The Story of our Health Message

“We Will Obey”

“When the statement from Sister White is read, I am sure that the majority of our brethren will feel as we feel tonight—that the Lord has spoken, and we will obey. ... Past experiences should strengthen our faith at this time and help us to move forward courageously in heeding the words of counsel which the Lord has given to us through Sister White. We have before us tonight a plain, straightforward statement from Sister White in regard to the establishment of a medical school. There is no guesswork about it; there is no equivocation; there is no false construction that need be put upon these words. The question is, Will we follow the counsel given? ... SHM 387.2

“I can conjure up many reasons why at this time we are ill prepared to establish and operate a medical school. It is not hard for any man to say that we have not the money at hand. Any man need not be very wise to say, ‘We do not know where we shall get medical men trained and qualified to take up this work.’ But the question is, Will we establish this medical school, when the Lord has indicated so plainly our duty? I believe, brethren, if we step forward in the fear of God and make an effort to establish this school, the Lord will help us and make the way clear.”—Pacific Union Recorder, February 3, 1910. SHM 387.3

Similar words of faith and courage were spoken by Elder G. A. Irwin, vice-president of the General Conference for the North American Division; Elder J. A. Burden, business manager of the Loma Linda Sanitarium; Elder E. E. Andross, president of the Southern California Conference, in which the institution was located; Elder M. C. Wilcox, editor of the Signs of the Times; Elder R. S. Owen, instructor in Bible at the College of Medical Evangelists; Dr. S. P. S. Edwards, and others. SHM 388.1

After these addresses the question was called, and the vote not only of the delegates but of all present was unanimously in favor of the resolutions. SHM 388.2

In order to make the plan effective, it was necessary that there be agreement and acceptance of similar responsibility by the other union conferences and by the General Conference. Would those at a distance be equally enthusiastic as those nearby? Within a few days Elder A. G. Daniells, president of the General Conference, reported from Michigan: SHM 388.3

“The members of the General Conference Committee who are here in Battle Creek have accepted the counsel and the decisions arrived at in the Pacific Union Conference. We shall now take hold of this enterprise and do the best we can to assist in carrying it forward.”—Letter to W. C. White, February 16, 1910. SHM 388.4