I have a decided message for our people, that the Lord has not appointed them to do the work you are proposing to do. He does not require them to provide facilities for the entertainment of the tourists coming to Los Angeles. The establishment of an institution for this purpose would be setting a wrong example before the Lord’s people. The result would not justify the effort put forth.17LtMs, Lt 70, 1902, par. 1

Why do we establish sanitariums?—That the sick who come to them for treatment may receive relief from physical suffering, and may also receive spiritual help. As the sick ones come, they are in a condition that renders them susceptible to the sanctifying influence of the medical missionaries who labor to restore soul and body.17LtMs, Lt 70, 1902, par. 2

Medical missionary work in Southern California is to be carried forward by the establishment, in various places, of small sanitariums, not by the establishment of one mammoth institution for the accommodation and entertainment of a promiscuous company of pleasure-lovers, who would bring with them all their intemperate ideas and practices. Such an institution would absorb the time and talent of those who are needed elsewhere. Our capable men are to be set at work in sanitariums established and conducted for the definite purpose of preparing minds for the reception of the truth for this time.17LtMs, Lt 70, 1902, par. 3

Your ideas are not in harmony with the light God has given me. We are not to absorb the time and strength of men capable of carrying forward the Lord’s work in the way He has outlined, in an enterprise for the accommodation and entertainment of pleasure-seekers, whose greatest desire is to gratify self.17LtMs, Lt 70, 1902, par. 4

Let us keep our young men and young women from all such dangerous influences.17LtMs, Lt 70, 1902, par. 5

I sincerely hope that you will not carry out what you have undertaken. It would be perilous to the safety of the workers to connect them with an enterprise such as the one you have in view. And neither you nor your brother is endowed with the necessary capabilities for such a work. God has not called you to this work. Should you engage in it, you would not advance the work of soul-saving as you think you would.17LtMs, Lt 70, 1902, par. 6

God is not leading you to do this work. I write to warn you. You might secure a large amount of money from outsiders to start the enterprise. But think of the amount of means that would be required to keep up such an establishment. Before you go any further in this enterprise, sit down and count the cost to see whether you will be able to finish. Heed the Saviour’s words of warning: “Which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?” [Luke 14:28.] This warning was given to those who were preparing to do a great work in connection with the gospel message; and I repeat it to you.17LtMs, Lt 70, 1902, par. 7

Our sanitariums are to be established for one object—the advancement of present truth. And they are to be so conducted that a decided impression in favor of the truth will be made on the minds of those who come to them for treatment. The conduct of the workers, from the head manager to the worker occupying the lowliest position, is to tell on the side of truth. The institution is to be pervaded by a spiritual atmosphere. We have a warning message to bear to the world, and our earnestness, our devotion to God’s service, is to impress those who come to our sanitariums.17LtMs, Lt 70, 1902, par. 8

Sanitariums are to be established as soon as possible in different places in Southern California. No more time is to be wasted in the endeavor to bring every man’s ideas into harmony with the Lord’s plan. Let a beginning be made in several places. If possible, purchase land on which buildings are already erected. Then let appropriate enlargement be made as the prosperity of the work demands.17LtMs, Lt 70, 1902, par. 9

The sick cannot fail to be benefited by a stay at a sanitarium established in a retired place in the country, beautified by nature’s lovely adornings. In such a place they will find health of body and peace of mind.17LtMs, Lt 70, 1902, par. 10

My brother, do not bring confusion into our ranks by trying to carry out plans that the Lord does not endorse. Do not try to do a work that He has not given you.17LtMs, Lt 70, 1902, par. 11

We are living at the very close of this earth’s history, and we are to move cautiously, understanding what the will of the Lord is, and imbued with His Spirit, not doing the work you are planning for, but the work that will mean much to the Lord’s cause, work that will proclaim the warning message to a world infatuated, deceived, perishing in sin.17LtMs, Lt 70, 1902, par. 12

I feel deeply grieved over your unwillingness to receive counsel or advice, your slowness to discern the danger, or to turn from your own plans. Your readiness to move without counselling fully with your brethren testifies to your danger.17LtMs, Lt 70, 1902, par. 13

I have not strength to write more now. I write this because I wish you to begin to consider. May the Lord’s will be done in and through and by you. “We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] I will write more as soon as I can.17LtMs, Lt 70, 1902, par. 14

Lt 69, 1902

Lt 71, 1902