Manuscript Releases, vol. 17 [Nos. 1236-1300]

MR No. 1277—The Health Food Work in Sydney; Improvement in the Spiritual Climate of the St. Helena Sanitarium

(Written July 23, 1902, from “Elmshaven,” Sanitarium, California to Elder and Mrs. J. A. Burden.)

I meant to have written to you fully this mail, but I have had so many letters to write to others that you will have to be satisfied with a short letter this time. 17MR 259.1

I have begun letters to you no fewer than four times. But each time I would begin, the mail came, bringing letters demanding an immediate answer, until my mind has been so burdened that I have not been able to sleep past eleven, twelve, and one o'clock. I walk the floor, and ask the Lord to help me, and then after hours of distress I am able to sleep for an hour or two perhaps. 17MR 259.2

I am so glad that you are making a success of the health food work in Sydney. This is a very important work. Hold the position you have gained. Be sure to keep your hearts garrisoned by the Holy Spirit of God. 17MR 259.3

I must tell you that a very marked change has taken place in the sanitarium here. For more than a year I carried a very heavy burden for this institution. We would speak on the Sabbath from the Word with the power of God, and would learn afterward that at the close of the Sabbath a concert had been held, a meeting of the most foolish order, in which the nurses listened to unprofitable songs, and engaged in foolish conversation. Thus the influence of our effort on the Sabbath was counteracted. 17MR 259.4

I felt that those connected with the institution could be of no help to it unless they took hold of true medical missionary work in connection with the gospel message. Medical missionary work is to be carried forward in connection with the gospel ministry, and is to open doors for the entrance of truth. I feel so sad when I see those who ought to be zealous health reformers not yet converted to the right way of living. I pray that the Lord may impress their minds that they are meeting with great loss. 17MR 259.5

We are intensely desirous that the sanitarium shall recover from its spiritual declension. Brother Taylor and Brother A. T. Jones have worked hard to set things right, but this was not an easy matter. As long as Dr. Sanderson and his wife were in the institution, no reforms were made. 17MR 260.1

Sister Sanderson left the sanitarium, and then Dr. Loper came. He is a kind, tenderhearted man. Evangelistic work was done, and the foolish, trifling girls were separated from the sanitarium. There is now a more heavenly atmosphere pervading the institution. 17MR 260.2

Dr. Winegar's presence in the institution is a great blessing. We appreciate her worth, and we hope and pray that she may be given grace to carry forward her work wisely and intelligently. 17MR 260.3

I bore Brother Nelson and his wife a direct, straightforward testimony from the Lord. She is now living in St. Helena. Brother Boeker also received a message from the Lord, and both he and Brother Nelson made a full confession. This has cleared away much fog. 17MR 260.4

I wish to inquire about a man by the name of Ryan, who used to work at the school. I hear that he has given up the truth. Can you tell me what is the matter? I believe that Brother Ryan is a conscientious man, but I am sure that he is set in his ways, and sometimes severe. I have written him a short letter which I will enclose with this, as I do not know his address. I cannot bear to think that he will lose his soul. 17MR 260.5

We are now in the middle of summer, and during the day the heat is almost unendurable. The sun seems to be like an open furnace. Next week I hope to get into the new room that is being put up for me over the kitchen. I like the climate of Cooranbong much better than the climate of this place. 17MR 261.1

I hope and pray that the Lord will bless you abundantly in your work in Sydney. I hope that you will have good health. Be assured that we pray for you and for those connected with you, that you may have wisdom to walk wisely in a perfect way. If ever there was a time when we needed to watch unto prayer, it is now. Sin has cast a dark shadow over the earth. In our work we constantly meet with difficulties, but we can hope in God, for we have the assurance that He is light. He is the fullness of light. 17MR 261.2

Through the clouds that darken our way there shine the precious promises that are the pledge of divine guidance, “I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not”; “I will make darkness light before thee, and crooked things straight”; “I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” 17MR 261.3

The Lord asks us to walk with Him, to cleave constantly to Him. If we follow Him in faithfulness, He will be our wisdom. Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Let our faith grow stronger as we think of the tender watchcare of the Lord, and His lovingkindness toward us. Our faith must pierce the cloud, and reach to the light beyond. However dark the cloud, we should always see the light on the other side. Our love increases as our faith becomes more certain, for we touch the Source of an abiding strength and confidence. 17MR 261.4

Connected with the Word of God there is a key that unlocks the precious casket, to our satisfaction and delight. I feel thankful for every ray of light. In the future, experiences now to us very mysterious will be explained. Some experiences we may never fully comprehend until this mortal shall put on immortality. 17MR 261.5

I have written many letters for this mail, and am very weary, so I will not try to write you more now. I will write again next mail, if I can. 17MR 262.1

I send love to you all as a family. We miss you. I should be glad were you here. But you are needed where you are. Tell Sister Tuxford that I am glad she is with you in the work.—Letter 114, 1902. 17MR 262.2

Ellen G. White Estate

Washington, D. C.,

August 6, 1987.

Entire Letter.