Testimony Treasures, Volume 3 - Ellen G. White

Chapter 16
Out of the Cities
Those who have to do with the locating of our sanitariums should
prayerfully study the character and aim of sanitarium work. They should ever
bear in mind that they are working for the restoration of the image of God in
man. In one hand they are to carry remedies for the relief of physical
suffering, and in the other the gospel for the relief of sin-burdened souls.
Thus they are to work as true medical missionaries. In many hearts they are
to sow the seeds of truth.
No selfishness, no personal ambition, is to be allowed to enter into the
work of selecting locations for our sanitariums. Christ came to this world to
show us how to live and labor. Let us learn from Him not to choose for our
sanitariums the places most agreeable to our taste, but those places best
suited to our work.
Light has been given me that in medical missionary work we have lost
great advantages by failing to realize the need of a change in our plans in
regard to the location of sanitariums. It is the Lord's will that these
institutions shall be established outside the city. They should be situated in
the country, in the midst of surroundings as attractive as possible. In nature--
the Lord's garden--the sick will always find something to divert their
attention from themselves and lift their thoughts to God.
I have been instructed that the sick should be cared for away from the
bustle of the cities, away from the noise of streetcars and the continual
rattling of carts and carriages. People who come to our sanitariums from
country homes will appreciate a quiet place; and in retirement patients will
be more readily influenced by the Spirit of God.
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