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

Medical Missionary Work Not to Absorb Too Much

The Lord designs that the proclamation of the third angel's message shall be the highest, greatest work carried on in our world at this time.... 9MR 82.1

It was God's purpose that the missionaries, teachers, and physicians in the [Battle Creek] Sanitarium should become acquainted with the third angel's message, which embraces so much. Angels of God were to be your strength in the work that was to be done in order that the Battle Creek Sanitarium might be known as an institution under the special supervision of God. The missionary feeling and the sympathy that prevailed in this institution was a result of the work of invisible heavenly agencies there.... 9MR 82.2

Dr. Kellogg, you have not in all things been following the Lord's plan. The medical missionary work should be as the right arm of the body of truth, but this work has been made to absorb so much that to all intents and purposes it has become the body. God did not design that this work should eclipse the work of the third angel's message. This message is the gospel message for these last days, and in no case is it to be overshadowed by other interests, and made to appear an unessential consideration.... 9MR 82.3

The gospel is the means ordained by God to restore His moral image in man, and to stem the tide of hostility against His law. It is His remedy for universal disorganization; it is the power which draws men together in unity.... 9MR 82.4

Of himself, what can man accomplish in the great work set forth by the infinite God? Christ says, “Without Me ye can do nothing.” He came to our world to show men how to do the work given them by God, and He says to us, “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” (Matthew 11:28-30). Why is Christ's yoke easy and His burden light? Because He bore the weight of it upon the cross of Calvary.—Letter 206, 1899, pp. 2-5. (To J. H. Kellogg, December 10, 1899.) 9MR 82.5