Economy in Establishing Sanitariums
291
the age. Christian influence is too valuable to be sacrificed in this way.
All the surroundings, inside and outside our institutions, must be in
harmony with the teachings of Christ and the expression of our faith.
Our work in all its departments should be an illustration, not of display
[278]
and extravagance, but of sanctified judgment.
It is not large, expensive buildings, it is not rich furniture, it is not
tables loaded with delicacies, that will give our work influence and
success. It is the faith that works by love and purifies the soul; it is
the atmosphere of grace that surrounds the believer, the Holy Spirit
working upon the mind and heart, that makes him a savor of life unto
life and enables God to bless his work.
God can communicate with His people today and give them wis-
dom to do His will, even as He communicated with His people of old
and gave them wisdom in building the tabernacle. In the construction
of this building He gave a representation of His power and majesty,
and His name is to be honored in the buildings that are erected for Him
today. Faithfulness, stability, and fitness are to be seen in every part.
Laborers Together With God
Those who have in hand the erecting of a sanitarium are to repre-
sent the truth by working in the spirit and love of God. As Noah in his
day warned the world in the building of the ark, so, by the faithful work
that is done today in erecting the Lord’s institutions, sermons will be
preached and the hearts of some will be convicted and converted. Then
let the workers feel the greatest anxiety for the constant help of Christ,
that the institutions which are established may not be in vain. While
the work of building is going forward, let them remember that, as in
the days of Noah and of Moses God arranged every detail of the ark
and of the tabernacle, so in the building of His institutions today He
Himself is watching the work done. Let them remember that the great
Master Builder, by His word, by His Spirit, and by His providence,
[279]
designs to direct His work. They should take time to ask counsel of
Him. The voice of prayer and the melody of holy song should ascend
as sweet incense. All should realize their entire dependence upon God;
they should remember that they are erecting an institution in which is
to be carried forward a work of eternal consequence, and that, in doing
this work, they are to be laborers together with God. “Looking unto