The Review and Herald
September 29, 1904
The New England Sanitarium
Ever since the removal of the New England Sanitarium to Melrose, I have had a desire to see the new location, and to tell those connected with the institution of the important influence which its work may exert to benefit the people of Boston. RH September 29, 1904, par. 1
I have now been at the Melrose Sanitarium for a week, and I find it one of the most favorably located sanitariums that I have ever seen. The spacious lawns, the noble trees, the beauty of the scenery all around, answer to the representations given me of what our sanitariums ought to be. The quietude is delightful. The surroundings are attractive to the eye and refreshing to the mind. Here I see the very pictures that I have been shown in vision,—patients amid beautiful surroundings lying out in the sunshine in wheel-chairs and on cots. I see before me the sights that the Lord has helped me to present before our people in print. RH September 29, 1904, par. 2
Our sanitariums should be attractive places, and the surroundings of this sanitarium correspond more closely than anything else I have seen to the representations that have been given me by the Lord. This place, and several other places, were presented to me some time ago. This place was pointed out as a most desirable site for the sanitarium work that should be carried on near Boston. It has the attractiveness that will bring to it wealthy people from Boston. It has been reserved for us, that we may reach the people of that city. I have been instructed that it is in the providence of God that the sanitarium is here; and we should appreciate the advantages thus placed within our reach. RH September 29, 1904, par. 3
Since coming to the sanitarium, I have had opportunity to see a great deal of its surroundings. The buildings, with the forty acres which go with them, are in the midst of the Middlesex Fells,* a State reservation of three thousand five hundred acres. We have driven slowly through the park in every direction, looking with delight at the trees and the lakes, and inhaling the health-giving fragrance of the pines. It is delightful to ride through the forest. There are many beautiful drives, and much fine scenery. I enjoy looking at the many different kinds of trees, but most of all I enjoy looking at the noble pines. There are medicinal properties in the fragrance of these trees. “Life, life,” my husband used to say when riding among the pines. “Breathe deep, Ellen; fill your lungs with the fragrant, life-giving atmosphere.” RH September 29, 1904, par. 4
It is impossible for me to find words to describe the beauty of this place. Just in front of the sanitarium buildings there is a beautiful lake, called Spot Pond. This lake supplies the city of Boston with water, and it is most carefully guarded from contamination. No bathing or boating are allowed in it. RH September 29, 1904, par. 5
The sanitarium buildings are fairly well adapted to their present use. They were originally used as a hotel, but have been easily adapted to sanitarium purposes, though, of course, some changes had to be made. The buildings, with the forty acres of land, were purchased for thirty-nine thousand dollars. There was about six thousand dollars’ worth of furniture in the buildings, and for this no charge was made. RH September 29, 1904, par. 6
I have been instructed that it was in the providence of God that our people obtained possession of this place. I have also been instructed that proper facilities should be provided for the increasing number of patients. Many from Boston and other places will come to this institution, to be away from the din and bustle of the city. Additional buildings will have to be put up. Rooms must be provided for the rich as well as for the poor. The money of the rich is needed; it will be a great help to the institution. RH September 29, 1904, par. 7
I groaned in spirit when I saw the sanitarium site in South Lancaster. I knew that the work ought to be carried on in a more favorable place, and when the opportunity came for it to be moved, I felt that the providence of God was guiding. A wealthy family living in South Lancaster offered to buy the sanitarium property, and gave our people a good price for it. Then they offered to give them the building, if they would move it off the ground. This offer was accepted, and the building was afterward taken down, and shipped to Melrose. RH September 29, 1904, par. 8
At the time that the sanitarium work was moved from South Lancaster to Melrose, I bore testimony to the wisdom of the change, and I now say again, The providence of God has been revealed in the transfer. The Melrose Sanitarium is a place that will be well patronized; and great good will be accomplished by the institution if it is rightly conducted. RH September 29, 1904, par. 9
There were those who said that the move would result in financial embarrassment. But there is no necessity for this institution to become embarrassed by debt. Should there be a pressure for means, money can be borrowed at four per cent interest. Thus the matter stands at the present time. But another building is needed. There should be accommodations for those who desire and are willing to pay for rooms with a private bath-room. People come here who say that they are willing to pay whatever is asked for rooms which are just what they want. But they see nothing that satisfies them, and they go away. Accommodations must be provided for people of this class. We are to labor in the highways as well as in the byways. RH September 29, 1904, par. 10
I am instructed that Boston must be worked; and I know that the possession of this sanitarium site is one of the greatest blessings that could come to our work in the Eastern States. A hundred or more might be cared for here were there suitable accommodations. Therefore we advise that the work on the new building be begun soon, so that patients of the wealthy class may be cared for. This class must hear the message. Let those in charge counsel together, and make arrangements to put up a building that will provide the necessary accommodations. The material now lying in the barn can be utilized. Remember, this material was a gift. RH September 29, 1904, par. 11
We rejoice that the Lord in his providence has guided us to this place. No buildings can be put up near the sanitarium. There is here nothing to offend the sense of sight or the sense of smell, and care must be taken that there shall be nothing of the kind. I am instructed that close inspection is being made by those who are not supposed to be inspectors. Everything about the building will be investigated. Note will be taken of the care given to the barns and stables; therefore there must be no laxness or looseness in the care of the premises. Let everything be such that it will bear favorable testimony to the institution. RH September 29, 1904, par. 12
Those who are acting a prominent part in connection with this sanitarium should be encouraged by what the Lord has done in behalf of the institution. Let all move forward unitedly. Let every one strive to become better acquainted with Christ Jesus, the great Medical Missionary. Let all strive with every power of the being to control the blind passions, which, if not purged from the life, would lead to the dishonor of God's holy name. Self is to be subdued. Every thought, word, and act is to be brought into obedience to the will of Christ. RH September 29, 1904, par. 13
Let all who are connected with the sanitarium inquire at every crisis, What would Christ do were he in my place? Keeping the way of the Lord always leads men into paths of truth and righteousness. We are to make advance moves; we are not to stagnate. RH September 29, 1904, par. 14
If there are members of the board who can not see clearly what ought to be done to advance the work that other members of the board regard as essential, let all bow before God in prayer, asking him to cure the evil of disunion, and make the right way clear. Time is too short for any one to put his foot on the brake, so that the chariot of the Lord can not move forward. If there is one who persists in putting his foot on the brake, let others say, “We will now seek the Lord in prayer.” Do not enter into controversy with the one who has set himself against the work that needs to be done. Take it all to the Lord in prayer. RH September 29, 1904, par. 15
Self, self, self—how it struggles for the supremacy! In all things the Word of the God of truth is to be our criterion. Study this Word. Constantly praying with meekness and reverence, constantly rendering obedience to a plain “Thus saith the Lord,” you will reveal to angels and to men that you are members of the redeemed family. RH September 29, 1904, par. 16
Caution should be exercised not to bring an unnecessary burden of debt upon the institution. Stand in the light and freedom, without a yoke upon your necks. Come up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty. Satanic agencies are constantly seeking to discourage and destroy those who will listen to the counsel of the enemy. Keep close to the word of God; for it is spirit and life. Then the Lord will be able to say of you, Ye “are laborers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.” RH September 29, 1904, par. 17