Manuscript Releases, vol. 10 [Nos. 771-850]

MR No. 810—Instruction Regarding Sanitarium Work

In our sanitarium work, plants should be made in many places. In the sanitariums established, a decided influence for temperance and for all points of truth should be exerted. The workers should seek to help one another. Those who possess the true missionary spirit will esteem all for whom Christ has died.... 10MR 164.1

Questions have arisen in regard to the management of sanitariums, and in regard to the plans to be followed in the education of physicians and nurses. We are asked whether few or many should take a five-years’ course. 10MR 164.2

All are to be left perfectly free to follow the dictates of an enlightened conscience. There are those who with a few month's instruction would be prepared to go out and do acceptable medical missionary work. Some cannot feel that it is their duty to give years to one line of study.... 10MR 164.3

To the young and strong, the bustle of the city is sometimes more agreeable than the quiet of the country, but the sick long for the quiet of the country. 10MR 164.4

As these things are presented before me, and as I think of how much is lost by an indoor life, I can scarcely endure the thought of our sanitariums being situated where the patients must endure the rigor of cold winters, where during the winter months they must remain inside most of the time, the rooms heated with steam coils, and the air impure. In every place there are in winter some things that are disadvantageous to the sick, but some places have fewer disadvantages than others. There are localities where all the year-round fruit-bearing trees may be seen, and where but little fire is needed for purposes of warmth. In sanitariums established in such places the patients can have the advantages of the outdoor air at all seasons of the year. When fires are required there should, if possible, be open fireplaces in which wood can be burned. 10MR 164.5

Why do not our physicians see and understand that patients should be treated out of and away from the cities? And not the patients only, but physicians and nurses need a cheerful, sunshiny atmosphere. Is it surprising that under gloomy surroundings, workers should be downhearted and depressed, leading unbelievers to think that their religion makes them gloomy? Let there be light and love and cheerful song in the place of gloom, and what a change would take place! 10MR 165.1

Our schools also should be established away from the cities, where the influences will be favorable for receiving the instruction that is to be given in Bible lines. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Both the students in our schools and the patients in our sanitariums may receive great advantages by having before their eyes the open book of nature instead of the walls of a room, the air of which is often laden with the poisonous exhalations of the lungs.... 10MR 165.2

In the open air the patients, some in wheelchairs, will feel songs of joy coming from their hearts, and some will receive Christ by faith. Many more might be brought to a knowledge of the truth if their surroundings were of a softening and subduing nature. As they behold the beauties of nature, their minds will be led to think of the glories of the home that Christ has gone to prepare for His people. They will realize that the Bible has been given to point out the way to this home, and to prepare the soul for the region of bliss. Joy unspeakable will fill their minds.—Manuscript 115, 1903, 1, 2, 6-8. (Diary, “Instruction Regarding Sanitarium Work.”) 10MR 165.3

White Estate

Washington, D. C.,

August 11, 1980.