Manuscript Releases, vol. 9 [Nos. 664-770]

MR No. 743—Materials Appearing in Selected Messages, Book 3

MR No. 744—Principles Relating to Sickness

God Is Concerned About Cleanliness Now as Anciently—I saw that God is no less particular now than He was anciently. He gave special direction to the children of Israel to observe cleanliness in their camps, to wash their clothes, etc., etc., lest the Lord should pass by and see their uncleanness and would not go out with their armies to battle against their enemies. I was shown that in this God wished Israel to practice habits which would ensure them health and would keep them elevated above the heathen around them, for they were His peculiar treasure which He was sanctifying to Himself. Nothing would be more displeasing to God than for them to have disregarded His special commands and persisted in being unclean; and, if they had done so, the consequences would be that God would visit them with curses instead of blessings, with defeat instead of victory. If any family among Sabbathkeepers dare continue in slack, disorderly habits and risk it, they will be visited with a curse instead of a blessing, for they will be the means of bringing a reproach upon all Sabbathkeepers and will cause the heathen to make them a byword and a proverb. 9MR 280.1

In these last days, especially, should all seek to elevate their lives, for they are fitting for translation and must be without spot or wrinkle or any such thing—perfect before God, pure in heart and life, holy—and then will their light shine. You need not imitate the fashions of the world in order to have influence, but in order to have influence you must all take an exalted position that your influence may tell. You who are looking for Christ's coming should be the most orderly, systematic, cleanly people upon the earth; but it has not been thus. Some have acted as though it was no matter what they wore, how their houses or persons appeared, and that these slovenly manners were tokens of humility. Instead of this it is a true sign hung out to unbelievers of what is within; you are judged accordingly. God help you to arise.—Letter 23, 1868, pp. 2, 3. (To “Dear Friends in Burlington,” April 27, 1868.) 9MR 280.2

Hereditary Feebleness—There are invalids in our world born with feeble constitutions. They suffer from no fault of their own. Let these study patient endurance. In so doing they can glorify God.—Letter 103, 1897, p. 6. (To E. A. Sutherland, July 23, 1897.) 9MR 281.1

Spiritual Healing Contrasted With Physical Healing—The renewing of the heart is a far greater miracle than the healing of the diseases of the body.—Letter 18, 1892, p. 7. (To J. H. Kellogg, April 15, 1892.) 9MR 281.2

Homes for Consumptives—Sanitariums that are erected for consumptive patients should be placed some distance out of the city, where there is plenty of open space, a clear stream, and land which can be cultivated. Then the patients can be drawn out into the fresh air, while those who are strong can cultivate the soil. The institution built for consumptives which has not these accompaniments cannot benefit the patients. Such an institution Seventh-day Adventists are at the present time unable to maintain. 9MR 281.3

The Lord has not laid upon our people the burden of erecting a sanitarium exclusively for consumptive patients. Large numbers of persons with this disease should not be gathered together in one home. Many who come to such institutions are hopeless invalids. Others have but faint hope of recovery. The very fact that there are kept before them daily those in the various stages of the disease, and that they are called upon to see their fellow-sufferers wasting away before their eyes, is sufficient to destroy in them their last hope of recovery. In no case would I feel inclined to send a friend or relative to such a place. With these consumptives at the table coughing and spitting as so many do, who could retain their appetite for food? 9MR 281.4

The very best talent is required in those who have charge of these homes, but no one person should be confined to this line of work for a long period at a time. It is not pleasant for persons to go to an institution where they are called upon to see daily those whose lives are gradually wasting away. The coughing and expectoration also is very objectionable. To place persons of tact and ability in such a place is to entail upon them a tax that might better come upon the relatives of the patient. 9MR 282.1

I know what I am talking about, for my husband's brother, Nathaniel White, died of consumption in my home, also Sister Annie White, and [Luman V. Masten] the foreman of our printing office in Rochester, New York. I could not bring on these the painful experience of being separated from their family, and placed in a home with a large number of consumptives. I placed them where they would be comfortable, and where they could receive the attention of their friends to the last. Every precaution can be taken when one in a family is afflicted with this disease, and his friends can give him loving attention and watchcare. But separate him from his home, and he is painfully conscious of the cause. And the sight of the sick and the dying around him hastens his life to its close. 9MR 282.2

When you come to number those who have money, who would be willing patients, you would find that there would be few who would patronize a home for consumptives. The fewer consumptives a person attacked with this disease is required to associate with, the better it is for him in every way. The number of poisoned breaths brought together in one place not only hastens the course of disease in the patients, but entails death upon those who care for them. 9MR 282.3

I never supposed that an institution was to be built by our people exclusively for consumptives. Some with throat and lung trouble would be benefited by treatment, but there are many who would receive no help in such an institution. The fact that such an institution means a constant outlay of money, with no hope of returns, must be considered. If a home for consumptives is to be established, let it be near streams of living water, away from the city, near forests of pine or hemlock, for there are healing properties in them. Then publish the fact that such an institution has been established and call for volunteers to carry on the work. As the Sanitarium in Colorado has been established, let it be appropriated to the use of those who are sick who have some hope of recovery. 9MR 283.1

We are to be awake to the necessity of suffering humanity, but it would be unwise to sacrifice lives to the special work of treating consumptives. I have not one word to give in encouragement of this. It may be necessary to provide a place where patients who are dying of consumption can be cared for, but such a building should not be placed in the city, but isolated from the city. Let all who are troubled in regard to this question remember that it means much to impress upon individuals that it is their duty to take charge of an institution for consumptives. Persons may come to such an institution who are said to have consumption, but who are really suffering from stomach trouble. If these associate with consumptive patients, they will certainly contract the same disease, for they have lost the power to resist the effects of any exposure. 9MR 283.2

I would not, could not, from the light I have, encourage our people to build up an institution for consumptives, or to take charge of such an institution. There are many others suffering from various diseases who could be treated with some hope of saving life. As far as possible consumptives [should be cared for] in their own homes by their friends, whose duty it is to do this. Let those who can aid these friends with means and religious counsel. But is it not a hopeless task to appoint anyone to care for a large number of consumptives? The same care thus expended could be employed in behalf of patients whose lives would be preserved. Thus many would learn of the truth, and going from the institution would impart that which they have received, and many lives would be dedicated to the work of saving souls.—Manuscript 89, 1899, pp. 1-4. (“Shall We Erect Homes for Consumptives?” June 19, 1899.) 9MR 284.1

Have Faith in God—Have faith in God. He is the greatest physician the world has ever known. He can save to the uttermost. Do not depend on the faith of others, but lay yourself, soul, body, and spirit, upon the altar of God for repairs and restoration. We present your case to God in our family and private prayers. It is your privilege to seek the Lord with earnest faith, and to believe that He would have you healed.—Letter 100, 1898, p 8. (To Brethren Wilson, Pallant, and Chapman, November 3, 1898.) 9MR 284.2

EGW Isolated Herself When She Had a Cold—We have been here for nearly two weeks, but I have been sick most of the time. Somewhere I caught a severe cold, and for more than a week I have not associated with the family at all, but have kept close to my room. I have a very severe cough, and a very sore throat, and I have thought it best to keep to myself. At times when coughing, it has seemed as if my breath would stop, but I have taken heavy treatment, and I am improving, though I still have times of heavy coughing.—Letter 317, 1904, p. 1. (To Sister Grey, November 23, 1904.) 9MR 285.1

Isolation of T.B. Patients—I have been conversing with you in the night season in regard to some matters that I will write 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.—Letter 329, 1905, p. 1. (To J. A. Burden, December 11, 1905.) 9MR 285.2

A Home for Consumptives Away From Boulder Sanitarium—A few minutes ago Sara [McEnterfer] placed your letter in my hand. I have read it, and I will say that I have always talked against the idea of having a consumptives’ home near the Boulder Sanitarium. Select a place ten or twelve miles away, or if necessary, still farther away. If possible, let it be where there are many pine trees. Let those of the patients who are able to work be given something to do. They should give the muscles judicious exercise. Let them work in the soil. This will be found especially advantageous. Let all be taught that cheerfulness is God's remedy for sickness. Let them talk faith, and think as little as possible about disagreeable things. Let the heart go forth in praise and thanksgiving to God. Let them pray for themselves and for one another, and let them keep the love of God in the soul. The great Physician can heal consumption. He did it in the case of my husband and myself. 9MR 285.3

It should be understood that the Boulder Sanitarium does not receive those suffering from consumption. Let a place be chosen for a consumptives’ home, and let it be far enough away so that it will not interfere with the work of the Boulder Sanitarium. Go ahead with the selection of some retired place, and let the consumptives be cared for in the wisest and best way. Many will recover. 9MR 286.1

In regard to means, we should have a fund set apart for the care of those suffering from consumption. If a suitable building can be secured for a consumptives’ home, the work carried on in it would, to a large degree, have to be sustained by gifts. I believe that a call for means with which to purchase a building for this purpose, and to sustain the work of the home, would be responded to. May the Lord give us hearts of flesh and of tenderness and love.—Letter 315, 1904, pp. 1, 2. (To Brother Wilcox, November 22, 1904.) 9MR 286.2

Healing for Consumptives—Many who are threatened with consumption will be healed through faith. Many others will be healed through proper eating and drinking and through living largely in the open air. To those who are suffering from this disease I would say, Take regular exercise, and keep as cheerful as possible. Keep busy, and live as much as possible out-of-doors. Keep your heart free from all jealousy and evil-surmising, and ask God to help you to improve as fast as possible. Some will overcome the disease; yes, many will, through faith in the mighty Healer. “Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me;” the Lord says, “and he shall make peace with Me” (Isaiah 27:5).—Manuscript 4, 1905, pp. 3, 4. (“The Prevention of Consumption,” December 27, 1904.) 9MR 287.1

White Estate

October 23, 1979