Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Lt 32, 1887

Jones, C. H.

Basel, Switzerland

January 31, 1887

Previously unpublished.

C. H. Jones

Dear Brother:

Your letters have been read with interest, and I am pained to read in regard to the Health Retreat. Although there may be wrong management in some respects, I do not despair. Because it is no more than existed in the sanitarium when it first started in Battle Creek. We had to battle for years, and we had most excellent men as a board to counsel, and oh, how many meetings were held. God only knows the battles and heartaches and the satanic workings to make of none effect the efforts that were put forth. But we would not give up. One doctor after another would be changed to try and prove another, and such inconsistent, blind works in the management were simply fearful. But we worked and prayed, and prayed and worked. The half has never been told and never known. And at this day there are those who think they find cause for complaints, and everything does not move without a jar now in its present state of prosperity. 5LtMs, Lt 32, 1887, par. 1

I expected that there would be mismoves in this case at the Retreat, but I did not expect that you and some others would feel just as you do about it. We do not expect such an institution will be established without many complaints being made. We are sorry indeed that occasion has been given for these complaints. 5LtMs, Lt 32, 1887, par. 2

You speak of the Health Journal and relate what Elder Waggoner says. Now this does not affect me at all. I can read this like a book. He has been receiving treatment at the sanitarium, and that the journal has found the slightest favor with Dr. Kellogg is a marvel, if it has. But I would not advise it to be stopped. The Good Health is not what we need to build up our Health Retreat. We need something much less scientific, so that common minds can be benefited. 5LtMs, Lt 32, 1887, par. 3

Give it up? no, no! If among all the talent in that office different ones cannot keep that journal a live paper, coming out quarterly, I should be ashamed to acknowledge it. If every one of those who are writers will do a little, it may be a journal that will be a means of much good. I shall send articles and selections for it. Elder Waggoner is not the only man that makes that journal what it should be. If he ceases to have any care of it, it shall not die for that. 5LtMs, Lt 32, 1887, par. 4

I know we all need the pity of the Lord, for our narrowness and selfishness. A little of the missionary spirit that abounded in the heart and work of Christ would, if cherished by those who claim to be laborers together with God, be one of the greatest blessings that could come to the various branches of our work. Now what if in the place of grumbling and finding fault all should see what they could do to help the institution? This would be a work wholly praiseworthy. 5LtMs, Lt 32, 1887, par. 5

Because Satan is at work to destroy its influence through making the most of unwise movements of unbusinesslike men, should we let it go under? No, I say no! Let it be braced up. There are those of our people who are wealthy and who will complain of the price of board and treatment and who will leaven others, but I hope there are those who will be found on the right side of the question. If there are wrong moves, God will work to correct them. 5LtMs, Lt 32, 1887, par. 6

I am not pleased with the unpleasant relations between the Pacific Press workers and the Rural Health Retreat managers. You think that Elder Rice has not shown an unselfish spirit in his working to get means for the Retreat. Will you consider whether in his place you would have done any better? I fear not. Elder Rice may not be the man for the place. Time will tell whether he is narrow and a poor financier. I certainly should not take Brother Church’s testimony in all points on this subject. If the man were right and sound in his principles, the first thing that he would have done would have been to pay his pledges, and not put off the payments until he received another payment. I am not pleased with the features of this case; it looks scaly. If the case he mentions was as he related it, that ten dollars was charged for his daughter when she occupied a room with her mother, surely this was not just, but wrong; and if patients were neglected and left two or three days without examination, it was wrong. It is this that has been acted over many times at the sanitarium, and it is not right wherever it is practiced. 5LtMs, Lt 32, 1887, par. 7

We have urged upon them at the Health Retreat to move cautiously and not get buried up in debt. Sister Douglas told the improvements that should be made and extensive plans of accommodations, but she did not give of her abundant means to help to make these improvements. Those who have every nicety in their homes and every convenience will see the want of many things. But I tell you the plans will have to be narrow until some persons of broad ideas shall come in to lift the poor sick child upon its feet. It is easy to look on and tell what should be done when there is no means to do it with. 5LtMs, Lt 32, 1887, par. 8

Let the institution move slowly and surely and in the fear of God, and with His glory in view, and all will be well. Let others feel that this is an instrumentality of God, that it must and shall succeed, and it will succeed. I am just as sure that there will be grumblers, and the most perfect and constant in this line will be our own people who ought to be in better business. 5LtMs, Lt 32, 1887, par. 9

Have you written or made known to Elder Loughborough just what you have to us? If not, do so at once, and let him take the means if possible to correct any unfairness or avaricious spirit that is dealing with dishonesty; for if there is one particle of unfair dealing with saint or sinner, it should be nipped in the bud. I believe that institute will be that which God would have it yet. If managers are not right, then they must be changed for those who are right. 5LtMs, Lt 32, 1887, par. 10

But there is danger of selfish feelings existing in the office at the Pacific Press, in the Review and Herald office, in the sanitarium, and in the colleges, and in the Health Retreat. The hearts of the managers and workers should be wholly under the influence of the Spirit of Christ. Self must be subdued; the spirit softened; the grace of Christ come in; and the glory of God be kept ever in view. There should be a spirit of love to see every branch of the work of God prospering. Our particular part should not be made the one thing alone, but our thought and interest should be united in the other branches of the work. 5LtMs, Lt 32, 1887, par. 11

The Lord is coming, the end is near, the judgment is set, the books are to be opened, and every man judged according to the deeds done in the body. May the Lord help us individually to meet God’s moral standard of righteousness, that we may be without spot or wrinkle or any such thing. 5LtMs, Lt 32, 1887, par. 12

Will you please when you write mention in regard to Addie what she is doing, if she is gaining all that knowledge that is essential to help me in my work. I hope she will have every advantage that will prove for her good to help me. How little my brethren know of my expenses in my work. But the Lord knows all about it, and I pray that suitable help may be provided for me. I believe it will be to prepare matter for the press. I can obtain [an] abundance of mechanical workers, but those who will fit matter for publication are rare. I could use two good, sound workers if I had them. 5LtMs, Lt 32, 1887, par. 13

With much love to you and yours, 5LtMs, Lt 32, 1887, par. 14

I remain your sister in Christ. 5LtMs, Lt 32, 1887, par. 15