Those Connected with the Potts Sanitarium
“Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California
February 15, 1904
Portions of this letter are published in 5MR 320-322. +NoteOne or more typed copies of this document contain additional Ellen White handwritten interlineations which may be viewed at the main office of the Ellen G. White Estate.
To those connected with the Potts Sanitarium Enterprise
My dear Brethren and Sisters,—
I hope that you will look to God for counsel, and that you will endeavor to carry out the plans that were decided upon before Willie left for the East. Work steadily to the point. Show tact and skill in devising and promptitude in action. You will have to exercise your own judgment; for we may be called away from California. It may be that the Lord will impress me that it is my duty to spend some time in Washington. And I may be directed to remain here with my workers. 19LtMs, Lt 81, 1904, par. 1
But whatever we do, you are to move forward carefully and intelligently in building up the sanitarium work in San Diego. Do not fold your hands, thinking that your strength lies in doing nothing. You are to do the Lord’s will. Are not the souls of those whom Christ has redeemed worth saving? 19LtMs, Lt 81, 1904, par. 2
God desires His workers to take counsel together. Be subject one to another, but do not hold back in weakness and indecision, failing to do what needs to be done. Do not act an undecided, indefinite part. Make up your minds what needs to be done, and move steadily forward in the doing of it. Do not take one backward step. Show those with whom you come in contact that they are to work out their own salvation with holy boldness, and at the same time with fear and trembling, lest they fail to fulfil God’s purpose for them. 19LtMs, Lt 81, 1904, par. 3
Be prompt minutemen. Do not delay in carrying out the plans that have been decided upon. I have just read Dr. Whitelock’s last letter again, and I can hardly understand why there should be any hesitation in taking steps to secure the property that I thought we had decided to purchase. 19LtMs, Lt 81, 1904, par. 4
I understand that the ten acres of land adjoining the sanitarium property, and hitherto used as a chicken ranch, were offered to us for four hundred dollars and that they have been secured. 19LtMs, Lt 81, 1904, par. 5
You are on the ground, and as business men, you should know what steps to take. I will do my part. If a crisis comes, and you are in need of funds, send to me, and I will borrow some money from the bank and send it to you. 19LtMs, Lt 81, 1904, par. 6
Sister Gotzian has pledged herself to share with me the purchase of the property. Let all the business connected with the purchase of the property be conducted with the utmost care. Be sure that the papers are drawn up correctly. Let everything be made secure. If attention is not given to this matter, we shall meet with disappointment. 19LtMs, Lt 81, 1904, par. 7
In a short time, about four weeks, I think, a meeting of the Pacific Union Conference will be held. This will be an important meeting, and at it I wish to be able to show that something has been done toward establishing sanitarium work in San Diego. If the arrangements for the purchase of the Potts Sanitarium have not been completed, see that this is done without delay. And the Grainger property should also be secured, I think. 19LtMs, Lt 81, 1904, par. 8
Will you please let me know just how matters stand, that I may understand what I must do to fulfil the pledge that I made with Sister Gotzian. We promised each other to share equally in the financial burden of purchasing this property. I am anxious to help all I can. If you need means to make the purchase of the Granger property secure, please let me know. 19LtMs, Lt 81, 1904, par. 9
I hope and pray that you will work disinterestedly to secure the sanitarium property and the property adjoining it. Do your best, and success will attend your efforts. 19LtMs, Lt 81, 1904, par. 10
I may spend some time in Washington, but I do not know definitely in regard to this. It may be that I shall go to San Diego. I shall wait and watch and pray, asking the Lord for guidance. 19LtMs, Lt 81, 1904, par. 11