Loma Linda Messages

Established Prosperity

“Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.” LLM 33.1

Isaiah 8:20. “To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” LLM 33.2

Two texts are here set before God's people: two conditions for success. The law spoken by Jehovah himself, and the spirit of prophecy, are the two sources of wisdom to guide His people in every experience. Deuteronomy 4:6. “This is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, who shall say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” LLM 33.3

The law of God and the Spirit of Prophecy go hand in hand to guide and counsel the church, and whenever the church has recognized this by obeying His law, the spirit of prophecy has been sent to guide her in the way of truth. LLM 33.4

Revelation 12:17. “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” This prophecy points out clearly that the remnant church will acknowledge God in His law and will have the prophetic gift. Obedience to the law of God, and the spirit of prophecy has always distinguished the true people of God, and the test is usually given on present manifestations. LLM 33.5

In Jeremiah's day the people had no question about the message of Moses, Elijah, or Elisha, but they did question and put aside the message sent of God to Jeremiah until its force and power was wasted and there was no remedy but for God to carry them away into captivity. LLM 33.6

Likewise in the days of Christ the people had learned that Jeremiah's message was true, and they persuaded themselves to believe that if they had lived in the days of their fathers they would have accepted his message, but at the same time they were rejecting Christ's message, of whom all the prophets had written. LLM 33.7

As the third angel's message arose in the world, which is to reveal the law of God to the church in its fullness and power, the prophetic gift was also immediately restored. This gift has acted a very prominent part in the development and carrying forward of this message. LLM 33.8

As differences of opinion have arisen in reference to interpretations of Scriptures and methods of labor, calculated to unsettle the faith of believers in the message and lead to disunion in the work, the spirit of prophecy has always thrown light on the situation. It has always brought union of thought and harmony of action to the body of believers. In every crisis that has arisen in the development of the message and the growth of the work, those who have stood firmly by the law of God and the light of the Spirit of prophecy have triumphed and the work has prospered in their hands. LLM 34.1

The question naturally arises: Whence comes this wisdom revealed through this gift, which is more than the combined wisdom of all the church besides? LLM 34.2

As the message developed and grew, it was this gift that urged the extension of the work, and from that day to this has done more than all other influences combined to push the message into the regions beyond. In every development of the message—evangelical, education, medical, and publishing, the spirit of prophecy has not only led the way, but given light on how to conduct these different departments in such a way as to bring success in the spread of the message. LLM 34.3

Again and again as the wisdom of men has failed and the work became hedged about or tangled up in any of its departments, the wisdom of this gift has always been shown in setting it free. The clear-cut missionary policy laid out for all departments of this great work by the spirit of prophecy in contrast with the mercenary policy oft times worked into it by men to whom the care and keeping of the message has been entrusted, shows that the wisdom of this gift is from above. LLM 34.4

When our educational work, under the fostering care of this gift, first developed the Battle Creek College, it was a power for good in fitting men and women to carry this message to the world. Many of those now bearing responsibility in the cause received their early training at that place. The same is true of the early days of Healdsburg College, which was fostered and molded by the same gift. But a change came over all our educational work. The wisdom of men molded it after the wisdom of the world until the schools, instead of sending forth laborers into the missionary fields, were turning the minds of the young to worldly avocations, many of who were losing their love for the truth. LLM 34.5

Whence came the wisdom to correct this wrong and turn our schools again into the pathway of life? Who is responsible for the great wave of Christian education that has molded the entire denomination and multiplied our Christian schools by the score, enabling them to send forth hundreds of young people as missionaries into the home and foreign fields? Shall we not learn to esteem more highly, and follow more closely a gift that can bring such blessing and prosperity to the cause of God? LLM 34.6

At the beginning of this message believers were few and widely scattered. There was no definite organization for the direction of the work, but as believers came into the truth and companies were formed, it was manifest that some organization was necessary. But strange as it may seem, the wisdom of man led them to oppose all organization. Again light was shed upon the perplexing situation by the spirit of prophecy, which resulted in a simple form of organization for the protection and furtherance of the work; and peace, harmony, and prosperity came out of confusion. This same form of organization continued until the wisdom of men, to whom the care of the organization had been committed, began to plan for a centralizing power at the head of the work, which resulted in retarding rather than fostering it. Missionaries in the field felt their hands were tied, and mission fields were languishing, and the resources were drying up. Where was the wisdom of men in this perplexity? LLM 35.1

Again the spirit of prophecy shed light upon the situation, pointing out the difficulty and the remedy. As the light has been followed, relief has come, the message has gone with leaps and bounds, and the resources have increased wonderfully. The great need of the hour is consecrated men and women whose faith and experience has grown strong in grappling with difficulty and in undertaking great things for the cause of God. LLM 35.2

The object and aim of every organization and institution connected with third angel's message is missionary, and when it fails in this, its usefulness is gone. LLM 35.3

The publishing work, like every other department of the message, was started under the light and fostering care of the spirit of prophecy. Its aim was missionary, to disseminate the light of present truth. But as the work enlarged and the publishing work was committed to the wisdom of men, it grew into a great commercial machine that was working more for the world than for the spread of the message. Men conceived the idea of centralizing our publishing work under one great combine to be ruled by the great men at the head of the work. High wages were paid, and the missionary spirit left the work as the spirit of the world came in. The spirit of prophecy called for a change of plans in our publishing work, it called for a distribution of the abundant facilities established at Battle Creek to assist plants in more needy fields, but called in vain. The wisdom of men, which was the wisdom of the world, could see no light in distributing. There seemed to be no remedy for God to correct the evils in this department of His work but to let His judgments fall upon the institution. From a communication written from Australia, I quote the following:— LLM 35.4

“The God of Heaven has been dishonored. You have found a place to invest means in various enterprises as though it were a virtue to leave my work in other lands to struggle in poverty and nakedness. You have not shared your abundant facilities as you might have done, even (though) the sacrifice required might appear large to you. Nothing that earth has given is of sufficient value to recompense the travail and burden of soul, the agonizing of mind that has been felt in seeing the people working at cross-purposes with God, hindering the work, and making it necessary for God to withdraw His prospering hand from the publishing association and from the conference.” LLM 36.1

Had the light given this department been followed, how different might the results have been today! Note the result when men did turn to follow the light. The prosperity of God has been seen all through our publishing work. Instead of today running them simply for commercial ends, every publishing house is crowded to its utmost capacity, publishing the truth, and more than fifty thousand copies of books are being published in outside printing houses because our own publishing houses cannot turn them out fast enough. The canvassing work is renewed, and hundreds of young people from our schools are carrying the pages of truth to the homes of the people. Such has always been the prosperity of God's people as they have believed his prophets. LLM 36.2

All who are acquainted at all with the medical work know that it was the testimonies that first turned the attention of this people to the importance of establishing medical institutions, and as the years have come and gone, the same gift has led out in establishing sanitariums and medical missionary enterprises all over the world. LLM 36.3

Wonderful light has been given in every detail of the various departments, and as the light has been followed, success has attended the work. The policy outlined for this branch of the cause, like every other, has been missionary, educational, and evangelical. And when our medical work was in danger of being swayed into wrong lines, message after message was sent to the head of the work to save it from ruin. A centralizing power had also entered the medical work, which was seeking to gain control, the sanitarium was losing sight of the regions beyond, the real object of this department of the message. In this case communication from Australia from (Sister White came) I quote further:— LLM 36.4

“Then the test came upon the sanitarium. God has given them prosperity, not to be a means of self-exaltation, but that they might impart of their substance. When His servants were sent to Australia, you should have understood that God would work through them, and you should have exercised liberality in appropriating means to advance the work. The medical missionary work should ere this have been established upon a solid foundation. There should be no withholding of means. The Lord has let His chastening hand fall upon the Review and Herald office because they would not heed His voice. Self-sufficient managers hedged up the way that His work should not advance. The Lord calls upon the Battle Creek Sanitarium to extend her work and to place the health institution here upon a proper basis. This should have been done two years ago. The withholding tends to poverty.” LLM 36.5

The result of failing to heed the light sent by the spirit of prophecy is now manifest in the destruction of that institution, and the present situation at the head of our medical missionary work. Could the brethren at the head of the department have accepted the light that was given through this gift, we should today see the same prosperity attending this department that has come to the others as the light has been followed. LLM 37.1

God has permitted all these things to come upon His people that they might see the folly of trusting to men, however great their power or influence, and that His people might learn to believe in the Lord their God and in His prophets that established prosperity might follow their efforts to advance His cause. LLM 37.2

The message from the spirit of prophecy today to this people is a call for a reorganization of the entire medical missionary work, the key of which is unity. It would seem that this particular phase of the message is to be so blended with every other part that the entire message is to stand out before the world after the similitude of Christ's work that every individual member of the church—layman, canvasser, Bible teacher, school teacher, institutional worker, and minister is to stand in Christ's stead before the world with His message of teaching and healing. The nurse or physician is no longer to content himself to simply minister to men's physical necessity, but is to perform a double ministry. The minister and missionary worker are to minister alike to soul and body in their need, and thus the entire work is to become one united medical missionary evangelistic work. LLM 37.3

“We have come to a time when every member of the church should take hold of medical missionary work.” “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.” LLM 37.4

“If ever the Lord has spoken by me, He speaks when I say that the workers engaged in educational lines, in ministerial lines, and in medical missionary lines must stand as a unit. “Medical missionary work is yet in its infancy. The meaning of genuine medical missionary work is known but by few. Why? Because the Saviour's plan of work has not been followed.” LLM 37.5

“Christ, the great medical missionary, is our example. He healed the sick and preached the gospel. In His service, healing and teaching were linked closely together. Today they are not to be separated. The nurses who are trained in our institutions are to be fitted up to go out as medical missionary evangelists, uniting the ministry of the Word with that of physical healing.” LLM 38.1

“There should be companies organized, and educated most thoroughly to work as nurses, as evangelists, as ministers, as canvassers, as gospel students.” LLM 38.2

“From the instruction that the Lord has given me from time to time, I know there should be workers who make medical evangelistic tours among the towns and villages. Those who do this work will gather a rich harvest of souls, both from the higher and lower classes.” LLM 38.3

“Let our ministers who have gained experience in preaching the Word, learn how to give simple treatments, and then labor intelligently as medical missionary evangelists. Christ stands before us as a pattern man, the great medical missionary, an example for all who should come after.” LLM 38.4

“The Lord calls upon our young people to enter our schools, and quickly fit themselves for service. In various places, outside of cities, schools are to be established, where our youth can receive an education that would prepare them to go forth to do evangelical work and medical missionary work.” LLM 38.5

From the above quotations and the experiences rehearsed, is it not clear to all that (the) Lord, through the spirit of prophecy, under whose fostering care the entire message had developed, and through whose influence each department—publishing, evangelical, and educational, has been reorganized and restored to its original purpose after the wisdom of man have turned them aside, is not calling for a reorganization of our medical missionary work in all its departments,—educational, institutional, and evangelical? LLM 38.6

What is our individual responsibility in this matter? When God moves forward in His work, it divides men into two classes, those who follow in the way He leads, and those who turn aside. Are not the words of Mordecai to Esther applicable to each of us today: “For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance rise to the Jews (the work) from another place, but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom (the work) for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14. Or shall the prophetic words of Christ as He wept over Jerusalem, Matthew 23:34-39 describe our attitude and our condemnation at last? LLM 38.7

*****

April 17 - May 7, 1904-7

“Elmshaven”, Sanitarium, Cal.,

April 14, 1904.

My dear Brother,

I wish to write you a few lines regarding the work in San Diego. We have long desired to see sanitarium work established in this place, not that we ourselves may be benefited, but that those who have never heard the truth may have an opportunity of hearing the last message of mercy to be given to the world. If you have known and enjoyed the comfort of the Holy Spirit, the assurance of the grace of God, the hope of the gospel of Christ, your heart must be drawn out in earnest longing that this work may extend rapidly, while mercy's sweet voice is still heard inviting perishing souls to come to the Saviour. LLM 39.1

I have always looked with great interest upon the work in Los Angeles and in San Diego, hoping that right moves would be made, and that the sanitarium work might be established in these important places. Every year large numbers of tourists visit these places, and I have longed to see men moved by the Holy Spirit meeting these people with the message borne by John the Baptist: “Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” LLM 39.2

“This is he that was spoken of by Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord; make His paths straight.” LLM 39.3

“Jerusalem and all Judea, and all the region round about Jordan,” went out to hear John the Baptist, and were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.” Just such a work as this can be done today in Southern California. LLM 39.4

The Lord has ordained that memorials for Him shall be established in many places. He has presented before me buildings away from the cities, and suitable for our work, which can be purchased at a low price. We must take advantage of the favorable openings for Sanitarium work in Southern California, where the climate is so favorable for this work. LLM 39.5

There are many other places in Southern California, besides Los Angeles and San Diego, in which sanitarium work could be started. To sanitariums in Southern California, people will come from far and near, because the fame of the climate is world-wide. LLM 39.6

It is the Lord's purpose that sanitariums shall be established in Southern California, and that from these institutions shall go forth the light of truth for this time. By them the claims of the true Sabbath are to be presented, and the third angel's message proclaimed. LLM 39.7

Institutions in which medical missionary work can be done are to be regarded as especially essential to the advancement of the Lord's work. The sick and suffering are to be relieved, and then, as opportunity offers, they are to be given instruction in regard to the truth for this time. Thus we can bring present truth before a class of people who could be reached in no other way. LLM 40.1

The buildings secured for this work should be out of the cities, in rural districts, so that the sick may have the benefit of out-door life. By the beauty of flower and field, their minds will be diverted from themselves, from their aches and pains, and they will be led to look from nature to the God of nature, who has provided so abundantly the beauties of the natural world. The convalescent can lie in the shade of the trees, and those who are stronger can, if they wish, work among the flowers, doing just a little at first, and increasing their efforts as they grow stronger. Working in the garden, gathering flowers and fruit, listening to the birds praising God, the patients will be wonderfully blessed. Angels of God will draw near to them. They will forget their sorrows. Melancholy and depression will leave them. The fresh air and sunshine, and the exercise taken, will bring them life and vitality. The wearied brain and nerves will find relief. Good treatment and wholesome diet will build them up and strengthen them. They will feel no need for health-destroying drugs or for intoxicating drink. LLM 40.2

The workers connected with our medical institutions should have the full confidence of the patients. Let them remember that this will be gained, not by elegant dress or by smartness of speech, but by living the life of Christ. Warm-hearted, unselfish workers are needed in our sanitariums,—workers who can speak words of tenderness and compassion to the sick and suffering. The physicians and nurses are not to be stiff and unsocial, neither are they to be light and trifling. They are to be bright and cheerful, bringing sunshine to the hearts of the sick. They are to talk of the Saviour and His power to save. In Him there is healing for soul and body. LLM 40.3

In the establishment and carrying forward of sanitarium work, and strictest economy is ever to be shown. Workers are to be employed who will be producers as well as consumers. In no case is money to be invested for display. Gospel medical missionary work is today to be carried forward in simplicity, even as it was carried forward by the Majesty of heaven, who, seeing the necessities of a lost, sinful world, laid aside His royal robe and kingly crown, and clothed His divinity with humanity, that He might stand at the head of humanity. In His way of working, He has left us a perfect example. “If any man will come after me,” He declared, “let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” The true medical missionary will obey these words. He will not strain every nerve to make a display, thinking thus to win souls to the Saviour. The Son of God left His heavenly home to come to a world all seared and marred by the curse, that He might seek and save the Lost. Ought we not, His followers, to show the same self-denial and self-sacrifice that His life revealed? For us He endured the privations of poverty. Shall we refuse to deny ourselves for His sake? LLM 40.4

Christ gives to all the invitation, “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 ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” If God's people will wear Christ's yoke, if they will learn in His school the lessons that He teaches, there will be sufficient means to establish gospel medical missionary work in many places. LLM 41.1

Christ might have come to this world with a retinue of angels; but instead, He came as a babe, and lived a life of lowliness and poverty. His glory was in His simplicity. Shall we refuse to engage in medical missionary work unless we can follow the customs of the world, making a display such as worldlings make? To one who asked if he might follow Him, Christ said, “Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head.” Shall those who profess to be His followers refuse to engage in the work of helping their suffering fellow-beings unless they can be placed where their dignity will not be lessened? LLM 41.2

In no other way can we do the work of God successfully than by following in the footsteps of the One who gave up His high command to come to our world, that through His humiliation and suffering, human beings might become partakers of the divine nature. For our sake He became poor, that through His poverty we might come into possession of the eternal riches. LLM 41.3

It is not being rich in the wealth of this world that increases our value in God's sight. It is the meek and contrite that the Lord acknowledges and honors. Read the fifty-seventh of Isaiah. Study this chapter carefully for it means much to you. I will make no comments upon it. If you will study it carefully, and prayerfully, you will become wise unto salvation. LLM 41.4

“Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” LLM 41.5

My brother, we need means to advance the work of the Lord in many places. We must firmly establish the work at the capitol of our nation. Do you not wish to have a part in the work that God has given us to do there? Will you not do your best to help us to secure the facilities that we must have in order to advance the work in Washington, D. C. and in Southern California? LLM 42.1

At San Diego we have made an advance move by purchasing the Potts Sanitarium in Paradise Valley, near National City and about six miles from San Diego. We hope soon to be able to furnish a part of the building, and to open its doors to those for whom it was purchased. LLM 42.2

The building was erected for a sanitarium by Mrs. Mary Potts nearly twenty years ago. It is a fine, three-story structure, built on a rise of ground, and commanding a view of a beautiful valley. It has about fifty rooms, many of which are large and airy. The building is in very good condition, considering that it has stood idle for about fifteen years. LLM 42.3

Three years ago light was given me that our people in Southern California must watch for opportunities to purchase such properties. I told our brethren that they would find all ready for use, and for sale at reasonable prices, just the buildings they would need for their work. And thus it has proved. In a most remarkable way the Lord is preparing the way for the advancement of His work in Southern California. LLM 42.4

For two years I have been interested in the Potts Sanitarium property, and have advised and urged our people to secure it. Two years ago we thought it could be secure[d] for $12,000. One year ago it was offered for $8,000, and this spring it was offered for still less. I advised those having in charge the medical work in Southern California, to purchase the building, and when they hesitated, because of a lack of funds, I persuaded Sister Josephine Gotzian and Brother J. F. Ballenger to join me, and we have purchased the Potts Sanitarium, and eight acres adjoining for $5,000. LLM 42.5

Something similar can be done in the neighborhood of Los Angeles, if wise plans are adopted for the carrying forward of the work, and if the men to who the Lord has entrusted His talent of means will put their money into use for the honor of God and the blessing of humanity. LLM 42.6

We have not purchased the Potts Sanitarium to gain advantage for ourselves, but to help in carrying forward the work that Christ has given us to do,—the work outlined in the following scriptures:— LLM 42.7

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” These signs shall follow them that believe: In My name they shall cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” “Ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. “And, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end.” LLM 42.8

From the light which was given me when I was in Australia, and which has been renewed since I came to America, I know that our work in Southern California must advance. The people flocking there for health must hear the last message of mercy. LLM 43.1

God has not been pleased with the way in which this work has been neglected. From many places in Southern California the light is to shine forth to the multitudes. Present truth is to be as a city set on a hill, which cannot be hid. LLM 43.2

Southern California is world-renowned as a health resort. Every year many thousands of tourists go there. They must hear the last warning message. We are called upon by God to explain the Scriptures to these people. We are not to build hotels for the accommodation of tourists, and we are not to establish sanitariums in the cities. We are to establish our work where we shall be able to do the most good to those who come to our sanitariums for treatment. LLM 43.3

Workers who can speak to the multitudes are to be located where they can meet the people where they are, and give them the message of truth. LLM 43.4

What will you do to help, my brother? Will you put the Lord's money into circulation to advance His work? Will you respond at once to this appeal? We so greatly desire that these favorable openings may be taken advantage of. If we do our duty, the Lord will give us many souls for our hire. LLM 43.5

The aim and burden of our work is to show that the truth uplifts and saves. Missionary work must be done. The world is our field of labor, and we must meet the people where they are, and give them the message. God desires his workers to develop the capabilities and powers that He has given them. It is His purpose that they shall constantly increase in usefulness, ever gaining greater ability to win souls to Christ. LLM 43.6

*****

.H.

Nashville, Tenn.,

June 30, 1904.

To the Ministers in Southern California:

Dear Brethren,

I have no desire to hurt the soul of any one, but I must bear the straight testimony given me. Some of the ministers and leaders in the Southern California Conference need to realize the necessity of counselling with their brethren who have been long in the work, and who have thus gained a valuable experience. Their disposition to shut themselves up to themselves, and to feel competent to plan and execute, according to their own judgment and preference, brings them into financial embarrassment. Then, when the embarrassment bears heavily upon them, they are tempted to think that the Union Conference or the General Conference should help them out. This independent way of working is not right, and should not be followed. The ministers and teachers in our Conferences are to work unitedly with their brethren of experience, asking them for advice, and paying heed to this advice. LLM 43.7

Earnest work should be done in Southern California in carrying the Fernando school forward successfully, and earnest work should be done in establishing a sanitarium near Los Angeles. Several buildings have already been offered for sale. If these are not suitable, or if they cannot be purchased for a reasonable sum, land should be purchased and buildings erected. LLM 44.1

Our small conferences should be careful not to create burdens of debt for the General Conference to carry. At times inconsiderate moves are made, buildings are put up without sufficient thought as to their use, and responsibilities are assumed where there is not ability to carry these responsibilities. Thus, money is absorbed that brings no returns. Enterprises are started which consume without producing. This is not as it should be. LLM 44.2

Diligent efforts should be made to lessen the debt resting on the school, but these efforts should be made by all. I have supposed that “Christ's Object Lessons”, handled discreetly, would do much toward relieving our schools from debt, and I believe that this book will yet be the means of doing much to help the Fernando School. LLM 44.3

I do not see the wisdom of the school depending on the second tithe to meet so much of its expenses. I fear that if the brethren rely so much upon this that difficulties will rise. You should labor patiently to develop those industries by which students can partly work their way through school. LLM 44.4

Let each family try to pay the expenses of the students that it sends to school. Some families, in which there are several children attending school, will be hard pressed. Would it not be wisdom to create a fund by the sale of “Christ's Object Lessons” for the assistance of such ones? There are many young people who desire to be in school, and who ought to be, but who have no means. These young people can be helped through school, if our people will do their duty in handling “Object Lessons”. LLM 44.5

The purchase of the school buildings at Fernando was in the order of God. Valuable property was obtained at a price far below its original cost. The brethren did right to buy it, and the school can be sustained if the families of believers in Southern California will do their best to make it a success. The young men and women who expect to attend school should do all in their power, before entering the school to earn money to meet their expenses. LLM 45.1