Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 82, 1902

On the Location of Sanitariums

NP

June 11, 1902 [typed]

This entire manuscript is drawn from Ms 41, 1902 and Ms 43, 1902.

From MS dated March 17, 1902 [Ms 41, 1902].

During the past three nights light has been given me that in the medical missionary work we have lost great advantages by failing to realize the need of a change in our plans in regard to the location of sanitariums. It is the Lord’s will that our sanitariums shall be established outside the city. These institutions are to be places in which those who come to them for treatment will be given every opportunity for obtaining a rich spiritual experience. 17LtMs, Ms 82, 1902, par. 1

The surroundings of a sanitarium should be as attractive as possible. Out-of-door life is a means of gaining health and happiness. As the sick look upon the beautiful scenery, as they see the flowers in their loveliness, they will venture to take a few steps out of doors to gather some of the flowers—precious messengers of God’s love to His family in affliction here below. In flower garden and orchard, the sick will find health, cheerfulness, and happy thoughts. 17LtMs, Ms 82, 1902, par. 2

All of these representations, and many more, passed as a living reality before me. I felt grateful to God as I realized what an influence an outdoor life among the flowers and fruit-laden trees has upon those who are sick both in body and in mind. After they stay for a short time at a sanitarium in the midst of the beauties of nature, hope begins to take the place of despair. The heart is softened by the objects of beauty in nature that the great Master Artist has given to mankind as pictures in which are portrayed His goodness and love. Angels come near to make impressions on the hearts of the afflicted. 17LtMs, Ms 82, 1902, par. 3

The night before last, so many things were presented before me that I arose at about half-past ten, saying, “I thank Thee, Lord, for thus teaching me that in our sanitariums we can do more than simply give treatment.” 17LtMs, Ms 82, 1902, par. 4

The sick should be taught, line upon line, precept upon precept, that they are to surrender themselves, body, soul, and spirit, to Christ, the great Physician, whose they are by creation and by redemption. Human beings have cost Him much, and they can draw upon His tender sympathies. When they surrender themselves to Him, they may expect to be relieved from worriment. 17LtMs, Ms 82, 1902, par. 5

Little things make up the sum of life. Christ will help all who are troubled by little cares and larger perplexities. Do not you think that Jesus knows that the enemy uses these to separate the soul from Him? Let the patients be educated to commune with Christ. He is the source of power and goodness. He is looking down on this world with pity, seeking to draw souls to Himself. 17LtMs, Ms 82, 1902, par. 6

Let our medical institutions be established on extensive tracts of land, where the patients will have opportunity for outdoor exercise. This will prove to be one means for their restoration to health. Encourage the patients to live out-of-doors. Devise plans to keep them outdoors, where they will become acquainted with God through nature. As they take exercise in the open air, restoration will begin in body, mind, and soul. Life in the open air, away from the congested cities, is health-restoring. The pure air has in it health and life. As it is breathed in, it has an invigorating effect on the whole system. 17LtMs, Ms 82, 1902, par. 7

The world is one great lazar house. In every land are to be found the suffering. Those who are connected with our sanitariums should make every effort to encourage the patients to live an outdoor life, so far as it is possible for them to do so. Nature is the great physician that will heal them of all their maladies, both spiritual and physical, if they will believe in Christ. Everything that can be done should be done to give those who come to our sanitariums for treatment the opportunity of living as much as possible in the open air. The patients should have the advantages that are given by natural surroundings. Nature is the great restorer of both soul and body. ... The advantages to be gained by living outside the cities are to be regarded as medicinal; for through association with nature, the patients come in contact with the God of nature. 17LtMs, Ms 82, 1902, par. 8

We long for the time to come when medical missionary workers will improve their opportunities to sow beside all waters, not knowing which shall prosper, this or that. A Paul may plant, an Apollos water; but God giveth the increase. Jesus expects those who believe in Him to give to the patients in our medical institutions the messages of God’s Word as healing leaves from the tree of life. If this is not recognized as the purpose for which our institutions are established, let us stop and consider of what use it is to spend so much money in erecting buildings for use as sanitariums. If our medical institutions are simply for the purpose of healing bodily diseases, would it not be better to invest our money in the cause of missions? 17LtMs, Ms 82, 1902, par. 9

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From MS dated March 12, 1902 [Ms 43, 1902].

Those who have true wisdom will plan to establish our sanitariums in the country, where the patients can have the benefits of out-of-door life, where they can sit in the sunshine, or, when the sunshine is too warm, under the shade of the trees. The patients are to be given the advantage of the Lord’s health-giving remedies to be found out-of-doors. And the treatment given them in other lines is to be conducted on the same natural, health-restoring principles. 17LtMs, Ms 82, 1902, par. 10

How grateful to the weary—accustomed to city life, the glare of many lights, the noise of the streets—is the quiet and calm of the country. How eagerly they turn aside to the scenes of nature! How glad they would be to go to a sanitarium in the country, where they could sit in the open air, rejoicing in the sunshine, and breathing the fragrance of tree and flower. There are health-giving properties in the balsam of the pine. 17LtMs, Ms 82, 1902, par. 11

The things of nature are God’s blessings provided to give health to body, mind, and soul. They are given to the well to keep them well and to the sick to make them well. Connected with water treatment, they are more effective in restoring health than all the drug medication in the world. 17LtMs, Ms 82, 1902, par. 12

In the country the sick find many things to call their minds away from themselves. They can be left sitting or lying in the sunshine or in the shade of the trees. They have only to lift their eyes, and they see above them the beautiful leaves of the trees. They wonder that they have not noticed before how gracefully the boughs bend, forming a leafy canopy over them, giving them just the shade they need. A sweet sense of restfulness and refreshing comes to them. The drooping spirits revive. There is healing in the sight of tree and flower and grass. The waning strength is recruited. Unconsciously, the mind grows peaceful. The pure, clear air is life-giving, and under its influence the fevered pulse grows more calm and regular. 17LtMs, Ms 82, 1902, par. 13

Under these influences, combined with the influence of good treatment and wholesome food, the sick find health. The feeble step recovers its elasticity. The eyes regain their brightness. The hopeless become hopeful. The once despondent countenance wears an expression of cheerfulness. The complaining tones of the voice gives place to tones of content. The words express the belief, “God is a refuge and strength; a very present help in time of trouble.” [Psalm 46:1.] The clouded hope of the Christian is brightened. Faith returns. The word is heard, “Yea. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod, and Thy staff they comfort me.” [Psalm 23:4.] “My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.” [Luke 1:46, 47.] “He giveth power to the faint, and to them that have no might He increaseth strength.” [Isaiah 40:29.] The acknowledgement of God’s goodness in providing these blessings invigorates the mind. God is very near and is pleased to see His gifts appreciated. 17LtMs, Ms 82, 1902, par. 14