Manuscript Releases, vol. 1 [Nos. 19-96]

Neither Just nor Righteous

During the past four years one of our doctors established himself in the city of _____, just a little distance from our Sanitarium, and began to build up a private sanitarium. This was not right, and has been to the injury of our Sanitarium, which has always had a struggle to make a success and to accomplish the work which the Lord designed it to do. The action of the one who established this private sanitarium was neither just nor righteous. Were he to continue to do as he has done in the past, constant difficulties would arise. He draws patients away from the Sanitarium established in the order of God. More than this, he allows his patients to have meat, while the workers in our Sanitarium have always endeavored to show their patients that they would be better off without meat. 1MR 73.3

The question is, What shall be done? Here are two institutions, one endeavoring to hold up and follow the principles of health reform, and the other allowing its patients to indulge in the use of flesh meat, and because of this, drawing patients away from the first institution. The matter is to be treated in a fair, Christlike manner. When the one who has established himself so close beside the Lord's institution, is converted in heart and mind, he will see the necessity of carrying out the principles of the Word of God, and will harmonize with his neighbors. If he cannot blend with them, he will go to some other place. There are many other places to which he could go.... 1MR 74.1

Let not our physicians think that they can set themselves up in private practice close beside our sanitariums. To those who have done this the Lord says, Are there not many other places in which you could have established your plant? 1MR 74.2

The Lord speaks to all medical missionaries, saying, Go work today in my vineyard to save souls. God hears the prayers of all who seek Him in truth. He has the power that we all need. He fills the heart with love, and joy, and peace, and holiness. Character is constantly being developed. We cannot afford to spend time working at cross purposes with God. 1MR 74.3

There are physicians who because of a past connection with our sanitariums find it profitable to locate close to them; and they close their eyes to the great fields neglected and unworked in which unselfish labor would be a blessing to many. Missionary physicians can exert an uplifting, refining, sanctifying influence. Physicians who do not do this abuse their power, and do a work that the Lord repudiates. Letter 233, 1905, pp. 8, 12. (To Dr. and Mrs. D. H. Kress, August 9, 1905.) 1MR 75.1