Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 97, 1905

Workers in the Glendale Sanitarium

“Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California

March 14, 1905

This letter is published in entirety in PC 326-328.

To the Workers in the Glendale Sanitarium,—

We are glad that, notwithstanding some delay, the property at Glendale has been secured for a sanitarium. Years ago the Lord gave me instruction that there should be a sanitarium near the city of Los Angeles. Instruction was also given that we should find properties for sale on which there would be buildings suitable for sanitarium purposes, and that we might secure such properties at a very low cost. The location of the Glendale Sanitarium meets the representation given me of a place God has reserved for us. The electric cars running close by the institution make access to it very convenient. 20LtMs, Lt 97, 1905, par. 1

Let all connected with this sanitarium keep in mind the purpose for which this property has been secured. The institution is to act a special part in bringing souls to Christ, leading them to love God and keep His commandments. Unless the workers have a living connection with God, unless there is seen in the institution a spirit of kindness and compassion, which will recommend Bible truth and win souls to Christ, the establishment of the sanitarium will have been in vain. Spiritual as well as physical healing is to be brought to those who come for healing. 20LtMs, Lt 97, 1905, par. 2

Brother and Sister Burden, I am glad that you have a part in the work of the Glendale Sanitarium. May the Lord increase your wisdom and courage and faith. I am glad that Dr. Simpson and her husband can unite with you. You and Dr. Abbott and the other workers may do a precious work in letting the light of present truth shine forth in clear rays. Remember that you are doing a work for time and for eternity. You should have an ever-increasing faith in the promises of God’s Word. It is your privilege to seek wisdom and help from God. Come to the Saviour in humility, confessing your sins and asking for strength and grace. 20LtMs, Lt 97, 1905, par. 3

The Holy Spirit enlightens the mind of the one who depends on the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour and indites a prayer of confession and repentance that is acceptable to the Lord. “We know not what we should pray for as we ought; but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us, with groanings that cannot be uttered.” “He that searcheth the heart knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” [Romans 8:26, 27.] 20LtMs, Lt 97, 1905, par. 4

Let no man boast that he does not confess the sins that the Lord has pointed out to him. If he makes no confession, he receives not forgiveness and pardon from God. He must go forth in sorrow, to work in his own strength. The enemy finds him in this position, a subject to be deceived. 20LtMs, Lt 97, 1905, par. 5

There are many, many of this class. May the Lord open their eyes, that they may see the danger of their self-sufficiency. A superficial work is always a snare to every professed Christian. Satan finds easy access to the heart of the one who is careless and slack in his experience and beguiles him with seducing theories that will destroy his faith in God. “He that cometh to God must believe that He is, (as He has declared Himself in His personality) and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” [Hebrews 11:6.] 20LtMs, Lt 97, 1905, par. 6

In every sanitarium there must be kept before all in the institution the principles of true service. From the institution is to go forth light and knowledge. All connected with it are to act their part intelligently, as representatives of the truth for this time. It is that they may be trained to do true missionary work that young people are brought to our sanitariums. 20LtMs, Lt 97, 1905, par. 7

If you will co-operate with God, He will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rearward. Heavenly angels will break forth into singing as souls receive the great gift of God through Jesus Christ. You may assure the sick and afflicted that Christ is the great healer. They may believe on Him and trust in His Word; for it will never fail. 20LtMs, Lt 97, 1905, par. 8

“Thus saith the Lord, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for My salvation is near to come, and My righteousness to be revealed. Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.” [Isaiah 56:1, 2.] 20LtMs, Lt 97, 1905, par. 9

What a representation is here given! “My salvation is near to come”—that great salvation wrought out for each soul through Jesus Christ, the salvation for which the prophets have inquired and searched diligently. Our Lord is soon to come to us in mercy and compassion and love. We must go forth to receive Him as a welcome guest. 20LtMs, Lt 97, 1905, par. 10

The Lord Jesus calls upon every one to become interestedly engaged in the work of becoming a channel of light through which the grace of Christ may flow. Jesus has said, “Ye are the light of the world. ... Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14, 16.] In the great salvation wrought through Jesus Christ, the unbelieving world is to be helped through the work of believers. In the work you do in the sanitarium, many may become convinced that you are indeed the children of God. 20LtMs, Lt 97, 1905, par. 11

“Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near: let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. 20LtMs, Lt 97, 1905, par. 12

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater; so shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” [Isaiah 55:6-11.] 20LtMs, Lt 97, 1905, par. 13

All the promises of God’s Word are made on gospel terms. If we on our part will fulfil the condition, if we will seek the Lord while He may be found, we may claim the promise: 20LtMs, Lt 97, 1905, par. 14

“For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree; and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign, that shall not be cut off.” [Verses 12, 13.] 20LtMs, Lt 97, 1905, par. 15

Let this message be sounded to all people, Seek the Lord while He may be found. Seek Him against whom you have been in rebellion. Let us make every effort to check the seducing sentiments that would come into our ranks. Let every soul be wide awake to close every avenue of the soul to the sophistry of Satan, as revealed in heaven and in Eden. Let us be armed with that vigilance that shall resist his enchantments. 20LtMs, Lt 97, 1905, par. 16