Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 138, 1906

Farnsworth, Brother and Sister [E. W.]

St. Helena, California

May 15, 1906

Previously unpublished.

Dear Brother and Sister Farnsworth:

I have just read your letter of May 9, and I advise you to hold on to Dr. Nicola and his wife, even though they do not see all things concerning the work in a correct light. The deceiving influences that have been brought to bear upon them are very great, but I have confidence that Brother and Sister Nicola are souls that can be won to take a right stand. They must not be driven on to the side of those opposing our united medical work. Save them, save them with every kind influence possible. Yourself and wife may be able to help them. They have both taken a good and active part in the work of the Melrose Sanitarium. Brother Nicola is not so positive a man as some; but he may, if a careful, discreet course is pursued, be saved from taking his position on the wrong side. Hold on to them with wisdom, and they may be saved from imperiling their souls. 21LtMs, Lt 138, 1906, par. 1

Let not changes be made just now. Dr. Nicola and his wife have done excellent work, and I should feel very sad to see them disconnected from the sanitarium at Melrose. 21LtMs, Lt 138, 1906, par. 2

At this time we must make great efforts to save all of our faithful physicians who have been confused and perplexed. We must be watchful of ourselves that we do not treat as enemies those who have been influenced by Dr. Kellogg. We must come close to these deceived souls and treat them as though we have confidence in them. 21LtMs, Lt 138, 1906, par. 3

Exercise every possible kindness toward Dr. Nicola and his wife, and I believe you can save them. I am writing to them now, and I will send you a copy of the letter that I write them. We must win them to the right position. God help us to save them and others in a similar position. 21LtMs, Lt 138, 1906, par. 4

For some days I have not been able to write; but I hope I am now on the upward grade. 21LtMs, Lt 138, 1906, par. 5

God help us to keep very low at the feet of Jesus. We are to learn of Christ, who is meek and lowly in heart, and yet who is firm as a rock to principles that we must hold. 21LtMs, Lt 138, 1906, par. 6

I hope that you and your wife will urge that Brother and Sister Nicola remain at the sanitarium. I have now to be very careful, for I am brain weary. But I have good courage in the Lord, that if we walk humbly before Him and trust wholly in Him, that He will work special victories for us. 21LtMs, Lt 138, 1906, par. 7

P.S. I have read what you have written in regard to Dr. Sanderson coming to Melrose. I do not believe it is best that he should do this. His wife has hindered him greatly. At times she has claimed to be converted, but she has often acted a very strange part. She has always practiced worldliness in connection with the sanitarium. Many things were done that we had to be continually undoing. 21LtMs, Lt 138, 1906, par. 8

I fear that Dr. Mary Sanderson has not the mold of character that is needed in our sanitarium work. I do not favor having either Dr. Sanderson or his sister connected with the work at Melrose. 21LtMs, Lt 138, 1906, par. 9

If converted, Mary Sanderson would fill a good place as a physician, but she is not thoroughly converted. Dr. Sanderson has had an experience in giving his mind to his wife, to be influenced by her strong mind to work out mind cure on the patients. And since he followed this course, he has not been the same man he was before. The character of the influence exerted at the St. Helena Sanitarium was presented to me, and the mind cure work was cut short. But since that time he has often appeared like a man that has given his mind to the control of another. Keep to yourself what I have written in this postscript. But do not, as matters now stand, have him connect with the sanitarium at Melrose. 21LtMs, Lt 138, 1906, par. 10