Spalding and Magan Collection

The Madison Sanitarium

St. Helena Sanitarium, Cal.,

Feb. 10, 1906.

Dear Brother Magan,

I have this morning read your letter, and have much interest in that which I read. I am glad this matter has come to a head, and I am sure the time has come for a change in the atmosphere in Nashville. I am pleased that the exhibition of prejudice did not extinguish the exercise of mercy. The Lord is for us, and will be for us as long as we are for him. I think I will make an effort to raise some money. I will see what can be done. I found a long article in one of my diaries written some time ago in reference to the matters at Nashville,—the location of the sanitarium. I am desirous that the work shall advance. I think we need not be discouraged in regard to the sanitarium in Nashville. Keep up good heart; have faith in God. SpM 385.1

I am not backward to encourage sanitariums. I want to see them progressing every place where schools are established. I have been searching for a matter that I wanted very much in regard to the establishing of sanitariums wherever schools should be located, but if I should hunt just now I should lose my time to write this so important letter in response to your excellent letter. This must be prepared now as soon as finished. SpM 385.2

I am troubled much in regard to Brother Will Palmer. It has seemed he was working in an objectionable way for a man that is preparing for the test of the judgment. I feel deeply. We must be much more with God in earnest prayer. We must make God our only trust. The Lord is our God, the strength of our soul. We must take hold upon the Lord. The Lord is pleased when we importune him for his grace and his favor, not only for ourselves but for those who are in need of help. O let us put implicit confidence in our Lord Jesus. Now pray, and believe, and pray, and the Lord will certainly hear us. SpM 385.3

I shall believe that you will begin work on that sanitarium very soon, and every stroke must be a stroke of faith. Press the battle to the gate; do not be discouraged. Move just as far as you can go. Make every preparation as if you know that building was going up. Mark out your ground, and get every jot and inch of advance possible. The Lord knows you need that sanitarium. Can not you make something with “Object Lessons?” We will hold up your hands, and prayer will reach the throne of grace. Trust in the Lord's power; trust, and lean your whole weight upon the Lord Jesus, and the salvation of God will be revealed. SpM 386.1

We can move just as decidedly and fast as possible, for we have no time to lose. I wish to emphasize the importance of calling all who will be on the Lord's side to take this position. We will draw nigh to God ourselves. We will be in true earnest, for the end is nearer than when we first believed. I can scarcely take in the many things upon my mind to produce, but our prayers must ascend to God, and let our faith cling to Him who is mighty to save to the uttermost all who will come to him. SpM 386.2

I am writing letters to Battle Creek. Will send you copies. We had a telegram that the man W. C. W., in the place of going to Portland, Oregon, was to go to Southern California, and that is all that came to us yesterday. When we shall see him now I do not imagine. I may be with him at Loma Linda before he hangs up his hat in his own home. I have not seen Loma Linda since it first opened. We are to do all we can, and then tell the Lord to open the way. I think the move we made for Loma Linda was in the right time, and they have had no embarrassment thus far in meeting their obligations. And I think the San Diego Sanitarium has no pressure except for furnishing, and they will be in this respect a little behind. They have an excellent school building in Fernando, and that school building is equal to any I have seen in this country, fully ahead of the school buildings in Battle Creek. Next, the Glendale Sanitarium: they say it is running over full all the time. We did not call for means for that sanitarium out of Southern California. And the Lord has favored us in the Loma Linda matter, by the hiring of money at five per cent interest and paying in the five thousand before it was due. Two hundred dollars was allowed them on the payments, and there is no reason why the whole can not be raised according to agreement. But I must be thankful for the advantages we have had; and we will be thankful for these three sanitariums; and the Fernando School is doing good work. SpM 386.3

I have been so hurried I have not done much writing personally. I have had so little sleep because of the heavy burden that comes from rolling on from Battle Creek. Our only hope is in God. We trust not in man, nor make flesh our arm. Let us press together and walk humbly with God. I send you a copy of something I have written for Battle Creek. I wish I could be with you a little time, but my workers are right here. I know what matter should be sent here and there. I am sorry that Sister Druillard is suffering with poor health. I wish she were here for awhile and could remain here and get well. SpM 386.4

Now I say, keep up good courage. I was up at two o'clock and slept not, night before last, after twelve o'clock. Am falling asleep while I write. I can not get this copied, so send it as it is. SpM 387.1

In much love to you all,

Ellen G. White.