The Paulson Collection of Ellen G. White Letters

K.—116—’03

Quotations from a letter written June 24, 1903, to Brother and Sister Kress, File K.—116—’03. PC 16.5

I certainly think that at present it would not be wise to invest two or three thousand dollars in electric light baths and in machinery to operate them. The prosperity of the Sanitarium is not dependent on electric light baths. It is dependent on the prayers and faith and labors of the workers... PC 16.6

Strike the true keynote in the Sanitarium. When Jesus sent out the twelve disciples, He said, “As ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils; freely ye have received, freely give.” PC 16.7

Let there be in the Sanitarium much prayer for the healing of the sick. We must depend more decidedly upon the great Healer. It is the miracle-working power of God that will give efficiency to the gospel message. As believers, are we not sons and daughters of God? Is not Christ our Elder Brother? Then shall we not believe that He will reveal His power in restoring the sick to health? Tell Him your wishes and desires, and plead the promise, “Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me, and he shall make peace with Me.” Christ can not too often be reminded of His pledged word. PC 16.8

Let us not take ourselves out of the hand of God. Our medical missionary work should bear the similitude of the greatest Missionary this world has ever seen. Present the Lord Jesus, the great Healer, as the One upon whom you depend. The instruction that you give the patients in your parlor lectures will be received much more readily if you send to heaven a petition for the power that is above all human power. PC 17.1

Encourage the patients to breathe the fresh air. Teach them how to breathe deep and how to exercise their muscles. Teach them to use the abdominal muscles in breathing. Encourage them to spend much time in the open air. Make the grounds so attractive that they will want to be out of doors. Provide some pleasant, easy work for those who are able to work. Show them how agreeable and health-giving this out-of-door work is. This is an education that will be invaluable to them after they return to their homes. PC 17.2

Use nature's remedies,—water, sunshine, and fresh air. Do not use drugs. Drugs never heal; they only change the features of the disease. PC 17.3

Do not allow the helpers to overwork. Let the patients see nurses that are cheerful and bright, not nurses who, because they are overworked, are discouraged and downhearted. It is most inconsistent with the principles on which our sanitariums are founded for the nurses to be allowed to break down in their work. PC 17.4

The workers are to practice the principles of health reform in all that they do,—standing, walking, breathing, eating, and dressing. They are to surround themselves with an atmosphere of praise. They are to cultivate the voice, keeping it pleasant and sympathetic. No word of discouragement is to be heard. Let the nurses and physicians face the light. Let them open the windows of the heart heavenward, that it may be flooded with the beams of the Sun of Righteousness. - PC 17.5