The Review and Herald

1336/1903

August 11, 1904

A Visit to the South—No. 1

From Berrien Springs to Nashville

EGW

I have just returned to Washington from the South. We were away for about six weeks, during which time we visited Nashville, Graysville, and Huntsville. RH August 11, 1904, par. 1

On the way from Berrien Springs to Nashville, we had to wait for several hours in Chicago, and Dr. Paulson took us out to Hinsdale, where they are about to establish a sanitarium. RH August 11, 1904, par. 2

I was very much pleased with all that I saw during the afternoon that I spent there. Hinsdale is about fourteen miles out from Chicago, and is a favorable place for a sanitarium. The atmosphere is good, and the surroundings are beautiful. Many of the houses are large, and are evidently the homes of men of wealth, who live in the country, and carry on business in Chicago. The roads are excellent, and sick people would find health in driving about and enjoying the scenery. The sight of the trees and flowers, with the sunshine and fresh air, would bring health to mind and body. In anticipation I can see the Hinsdale Sanitarium established, and hope and faith coming into the hearts of the patients. RH August 11, 1904, par. 3

We were taken all over the sanitarium property. It consists of ten acres of land, with two houses and a barn. The place was once very beautiful, but it has been neglected for several years. It is a favorable site for a sanitarium, and I am so glad that it has been placed at the disposal of our brethren. RH August 11, 1904, par. 4

About five years ago a gentleman from Chicago went to the Battle Creek Sanitarium as a patient. He was very sick, but the treatment given him was successful, and he believes that it was the means of saving his life. After returning home, he told Dr. Paulson that he knew of a place that ought to be used for sanitarium work. A few months ago he bought this place, and has placed it at Dr. Paulson's disposal. It cost sixteen thousand dollars, and can be paid for in small monthly installments. RH August 11, 1904, par. 5

Dr. Paulson looks upon the opportunity to secure this place on easy terms as a providence of God. And this is right; for the hand of the Lord is in the matter. The outdoor advantages that the sick will have will prove the greatest blessing to them, aiding in the cure of mind and body. And as the sick ones associate with those who love and serve God, they will be doubly blessed. RH August 11, 1904, par. 6

How I wish that all our sanitariums could be placed among such natural surroundings. Men and women in need of physical and spiritual healing need to breathe just such an atmosphere. They need to be brought in contact with those whose words and acts will draw them to Christ. They need to be brought under the influence of the great Medical Missionary, who can heal both soul and body. They need to hear the story of the love of the sin-pardoning Saviour,—of the forgiveness granted to all who come to him confessing their sins. RH August 11, 1904, par. 7

There are many, many in our great cities, both in the higher and in the lower classes, who need to be helped into the way of life by being brought into contact with our sanitariums. RH August 11, 1904, par. 8

There are no entreaties so tender, no lessons so plain, no commendations so decided, as those given in the Word of God. How earnest and loving and compassionate are the invitations to come to the fountain of living water. God's Word is indeed a light shining in a dark place. And in our sanitariums, above all other places, the religion of Christ is to be clearly exemplified. This is why I have urged that many sanitariums be established in places out of the cities, that men and women may hear and understand the word of the Lord, and may be brought under an influence direct from heaven. RH August 11, 1904, par. 9

God sends angels from heaven to co-operate with human instrumentalities in bringing encouragement and hope and joy and peace to the hearts of the sick and suffering. These men and women need the grace that comes from the Life-giver, the health that the great Medical Missionary alone can give. O that those who have received light from God's Word would take hold in medical missionary lines, to do all in their power to help those in need of help! RH August 11, 1904, par. 10

Those who plan to establish sanitariums should reason from cause to effect. They should lay their plans with a deep insight into the necessities of a medical institution. One of the first necessities is a site out of the city, in a retired place, where the institution can be surrounded by grounds that can be beautified with flowers and shrubs and trees. RH August 11, 1904, par. 11

Let the patients be taught that the breathing of pure air is necessary to health. Let there be facilities for the giving of rational treatment, so that there will be no necessity for the use of drugs. By wise methods the patients are to be led more and more to take outdoor exercise. Every one who is recovering from sickness needs such exercise, in order that disease may be completely overcome, and health regained. When physical health has been restored, men and women are better able to exercise that faith in Christ which secures the health of the soul, bringing peace and rest and joy from the consciousness of sins forgiven. RH August 11, 1904, par. 12

Our sanitariums should be out of the cities. One who is unerring in counsel has given this direction, in mercy to suffering humanity. Physicians and ministers are called upon to exert their influence in favor of establishing our sanitariums, publishing houses, and schools out of the cities. And for the sake of the youth in our schools and publishing houses, and for the sake of the patients and helpers in our sanitariums, this should be done. RH August 11, 1904, par. 13

We plead the necessity of our sanitariums being out of the smoky, dirty, noisy cities, with their tobacco-laden atmosphere. It is impossible to establish a sanitarium in a city without placing it in an atmosphere that will, to a greater or less extent, undo the good accomplished by the treatment given. RH August 11, 1904, par. 14

All things are to be considered from the standpoint of the Word of God. The teachers in our schools and sanitariums are to guard the minds of the youth in their care from becoming estranged from God. They are to have an interest in each one. They are to show a Christlike love for souls. Their minds are to be stayed upon Christ, and they are humbly and thankfully to receive, in order that they may impart. In their association with others, they are not to seek to benefit themselves, but to bless others. RH August 11, 1904, par. 15

And as the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, let Christ ever be recognized as our counselor, infinite in wisdom, and always ready to help. Those who know God as revealed in his Word make him chief in all that they do. They say: “Thou, God, seest me. Thou hearest every word I speak; thou knowest the motives that prompt my words and actions.” RH August 11, 1904, par. 16

The wisdom of heaven is to be brought into every sanitarium. All the workers are to live the truth as it is in Jesus. Godliness—the result of the grace of Christ—is to lead souls to drink of the water of life. RH August 11, 1904, par. 17