The Review and Herald
May 2, 1912
Sanitariums as Centers of Influence and Training
The Lord has ordained that sanitariums be established in many places to stand as memorials for him. This is one of his chosen ways of proclaiming the third angel's message. By this means the truth will reach many who, but for these agencies, would never be lightened by the brightness of the gospel message. In the presentation of truth, some will be attracted by one phase of the gospel message and some by another. We are instructed by the Lord to work in such a way that all classes will be reached. The message must go to the whole world. Our sanitarium work is to help make up the number of God's people. Through this line of missionary effort infidels will be converted. By the wonderful restorations taking place in our sanitariums many will be led to look to Christ as the healer of soul and body. RH May 2, 1912, par. 1
Self-sacrificing workers, who have full faith in God, should be chosen to take charge of these institutions. Wise men and women, acting in the capacity of nurses, are to comfort and help the sick and suffering. Our sanitariums are to be as lights shining in a dark place, because physicians, nurses, and helpers reflect the sunlight of Christ's righteousness. RH May 2, 1912, par. 2
It is the glory of the gospel that it is founded on the principles of restoring in the fallen race the divine image. The Godhead was stirred with pity for the race, and the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit gave themselves to the working out of the plan of redemption. In order fully to carry out this plan, it was decided that Christ, the only begotten Son of God, should give himself an offering for sin. And in giving Christ, God gave all the resources of heaven, that nothing might be wanting for the work of man's uplifting. What line can measure the depth of this love? God would make it impossible for man to say that he could have done more. RH May 2, 1912, par. 3
The establishment of churches and sanitariums is only a further manifestation of the love of God, and in this work all God's people should have a part. Christ formed his church here below for the purpose of showing forth through its members the grace of God. Throughout the world his people are to raise memorials of his Sabbath,—the sign between him and them that he is the One who sanctifies them. Thus they are to show that they have returned to their loyalty, and stand firmly for the principles of his law. RH May 2, 1912, par. 4
Sanitariums are to be so established and conducted that they will be educational in character. They are to show to the world the benevolence of heaven. Though Christ's visible presence is not discerned, yet the workers may claim the promise, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” He has assured his followers that to those who love and fear him he will give power to continue the work that he began. He went about doing good, teaching the ignorant, and healing the sick. His work did not stop with an exhibition of his power over disease. He made each work of healing an occasion of implanting in the heart the divine principles of his love and benevolence. Thus his followers are to work. Christ is no longer in this world in person, but he has commissioned us to carry forward the medical missionary work that he began; and in this work we are to do our very best. For the furtherance of this work institutions for the care of the sick are to be established, where men and women suffering from disease may be placed under the care of God-fearing physicians and nurses. RH May 2, 1912, par. 5
In our sanitariums truth is to be cherished, not banished nor hidden from sight; and from them the light of present truth is to shine forth in clear, distinct rays. These institutions are the Lord's agencies for the revival of a pure, elevated morality. We do not establish them as a speculative business, but to help men and women to follow right habits of living. Those who are now ignorant are to become wise. Suffering is to be relieved, and health restored. People are to be taught how, by exercising care in their habits, they may keep well. Christ died to save men from ruin. Our sanitariums are to be his helping hand, teaching men and women how to live in such a way as to honor and glorify God. If this work is not carried on in our sanitariums, those who are conducting them will make a great mistake. RH May 2, 1912, par. 6
Christ came to this world bearing a message freighted with redemption. To all who receive him as a personal Saviour he gives power to become the sons of God. “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, ... full of grace and truth.... And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” All who become the sons of God are possessed of his nature. They dwell in Christ as Christ dwells in God. Converted to the truth, imbued with the Holy Spirit, they are under the transforming influence of divine grace. The life of self-indulgence they once lived is changed to a life of service. Knowing the power of his grace, they are commissioned and qualified to bear the message of salvation to a sinful world, and to make known his grace and truth. As they consecrate themselves wholly to God, the grace they impart will be continually renewed in increased measure. RH May 2, 1912, par. 7
God has qualified his people to enlighten the world. He has entrusted men with faculties that adapt them to extend their efforts and accomplish a work that will belt the world. Sanitariums, schools, printing-offices, and kindred facilities are to be established in all parts of the world. But this work has not yet been done. In foreign countries many enterprises that require means must yet be begun and carried forward. Let all do their best, making their boast in the Lord, and blessing others by their good works. RH May 2, 1912, par. 8
Christ cooperates with those who engage in medical missionary work. Men and women who unselfishly do what they can to establish sanitariums and treatment-rooms in many lands will be richly rewarded. Those who visit these institutions will be benefited physically, mentally, and spiritually. The weary will be refreshed, the sick will be restored to health, and the sin-burdened will be relieved. In far-off countries thanksgiving will be heard from the lips of those whose hearts are turned from the service of sin unto righteousness. And by their songs of grateful praise a testimony is borne that will win still others to the truth. The conversion of souls to God is the greatest work, the highest work, in which human beings can have a part. In the conversion of souls, God's forbearance, his unbounded love, his holiness, and his power are revealed. Every true conversion glorifies him, and causes the angels to break forth into singing. RH May 2, 1912, par. 9
Upon every truly converted soul—every one who believes in Christ as the world's Redeemer—God has laid the obligation of cooperating with him who gave his life for a perishing world. To every one who is at ease in Zion, he says: Arise, and put your shoulder to the wheel. Bear spiritual burdens. Clear the atmosphere of the soul, that the Sun of Righteousness may shine through you to the people of other tongues, revealing to them a living, testing truth. Let your light so shine that those who are perishing in their sins may learn of God's goodness and mercy and love. RH May 2, 1912, par. 10