Loma Linda Messages

Elder J.A. Burden and Others Bearing Responsibilities at Loma Linda

(Page 652, B-90-'08—March 24, ’08)

Loma Linda, Calif.

Nov. 3, 1907

Dear Brethren,

I feel a deep interest that careful study shall be given to the needs of our institutions at Loma Linda, and that the right moves may be made. In the carrying forward of the word at this place, men of talent and of decided spirituality are needed. LLM 315.1

We may, in the work of educating our nurses, reach a high standard in the knowledge of the true science of healing. That which is of the most importance is that the students be taught how to truly represent the principles of health reform. Teach the students to pursue this line of study faithfully, combined with other essential lines of education. The grace of Jesus Christ will give wisdom to all who will follow the Lord's plan of true education. LLM 315.2

Let the students follow closely the example of the One who purchased the human race with the costly price of His own life. Let them appeal to the Saviour, and depend upon Him as the One who heals all manner of diseases. The Lord would have the workers make special efforts to point the sick and suffering to the great Physician who made the human body. He would have all become obedient children to the faith, that they may come with confidence and ask for bodily restoration. Many who come to our sanitariums will be blessed as they learn the truth concerning the word of God, many who would never learn it through any other medium. LLM 315.3

It is well that our training-schools for Christian workers should be established near to our health institutions, that the students may be educated in the principles of healthful living. Institutions that send forth workers who are able to give a reason for their faith, and who have that faith that works by love and purifies the soul, are of great value. LLM 315.4

I have clear instruction that wherever it is possible, schools should be established near to our sanitariums, that each institution may be a help to the other. But I dare not advise that steps be taken at this time to branch out so largely in the educational work at Loma Linda that a large outlay of means will be required to erect new buildings. Our faithful workers at Loma Linda must not be overwhelmed with such great responsibilities that they will be in danger of becoming worn and discouraged. LLM 315.5

I am charged to caution you against building extensively for the accommodation of students. It would not be wise to invest at this time so large a capital as would be required to equip a medical college that would properly qualify physicians to stand the test of the medical examinations of the different States. LLM 315.6

A movement should not now be inaugurated that would add greatly to the investment upon the Loma Linda property. Already there is a large debt resting upon the institution, and discouragement and perplexity would follow if this indebtedness were to be greatly increased. As the work progresses, new improvements may be added from time to time as they are found necessary. An elevator should soon be installed in the main building. But there is need of strict economy. Let our brethren move cautiously and wisely, and plan no larger than they can handle without being overburdened. LLM 315.7

In the work of the school maintain simplicity. No argument is so powerful as is success founded upon simplicity. And you may attain success in the education of students as medical missionaries without a medical school that can qualify physicians to compete with the physicians of the world. LLM 316.1

Let the students be given a practical education. And the less dependent you are upon worldly methods of education, the better it will be for the students. Special instruction should be given in the art of treating the sick without the use of poisonous drugs and in harmony with the light that God has given. Students should come forth from the school without having sacrificed the principles of health reform. LLM 316.2

The education that meets the world's standard is to be less and less valued by those who are seeking for efficiency in carrying the medical missionary work in connection with the work of the third angel's message. They are to be educated from the standpoint of conscience; and as they conscientiously and faithfully follow right methods in their treatment of the sick, these methods will come to be recognized as preferable to the methods of nursing to which many have become accustomed, which demands the use of poisonous drugs. LLM 316.3

We should not at this time seek to compete with worldly medical schools. Should we do this, our chances of success would be small. We are not now prepared to carry out successfully the work of establishing large medical institutions of learning. Moreover, should we follow the world's methods of medical practice, exacting the large fees that worldly physicians demand for their services, we would work away from Christ's plan for our ministry to the sick. LLM 316.4

There should be at our sanitariums intelligent men and women, who can instruct in Christ's methods of ministry. Under the instruction of competent, consecrated teachers, the youth may become partakers of the divine nature, and learn how to escape the corruptions that are in the world through lust. I have been shown that we should have many more women who can deal especially with the diseases of women, many more lady nurses who will treat the sick in a simple way and without the use of drugs. LLM 316.5

There are many simple herbs which, if our nurses would learn the value of, they could use in the place of drugs, and find very effective... LLM 316.6

I write these things that you may know that the Lord has not left us without the use of simple remedies which when used will not leave the system in the weakened condition in which the use of drugs so often leaves it. We need well-trained nurses who can understand how to use the simple remedies that nature has provided for restoration to health, and who can teach those who are ignorant of the laws of health, how to use these simple but effective cures. LLM 316.7

He who created men and women has an interest in those who suffer. He has directed in the establishment of our sanitariums and in the building up of schools close to our sanitariums, that they may become efficient mediums in training men and women for the work of ministering to suffering humanity. In the treatment of the sick, poisonous drugs need not be used. Alcohol or tobacco in any form must not be recommended, lest some soul be led to imbibe a taste for these evil things. There will be no excuse for the liquor-dealers in that day when every man shall receive according to his works. Those who have destroyed life will by their own life have to pay the penalty. God's law is holy and just and good. LLM 317.1

We have seen the poor wrecks of humanity come to our sanitariums to be cured of the liquor habit. We have seen these who have ruined their health by wrong habits of diet, and by the use of flesh-meats. This is why we need to lift up the voice like a trumpet, and show “My people their transgressions, and the house of Jacob their sins.” LLM 317.2

The Lord will judge according to their works those who are seeking to establish a law of the nations that will cause men to violate the law of God. In proportion to their guilt will be their punishment. The Lord would have us lift up the Sabbath of the Lord our God. We have a sacred work to do in opening blind eyes in regard to the day that the Lord has set apart and sanctified as the rest day of mankind. He declares, “The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.” He has placed His own signature upon that day that He has set apart to be observed as long as time shall last. We should have much to say upon this subject just now. LLM 317.3

Let Seventh-day Adventist medical workers remember that the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Christ was the greatest Physician that ever trod the sin-cursed earth. The Lord would have His people come to Him for their power of healing. He will baptize them with His holy Spirit, and fit them for a service that will make them a blessing in restoring the spiritual and physical health of those who need healing. LLM 317.4

Ellen G. White

*****

H.-358-'07 Nov. 3, 1907.

Loma Linda, Cal.,

Dear Brother and Sister Haskell,

We thank you for your letters and for the news that they contain... LLM 317.5

For more than a year the light has been coming to me that here at Loma Linda we should have a school of the highest order, and that the very best talent should be obtained, in order to prepare young men and young women for medical missionary work. This work we are desirous of seeing accomplished. It should not be necessary for students to be placed under the influence of teachers who do not obey the law of God. LLM 317.6

I wish that you might have been present at this meeting. I think it would be well for you to be here as soon as possible. The instruction you might give would just now be very timely. You should be here with us to help in molding and fashioning the work. We are all doing the best we can to take advanced steps in the right direction. LLM 318.1

There should be a different mold placed upon the work in this Southern Calif. Conference. The president of this field has not had the experience that one should have who occupies such an important position. He seems to be unable to understand the Lord's plans for the carrying forward of the work. LLM 318.2

A man lives unto God when he continually recognizes Him as a present Helper. When there is a recognition of the Lord Jesus Christ, there will be a holy fear lest he shall make mistakes. The soul will be drawn out continually in earnest prayer as he realizes his needs. As he draws nigh to God, God will draw nigh unto him, the love of God will be kindled in his heart, and he will be able to speak the words of God. The language of the heart will then be, “Whom have I in heaven but Thee, and who on earth do I desire beside Thee?” LLM 318.3

We must give evidence of a spiritual relationship to God, in all our ways acknowledging Him. Others will be able to detect whether we make ourselves a center; or whether we regard Christ as all and in all. When we have the fear of the Lord ever before us, our experience will not be tame and spiritless. Christ formed within will be the hope of glory. LLM 318.4

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. In Him there is a hope that “maketh not ashamed.” The joy of the Lord will break forth from lips that are sanctified. We must now receive rich experiences in the service of God. LLM 318.5

Our faith is to be expressed in thanksgiving. “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth God.” “In everything give thanks.” “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.” Let expressions of praise flow forth from human lips. We are to rejoice in the Lord more than we have done. Let not the heart remain cold and dull and unimpressive. LLM 318.6

There are some who think that in matters of practical Christianity, they have a superior intelligence. Whether or not this is so, will be demonstrated by the life-actions. Are they self-centered, or are they moved by the Holy Spirit of truth and righteousness. Religion is to become a living, active principle. The one all-absorbing motive of the true Christian is to give an expression of the goodness and love of Christ. LLM 318.7

We need you here, Brother Haskell, to exert your influence against the presumption of men who feel that their brethren must ask permission of them, before engaging in the Lord's service where and in the manner that He indicates. Such presumption should find no place in the cause of God. We hope that there may be such changes here that the work of the Lord may move on more smoothly. LLM 318.8

The Lord sends His messages to correct the erring, however highly they may regard themselves. He asks that they submit their judgment to His control. Every soul must be under discipline to God. To occupy an exalted position is not always evidence that the Lord has placed an individual in that position. It is the works, not position, that testify to the value of a man. Hereditary traits of character need to be overcome. A man cannot safely be entrusted with the control of others, unless he himself is under the sanctification of the Holy Spirit. LLM 319.1

In the spirit of meekness and lowliness of heart, all methods and plans should be submitted to wise counselors for their prayerful consideration and their endorsement. Otherwise, a restless, speculative energy and ambition may make an evil mark upon the cause of God, and subvert and hinder the very work that the Lord has declared should be done in this Conference. LLM 319.2

In order that the great work of sanctification that needs to be carried forward in the churches of Southern California may be accomplished, the minds and wills of our ministers, physicians, and teachers should be united, their hearts blending in one Spirit to give the trumpet a certain sound. Let every voice proclaim [distinctly the third angel's message. In word and act let those who are proclaiming] the message, reveal that they are numbered among those “that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” LLM 319.3

If this had been done faithfully, with the word of the living God as the great lesson-book, the third angel's message would have gone with greater power. Had all God's ministers, as faithful stewards of the grace of God, called upon the world to hear the last note of warning, giving the trumpet a certain sound, thousands more might have been converted, and added their voices in proclaiming the message to the world. In distinct notes of solemn warning is to be given the closing message that will prepare a people to receive the seal of the living God. LLM 319.4

Satan is working to fill minds with the spirit of ambition and of commercialism. Those whose minds are thus diverted, will lose their opportunity of giving the last message to the world. LLM 319.5

If faithful work had been done during the last few years that have gone into eternity, thousands of souls would now be found with Bibles in their hands, reading the Word of God, and praying for light and guidance. Many of these would be engaged in the work of hunting for souls, and fitting up a people to stand in the great day of God. But some who ought to be missionaries, are filled with the spirit of commercialism, and with an ambition to secure for themselves certain advantages. The truth becomes to them a dead letter, not practiced nor obeyed. LLM 319.6

Jehovah is the true God. Let Him be feared and reverenced. LLM 319.7

Ellen G. White

*****

Loma Linda, Calif.

H. 364-'07 Nov. 10, ’07.

Dear Brother and Sister Haskell,

We feel that you are needed in the Southern California field at this time. W. C. White thinks that you may be planning to labor for a time in Nashville. But I feel that your labors are very essential right here at Loma Linda and I hope that you will not delay coming longer than seems necessary. If ever such help as you can give was needed, it is now. LLM 321.1

We have found that some things are not as they should be, and I have borne a decided testimony concerning the workings of a one-man power. I wrote a very decided testimony regarding the course of Elder Reaser, and read it to Elders Daniells, Irwin, Cottrell, -and a few others. A copy was sent to Elder Reaser, and I think he has decided to resign his position as president of the conference. He has sown seed that will bear evil fruit. By his words and by his actions, he has disseminated doubts regarding the Testimonies. LLM 321.2

Yesterday I spoke in the assembly Hall here at Loma Linda, and the Lord gave me a decided message. Elder Reaser opened the meeting with prayer, and I followed him with an earnest prayer for the presence of the Holy Spirit. I then spoke for one hour, and the Lord greatly helped me. LLM 322.1

Now I hope that you can soon be here. The spirit of doubt and uncertainty that has been implanted in the minds of many in this conference demands that a strong testimony be borne in the churches... LLM 322.2

Ellen G. White

*****