Sanitariums as Evangelizing Agencies in the Cities of the South

Over and over again I am bidden to urge upon your attention the necessities of the work in Nashville. The Lord has specified what should be done there. A grand work has been started, and it should by all means be sustained. It must not be hindered by neglect, but is to go forward in straight, clear lines. Brother Butler, and Brother Haskell and his wife, are laboring hard and earnestly, and are wrestling with many difficulties, and they must be given assistance. [From a communication to the General Conference Committee, July 20, 1905.]SpTB18 15.2

A work is to be done in the city of Nashville, and the Lord would have the workers cleanse their souls from all iniquity, and put on the robe of Christ's righteousness. If they will humble themselves before God, his salvation will be revealed. Draw nigh to God, and trust in him. Wash you, make you clean. Let every worker be converted to the way of the Lord. [From a letter to the president of the Southern Union Conference, July 22, 1905.]SpTB18 15.3

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You must not expect to carry forward the work in Nashville without meeting difficulties. If we could clear these difficulties away, we would do so. Let every worker lay hold of the word of promise. We are far away from you, but we will pray the Lord to meet with you and strengthen and bless you [From a letter to Eld. S. N. Haskell, July 24, 1905.]SpTB18 16.1

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There are souls in many places who have not yet heard the message. Henceforth medical missionary work is to be carried forward with an earnestness with which it has never yet been done. This work is the door through which the truth is to find entrance to the large cities, and sanitariums are to be established in many places. [The following paragraph, from “Special Testimonies,” Series B, No. 13, page ii, outlines the position occupied by sanitariums as “outpost centers” from which an aggressive and most effective work may be done in large cities within easy reach:—SpTB18 16.2

“More important than magnificent scenery and beautiful buildings and spacious grounds, is the close proximity of these institutions to densely populated districts, and the opportunity thus afforded of communicating to many, many people a knowledge of the third angel's message. We are to have clear spiritual discernment, else we shall fail of understanding the opening providences of God that are preparing the way for us to enlighten the world. The great crisis is just before us. Now is the time for us to sound the warning message, by the agencies that God has given us for this purpose. Let us remember that one most important agency is our medical missionary work. Never are we to lose sight of the great object for which our sanitariums are established,—the advancement of God's closing work in the earth.”]SpTB18 16.3

Years ago the Lord gave me special light in regard to the establishment of a health institution where the sick could be treated on altogether different lines from those followed in any other institution in our world. It was to be founded and conducted upon Bible principles, as the Lord's instrumentality, and it was to be in His hands one of the most effective agencies for giving light to the world.SpTB18 17.1

Again and again this matter has been presented to me, and one case especially has been urged upon my notice. At great cost a sanitarium was erected at Boulder, Colorado. It has been a very difficult matter to make this sanitarium what it should be, and yet meet all expenses. The effort to do this has meant a great deal of hard work and much careful study.SpTB18 17.2

While we were at Washington, attending the General Conference, the question was raised, “Shall we sell the Colorado Sanitarium to those who are offering to buy it?” I was instructed to say to our brethren in Colorado, It would not be for the glory of God for the Colorado Sanitarium to be sold. Under the circumstances, an offer ... would be to some a strong temptation, and they would be inclined to sell the sanitarium, and thus lighten the burden of indebtedness. But God sees not as man sees. Our people would be acting like men with their eyes put out, should they consent to sell this institution.... The Boulder Sanitarium is to do its appointed work. From it the light of truth for this time is to shine forth, and the great message of warning be given....SpTB18 17.3

Nashville also must have financial aid, that the work there may be established. A sanitarium building must be put up near Nashville, because with the present facilities for doing medical missionary work in that city, the workers can not correctly represent the reformatory work that is to be carried forward in decided lines. This institution should be erected as soon as possible. For years the sanitarium work in that city has been carried forward in rented buildings not well adapted to the work, and the workers have been greatly hindered in their efforts. They have done the very best they could, but they have not been able to accomplish what they might had they had the needed facilities.SpTB18 18.1

My brethren, will you not help in the establishment of a sanitarium in ... Nashville? Let all work harmoniously, and then the stamp of the Lord will be placed upon your efforts. He will acknowledge your singleness of purpose to glorify Him....SpTB18 18.2

In our sanitariums the truth is to be cherished, not banished or hidden from sight. The light is to shine forth in clear, distinct rays. [See article, “The Sign of Our Order,” in “Testimonies for the Church 7:104-109.] These institutions are the Lord's facilities for the revival of pure, elevated morality. We do not establish them as a speculative business, but to help men and women to follow right habits of living.SpTB18 18.3

Christ, the great Medical Missionary, is no longer in our world in person. But he has not left the world in darkness. To his subjects he has given the commission, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature,” “teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:20.SpTB18 19.1

Through the instrumentality of our sanitariums, the great questions of Bible truth are to enter into the very heart of society, to reform and convert men and women, bringing them to see the great necessity of preparing for the mansions that Christ told his disciples he would prepare for those that love him. “I will come again,” he declared, “and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:3....SpTB18 19.2

Some will be attracted by one phase of the gospel and some by another. We are instructed by our Lord to work in such a way that all classes will be reached. The message must go to the whole world. Our sanitariums are to help to make up the number of God's people. We are not to establish a few mammoth institutions; for thus it would be impossible to give the patients the messages that will bring health to the soul. Small sanitariums are to be established in many places....SpTB18 19.3

The conversion of souls is now to be our one object. Every facility for the advancement of God's cause is to be put into use, that his will may be done in earth as it is done in heaven. We can not afford to be irreligious and indifferent now. We must take advantage of the means that the Lord has placed in our hands for the carrying forward of medical missionary work. Through this work infidels will be converted. Through the wonderful restorations taking place in our sanitariums, souls will be led to look to Christ as the great Healer of soul and body. [From an “Appeal to the Colorado Conference,” portion of which was published in “Special Testimonies,” Series B, No. 5. (August 10, 1905.)]SpTB18 19.4

Medical missions must be opened as pioneer agencies to prepare the way for the proclamation of the third angel's message in the cities of the South. O, how great is the need for means to do this work! Gospel medical missions can not be established without financial aid. Every such mission calls for our sympathy and for our means, that facilities may be provided to make the work successful. These institutions, conducted in accordance with the will of God, would remove prejudice, and call our work into favorable notice. The highest aim of the workers is to be the spiritual health of the patients. Medical missionary work gives opportunity for carrying forward successful evangelistic work. It is as these lines of effort are united, that we may expect to gather the most precious fruit for the Lord.SpTB18 20.1

For some time, Brethren Hayward and Hansen have been carrying on sanitarium work in a modest way in the heart of the city, [Nashville.] and in a rented building a few miles out of the city. The difficulties and inconveniences against which they have had to contend have greatly retarded the work, making it doubly hard.SpTB18 20.2

During my visit to the Southern field a year ago, we tried to find, near Nashville, a property suitable for a sanitarium. We examined several places, but arrived at no definite decision. Recently I have been rejoiced to learn that there has been found a desirable property four miles south of the city, and near the terminus of a street-car line. In this tract there are thirty-three acres of land. Our brethren regard the location as an ideal site for a sanitarium. [This property, known as the Renallis place though purchased and held for a time, was afterward released, as another property even more suitable was found and secured.] An ample supply of water comes from a lithia spring, pure, and clear as crystal.SpTB18 21.1

Our brethren were able to buy this property for eight thousand seven hundred fifty dollars, by paying cash. The amount was loaned to them by a brother in Kentucky....SpTB18 21.2

Our brethren must have help in order to build.... The establishment of medical institutions in the South will make the work more expensive; but the importance of this line of effort can not be overestimated. [From an article published in The Review and Herald, September 7, 1905.]SpTB18 21.3