Lt 36, 1909

Cummings, Brother and Sister [R. S.]

St. Helena, California

January 27, 1909

Previously unpublished.

Dr. and Mrs. R. S. Cummings
Paradise Valley Sanitarium
National City, California

Dear Brother and Sister Cummings:

I thank you for making me acquainted with the real condition of things at the Paradise Valley Sanitarium. As soon as we can understand the reason for this withdrawal of means from the institution, we will try to do something. In the meantime, encourage those who have means in the sanitarium not to be in a hurry to withdraw their investments.24LtMs, Lt 36, 1909, par. 1

I hope, Brother and Sister Cummings, that the Lord will graciously grant you wisdom to know how to act in this emergency. I hope that you will keep us informed in regard to the situation. Do the best that you possibly can, and we will do what we can.24LtMs, Lt 36, 1909, par. 2

You have heard of our efforts to obtain a location for our conference school. We are hoping soon to obtain a clear title to the property at Buena Vista. In the meantime Elder Haskell and others are working to secure the means, in gifts and offerings, from our people, necessary to make the purchase complete. They are doing remarkably well. How soon we shall get the title we cannot say, but we would have been in an embarrassing position had it been ready and had the owners called for the money before we were prepared to pay the amount required. Fifty thousand dollars will be needed to make the purchase, and every effort is being put forth so that we may have the money ready to close the bargain just as soon as the title deeds are ready for us.24LtMs, Lt 36, 1909, par. 3

I am more or less troubled over what you have written concerning the Paradise Valley Sanitarium. I feel that something must be done in this matter; but I trust that you will not be overtroubled. Bid Brother Lindsay be of good courage.24LtMs, Lt 36, 1909, par. 4

I have been instructed that the Paradise Valley Sanitarium is to become a helping agency in advancing the medical work in missionary lines. It is to be the means of giving the light of truth to many who are establishing homes in San Diego. Let genuine missionary work be encouraged by the sale and distribution of our books and periodicals. Encourage a genuine spirit of labor among the workers. Teach them how to become acquainted with the people by calling upon them and giving them papers that contain the message of truth. It is just as important that our workers labor for these cities right about us as it is that laborers go forth to work in foreign fields. Those who know the truth are to become thoroughly converted, and to realize that the higher education found in the Word of God is to be given to all, believers and unbelievers.24LtMs, Lt 36, 1909, par. 5

Let our ministers and physicians do their work intelligently. They can visit the people in their homes and impart religious instruction to them. Let efforts be made for the sale of the books Ministry of Healing and Christ’s Object Lessons. There is an important missionary field lying right at your doors.24LtMs, Lt 36, 1909, par. 6