Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Lt 34a, 1887

Loughborough, J. N.

Basel, Switzerland

February 11, 1887

Previously unpublished.

Brother Loughborough:

Is it possible that Brother Harmon has exchanged his place for a farm in Nevada? I am sorry if this is so. I can see no light in it. I am afraid he will be making a mistake, but perhaps it is not true. Please mention this in your next. 5LtMs, Lt 34a, 1887, par. 1

Ellen G. White

I send you this [enclosure] to read to our brethren in California. And may the Lord help to set the matter home to hearts is my prayer. If the helpers in the institution are not heart and soul in the work, or if they have not discretion to sustain those who are bearing responsibilities there, they had better be dismissed if they do not reform. And, Elder Loughborough, the less you have of such helpers as Sister Boyd, the better it will be for all concerned. 5LtMs, Lt 34a, 1887, par. 2

The practice of getting sick patients to work and take treatment is not good policy. They become acquainted with the inside track and take advantages and do not know how to make a good use of their knowledge. They claim all the attention of paying patients and are the least pleased and the most difficult to manage. Better give them a little treatment, or let the churches where these come from pay for their treatment. But these sick workers are all a farce, a terrible burden, and they will leave generally dissatisfied, complaining. Great wisdom will need to be used. I am sorry that Brother Church has anything to complain of or that he should lose confidence in the institution. What we all want is good religion, meekness, patience, forbearance, and the sanctifying power of truth in the heart. I send you this, written while others have been sleeping. 5LtMs, Lt 34a, 1887, par. 3