Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 134, 1907

Gotzian, J.

St. Helena, California

April 5, 1907

Previously unpublished.

Mrs. J. Gotzian

Dear Sister Gotzian:

Many things have recently demanded my attention, and I have been unable to write to you, although I have desired to do so. 22LtMs, Lt 134, 1907, par. 1

I had expected that long before this I would be with you at Paradise Valley. But matters have crowded in one after another, and it has been impossible to withdraw ourselves from the duties that have demanded our immediate attention. 22LtMs, Lt 134, 1907, par. 2

For nearly a year the St. Helena Sanitarium has been crowded to its utmost capacity. Never before in its history has it received so large a patronage as at present. Nearly every day new patients come in, and the managers are greatly perplexed to know where to put them, but no one is denied admission. Often it has been necessary to make up beds for the helpers in the offices and parlors. 22LtMs, Lt 134, 1907, par. 3

In the present buildings there are not suitable facilities for caring for the surgical cases. It has seemed necessary to provide for these afflicted ones a building to be used as a hospital. The plans have been drawn, and the work of construction will soon begin and will be hastened forward to completion. Already they are endeavoring to secure a contract for lumber. Last Wednesday I rode up the hillside to see the site they have selected for the new building. It is just beyond the house we put up on the side of the hill. 22LtMs, Lt 134, 1907, par. 4

Those who come to the St. Helena Sanitarium regard it as one of the most beautiful places they have ever seen. They are charmed with the scenery and are well pleased with the services of Dr. Rand. Scarcely a word of complaint is heard from any of the patrons. We are glad of this, and we trust that many of them may be converted to the truth. We hope that the Lord may preside over our institution here on the hillside. We desire that there may be a manifestation of truth that will take hold upon the heart; for this is the purpose for which our sanitariums were established. With our present large patronage we certainly have a wonderful opportunity to reach many people, and to present before them the principles of true health reform. 22LtMs, Lt 134, 1907, par. 5

We desire that from our sanitariums in Southern California the truth may go forth as a lamp that burneth. Let us do all we can to make the sanitarium at Paradise Valley a means of bringing the light of truth before many souls. Let every one connected with the institution put his heart and soul into this work. Let a pleasant spirit be manifested by all. 22LtMs, Lt 134, 1907, par. 6

Everything possible should be done to make the foods palatable and enjoyable. Many come to our sanitariums with disease of the heart and soul as well as of the body. They are prone to complain if they are not suited. Earnest efforts should be put forth to provide for them suitable food to take the place of flesh meat, which is so objectionable. 22LtMs, Lt 134, 1907, par. 7

Above all else let there be manifested the sweetness of the love of Christ. Words of bitterness or of complaint should find no place among the helpers. Make every room fragrant with the kindness of unselfish love. I write this because there is danger among physicians and helpers in a sanitarium of failing ever to maintain the sweet spirit of Christ. 22LtMs, Lt 134, 1907, par. 8

I hope soon to be able to be with you, and to speak in the sanitarium to patients and helpers. I will come as soon as possible. May the Lord bless you and all your associates, is my prayer. 22LtMs, Lt 134, 1907, par. 9