The Review and Herald
December 23, 1909
Mrs. White's Labors in Michigan and Indiana
D. E. Robinson
The West Michigan camp-meeting was held on the fair-grounds at Three Rivers, July 22 to August 2. A goodly number of our people were present, although on account of its being harvest-time, there was a smaller attendance than usual. Besides Union and local Conference workers, several ministers from abroad were in attendance. Among these were Elders A. G. Daniells, G. B. Thompson, W. C. White, S. G. Haughey, and C. McReynolds. On the part of the citizens of Three Rivers there was an increasing interest from day to day. RH December 23, 1909, par. 1
Mrs. White arrived the day before the meeting opened, and with the exception of one day, remained till the close. During the ten days, she spoke in the large tent four times. On Sabbath, July 24, she read from Exodus portions of the experience of Israel from their departure out of Egypt up to the giving of the law at Mt. Sinai. Regarding this she said: RH December 23, 1909, par. 2
“We are sometimes astonished at the course of the children of Israel. The Lord had wrought for them mightily in bringing them forth from Egypt and through the Red Sea, and it seems surprising that they should not afterward have an unshaken faith that God was leading them, and that he would provide for them. But are we not as faithless as they? are we not in danger of being fearful when we should be strong and of good courage? Many today are ready to pledge themselves as willing to be led by God; but when they come into a hard place, they do not stand the proving. They complain and murmur against the Lord. Would it not be better, when we are in trouble or perplexity, to come in simplicity to the same God who led Israel of old, and ask him to show us his great kindness?” RH December 23, 1909, par. 3
In concluding her discourse, Mrs. White made an earnest appeal for all to declare themselves on the Lord's side, and to seek, during the time of the meeting, the blessing He has in store for them. “Do not,” she said, “trifle with the opportunities that you have in such gatherings as this. Be faithful in attending the meetings, and give heed to the messages borne. Make thorough work for eternity. Respond to the invitations that may be given. Let your hearts be melted under the influence of the Holy Spirit. ‘Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near.’ Search your Bible, that you may know what God says. You need not ask any one else your duty; you are individually amenable to God. I entreat of you to make your peace with God, and to be obedient.” RH December 23, 1909, par. 4
Nearly all present pledged themselves to seek the Lord, and Mrs. White prayed for a rich blessing to rest upon those assembled. The revival effort was continued in other meetings during the day by Elder Thompson and others, and many were impressed by the Holy Spirit to give themselves to the Lord. RH December 23, 1909, par. 5
Sunday, many from the city attended the camp, and Mrs. White addressed a large congregation in the afternoon. She dwelt impressively upon the great sacrifice of Christ and His sufferings, reading the prophecy found in the Isaiah 53:1, and bringing out many practical thoughts regarding Christian living. RH December 23, 1909, par. 6
The forenoon of Tuesday was devoted to a consideration of the canvassing work and other lines of missionary effort. By request, Mrs. White spoke for about half an hour regarding our duty as a missionary people. She said, in part: RH December 23, 1909, par. 7
“As a people we have received great light. The truth of God is to be justified before the world. If we are content to remain in our homes, feeling no burden to communicate the truth to others, we ourselves need the converting power of God in our hearts. Our light comes from the highest source, and is given to us that we may pass it on to others. RH December 23, 1909, par. 8
“It is time that we place ourselves in right relation to God. If you have an intelligent knowledge of the truth for this time, then it is your privilege and your duty to impart it to others. If you have not that knowledge, then you should seek for it. Learn how to present the truth in a clear and forceful manner. The light is to shine forth to the world in clear, distinct rays. If you are truly converted, you will not hide your light under a bushel, but let it shine forth to others. ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.’ RH December 23, 1909, par. 9
“In the Word of God there is a commission that we can not evade. There is a world to be warned, and the believers must carry the saving truth to all nations. There is a great work before us, and it can not be finished by only a few. There is something for every one to do. May God put upon us all a spirit to communicate truth, and may he impress every one to lift every possible ounce in an effort to get the message before the world. RH December 23, 1909, par. 10
“How can we arouse our people and the people of the world to prepare to meet our God? We must seek the Lord with all the heart, that we may find him. Then hold on; we must not let go. We need a conversion that will remain with us; for we have a work that is to continue. Just as long as we are on this earth, and there are souls unwarned, we can not lay off this responsibility. RH December 23, 1909, par. 11
“And if you are under the influence of the Holy Spirit, you can reach some of these unwarned souls. Many who are now perishing in their sins will yet be converted, and turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart. Take hold of the work in earnest, anywhere and everywhere, and when you do this, you will have a sense of your need of power from on high. RH December 23, 1909, par. 12
“He that is to come will come, and will not tarry. And thousands upon thousands are unwarned. The great cities are to be worked; this is kept before me night and day. Because of the magnitude of the work, because of the large outlay of means that they think necessary, many are hesitating about taking up the work that must be done in these large centers. Do they expect that men of means will come to them and offer them help, asking them to come and give them the message? We must make a beginning with what we have. Let groups of laborers appoint meetings in some portion of a city. An interest will be created that will increase. Those who receive the message will be willing to impart of their means to provide for an enlargement of the work. RH December 23, 1909, par. 13
“We are to labor in simplicity, but earnestly. Shall we now take hold to do the work that God would have us do, or shall it be that persons will come up to us when the troubles have burst upon the world, and say, ‘Why did not you warn us of these calamities that were coming, if you knew them?’ RH December 23, 1909, par. 14
“O, this precious message that God has given us! Many are longing for it, and it must be given as soon as possible. Begin to proclaim it wherever you may be. As soon as you begin to act, God will open the way before you.” RH December 23, 1909, par. 15
At Battle Creek
On the way from Buffalo to Three Rivers, Mrs. White stopped over one day in Battle Creek. While there, she met many of her old friends and associates in the work. The brethren urgently requested that she speak to them, and she promised, if possible, to return from the camp-meeting for that purpose. Accordingly an appointment was given out for a discourse by her in the tabernacle, Thursday afternoon, July 29. RH December 23, 1909, par. 16
The church was well filled, there being present many from the sanitarium and from the city, in addition to the regular membership. Mrs. White opened the service with prayer, after which she gave a simple, but earnest discourse, based upon the fifteenth chapter of John. RH December 23, 1909, par. 17
In the evening Elders Daniells and White stopped over in Battle Creek on their way from Washington to the Three Rivers camp-meeting. They accompanied Mrs. White and her party on their return from Battle Creek to Three Rivers Friday morning. RH December 23, 1909, par. 18
Visit to the Indiana sanitarium
Monday morning, August 2, Mrs. White, Miss McEnterfer, and Elder White left Three Rivers for a brief visit to the Wabash Valley Sanitarium at La Fayette, Ind. RH December 23, 1909, par. 19
At the depot they were met by Dr. W. W. Worster, the medical superintendent, and Brother H. C. Saunders, the business manager, who took them quickly in an automobile three miles up the river to the new sanitarium. Here they found a well-equipped institution that does credit to our people in Indiana who have established it. At the time of this visit there were thirty-two patients being cared for, and applications from others for entrance as soon as room could be found for them. Regarding this sanitarium and its influence, Mrs. White wrote: RH December 23, 1909, par. 20
“We were intensely interested in this sanitarium and its surroundings, for the Lord has presented before me in vision just such a scene. I could hardly believe that I had not seen the place before with my natural eyes. RH December 23, 1909, par. 21
“I am instructed to say that it is in the order of God that this property has been secured. It is to become an important center for missionary work in the surrounding cities. Our sanitariums are designed of God to be institutions through which he can work. RH December 23, 1909, par. 22
“In securing and equipping the La Fayette Sanitarium, our brethren have acted according to their best judgment. They have not moved rashly. Some have tried to discourage this enterprise, but I am instructed to say, Help those that are struggling with difficulties. If they look to him for counsel, the Lord will bless and strengthen the physician and the helpers in the sanitarium. RH December 23, 1909, par. 23
“Let not our brethren feel it their duty to restrict the investment of means where it is needed. It is in the Lord's order that the sanitarium has been secured. More land should have been purchased, and if possible, this should be done now. The grounds around a sanitarium should not be restricted. Provision should be made for the raising of fruit and vegetables, and it should not be made possible for buildings of an objectionable character to be erected near our institutions. RH December 23, 1909, par. 24
“The plan of having our sanitariums out of the cities is born of the Lord. This should be borne in mind, and sufficient land should be secured to raise fruit and vegetables. It will be a boon to the sick and to the helpers to be given outdoor work on the land. Many of our own workers have broken down in health through excessive mental taxation without the balance of physical exercise. RH December 23, 1909, par. 25
“There is an important work to be done in the vicinity of La Fayette. Our people generally do not realize how Satan is at work to secure souls through his specious deceptions.... RH December 23, 1909, par. 26
“Because of distracting influences, the work in Indiana has in the past been greatly hindered. The reproach of God rests upon a people who have a knowledge of the truth, and yet hold their peace. May the Lord forgive those who have known of open fields that have been left without a knowledge of the Scriptures. Let no one excuse himself from helping, nor complain because the Lord now calls for efforts and means to atone for the long neglect of work that should have been done years ago. In every place where the sheep have been scattered, let earnest effort now be put forth for the salvation of souls.” RH December 23, 1909, par. 27
Sanitarium, Cal.