The Value of Outdoor Life
[
Testimonies for the Church 7:76-79
(1902).]
The great medical institutions in our cities, called sanitariums do
but a small part of the good they might do were they located where
the patients could have the advantages of outdoor life. I have been
instructed that sanitariums are to be established in many places in the
country, and that the work of these institutions will greatly advance
the cause of health and righteousness.
The things of nature are God’s blessings, provided to give health
to body, mind, and soul. They are given to the well to keep them well,
and to the sick to make them well. Connected with water treatment,
they are more effective in restoring health than all the drug medication
in the world.
Nature, God’s Physician
In the country the sick find many things to call their attention away
from themselves and their sufferings. Everywhere they can look upon
and enjoy the beautiful things of nature—the flowers, the fields, the
fruit trees laden with their rich treasure, the forest trees casting their
grateful shade, and the hills and valleys with their varied verdure and
many forms of life.
And not only are they entertained by these surroundings, but at the
same time they learn most precious spiritual lessons. Surrounded by
the wonderful works of God, their minds are lifted from the things
that are seen to the things that are unseen. The beauty of nature leads
them to think of the matchless charms of the earth made new, where
there will be nothing to mar the loveliness, nothing to taint or destroy,
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nothing to cause disease or death.
Nature is God’s physician. The pure air, the glad sunshine, the
beautiful flowers and trees, the orchards and vineyards, and outdoor
exercise amid these surroundings, are health-giving—the elixir of
life. Outdoor life is the only medicine that many invalids need. Its
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