. I have always loved and respected you, and I have not been disappointed in you. The form of sound words is to be prized above every earthly thing. God is glorified by every word that leads to right action. I respect you highly, and desire you to have every advantage possible that you may make continual progression in the service of God. LLM 129.5

In love,

D.R. Ellen G. White

*****

Paradise Valley Sanitarium, National City, Calif.

W. 291, 1905. Sept. 14, 1905.

Dr. Julia A. White:

Dear Sister,

I write to urge you to connect with our sanitarium work at Loma Linda. In the providence of God, this property has passed into our hands. The securing of this sanitarium, thoroughly equipped and furnished, is one of the most wonderful providences that the Lord has opened before us. It is difficult to comprehend all that this transaction means to us. LLM 129.6

The Lord has signified that the time has come for us to work Redlands, San Bernardino, Riverside, and the neighboring towns. I am filled with a solemn joy at the thought that these places are soon to be entered by our workers. LLM 130.1

We need your services, my Sister, just as soon as you can come. We are hoping that we may secure the services also of Dr. Holden. Sister Sara Peek may undertake some of the lines of educational work. We are now anxious to see the work started, and we hope to see you just as soon as you can come. LLM 130.2

I have recently spent two weeks at Loma Linda. I am sending you a booklet that will give you some idea of the property. The large main building is furnished in an expensive manner. There are also five cottages, one having nine rooms, the others four each. In some of these, the verandas are so arranged that beds can be rolled out from the rooms. The grounds are beautifully laid out. There are concrete walks between all the buildings. These walks are bordered with flowers. There is a good orchard, and ample grounds for garden. There are many eucalyptus, pepper trees, and many other varieties of ornamental trees and shrubbery. Meetings can be held in the open air on the beautiful lawns. There is also another building that has been used as a bowling alley and billiard hall. This can be utilized as a meeting-house. LLM 130.3

We hope that you can see your way clear to connect with this sanitarium as lady physician. Your services will be greatly appreciated, and I hope that you may soon be on the ground. LLM 130.4

Ellen G. White

*****

Elm Haven, St. Helena Sanitarium,

B-272 Sept. 27, 1905

Dear Brother and Sister Burden,

We are very much pleased that you have secured the help of Miss Doctor White. It is as I hoped it would be, and I thank the Lord. LLM 130.5

I received a letter from Dr. Holden very similar to the one he wrote to you, and I have not responded to the same yet. You know what this will mean to the Sanitarium. The man asks much, and as far as his requirements to have vacation is concerned it is right for every physician to have, yourself and wife also to have the same privilege, but I cannot see yet the true position we shall take in this matter, just how the arrangements should be made. I have written a letter to him but have not sent it as yet. I will look it over carefully today. LLM 130.6

We have not a physician yet for St. Helena. We have no use for Dr. Sanderson and shall not give him another call. His wife is sufficient objection to his coming to St. Helena. Dr. Bush is promised to spend Sabbath and Sunday and to come to the call in an emergency. We dare not plant Dr. Sanderson and his wife on the hillside. We are afraid of the result. The Lord will send us a physician we believe, and we will watch and pray lest we enter into temptation. We see no call for Dr. Sanderson until he is a converted man. LLM 131.1

Sister Dr. Margaret Evans has accepted an offer to accompany a wealthy lady to Europe. We would have you call for Dr. White at once. Sister Bourdeau is married and can not leave her present position until next year sometime, but she has written to Dr. White she had better go to Washington, but secure her if you have not done so. I am just about used up with continued writing. LLM 131.2

September 6: I just came across this letter unfinished. You can read it and act I think. Dr. Holden better be secured and you prepared to work. I will send you copies of letters today if I can, if not, the first of the week. I shall not send the letter I had written to Dr. Holden. Make your terms with him for we must have someone to educate nurses for our Sanitariums. Please do your best. I have written early and late without rest and now this morning am admonished that I must rest. Be sure and call Dr. White without delay. I hope you have done this, and that her capabilities may be secured. Keep up good courage in the Lord, Brother and Sister Burden. LLM 131.3

Ellen G. White

*****

Sanitarium, Calif.,

B.-271-'05. Sept. 27, 1905.

Dear Brother and Sister Burden,

I cannot express the relief that your letter has brought to us. I thank the Lord that you are able to secure the services of Dr. Julia White. I believe she will do well. I think it well for you to ask Dr. Abbott to connect with the Loma Linda Sanitarium for the present. LLM 131.4

While I was in Los Angeles, I spoke to you of inviting Dr. Gibbs to connect with the work in our sanitariums. What I said would not lead you to understand that he is to act as chief physician, but he can come in on trial. I hardly feel clear before God in giving him no further opportunity to be proved. LLM 131.5

Have you learned how much Dr. Holden proposes to charge for his services? If a physician does his work skillfully, his talent should be recognized, but there is danger of our being brought into perplexity. If we introduce a new system of paying our surgeons high wages, there may be a hard problem to settle after a time. Other physicians will demand high wages, and our ministers will require consideration also. LLM 131.6

I very much wish that Brother and Sister Haskell might be with the family at Loma Linda, and inaugurate in Redlands, Riverside, and San Bernardino a work similar to the work they conducted in Avondale and in Nashville. LLM 132.1

I am glad that you are taking steps to have the water supply at Loma Linda pure and good. Very much depends upon having good water. We must be sure that the representations given in the books descriptive of this place are true in every sense of the word. LLM 132.2

Last week we had an important gathering at the sanitarium here of our health food workers. I spoke to them on Sabbath, and on Sunday I addressed them for about an hour on the subject of our restaurant work. I told them that there must be a thorough reformation in the health food business. It is not to be regarded so much as a commercial enterprise. At present but little is seen as the result of this work to lead us to recommend the establishment of more places to be conducted as our restaurants have been in the past. But few have been converted by this work in Los Angeles and in San Francisco. Many of the workers have lost the science of soul-saving. LLM 132.3

Please read carefully what is published in Testimonies, Vol. 7, regarding the health food work and the evangelical work. I feel more and more impressed that we must make diligent efforts to present the truth. I need not now write much regarding these lines of work, for the light has been in print for some time. But since these testimonies were published, circumstances have arisen that reveal the necessity for the cautions that have been given. Health reform needs a reformation, before it shall stand as God designs it should. We need to practise true godliness in every undertaking. In all the restaurants in our cities there is danger that the combination of many foods in the dishes served shall be carried too far. The stomach suffers when so many kinds of food are placed in it at one meal. Simplicity is a part of health reform. There is danger that our work shall cease to merit the name which it has borne. LLM 132.4

If we would work for the restoration of health, it is necessary to restrain the appetite, to eat slowly, and only a limited variety at one time. This instruction needs to be repeated frequently. It is not in harmony with the principles of health reform to have so many different dishes at one meal. We must never forget that it is the religious part of the work, the work of providing food for the soul, that is more essential than anything else. LLM 132.5

Our young men and women should be encouraged to attend schools away from the cities, that under intelligent teachers, they may receive a training that will fit them to stand on vantage ground. How can our young people advance spiritually, while working as servants simply to prepare food for and serve worldlings? They often do unnecessary work in the preparation of foods that are not even wholesome. Shall our youth be encouraged to rest satisfied with such an education? LLM 132.6

The Lord does not design that His denominated people shall exhaust their strength to carry on restaurants in the manner in which they are now conducted. The many complicated combinations of food that are not wholesome tend to make of the health reform a health deform. LLM 133.1

There is great necessity for decided reforms to be made in regard to our dealings with the workers in our sanitariums. Faithful, conscientious workers should be employed, and when they have performed a reasonable amount of work in a day, they should be relieved that they may secure needed rest. LLM 133.2

Only a reasonable amount of labor should be required, and for this the worker should receive a reasonable wage. If helpers are not given proper periods for rest from their taxing labor, they will lose their strength and vitality. They cannot possibly do justice to the work, nor can they represent what a sanitarium employee should be. More helpers should be employed if necessary, and the work should be arranged that when one has performed a day's labor, he may be freed to take the rest necessary to the maintenance of his strength. LLM 133.3

Let no man consider it his place to judge of the amount of labor a woman should perform. A competent woman should be employed as matron, and if any one does not perform her work faithfully, the matron should deal with the matter. Just wages should be paid, and every woman should be treated kindly and courteously, without reproach. LLM 133.4

And let those who have charge of the men's work be careful lest they be too exacting. The men should have regular hours for service, and when they have worked full time, they are not to be begrudged their periods of rest. A sanitarium is to be all that the name indicates. LLM 133.5

Every worker should seek to educate himself to perform his work expeditiously. The matron should teach those under her charge how to make quick, careful movements. Train the young to perform the work with tact and thoroughness. Then when the hours of work are over, all will feel that the time has been faithfully spent, and the workers are rightfully entitled to a period of rest. LLM 133.6

Educational advantages should be provided for the workers in every sanitarium. The workers should be given every possible advantage consistent with the work assigned them. LLM 133.7

Ellen G. White

*****

Sanitarium, Calif.,

H. - 305,’05 Oct. 27, 1905. LLM 137.1

Sanitarium work is one of the most successful means of reaching all classes of people. Our sanitariums are the right hand of the gospel, opening ways whereby suffering humanity may be reached with the glad tidings of healing through Christ. In these institutions the sick may be taught to commit their cases to the great Physician, who will cooperate with their earnest efforts to regain health, bringing to them healing of soul as well as healing of body. LLM 137.2

Christ is no longer in this world in person, to go through our cities and towns and villages healing the sick. He has commissioned us to carry forward the medical missionary work that He began; and in this work we are to do our very best. Institutions for the care of the sick are to be established where men and women suffering from disease may be placed under the care of God-fearing physicians and nurses, and be treated without drugs. LLM 137.3

Mr. E. G. White

*****

Elmshaven, St. Helena, Calif.

B. - 309- ’05. Nov. 1, 1905.

Dear Brother and Sister Burden,

Were deeply interested in your letter in regard to the prospect of having patients almost as soon as you are ready for them. I am very much pleased with your report.. LLM 137.4

I am so thankful to our heavenly Father that for a long time He has kept before me that there were buildings that we could obtain at a greatly reduced price. This instruction kept me from trying to purchase land on which to erect buildings at large cost. The Lord has certainly prepared the way for us, and He wants us to work interestedly in securing sanitariums LLM 137.5

I feel thankful for the school property at Fernando. And I do thank the Lord for the property at Paradise Valley. And now you can see that the Lord designs that these places should be worked. It may be that there will have to be another building secured at a distance from Los Angeles; for thus it had been presented to me. But we cannot yet reach out for more, unless the Lord should make it known that the time has come. If we consecrate our individual service to the Lord, we shall have that wisdom which will enable us to move intelligently... LLM 137.6

I thank the Lord with heart and soul and voice that He has brought Loma Linda to our notice, that we might obtain it. I thank the Lord that He has sent you to help me carry out in determined effort that which He designed should be a great blessing to us. Redlands will be a center, and so also will Loma Linda. A school will be established as soon as possible, and the Lord will open the way. I could not but think, as I read the notice of the people flocking into Los Angeles, if Loma Linda had not been sold to us, there would now be a ready sale for it. With all the buildings in connection with the main building, we have large advantages. If we will walk humbly with God, and do according to that which He has prospered us, we will have Christ as our friend and our helper. “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” These are the terms of our discipleship. Will we comply with them? LLM 138.1

Christ was the Prince of heaven, but He made an infinite sacrifice, and came to a world all marred with the curse brought upon it by the fallen foe. He lays hold of the fallen race. He invites us, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and My burden is light.” The offer is ours, and every advantage is ours if we will accept the terms. I am trying to do this most earnestly. We can be an example to others by our cheerful obedience to the will of God. Let us comply with the conditions, and in complying we shall find the rest we crave. LLM 138.2

In regard to the proposition made by Brother Holden, I look at the matter as you do. We cannot afford to start out on the high wage plan. This was the misfortune of the people in Battle Creek, and I have something to say on this point. We have before us a large field of missionary work. We are to be sure to heed the requirements of Christ, who made himself a donation to our world. Nothing that we can possibly do should be left undone. There is to be neatness and order, and everything possible is to be done to show thoroughness in every line. But when it comes to paying twenty-five dollars a week, and giving a large percentage on the surgical work done, light was given me in Australia that this could never be, because our record is at stake. The matter was presented to me that many sanitariums would have to be established in Southern California; for there would be a great inflowing of people there. Many would seek that climate. LLM 138.3

We must stand in the counsel of God, everyone of us prepared to follow the example of Jesus Christ. We cannot consent to pay extravagant wages. God requires of His under-physicians a compliance with the invitation, “Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.. LLM 138.4

Ellen G. White

*****

H.-245-'05.

Glendale, Los Angeles, Calif.

Dr. _____ Holden, Portland, Oregon.

Dear Brother and Sister Holden,

I have been disappointed and sorry that you did not feel that you could unite with us in our sanitarium work. If you knew how much we need you, I think you would change your mind. I know you have the ability to act a part in the work in more than one line of work. You can do good work as a teacher and as a surgeon. I ask you to come and help us here in Southern California. Sister Sarah Peck, who has been connected with my work for several years, has been telling me a little of your experience. We are sorry that you have been so disappointed. If you will come to Southern California I can assure you that you will receive a hearty welcome. We are in great need of a thoroughly trained man to act as surgeon and teacher. Come, and we will treat you as the son of the Prince of Life, your wife as the daughter of the King, and your little one as the Lord's child. LLM 139.1

I will send you a booklet describing Loma Linda, the institution with which we wish you to connect. For sanitarium work, this place is in advance of any other place that I have yet seen. LLM 139.2

Dr. Abbie Winegar-Simpson, with who you were associated in Battle Creek, is here in the Glendale Sanitarium. I have been talking with her about our work at Loma Linda. She holds you and your wife in the highest esteem, and is anxious that you should come to our help here in Southern California. We need the aid of your talents. We need help that you can give us a physician and a teacher. LLM 139.3

I highly esteem your wife's mother, Sister Harris. She was one of our best and truest friends. LLM 139.4

I think that Dr. Patience Bordeau will come to Loma Linda to act as lady physician. I am told that she is an excellent physician. LLM 139.5

Brother and Sister Burden, my dear and faithful friends, will be connected with the institution. Brother Burden will be general manager. He is well qualified for the position. His wife will act as accountant. We hope to carry forward the work of the institution in accordance with the will of the Lord. LLM 139.6

Dr. Holden, I write you to come and see Loma Linda. It is a grand place for sanitarium work. It is the Lord's doing that this place has come into our possession, and we praise His holy name. We realize that we are highly favored in having been able to obtain possession of this property. We are greatly pleased with it. LLM 139.7

Right around the Loma Linda Sanitarium there is a wide field for missionary effort. Redlands is only five miles from the institution, San Bernardino about the same distance, and Riverside a little further away. These cities are all important places. Elder Simpson has done some work in Redlands and River- side, and in each a neat little meeting house has been erected. But the Lord has a larger work to be done in those places. In the future I expect to spend a portion of my time at Loma Linda. LLM 140.1

By placing Loma Linda in our hands, the Lord has opened the way for us to work these places. We are to regard the district in which these towns are situated as our special field of missionary work. We are anxious to become known to the people living in those places, and especially to those whom we can help in spiritual and physical lines. Through the power of Jesus Christ our Lord, we may lift them out of suffering, and bring them to health of body and soul. You know what joy there is in taking the weak and suffering by the hand and raising them up. You have rejoiced in this work in the past, and there is much for you to do in the future. It will bring you lasting joy and satisfaction. LLM 140.2

A great battle must be fought. Time is short. Let us keep step with Christ. Let us by faith clasp His hand and hold it fast. He will never repulse us. LLM 140.3

My brother, turn your mind away from your disappointment, and believe that the Lord is leading you. Trust in the Lord God, and let Him be your helper. Use your talents in advancing the most important interests. Let it be your one desire to please God and do His will. Then you will have courage in the Lord. We must all be determined to make a success of our life work, even though some have no appreciation of our efforts. If any man love God, the same is known of Him. Then make the Lord Jesus your trust always. LLM 140.4

God sees our dangers, and knows the weight of our burdens. He remembers that we are in need of His strength, and those who make Him their trust will be enabled to resist every temptation. We shall have enemies who will plot against us because they know not the value that God places on those whom He has chosen. But the Lord God knoweth them that are His. However misrepresented and misjudged these may be, if they walk humbly before Him, He will give them help in time of need. They may be compassed with discouragements, but He who knows what is the mind of the Spirit knows all who love Him, and He will honor them. LLM 140.5

In the work in Southern California, we need men of earnest, determined faith, and unshaken courage in the Lord. Our time to work is short, and we are to labor with unflagging zeal. I earnestly hope that you will decide to come to our assistance. Please consider this matter carefully, because we need your help. Please respond to this letter, addressing me at Sanitarium, Napa Co., California. LLM 140.6

Ellen G. White

*****

Sanitarium, Napa Co., California.

H.-277'05

Dear Brother and Sister Haskell,

I thank you for your letter telling me about your movements and plans. LLM 141.1

I think I have kept before you my expectation that you would spend a part of the winter in California. By unmistakable representations, the Lord has given evidence that a great work is to be done in Southern California. LLM 141.2

Elder Simpson has been holding tent-meetings in Los Angeles with good results. Many souls have been converted to the truth. We thank the Lord that we have a good sanitarium at Paradise Valley, seven miles from San Diego; a sanitarium at Glendale, eight miles from Los Angeles; and a large and beautiful place at Loma Linda, sixty-two miles east from Los Angeles, and close to Redlands, Riverside, and San Bernardino. The Loma Linda property is one of the most beautiful sanitarium sites I have ever seen. There has been expended on the place more than one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and it was purchased by our people for forty thousand. Of the seventy-six acres of land comprised in the property, about one half forms a hill which stands one hundred and twenty-five feet above the valley. On this hill the buildings are situated. LLM 141.3

Loma Linda is about five miles from Redlands, five miles from San Bernardino, four miles from Colton, and nine miles from Riverside. LLM 141.4

Redlands and Riverside are places which the Lord has shown me should be thoroughly worked. Elder Simpson has done some evangelical work in these places, and in each of them a company of believers has been raised up, and a meeting house built. But more work must be done there, and a work must be done in San Bernardino. LLM 141.5

I have wished that you and your wife could come to Loma Linda, and carry on a work similar to that which you have done in other places. You could make your home at the sanitarium, and drive back and forth to Redlands and Riverside and other surrounding places. The roads are level and well oiled. LLM 141.6

By the securing of Loma Linda, the Lord has opened the way for a work to be done in the neighboring cities and towns. The securing of this property at such a price as we paid for it, is a miracle that should open the eyes of our understanding. If such manifest workings of God do not give us a new experience, what will? If we cannot read the evidence that the time has come to work in the surrounding cities, what could be done to arouse us to action? LLM 141.7

That you should receive an invitation to go to Battle Creek and give Bible lessons to the nurses and medical students, is not a surprise to me. I have been instructed that an effort would be made to obtain your names as teachers to the nurses at Battle Creek, so that the managers of the sanitarium can say to our people that Elder and Mrs. Haskell are to give a course of lessons to the Battle Creek Sanitarium nurses, and use this as a means of decoying to Battle Creek those who otherwise would heed the cautions about going there for their education. LLM 142.1

I warn you against doing anything which would help those who are working directly contrary to the counsels of God, to carry out any of their deceptive plans. I know you would not willingly place yourself in any such position, and I warn you because I know the men and the plans better than you do. LLM 142.2

If you should be drawn into such a plan, it would bring much perplexity upon me, and I should have another hard battle to fight. You must take no part in healing “the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly.” Should the word go forth that Elder and Mrs. Haskell were to take part in teaching the nurses in the Battle Creek Sanitarium, it would be my duty to send forth testimonies that I do not wish to be called upon to bear. LLM 142.3

Elder and Mrs. Farnsworth have been requested to spend some time in Battle Creek laboring for the church. I encouraged them to do so, and shall counsel them how to labor. It will be well for Elder Farnsworth and Elder A. T. Jones to stand shoulder to shoulder, preaching the word in the Tabernacle for a time, and giving the trumpet a certain sound. There are in Battle Creek precious souls who need bracing up. Many will gladly hear and distinguish the note of warning. But Elder Farnsworth should not remain in Battle Creek long. I write these things to you because it is important that they should be understood. LLM 142.4

God would have men of talent, who will not deviate from the principles of righteousness, to stand in defense of the truth, in the Tabernacle at Battle Creek. One man should not be stationed in Battle Creek for long at a time. After he has faithfully proclaimed the truth for a time, he should leave to labor elsewhere, and some one else be appointed who will give the trumpet a certain sound. LLM 142.5

We should understand by experience word for word the message the Lord gave to Isaiah, and from this message there is to be no deviation. The Holy Spirit's meaning will be understood. This meaning is not to be changed a hair's breadth to harmonize with any new doctrine. LLM 142.6

We know that in the past the truth has been demonstrated by the Holy Spirit. Not one word of human devising is to be permitted to subvert minds or to add unto or to take from the message that God has given. LLM 142.7

There must be connected with our sanitariums in various places ample facilities for the training of workers, and great care should be taken in the selection of young people to connect with our sanitariums. We cannot afford to accept every one who is willing to come. Great injury is done to our medical institutions when we connect with them inexperienced youth, who do not understand what it means to do faithful service for God. LLM 142.8

Every soul connected with our institutions is to be tested and tried. If self is not hid with Christ in God, the workers will blindly do many things that will hinder the precious work of God. LLM 143.1

“Sanctify the Lord of hosts Himself; and let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread. And He shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling, and for a rock of offense to both the house of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken.” “Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.”.... LLM 143.2

Those who have crowded into Battle Creek, and are being held there, see and hear many things that tend to weaken their faith, and engender unbelief. They would gain a more practical knowledge in an effort to impart to others that which they receive of the word of God. They should scatter out, and be working in all our cities under the training of men who are sound in the faith. If those who teach these workers are true and loyal, a great work will be accomplished. LLM 143.3

There is to be a working of our cities as they never have been worked. That which should have been done twenty, yes, more than twenty years ago, is now to be done speedily. The work will be more difficult to do now than it would have been years ago; but it will be done. LLM 143.4

Our work is made exceedingly hard because of many false theories that have to be met, and because of a dearth of efficient teachers and willing helpers. LLM 143.5

It is not the work of the Lord that so many are gathered in Battle Creek, receiving a mold which unfits them for the work of the Lord, till they are thoroughly converted. LLM 143.6

The Lord is to do a strange work very soon. A representation has been given me that I have not yet had strength to trace upon paper. I must know when to speak and when to keep silent. When the Lord bids me speak, I cannot keep silent. LLM 143.7

The Lord will work. Great facts will be revealed in the Word. There are rich experiences to be received from the great Medical Missionary. The knowledge of salvation through faith and a full trust in a personal God and a personal Saviour, will be manifest. Those who have held the beginning of their confidence firm unto the end will have the proof of the things which they have learned by personal experience. LLM 143.8

The gospel will be revealed and verified. The experience of the day of Pentecost will surely be repeated. Some will receive the Holy Spirit of truth; yes, some who are now in uncertainty. The Lord has given His word. For years He has been sending messages of warning, but by many they have been unheeded. Notwithstanding the repeated urgent warnings God has given, many have been turned away from their original faith, and are lost in the fog of error. They have refused to follow the light that God has given to point out the true path. LLM 144.1

Christ is the same Christ that He has ever been. He is our Redeemer. Those who have been striving to quench their thirst at broken cisterns, which can hold no water, need to be born again, that Christ may be formed within, the hope of glory. LLM 144.2

There are those who will never receive the gospel message in its fullness. They will never see the greater light and working of the Holy Spirit. There is a depth of depravity in unbelieving human nature that will never be healed, because the true light has been misinterpreted and misapplied. The Lord has given His Spirit in abundance of assurance to enable men and women to understand the fallacies and errors of Satan, and to guard against them. LLM 144.3

Some will soon turn from their deceptive errors and calculations. To these who will be born again, the Bible will become a new book. There is a higher elevation to reach. True faith is to take the place of unbelief. The living springs of the word of God, with all their rich treasure, are to flow into the soul. The truth of the Christian religion depends upon the divine authority of the word of God. The authority of the word is Yea and Amen. LLM 144.4

Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Our great need is to have Him formed within, the hope of glory. He is to come into our individual experience, as a personal Saviour. He is the foundation of our faith, the Rock of Ages. “Blessed is the man to whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity.” LLM 144.5

When Christ shall come in His glory and all the holy angels with Him, then will all men be convinced of the truth that God hath set apart Him that is godly for Himself. But the words of Isaiah will come to many minds. “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” The fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah gives a wonderful presentation of truth. LLM 144.6

I wish you could make me a visit at my home. I should indeed be pleased to see you and talk with you. Do nothing that will lead others to make of no account the long, determined resistance which has been shown to the messages sent by the Lord. LLM 144.7

We do not want the impression left on minds that our nurses should be educated and trained in Battle Creek. You are not to remove the impression that I have been trying to make, that our people are to be drawn away from Battle Creek. LLM 144.8

I have light regarding the impression that your going to Battle Creek would make on our people who have had placed before them many falsehoods regarding the work and influences there. Your going to Battle Creek in answer to the call you have received, would not be in harmony with the light God has given me. LLM 145.1

If you cannot understand this, I can, and I will make every effort possible to save our people from being mixed up with the methods followed by some of the Battle Creek Sanitarium managers. LLM 145.2

The Lord would have Dr. Morse leave Battle Creek, and labor where the light of truth has not been taught, and that he may break every thread of sophistry. The sophistry that there is no personal God and no personal Christ has been set forth, and still lives, to be brought forth and fastened upon human minds. I have seen satanic agencies leading and controlling the minds of those who have taught these theories. Unless the snare is broken, ruin will result as surely as to the house built upon the sand. LLM 145.3

Great trials are right upon us, to test every soul. The end of the world is near at hand. We are not to consent to have our workers, God's workers, tied up in Battle Creek. Out of Battle Creek, is my message. I understand perfectly the meaning of the invitation that has been sent you. You have not a sense of what it means, but I am to tell you that God has not given you the work of teaching nurses in Battle Creek, or in any way encouraging our youth to go there for their training. LLM 145.4

We must soon start a nurses’ training school at Loma Linda. This place will become an important educational center, and we need the efforts of yourself and your wife to give the right mold to the work in this new educational center, and in Los Angeles, where there are many converts. LLM 145.5

If you see your way clear to labor a portion of this winter in Southern Calif., I think I could be with you and I will help you all I can to open up the work. If you will gather about you a group of workers, and do for a time in Southern Calif., a work similar to that which you have done in New York and Nashville, praying and working and doing the will of the Lord, God will not fail to show Himself your Helper; for you will be following where He has marked out the way. LLM 145.6

I do not propose that you divorce yourself permanently from the work in the cities of the Southern States, but I ask you to come and help us start the work of training true medical missionaries in this very fruitful field, Southern California. LLM 145.7

If we turn unto the Lord with full purpose of heart, teaching in the places He indicates, all things that He has commanded, we may be assured of the promise, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” God is able and waiting to be gracious. LLM 146.1

Ellen G. White

*****

St. Helena Sanitarium, Calif.

B-325-'05. Dec. 10, 1905.

Dear Brother and Sister Burden,

I have received a letter from each of you. I was glad to hear the good news of $5,000 being raised, and the interest amounting to $300 being cut out. This is very favorable. I am so much pleased that Sister Burden is in the very place that will be beneficial to her healthwise. I am continually thankful to our heavenly Father that in His providence we have been favored to secure this beautiful location for a health resort. It answers perfectly to the representation that was given me, a main building and cottages so well fitted with windows. The surroundings are very attractive. Praise the Lord for His goodness and mercy expressed to us amidst the difficulties we have to meet. The Lord is our helper, our keeper and our constant guide. We may expect that everything will not move as encouragingly as we wish in our connection with the work of God, but we will praise the Lord with heart and soul and voice. I say to you, my brother and sister, Jesus will be to us a present help in every time and need... LLM 146.2

I think Elder Haskell is on his way to Loma Linda. I have received a letter from Sister Haskell, stating that they would leave South Lancaster Dec. 7. They are precious help in Bible lines. Loma Linda is just the climate for them, and the whole place will be a delight to their senses. LLM 146.3

Do not be disappointed if we do not come just now. I do not know of a place where I should be more pleased to be for a time than in Loma Linda. I could enjoy every bit of the scenery and all the advantages. The reason my coming may be doubtful is that I do not wish to leave my workers just at this stage of my work. I am in good health for me; better than I have been in for years, and while my mind is clear, I want nothing to interpose as an extra burden. I want every jot and tittle of my strength to reproduce the representations the Lord has given me, and to make them as vivid as possible while I can do so. This is the only reason I plead not to leave my workers... We have all the multitudinous productions of the pen to be placed in the best order to handle, and I am more than pleased with the care that is manifested in arranging everything so that it may be well prepared for me to use. LLM 146.4

In regard to the school, I would say, Make it all you can in the education of nurses and physicians. What about Dr. Holden? Will he not become an educating force in the Sanitarium? Brother and Sister Haskell are versed in the Scriptures; and after a few weeks I may meet my son at Loma Linda. But at present I wish to advance a little more decidedly in the writings I am preparing. LLM 146.5

We are having beautiful weather. It is almost like summer. LLM 147.1

Ellen G. White

*****

Sanitarium, Napa Co., Calif.

B.-329-'05 December 11, 1905.

Dear Brother Burden,

I have been conversing with you in the night season in regard to some matters that I will write to you about. We were conversing in reference to Brother Hansen and his manufacturing health foods. In regard to the family, you understand that Sister Hansen must be carefully cared for; because she has had lung trouble. It would be well for them to be provided with a home by themselves. They can be so located that burdens shall not come upon Sister Hansen too heavily, and where she can care for their own family. She may entirely recover from her lung difficulty, but it will be well to take every precaution. Matters can be managed so that those who need to be connected with the institution may not in any way be exposed. You and your wife may be wise on this subject and a word to the wise is sufficient... LLM 147.2

We were conversing in regard to erecting a store, and One of authority who was in our midst, speaking to several present, suggested the propriety of erecting such a building at a distance from the main building and all other buildings that are now standing there, so that there will be no danger to them from fire. He suggested that changes would need to be made after thorough study, and that the building should be placed where the wind would not carry the smoke or sparks to the main building. Great care is to be exercised in regard to this matter, and intelligence is to be shown in the movements made... LLM 147.3

The Speaker said, “You can all be a blessing to one another, if you open your hearts to receive the precious love of Christ. Let all keep diligent guard over their own disposition, and then pleasant words will be spoken. Let not those who are connected with the Sanitarium as helpers think that they have liberty to exercise authority over others. God will help the ones who are chosen to act a part in the duties connected with the Sanitarium, to labor as workers together with God. Let them be sure to take charge of their own individual selves. Those who come to the Sanitarium as patients are to see that Christian love and kindness are shown to all who are connected with the institution. Let every one stand in his lot and place, refusing to go out of his way to assume authority as a dictator. The Lord calls upon every man to be courteous and to discipline himself. He is not to exercise authority that is not given him. Let every one learn daily his lesson of preparing his own heart for the heavenly inspection, for the record is written in the books of heaven. Let souls be emptied of self. Then invite Christ to come in, and open the door of the heart to His knock. He says, “If any man hear My voice, I will come in and will sup with Him, and He with me.” This divine companionship is what is needed in every home, in every church, in every sanitarium. There is need of strong, spirited men, men who will be sure to do special honor to the Lord Jesus Christ. We must be preparing to become members of the royal family in the heavenly mansions Christ is preparing for every one who through the grace received will wear His yoke. LLM 147.4

Christ invites us, “Learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and My burden is light.” In our character-building give encouragement to every divine, sacred influence. The blessing from Jesus makes everything good and profitable. Have His praise in your heart and in your voice and in your words, and your hearts will become fit temples for the Holy Spirit of God. Your success depends upon constant watchfulness and earnest prayer. “Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I have commanded you.” Depending upon the Lord, you can do the very things that are to be done, without murmuring and without disputing. LLM 148.1

Satan is watching to secure every soul possible, to do him service by careless work and careless words. He desires to impress the minds of the converted and the unconverted that those connected with the sanitarium are lacking in piety and the meekness of Christ, that they are not Christians. Jesus will help you to prevent this impression being made. LLM 148.2

Christ would have every one possess in abundance, the grace of heaven. He desires that His joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. Every soul is to discipline himself in strict, faithful service, just as verily out of meeting as in meeting. You are in full view of the heavenly angels, and every faithful disciple may be, if he will as was Ezra before the king. The hand of God is upon all these for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against those who forsake Him, and who trust in the help and friendship of the world, going to the god of Ekron to inquire, and heeding not the Counsel of the living God. LLM 148.3

The children of God will know who is their helper. They will know in whom they can trust implicitly, and with Christ's help, they may, without presumption have a holy confidence. Yes His servants may safely trust in Him alone, without fear, looking unto Jesus, pressing on in obedience to His requirements, leaving everything that is joined to the world, whether the world opposes or favors. Their success comes from God, and they will not fail because they have not the wealth and influence of wicked men. If they fail, it will be because they do not obey the Lord's requirements and the Holy Spirit is not with them. LLM 148.4

I am instructed that our only safety is in being joined to the Lord Jesus Christ. We can afford to lose the friendship of worldly men. Those who join themselves to worldly men, that they may carry out their unsanctified purposes, make a fearful mistake; for they forfeit the favor and blessing of God. I am to urge upon the attention of our people that the Lord Himself has placed a wall of separation between the world and that which He has established on the earth. God's people are to serve Him; for Christ has called them out of the world, and sanctified and refined them, that they may do His service. He has been given all power in heaven and in earth. LLM 149.1

There is no such thing as maintaining concord between the profane and the Holy. There can be no concord between Christ and Belial. But “the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for Himself.” And this consecration to the Lord, this separation from the world, is plainly declared and positively enjoined in both the Old and the New Testament. LLM 149.2

Brother Burden, before closing my letter, I will finish what I intended to say about the building of the food factory. This work requires much wisdom and genuine good sense. If you can bring it about do so. Make the best possible use of “Ministry of Healing” to aid you in your work. I believe that you can accomplish that which seems to be a necessity. I think that if we all walk humbly with God, we shall always have grateful hearts. LLM 149.3

There will be those who will invest their means in our Sanitariums, with the understanding that they shall be given a home there as long as they shall live. These should receive kind, Christian treatment... LLM 149.4

Ellen G. White

*****

Sanitarium, California

B. 329-1905 December 11, 1905.

Dear Brother Burden,

....

Later. This morning, Dec. 14, I could not sleep after one o'clock, so I arose and dressed, and have come to my office to complete the letter that I began writing to you two or three days ago. We are interested in every movement made at Loma Linda. LLM 149.5

Did not the Lord have oversight, I should not care to live another day. But this is a question settled in my mind,—that we are under a power which is beyond human control, and in that power we can trust. The Lord is good to us, and if we will walk carefully before Him, He will ever reveal His power in our behalf. He will save to the uttermost all who love and obey Him. LLM 149.6

I long daily to be able to do double duty. I have been pleading with the Lord for strength and wisdom to reproduce the writings of the witnesses who were confirmed in the faith in the early history of the message. After the passing of the time in 1844, they received the light and walked in the light, and when the men claiming to have new light would come in with their wonderful messages regarding various points of Scripture, we had, through the moving of the Holy Spirit, testimonies right to the point, which cut off the influence of such messages as Elder A. F. Ballenger has been devoting his time to presenting. This poor man has been working decidedly against the truth that the Holy Spirit has confirmed. When the power of God testifies as to what is truth, that truth is to stand forever as the truth. No after suppositions contrary to the light God has given are to be entertained. LLM 149.7

Men will arise with interpretations of Scripture which are to them truth; but which are not truth. The truth for this time, God has given us as a foundation for our faith. He himself has taught us what is truth. One will arise, and still another with new light, which contradicts the light that God has given under the demonstration of His Holy Spirit. A few are still alive who passed through the experiences gained in the establishment of this truth. God has graciously spared their lives to repeat and repeat, till the close of their lives, the experiences through which they passed, even as did John the apostle till the very close of his life. And the standard-bearers who have fallen in death are to speak through the reprinting of their writings. I am instructed that thus their voices are to be heard. [They are to bear] their testimonies as to what constitutes the truth for this time. LLM 150.1

We are not to receive the words of those who come with a message that contradicts the special points of our faith. They gather together a mass of scripture, and pile it as proof around their asserted theories. This has been done over and over again during the past fifty years. And while the Scriptures are God's word, and are to be respected, the application of them, if such application moves one pillar of the foundation that God has sustained these fifty years, is a great mistake. He who makes such an application knows not the wonderful demonstration of the Holy Spirit that gave power and force to the past messages that have come to the people of God. LLM 150.2

Elder Ballenger's proofs are not reliable. If received, they would destroy the faith of God's people in the truth that has made us what we are. We must be decided on this subject; for the points he is trying to prove by scripture are not sound. They do not prove that the past experience of God's people was a fallacy. We had the truth; we were directed by the angels of God. It was under the guidance of the Holy Spirit that the presentation of the sanctuary question was given. It is eloquence for every one to keep silent in regard to the features of our faith in which they acted no part. LLM 150.3

God never contradicts Himself. Scripture proofs are misapplied if forced to testify to that which is not true. Another and still another will arise, and bring in supposedly great light, and make their assertions. But we stand by the old landmarks. LLM 150.4

“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. LLM 150.5

“If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth; but if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” LLM 151.1

I am instructed to say that these words we may use as appropriate for this time; for the time has come when sin must be called by its right name. We are hindered in our work by men who are not converted, who seek their own glory. They wish to be thought originators of new theories, which they present, claiming that they are truth. But if these theories are received, they will lead to a denial of the truth that for the past fifty years, God has been giving to His people, substantiating it by the demonstration of the Holy Spirit. LLM 151.2

Let all men beware what is the character of their work. They would better be falling into line; for their own soul's sake and for the sake of the souls of others. “If we walk in the light as He is in the light, the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” It is nothing to the credit of any man to start on a new track using scriptures to substantiate theories of error, leading minds into confusion, away from the truths that are to be indelibly impressed on the minds of God's people, that they may hold fast to the faith. LLM 151.3

Ellen G. White

*****

Sanitarium, Calif.

C.-337, 1905. Dec. 19, 1905.

Mrs. Jessie Christiansen, Sebastopol,^* Calif.

My dear Sister,

I am trying to do all I possibly can to urge the work forward in new places. The Lord has signified that in different places there are buildings which would be offered to us at a very low price, which we could use in our work. His word to us regarding this has been verified in our experience in opening up medical missionary work in Southern California. Recently the Lord has placed a great blessing within our reach by enabling us to obtain a beautiful sanitarium property known as Loma Linda. This property is sixty miles from Los Angeles, and it is a wonderful place in which to work for the sick, and in which to begin work for Redlands and Riverside. LLM 153.1

Its name—Loma Linda—“beautiful hill”, describes the place. Of the 76 acres comprised in the property, about 35 form a beautiful hill, which rises one hundred and twenty-five feet above the valley. Upon this hill the sanitarium building is situated. LLM 153.2

The main building is a well-planned structure of sixty-four rooms, having three stories and a basement. It is completely furnished, heated by steam, and lighted by electricity. It is surrounded with large pepper trees and other shade trees. LLM 153.3

About ten rods away and on the highest part of the hill there is a group of five cottages. The central cottage has nine beautiful living rooms and two bath rooms. In the basement is the heating plant for the five cottages. LLM 153.4

Prettily grouped around this larger cottage are four smaller ones, having four rooms each, with bath and toilet. In all there are ninety rooms. The buildings are furnished throughout, and are ready for use. LLM 154.1

The seventy six acres of hill and valley land are well cultivated and will furnish much fruit and many vegetables for the institution. Fifteen acres of the valley land are in alfalfa hay. Eight acres of the hill are in apricots, plums, and almonds. Ten acres are in good bearing orange orchard. Many acres of land round the cottages and main building are laid out in lawns, drives and walks. LLM 154.2

This property cost the Company from whom we purchased it, about one hundred and forty thousand dollars. They erected the buildings, and ran the place for a while as a sanitarium. Then they tried to operate it as a tourist hotel. But this plan did not succeed, and they decided to sell. It was closed last April, and as the stockholders became more anxious to sell, it was offered to us for forty thousand dollars, and for this amount our people purchased it. LLM 154.3

This property came into our possession in such a way that we know the hand of the Lord was in the matter. Loma Linda is one of the most perfect places for a sanitarium that I have ever seen, and I thank our heavenly Father for giving us such a place. It is provided with almost everything necessary for sanitarium work, and it is the very place in which sanitarium work can be carried forward on right lines by faithful physicians and managers. LLM 154.4

Not far away are the cities of Redlands and Riverside and San Bernardino. These places are to be thoroughly worked. Something has already been done in Redlands and Riverside, and a neat house of worship has been erected in each place. But as soon as possible a thorough evangelistic effort must be made. LLM 154.5

Ellen G. White

*****

Sanitarium, Calif.

B.-34-'06 January 19, 1906.

Dear Brother and Sister Burden,

I received your letter yesterday, and was very glad to hear from you. I have been very busy of late. The Lord has sustained me in preparing matter to meet the unbelief and infidelity expressed regarding the Testimonies He has given me to bear to His people. He has given me words to write. I may have to visit Battle Creek when the unsettled weather is over. LLM 154.6

I think with great pleasure of the Loma Linda Sanitarium, and the advantages that it possesses. I sometimes wish that I could be with you in Southern California. But here everything for my work is ready to my hand, and to go away anywhere just now seems inconsistent; for I am getting out much matter that is very important. LLM 154.7

The Lord understands all things, and He is my only dependance. I need His power back of every effort I shall henceforth make, as it has been back of the efforts I have made in the past. I wish to be prepared to meet the falsehoods that are coming in. The Lord is good, and He is my stronghold. He understands the situation, and He will never leave me as long as I cling to Him. He will guide me in judgment. LLM 155.1

We have had a good visit from Brother and Sister Haskell. It has seemed like a revival of old times. I think that Elder Haskell is anxious to return to Loma Linda, but they wish first to visit Sister Haskell's sister, Mrs. Grey. After that they will be free to begin work at Loma Linda. LLM 155.2

Elder Haskell has suffered a great deal from boils. He has taken treatment at the Sanitarium several times, but most of his treatment he has taken in his room in our house. Our home has been his sanitarium. He has been afflicted continuously, and has kept to his bed most of the time. Pulverized charcoal poultices have been used with good results. His wife is a good nurse, and she has taken faithful care of him. He has thought several times that he had overcome the affliction, and that he would recover rapidly, but as soon as he began to stir around, boils would again appear. His countenance looks clear and wholesome for a man of his age. LLM 155.3

I am glad that Brother and Sister Haskell could stay with us for a while. We have tried to make them feel at home. They have been perfectly free to do as they wished. They seem to appreciate this advantage. LLM 155.4

You speak of the sunshine at Loma Linda. It is indeed a blessing. I am glad that you have so much of it. We have hardly seen the sun for two weeks. For two weeks we have had continuous rain, day and night. The rain has fallen gently but continuously, in soft showers, until the ground is full of water. The water in the canyon is up to our bridge, and if there is much more rain, will overflow into the orchard. LLM 155.5

The rain was certainly needed; for thus far this winter we have only had one short rain. This present rain is making up in quantity for what was lacking in the earlier rain. LLM 155.6

This morning at three o'clock the stars were shining, and the last quarter of the moon was plainly visible in the sky. But as daylight comes, I can see that the atmosphere is hazy, and the rain may begin again. I am so thankful that the drought has broken. The ground has seemed to absorb a great deal of the gently falling rain. LLM 155.7

The Lord is good and greatly to be praised. I will not complain. I feel very sad over the state of things in Battle Creek. I am trying to do all that is possible to guard the flock of God from falling into error. God alone can keep them, and through them work out His good pleasure. I am satisfied with the working of the Lord. If unbelief is multiplied, through the exercise of unbelief in the testimonies, having done all we can do, we will talk faith, and work on the affirmative side of the question. If my name is cast out as evil, I am in excellent company. Those who would not receive Christ were dead in trespasses and sins. As they looked upon the evidences that He presented, by curing disease and making the suffering ones rejoice in health, why did they not yield their unbelief? Because by such an action they would have confessed themselves to be sinners. In the place of receiving the evidence offered them, in the place of recognizing in Christ's works the endowment of heaven, they held right on to their wicked purposes, and said, He performed this wonderful work through the devil. LLM 155.8

This was the sin against the Holy Ghost. They had not forgiveness in this world, nor in the world to come. LLM 156.1

What reason had Christ given them for making this statement? None at all. The Prince of life was seeking the lost sheep. At last the leaders of Israel put Him to death. What had He done? He had expressed to a rebellious world the love of God. And His death was the great freewill offering for sin. By it a fountain of mercy was opened to a world yet to be convinced of the wonderful sacrifice made in order that whoever believed in Christ should not perish, but have everlasting life. The preaching of the gospel gives sinners opportunity to receive the greatest gift ever proffered human beings. Those who refuse this gift reveal the highest contempt for God. LLM 156.2

It is our privilege to be partakers of the divine nature. If we be falsified, if men give to the world a mis-statement of the work that God has done through the humble instrument, dishonoring Christ by making a misrepresentation of Him, they are partakers of the shame and reproach brought upon me. LLM 156.3

We understand the present feebleness and smallness of the work. We have had an experience. In doing the work God has given us, we may go trustingly forward, assured that He will be our efficiency. He will be with us in 1906, as He was with us in 1841, 1842, 1843, and 1844. Oh, what wonderful evidences we had then of the presence of God with us. In the earlier stages of our work, we had many difficulties to meet, and we gained many victories. LLM 156.4

If the Lord is leading us, we may go forward courageously, assured that He will be with us as He was with us in past years, as we labored in feebleness, but under the miracle working power of the Holy Spirit. He will be with us as He was with us when we had to meet the opposing influences of erroneous theories. LLM 156.5

Many of the most successful undertakings made in behalf of the truth have at the beginning been small, and have cost many tears and prayers. At the beginning of our work, some brought in grave errors, and meeting these placed upon us much hard labor, and such difficulties as God's help alone could enable us to overcome. We prayed a great deal; often we wrestled whole nights in prayer. Then the light, precious light on Bible truth, would come upon the whole company assembled. All could understand the difficulties, and the truth of the Bible was comprehended and substantiated. LLM 156.6

Thus we worked and thus we prayed. Errors were continually being brought in, but we went to God in prayer, and searched the Scriptures diligently. Year after year, after the passing of the time, many false theories were presented, but we collected our forces in favorable places, and continued in prayer, watching, and praying, and searching the Scriptures. Then light was given to the very youngest of those assembled, and the truth of the Word of God in regard to position we were occupying, was plainly specified. LLM 157.1

The time of respite granted us seemed short, too short, to open to the world the great and wonderful things of God's law. The promises of God—how we laid hold upon them! We could not bear all the glory! Our physical strength left us, and the power of God, like a halo of glory was over us. What praises went up to God! “Yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” There was a tarrying time for us, but He, our Lord, knew the end from the beginning. It was no delay, and from year to year we worked and prayed and believed. The errors that were rushing in upon us, we met in the power of God, and explained them. And the glory filled the room where we were assembled. LLM 157.2

We had thought that the work would have been accomplished before this. But the light came from the Lord regarding the extension of the work. “Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” This power we needed then in the early history of our work. “Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” Then we understood that there was a world to be warned. “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Here is our work, our commission. The truth was to go to every city in America, and we were to gather up our forces to proclaim the message in the “regions beyond.” LLM 157.3

Had the work been done that God designed should be done, the condition of things in our world would now be very different. But the professing followers of Christ are asleep. The churches have not fulfilled the solemn charge laid upon them. Men placed as watchmen have been asleep at their post, and many refuse to wake up. They are not fulfilling the gospel commission. LLM 157.4

After Christ had risen from the dead, the angels said to the women, “Go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee, there shall ye see him; lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulcher with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All Hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshiped Him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid; go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee; and there shall they see me.” LLM 157.5

“Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.” They doubted that He had risen from the dead, in spite of the most powerful facts in proof of it. The Jews did not deny the resurrection of Christ for want of evidence to prove it, nor did they hire soldiers to tell a lie because they believed the falsehood or could substantiate it. They did it to keep the people from knowing the truth. False teachers are always afraid to have the truth come before the people. This knowledge they wish to hide, to keep the people from becoming acquainted with the facts. They desire preeminence, and the truth would spoil their history and their character. LLM 158.1

There are many ways in which the truth has been withheld from the world that Christ has purchased with the price of His blood, But Christ has supreme authority over all, and power to give knowledge to all who desire it, and who seek it from God in His word. LLM 158.2

The sacred commission given us is to work for all nations. To turn sinners from iniquity is to be the great object of the followers of Christ. In various ways this work is to be done. In our campmeetings, a much more decided effort is to be put forth to accomplish this work. Short discourses right to the point are to be given, and those who hear are to be called to make a decision. The laborers are to be fervent in spirit. During the meeting our periodicals are to be distributed and sold. LLM 158.3

Let all strive together to reach the object Christ has set before us. The gospel is to be translated into every tongue, and is to be preached to every creature. The divine presence of Christ will ever be with the true workers, enlightening their minds as they open the Scriptures to others. All who reach out for the Lord Jesus in their prayers, seeking for wisdom and efficiency, will be given success in their endeavors to win souls to righteousness. They will be God's light-bearers, shining amidst the darkness of the world. LLM 158.4

Ellen G. White

*****

Sanitarium, California

McP.-94, 1906 March 1, 1906.

My dear Niece Addie,

..... Loma Linda has a large, beautiful lawn, which is encircled with pepper trees; and on it there are comfortable benches. I once spoke on this lawn to quite an audience, a number not of our faith being present. But the tops of the pepper trees met over the stand, and the odor of these trees, which I thought would be most beneficial to me, was too strong. I find that we must live to learn.... LLM 158.5

Soon we shall begin evangelistic work in Redlands, a town about four miles from Loma Linda. Elder Haskell and his wife have come from the East to help us start this work. They spent a month with us here, and then visited Sister Haskell's sister at Armona. They are now at Loma Linda.... LLM 159.1

A few miles from Redlands there are cities that have never been worked. Riverside is eight miles from Loma Linda. We have treatment-rooms there. They are not extensive, but are large enough to accommodate the people of that city. While we were in Redlands last year, we drove to Riverside, a distance of eleven miles, and I spoke in our church there. At this place our people have a very nice meeting house. We drove over in order to see the country. We passed through acres of orange groves. It was a beautiful and interesting sight; for the trees were loaded with fruit. I never saw anything like it before. We returned to Redlands on the trains, and again we passed through miles of orange land, the trees laden with their beautiful, golden fruit. We saw also large groves of grapefruit and lemon trees. LLM 159.2

Our future effort must be to reach the people of these cities with the truth. At Fernando, .... we have a school. This school is not far from Loma Linda and Redlands. LLM 159.3

President Roosevelt, on a journey through Southern California, when he first got a view of the city of Redlands and its surrounding, took off his hat, and said, “This is glorious. I never imagined such a sight.” The scenery is indeed charming. LLM 159.4

In Redlands we have a splendid opening for work. Some time ago Elder Simpson held a series of tent-meetings here, and a company of believers was raised up. They built a small but very neat house of worship, and in this church I spoke when I was in Redlands, a year ago. LLM 159.5

It was in the providence of God that we obtained possession of Loma Linda. This property comprises one large building, five cottages, and seventy-six acres of land, in a most beautiful location. The land was purchased and the building erected and equipped by a company of one hundred and fifty physicians, at a cost of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Under their management the institution did not succeed financially, and not long ago we bought it, furnished throughout with durable, high-grade furniture for forty thousand dollars. Twenty thousand dollars of the purchase price was to be paid in several payments at stated times with the balance in two years. But the former owners found themselves in need of money, and agreed to take off two hundred dollars interest, were a certain payment made at a date before the time agreed upon. Brother Burden raised the money and thus saved two hundred dollars. LLM 159.6

Once more these men found themselves in a strait place and they said that if we would pay the remaining amount of indebtedness, they would throw off nine hundred dollars. Brother Burden paid the whole amount, some of our people taking stock in the institution, and some making gifts. This means to the institution a saving of eleven hundred dollars, which otherwise would have had to be paid. This was a great advantage. LLM 160.1

In enabling us to obtain possession of this property, the Lord has certainly brought to the cause a most wonderful opportunity. We praise God with heart and soul and voice. There are five cottages, well fitted up, besides the large building. These are all furnished in the best of style. The smaller cottages are made with wide piazzas running around the four sides, and the windows are so arranged that the beds can be wheeled out on to the veranda. In each cottage there is a bathroom. The larger cottage has two stories, and is furnished throughout with solid red and black mahogany furniture. LLM 160.2

All the mattresses, blankets, sheets, pillow-slips, couch-pillows, and bedding in general were in excellent condition when we took over the property. There were about eighty towels besides those in the rooms, and about one hundred and thirty-five small linen towels. There are table napkins in abundance, and silverware of all description, as well as chinaware. LLM 160.3

There is one room in which sun baths may be taken, and a large parlor, two sides of which are of glass. This is the most beautiful room I was ever in in my life. There is also another large, well-furnished parlor. Two rooms above this have in them twenty rocking chairs and reclining chairs, which are very comfortable. LLM 160.4

Besides these buildings, there is another building, which was used as a recreation building. This will serve for a time as a meeting-house. Both lower and upper stories are fitted up with rocking chairs. Those in charge seemed to have a passion for rocking chairs. LLM 160.5

There are two barns and some carriages, somewhat worn, several horses, four cows, and a large calf, a good number of chickens and some turkeys. There were some hogs, but these have been disposed of. LLM 160.6

Ten acres of the land is in oranges and apricots. The apricots are the largest I have ever seen. We only tasted the oranges when we were there, but Brother Burden has recently sent us several boxes of oranges and grapefruit, which we find most excellent. The apples grown there do not amount to much. We secured the place last summer before the fruit was ripe, and more was put up during the season than they will be able to use this summer. We had to buy peaches for canning. I helped to pick some of them. We bought the fruit on the trees, and it was delicious. They are now setting out more grape vines and orange trees and other kinds of fruit, but these will not come into bearing for some time. LLM 160.7

The main building stands on an eminence, and one must climb a long flight of steps to reach the front door. About two hundred rods from the building there is a little railway station. From here there is a drive of easy and gradual ascent which encircles the rise of ground upon which stand the main building, the nine-roomed cottage, and the four smaller cottages. The hill is set out to ornamental and fruit trees. On it there is still another cottage, which has been used for the laborers. LLM 161.1

The Loma Linda Sanitarium will be dedicated in four or five weeks. I hear that the institution is filled with patients. Every one who has gone there is delighted with the place. LLM 161.2

Now I have given you the fullest description of Loma Linda that I have written to any one, as I thought you would like to hear about the place. I have never lost my interest in you; for you are one of my children, a member of my family. If you will love and serve the Lord I shall be grateful that in your childhood I consented to take charge of you. You are the purchase of the blood of Christ, and I do want you to find entrance into the city whose builder and maker is God. Let us all strive together to secure the immortal inheritance... LLM 161.3

Ellen G. White