Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Ms 83, 1908

Schools in Connection with Sanitariums

St. Helena, California

June 25, 1908

Portions of this manuscript are published in PC 34-35.

I wish to make some statements regarding our sanitariums which I hope will not be misunderstood. The light given me is that where a sanitarium is established, there should also be a school. This can be placed near enough to the sanitarium so that the medical teachers can meet often with the students, yet it should not be so near that there will be danger of the students disturbing the patients, or of patrons of the health institutions being a means of hindrance to the students. 23LtMs, Ms 83, 1908, par. 1

Education includes the important work of voice culture. The students are to be taught to give their readings and recitations such expression as will make their work interesting to the hearers. They are to be taught how to use the abdominal muscles in speaking, and this study will prove to be a remedy for many voice and chest difficulties, and the means of prolonging life. 23LtMs, Ms 83, 1908, par. 2

Let the same lessons be given to the patients. The physician should teach the patient how to breathe deeply, and this in many cases will be found to be a means of healing. 23LtMs, Ms 83, 1908, par. 3

Those who desire to become missionaries are to hear instruction from competent physicians, who will teach them how to care for the sick without the use of drugs. Such lessons will be of highest value to those who go out to labor in foreign countries. And the simple remedies used will save many lives. 23LtMs, Ms 83, 1908, par. 4

Many places have been presented to me which I have been instructed ought to come into our possession for sanitarium work. We should ever bear in mind, when choosing a sanitarium site, that is should have pleasant surroundings and, as far as possible, should be among beautiful scenes of nature, for these will be a constant object lesson to the patients. 23LtMs, Ms 83, 1908, par. 5

The word “out of the cities” has come to us again and again. Health resorts can be secured away from the cities, for the Lord knows our needs; and He will prepare places for us away from the congested centers of population. This has been proved to us as we have established our sanitariums at St. Helena, at Loma Linda, which is most remarkable for its advantages, and at Paradise Valley. 23LtMs, Ms 83, 1908, par. 6

The Lord has opened the way for the establishment of our medical work in many places; and if these institutions will stand in the fear of God, they will accomplish a good work. To my knowledge many apparently hopeless cases have recovered under their wise treatment. 23LtMs, Ms 83, 1908, par. 7

We say to those who desire to secure sanitarium sites, Secure places that are the most pleasant, and where the ground is tillable, thus enabling you to supply physical exercise to those who need it. This is a great health restorer. Every muscle of the body should have exercise. 23LtMs, Ms 83, 1908, par. 8

The cities are not the places in which to establish sanitariums. The shut-in rooms, the noise of carriages, the air polluted by the fumes of tobacco and liquor and many poisonous gases, create conditions that are not inviting to the sick and are not conducive to health. Therefore I urge the advantages of the country places for our health institutions. 23LtMs, Ms 83, 1908, par. 9