Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 85, 1903

Diary

San Diego, California

September 29, 1902 [filed in 1903]

Portions of this manuscript are published in 8MR 398. +^Note

I am grateful for the sleep I have had. I was wakeful during the night, but slept till after three o’clock. 18LtMs, Ms 85, 1903, par. 1

I have need to be careful of my strength. Some thought that I ought not to speak yesterday, but I dared not disappoint the people who were expecting to hear me. Though rather hoarse, I spoke to a large congregation, and all present appeared to be much interested. I had hoped that there would be many in from the outside, and I am told that more than half of those present were unbelievers. My great desire is to benefit and help those who know not the truth. I desire also to impress upon the minds of our brethren and sisters the truth that we are to do aggressive work. 18LtMs, Ms 85, 1903, par. 2

As I was getting into the carriage after meeting, an intelligent-looking lady came up to me and said, “I was much interested in the words you spoke to us today. They have done me good.” 18LtMs, Ms 85, 1903, par. 3

I took for my text the words: “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory.” [Colossians 3:1-4.] 18LtMs, Ms 85, 1903, par. 4

I told the people that we lose much by not being grateful to God for the gift of salvation. We should never forget the mercy and love of God to us. If, instead of complaining, we were to praise God for the blessings He is continually bestowing upon us—too numerous to recount, we should have a deeper comprehension of His goodness. Let us frame and hang in memory’s hall pictures of the goodness and mercy of God. 18LtMs, Ms 85, 1903, par. 5

The Source of Power

At one time the prophet Ezekiel was in vision set down in the midst of a large valley. Before him lay a dismal scene. Throughout its whole extent the valley was covered with the bones of the dead. The question was asked, “Son of man, can these bones live?” The prophet replied, “O Lord God, Thou knowest.” [Ezekiel 37:3.] What could the might and power of man accomplish with these dead bones? The prophet could see no hope of life being imparted to them. But as he looked, the power of God began to work. The scattered bones were shaken and began to come together, “bone to his bone,” and were bound together by sinews. They were covered with flesh, and as the Lord breathed upon the bodies thus formed, “the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.” [Verses 7-10.] 18LtMs, Ms 85, 1903, par. 6

In the work that was accomplished on the day of Pentecost, we may see what can be done by the exercise of faith. Those who believed in Christ were sealed by the Holy Spirit. As the disciples were assembled together, “there came a sound [from heaven] as of a rushing, mighty wind which filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues, like as of fire, and it sat on each of them.” [Acts 2:2, 3.] And Peter stood up among them and spoke with mighty power. Among those who listened to him were devout Jews, who were sincere in their belief. But the power that accompanied the words of the speaker convinced them that Christ was indeed the Messiah. What a mighty work was accomplished! Three thousand were converted in one day. 18LtMs, Ms 85, 1903, par. 7

The seed had been sown by the greatest Teacher the world had ever known. For three and a half years the Son of God had sojourned in the land of Judea, proclaiming the message of the gospel of truth and working with mighty signs and wonders. The seed had been sown, and after His ascension the great ingathering took place. More were converted by one sermon on the day of Pentecost than were converted during all the years of Christ’s ministry. So mightily will God work when men give themselves to the control of the Spirit. 18LtMs, Ms 85, 1903, par. 8

God did not choose for the carrying on of His work, the learning or eloquence of the Jewish Sanhedrin, or the power of the Romans. He chose humble, unlearned fishermen to proclaim the truths which were to move the world. That they might have success in their work, He imparted to them the power of the Holy Spirit. Not by human might, nor by human power, was the work of Pentecost accomplished, but by the Spirit of God. 18LtMs, Ms 85, 1903, par. 9

Today God is calling for men to do His work. He calls for men who will look to Him alone instead of following plans of their own devising. He invites men and women to come to Him, to wear His yoke, and to learn of Him meekness and lowliness. As they accept this invitation they will find that His yoke is easy and His burden light. They will find peace in believing and joy in the Holy Ghost. 18LtMs, Ms 85, 1903, par. 10

Physicians and ministers need to cultivate the faith that works by love and purifies the soul. Then they will have a better understanding of what constitutes true medical missionary work. 18LtMs, Ms 85, 1903, par. 11

Let us claim the promises of God. The great Medical Missionary was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. He was the friend of sinners—a brother in adversity. He relieved the poorest, the most needy, the most afflicted of His fellow beings. Let us act as His helping hand, always remembering that He stands ready to help us. 18LtMs, Ms 85, 1903, par. 12

For those who come to our sanitariums, a double work is to be accomplished. Their bodies are to be restored to health, and their souls are to be quickened by the living principles of the Word of God. “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord.” [Zechariah 4:6.] 18LtMs, Ms 85, 1903, par. 13

There is joy in heaven over every soul we lead to the Saviour. “The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love; He will joy over thee with singing.” [Zephaniah 3:17.] All heaven is interested in the work of salvation of souls whom Christ created and for whom He died. 18LtMs, Ms 85, 1903, par. 14

“I will gather them that are sorrowful for the solemn assembly, who are of thee, to whom the reproach of it was a burden. Behold, at that time I will undo all that afflict thee: and I will save her that halteth, and gather her that was driven out; and I will get them fame and praise in every land where they have been put to shame. At that time will I bring you again, even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the Lord.” [Verses 18-20.] 18LtMs, Ms 85, 1903, par. 15

Sanitariums Not to Be in Cities

Our sanitariums are not to be erected in the cities. Upon this point God has given definite instruction. The cities are corrupt, and we are not to invest our means in the establishment of large institutions in them. No good will result from the efforts of men who, confident of their own wisdom, seek to establish these institutions where God has forbidden them to be established. 18LtMs, Ms 85, 1903, par. 16

In country places near the cities, land and buildings suitable for sanitarium purposes will be offered for sale at very low prices. These should be secured. 18LtMs, Ms 85, 1903, par. 17

Our Restaurants

For a time health food restaurants may be carried on in the cities. If those who take up this work will make it a means of the conversion of souls, then the plans of God in establishing the health food work will be carried out. But if the managers continue to increase their facilities and to bring in workers who are brought into daily contact with the worldly element, without putting forth a strong effort to counteract the evil influences, the workers will be led astray by temptation, and souls will not be converted. And if souls are not saved by the work of our restaurants, why should these interests continue to be conducted under the present plan? 18LtMs, Ms 85, 1903, par. 18

Los Angeles and San Diego should be worked. At this time of the year large numbers of tourists come to these places, many of whom are seeking to regain lost health. I appeal to our people to invest their means in the establishment of sanitariums near these places. 18LtMs, Ms 85, 1903, par. 19

The tourists may find in our sanitariums a double blessing. They may receive treatment that will restore their bodies to health, and they may find the great Physician who will supply the need of their sin-sick soul. 18LtMs, Ms 85, 1903, par. 20

We should improve every opportunity for doing gospel missionary work, that suffering, sin-sick souls may hear the Word of life. 18LtMs, Ms 85, 1903, par. 21

An Appeal for Greater Effort

I am grieved in spirit as I see how weak are the efforts put forth to reach the unsanctified and unsaved. We need more workers to gather in the sheaves. Those who are converted should watch for souls. They should seek for opportunities to speak words of warning and encouragement to those in darkness, inviting them to come to the Saviour and be witnesses for Him. Many will refuse, but some will come. 18LtMs, Ms 85, 1903, par. 22

“Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I also am in bonds. That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” [Colossians 4:1-6.] 18LtMs, Ms 85, 1903, par. 23

Much is comprehended in these six verses. We need not only to read the Word of life, but prayerfully to study the Word, that we may present the truth in the right manner to unbelievers. The light we receive from the Word of God we are to impart to others, that they may become interested in the study of the Scriptures. “Search the Scriptures,” said Christ, “for in them ye think ye have eternal life.” [John 5:39.] 18LtMs, Ms 85, 1903, par. 24