Not for Pleasure Seekers
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we come in contact are to see that we not only talk of self-denial and
sacrifice, but that we reveal it in our lives. Our example is to inspire
those with whom we come in contact in our work, to become better
acquainted with the things of God.
If we are to go to the expense of building sanitariums in order
that we may work for the salvation of the sick and afflicted, we must
plan our work in such a way that those we desire to help will receive
the help they need. We are to do all in our power for the healing of
the body; but we are to make the healing of the soul of far greater
importance. Those who come to our sanitariums as patients are to be
shown the way of salvation, that they may repent and hear the words:
Thy sins are forgiven thee; go in peace, and sin no more.
Medical missionary work in Southern California is not to be car-
ried forward by the establishment of one mammoth institution for
the accommodation and entertainment of a promiscuous company of
pleasure lovers, who would bring with them their intemperate ideas
and practices. Such an institution would absorb the time and talent of
workers who are needed elsewhere. Our capable men are to put forth
their efforts in sanitariums established and conducted for the purpose
of preparing minds for the reception of the gospel of Christ.
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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. To connect workers
with such an enterprise would be perilous to their safety. Let us keep
our young men and young women from all such dangerous influences.
And should our brethren engage in such an enterprise, they would not
advance the work of soul saving as they think they would.
Our sanitariums are to be established for one object, the advance-
ment 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 humblest 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.