Letters About Another Place.
Sanitarium, Cal., April 12, 1905.
Dear Brother Burden:--
I hear that plans are being laid for Elder W. W. Simpson to leave Southern California to labor elsewhere. If Elder Simpson feels it his duty to go, I have nothing to say against it, but I had hoped to see him extend his work from Los Angeles to Redlands and Riverside. The condition of Brother Simpson's health is such that great care must be exercised in regard to the location of his field of labor. He should have suitable help that he may be relieved from the burden of speaking so frequently. {SpTB03b 3.1}
Redlands and Riverside have been presented to me as places that should be worked. These two places should not longer be neglected. I hope soon to see an earnest effort put forth in their behalf. Please consider the advisability of establishing a sanitarium in the vicinity of these cities with treatment rooms in each place to act as feeders to the sanitarium. {SpTB03b 3.2}
We can not afford to allow these places to go unwarned. Instead of Elder Simpson's going somewhere else to labor, would it not be better to put forth a determined effort to strengthen the work in these places? There are other cities in Southern California in which a work similar to that carried on by Elder Simpson should be conducted. The Lord would have His ministers working zealously for those who have never heard the truth. {SpTB03b 3.3}
Our people in Southern California need to awake to the magnitude of the work to be done within their own borders. Let them awake to prayer and labor. Let them manifest more spiritual vitality. They need a new conversion that they may labor untiringly for souls. Wherever there is spiritual life there will be an imparting as well as a receiving of light and blessing. The nourishment from God's word will be received, and earnest work will be done. The act of imparting keeps open the channel for receiving. This truth our Saviour ever sought to keep before the people. {SpTB03b 3.4}
I have a message to bear to the church-members in Southern California. "Arouse, and avail yourselves of the opportunities open to you. While Christ pleads in your behalf, plead for yourselves that you may be purified from every unrighteous thought, every unholy action. Make an entire surrender to God, of body, soul, and spirit. Be determined to do all in your power to learn the true science of soul-saving. While the light of God's day of mercy still shines, gather up every divine ray. {SpTB03b 4.1}
"Are you prepared to sell all, that you may purchase the field that contains the treasure? Said the apostle Paul: 'I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, . . . that I may win Christ, and be found in Him.' {SpTB03b 4.2}
"Give up the self-righteousness that you have been cherishing. If the Lord permits you to behold such a work as has been done in Los Angeles, seek with all humility to act your part. Not in your own strength, but in the strength of Christ, you are to ascend the ladder heavenward, round by round. Make diligent, thorough work in humbling yourselves, that the old habits and practises and all evil speaking may be put away. Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you. Die to self; live to God." {SpTB03b 4.3}
The Lord will manifest Himself to all who seek Him with humble hearts. The end of all things is at hand. Our eyes must be fixed upon Christ. As the called and chosen of God, we must represent the truth in its purity. Our lives are to be such that the world will take knowledge of us that we have been with Christ, and that the truth may seem to them more desirable than error. {SpTB03b 4.4}
If rightly conducted, our sanitariums may exert a refining, ennobling influence, and lead many souls to Christ. The religious principles maintained in these institutions will demonstrate that there is relief for the soul, weary and sick with sin. Many are weak and sick because of disease of the soul. Let Christ be held up before them as the great Healer, who invites them to come to Him and find rest. Tell them that the heart of Christ is drawn out in compassion and love for His blood-bought heritage. He will heal the troubled heart that looks to Him in faith. {SpTB03b 4.5}
To the poor sin-sick soul repeat the Saviour's invitation, "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." There is true joy in learning of Christ. {SpTB03b 5.1}
Tell the suffering ones of a compassionate Saviour. He is the only Physician who can heal both body and soul. He has given His life for the world, that men should not perish, but have everlasting life. He looks with compassion upon those who regard their case as hopeless. {SpTB03b 5.2}
While the soul is filled with fear and terror, the mind can not see the tender compassion of Christ. Our sanitariums are to be an agency for bringing peace and rest to the troubled mind. If you can inspire the despondent with hopeful, saving faith, contentment and cheerfulness will take the place of discouragement and unrest. Wonderful changes will then be wrought in their physical condition. Christ will restore both body and soul, and, realizing His compassion and love, they will rest in Him. He is the bright and morning star, shining amid the moral darkness of this sinful, corrupt world. He is the light of the world, and all who give their hearts to Him will find peace and rest and joy. {SpTB03b 5.3}
The world is filled with sickness. Sin is increasing, especially in the large cities. Death is taking away large numbers. But the great Medical Missionary invites men to come to Him. "Come unto Me," He says, "and I will give you rest." "Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." {SpTB03b 5.4}
Our part is, by believing His word, to find rest in Christ Jesus. His words are spirit and life. In believing them there is rest and peace. "Knock, and it shall be opened unto you." Our prayers will reach the ear of Christ, and He will open unto us the rich treasures of His grace. Through prayer we are brought into communion with the high and holy One who inhabiteth eternity. He opens the door to every one who will knock. {SpTB03b 5.5}