Selections from the Unpublished Writings Relative to Health, Philanthropic, and Medical Missionary Work
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Selections from the Unpublished Writings Relative to Health, Philanthropic, and Medical Missionary Work
Ellen G. White
1896
RELATION OF HEALTH INSTITUTIONS TO THE CAUSE.
My mind is much perplexed, my soul is burdened, because I discern many things which my brethren do not see in regard to the prosperity of our institutions. The medical branch of the work is the most difficult matter now before us. I have received letters from presidents of Conferences and from men of property, and have also had interviews with these brethren, in reference to establishing health institutions in different States. I could not encourage this without a careful consideration of the wants of the cause of God in every branch. I have brought before their minds the difficulties that we have had to meet in the institutions already established, the discouragement which came in because there was such a lack of men of piety, of principle, of unswerving integrity, of well-balanced minds, of unselfish interests—men who were wholly consecrated to God. Men of this character are the only ones who should have a controlling power in our institutions. I have been shown that the matter of establishing and conducting additional health institutions should come under the supervision of the General Conference. Such institutions should be established only when, after careful and prayerful consultation, it is decided to be essential for the advancement of the work of Bible hygiene and temperance, for the good of suffering humanity. The establishment of a health institution is too important a matter to be left to the independent management of a few interested individuals. If the enterprise is under the control of the General Conference, the way is open for deliberate counsel and a careful consideration of the matter and its relation to the great whole; and if it is undertaken, there will be a united force to give it influence and standing. This will contribute largely to its success. Under such management, a class of workers could be enlisted that otherwise could not be secured, and thus the enterprise would prosper when it would prove a failure in ordinary hands. And furthermore, there must be an authority to guard such institutions, so that persons who are not qualified shall not be allowed to grasp responsibilities through selfish ambition in their professional line as physicians. The Christian physician cannot maintain a supreme regard for his own individuality, acting in his profession without reference to his fellow physicians, and indifferent or careless in regard to his accountability to God, or the relation he sustains to the cause at large. He should not enter upon important enterprises, such as the establishment of a sanitarium, upon his own independent judgment, pleading his desire to serve the cause of God, but in his works serving himself. The physicians employed in our institutions should have a sacred regard for honor and loyalty. If they fail to walk uprightly and unselfishly; if they do not honor the principles that should control the followers of Christ in any and every branch of the work, then let the church take action in their case. Let the Bible rule be followed,5just as the Master has taught. Be the physician great or small, if he refuses to submit to church discipline, after suitable time has been given for patient labor according to Christ’s direction, he should be separated from the church as unworthy of its fellowship. The fact that the physician occupies a position of influence is the very reason why, in the case of any unchristian practise on his part, there should be careful investigation by judicious persons. Let our health institutions be purged of every evil, that the blessing of God may rest upon these his instrumentalities. [Since the above was written, the health, philanthropic, and medical missionary work has been organized by the creation of the International Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association, which has a supervision of the work.] It is as much required of God that his followers who are in the medical profession shall reveal the spirit of Christ in harmonizing their work as that the ministers of the gospel shall harmonize in their labors for the salvation of souls. This independence to do every man as seemeth good in his own eyes is after the satanic order, but not after Christ. One sets himself up in a certain place and begins to practise; another does the same in another place; and there is no more unity one with the other than between the strands of ropes of straw. This thing I have been shown is a disgrace to Seventh-day Adventists and a dishonor to the cause of God. There is need that men and women shall go forth in various places and act as missionaries in the6capacity of Christian physicians, but they should be under the direction of the Conference. Every institution that bears the Seventh-day Adventist name is to be to the world as Joseph was in Egypt and as Daniel and his fellows were in Babylon. THE CHARACTER OF THE WORKERS.
God wants all who are connected with the Sanitarium, whether as physicians, superintendents, or those officiating in any department, to be just what the Bible requires,—exemplary Christians. All their business transactions, whether with believers or unbelievers, should be as transparent as sunlight. The fact that one is not likely to be detected in deception or fraud, or downright murder in malpractice, does not make him less guilty in the sight of God. That which God testifies of us when character is weighed in the golden scales of the sanctuary will stand fast forever, unless the sad decision, “Wanting,” is changed because of soul repentance and transformation of character, and pardon is written, and the promise fulfilled, “A new heart will I give you.” There is need of an entire change in the principles that control many physicians in regard to their example as Christians. They must meet a higher standard,—the Bible standard. Let every one who claims to be a disciple of Christ say, “By the grace of God I will hold fast my integrity. Get thee behind me, Satan. I will not, under any consideration, enter into a confederacy with your hellish powers.” Such determination7is uncommon in the market-place, uncommon in men of business; but let it not continue to be a rare thing in the medical profession; for above every other calling, this requires men of sterling integrity,—men who will not break their contracts, or be bought or sold. . . . With the invalid, much depends upon the influence you bring with you into the sick-room. If you are evil in heart, evil angels stand by your side, to urge you in the wrong direction. If you preserve your fidelity, if you are walking in humility, constantly looking unto Jesus, he will impart to you knowledge and wisdom; his presence will give you comfort and peace and hope, and success that is truly marvelous. Christ will be at your right hand to guide you. The Christian physician is not to exercise his skill solely in studying disease and its treatment; but he is to be in the highest sense a missionary. In the sight of all heaven he is to work for Christ who has bought him with an infinite price. Let no base, groveling thoughts be entertained, but let your conversation be holy; be ready to speak a word in season. Speak of the value of the soul and of its peril out of Christ. Sow the seeds of truth, and the Lord Jesus will keep your heart and mind; his righteousness will go before you; heavenly angels will minister unto you; and the glory of the Lord will be your rereward. The Christian physician occupies a position as responsible as that of the gospel minister, and he should have no less consecration to God. Careless words and deportment do great harm. They are a savor of death unto death. But if in your daily life you practise the pure principles of the gospel,8your example will be a savor of life unto life; Christ’s holy maxims will ever be upon your lips, because they are cherished as a priceless treasure in the heart. Those who deal with human minds must cultivate self-control, patience, kindness, forbearance, and Christlike love. These souls connected with them may be their companions through the ceaseless ages of eternity. There is no respect of persons with God. All with whom we stand related in any capacity should see in us Christlike attributes, not satanic. Everything should be set in order, and everything guarded against that would cast a shadow over the religious life of the workers, so that they labor in discouragement. The same principles should govern your course toward the youth who have not accepted the truth. Any wrong treatment from you, by word or action, is making their salvation more difficult. Let all in the Sanitarium, whether high or low, take heed that not one soul with whom they are connected suffers from selfish, narrow notions. Be noble, be broad, be Christlike; and this comprehends all goodness and faithfulness. Let it be impressed upon every one that the moral tone in every department of the Sanitarium must be elevated. Time must be given to personal religious culture. All must learn their lessons in the school of Christ,—learn to wear his yoke and to bear his burdens, not burdens of their own making. “Learn of me,” says Jesus, “for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Let those in command learn how to train others by first training themselves to do justice and love mercy. Do not excuse anything in yourselves9that you would condemn in another. Never, never, seek to make the workers under you feel the hand of oppression. They are Christ’s property. Be careful how you treat the purchase of his blood. You who are appointed as directors are yourselves to be under the direction of one master, even Christ. Take your orders from him. Work as he worked, in love. Give the workers cheerful, encouraging words, remembering that “all ye are brethren.” We are reformers; we are not to accept a human standard, but to be governed by the principles of heaven. It does not become reformers to confine the work of reform to some special points which they may choose, to the neglect of others. If wealth is brought to the Sanitarium by the sacrifice of one Christlike attribute or principle, souls will be discouraged; and one soul is worth more than the whole world. Remember that Christ will deal with you just as you deal with those under your care. The soul’s interest cannot be trifled with. Avoid the first approach to danger. Do not see how close you can walk to the brink of a precipice. Your capital is your character. Cherish it as you would a golden treasure. A sanctified ambition to excel in imitating the character of Christ is a safe ambition to cherish; for it is not the will of God that physicians and workers should retrograde. It is his will that they should reach the highest development of the physical, mental, and moral natures. Striving to excel in what is excellent is lawful, and promises entire success.10You are called to be laborers together with God, whether you are physicians, nurses, or workers in any other branch of the Sanitarium. You should ever remember that you are in holy partnership in the great work of God. Realizing this fact, you may be enabled to act your part faithfully according to your ability, training your souls and the souls of others for the future immortal life. A cloud of witnesses is around you. The heavenly intelligences look upon you; and the evil angels are also spectators of your actions. The Prince of Life is watching to see if those who have had such great light and so much knowledge will practise what they have been taught, and help those who have been connected with them in the work to walk in the light as Christ is in the light. O physicians and workers at the Sanitarium, how much you need the divine touch! and you may obtain this by believing the word of God. Young men are to toil and sacrifice at every step. God will make them his chief helpers in the work of saving souls if they will be partakers with Christ of self-denial and self-sacrifice. O that I could arouse the physicians and workers at the Sanitarium to realize their high calling!
About 1891. Influence is a power that we exert over others, and it is the result of our thoughts and actions. We cannot be neutral; we cannot live without exerting an influence either for good or for evil. We create an atmosphere about our own souls that sways the souls of others. Even after we are dead11we still speak, for our works follow us. What we have done has blended with the thoughts and actions of others, and becomes an ever-living influence. What we have been and what we have said is the seed sown, and it will bear a harvest after its kind. The time to determine what will be our influence is while we live. You cannot be what you should be until you are under the guidance of the Spirit of God; then you can be physicians of the soul as well as of the body. You cannot do the work that God would have you unless you have an experimental knowledge of Christ. The people have long been afflicted with unconsecrated men, who have acted independently of the church, and have followed their own unsanctified judgment, imperiling our institutions by their unsanctified independence. But our institutions need not accept unconsecrated men and women because they know not what better to do, for consecrated physicians will be raised up to take their place in the work. God has work for every true believer in the Sanitarium. Every nurse of the sick should be a channel of light, receiving light from a divine source, and letting it shine forth to others. The workers are not to ape the customs or fashionable display brought into the Sanitarium, but to consecrate themselves to God,—to be humble, meek, and lowly in heart, pure and elevated in character. Let the atmosphere that surrounds the soul be a savor of life unto life. With some there is too great a desire to be exalted. In seeking self-exaltation they abase themselves. Let self be hid12in Christ, and they will be exalted in due time. All who are engaged in the work of the Sanitarium can make themselves a blessing to others by revealing in their own character what a knowledge of the truth has done for them. Let every one feel that precious souls for whom Christ has died are perishing in ignorance and transgression of God’s holy law. Let every unbeliever see that you are in God’s service, that your faith is the truth that does something for you. Thus you will reveal the grace of God in your character. You need to feel that in your ministry to the sick you are representing Jesus. “Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” Bear in mind that God is your Guide, your Comforter. What a vineyard you have in which to work! What a field for action! The Lord guides and cheers the humble, meek, and lowly workers as he cheered Moses in his work. In the commonest duties of life we may ask God for wisdom for the work to be done. If the worker receives his commission from God, he will be strengthened and blessed. Dangerous temptations will assail you on every side, but ask of God, as did Moses, for his presence and guidance. The Lord said to Moses, “Certainly I will be with thee.” This same assurance is given to every humble, consecrated worker. Let every student, every helper bear in mind that he is to be daily a living epistle of truth and righteousness. Remember that you are not your own, but are bought with a price, even the precious blood of the Son of God. To all with whom13you come in contact you are to reveal that you are the trophies of the grace of Christ, his living instruments to glorify his name. There are earnest, prudent, warm-hearted, God-fearing, God-loving workers at the Sanitarium, but there are many helpers who are not reliable. They are affected by the worldly spirit that pervades a large class of those who patronize the institution. They thirst for applause; they wish to be flattered; they want to invest their wages in dress. They may claim to be Christians, but they do not honor Christ. The lukewarm, selfish, covetous ones, who do not consider that they are making their record for eternity, will be no help to those worldly visitors. NEED OF OPPORTUNITY FOR CHRISTIAN CULTURE.
God is over all; but forgetting him, we forsake the pure snow of Lebanon for the turbid streams of the valley. No soul can prosper without time to pray, to search the Scriptures; and all should, as far as possible, have the privilege of attending public worship. All need to keep the oil of grace in their vessels with their lamps. Above all others, the workers who are thrown into the society of worldlings need to have Jesus held up before them, that they may behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. The godless element to which they are exposed makes it essential that personal labor should be bestowed14upon them. Who could be closely related to these patients, and hear them talk, and breathe in the atmosphere that surrounds their souls, without running some risk? Counteracting influences should always be exerted, lest, through the tempting allurements of Satan, the worldly element shall steal away hearts from God. Never let the worldly class be honored and great deference be paid to them above those who love God and are seeking to do his will. Those who, from whatever cause, are obliged to work on the Sabbath, are always in peril; they feel the loss, and from doing works of necessity they fall into the habit of doing things on the Sabbath that are not necessary. The sense of its sacredness is lost, and the holy commandment is of no effect. A special effort should be made to bring about a reform in regard to Sabbath observance. The workers in the Sanitarium do not always do for themselves what is their privilege and duty. Often they feel so weary that they become demoralized. This should not be. No soul can be rich in grace only as it shall abide in the presence of God. God is the great proprietor of the Sanitarium, of the Review and Herald Office, of the Pacific Press, of our colleges. In all these institutions the managers must receive their directions from above. And wherever the temptations that come through association with the ungodly are strongest, there the greatest care must be exercised to place the workers in close connection with Christ, and the influences proceeding from him. His word must be our guide in all things; and if poverty comes because we abide by a plain, “Thus saith the Lord,” we must still abide by it, even at the15loss of all things else. Better have poverty in temporal things, and abide in Christ, and be nourished by his word, which is spirit and life. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” The world may smile as we repeat this to them, but it is the word of the Son of God. He says, “Whoso eateth my flesh [the word that Christ speaks to us] . . . hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” We cannot always be on our knees in prayer, but the way to the mercy-seat is always open. While engaged in active labor, we may ask for help; and we are promised by One who will not deceive us, “Ye shall receive.” The Christian can and will find time to pray. Daniel was a statesman; heavy responsibilities rested upon him; yet three times a day he sought God, and the Lord gave him the Holy Spirit. So to-day men may resort to the sacred pavilion of the Most High and feel the assurance of his promise, “My people shall dwell in a peaceful habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting-places.” All who really desire it can find a place for communion with God, where no ear can hear but the one open to the cries of the helpless, distressed, and needy,—the One who notices even the fall of the little sparrows. He says, “Ye are of more value than many sparrows.” If the rush of work is allowed to drive us from our purpose of seeking the Lord daily, we shall make the greatest mistakes; we shall incur losses, for the Lord is not with us; we have closed the door so that he cannot find access to our souls. But if we pray even when our hands are employed, the16Saviour’s ear is open to hear our petitions. If we are determined not to be separated from the source of our strength, Jesus will be just as determined to be at our right hand to help us, that we may not be put to shame before our enemies. The grace of Christ can accomplish for us that which all our efforts will fail to do. Those who love and fear God may be surrounded with a multitude of cares, and yet not falter or make crooked paths for their feet. God takes care of you in the place where it is your duty to be. But be sure, as often as possible, to go where prayer is wont to be made. The Saviour says, “Thou hast a few names even in Sardis that have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white for they are worthy.” These souls overcame by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. Amid the moral pollution that prevailed on every hand, they held fast their integrity. And why? They were partakers of the divine nature, and thus they escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. They became rich in faith, heirs to an inheritance of more value than the gold of Ophir. Only a life of constant dependence upon the Saviour is a life of holiness. The Sanitarium is a place which affords ample opportunity to backslide from God, to let self have the supremacy, and thus separate the soul from Christ and the holy angels. Neither physicians nor helpers should attempt to perform their work without taking time to pray.
1879. Guard and guide those weak in the faith, lest they become connected with that class of Christians17who consider getting together to have a happy time of amusement, the joy of their life. These parties of pleasure prove in the end a curse. There is work to be done. Meet in select companies to pray. Your own souls need the fortification and strength of prayer, and other souls need it, that they may be kept from yielding to temptations. If your life is fed with the bread and water of life, you will have words to speak to others that will refresh them. God bids us to care for one another, to love one another.
1895. ECONOMY AND STRICT HONESTY.
There is a lack of care and economy in every department of this institution. Much is lost that might and should be saved. Many of these losses are caused by a neglect to look after little matters. The workers have thought it their duty to attend to the larger responsibilities, but there are hundreds of leaks daily that are not thought of or cared for; and the loss in a year is by no means small. Here is one of the special defects that exist at the Sanitarium. The helpers at the Sanitarium should not feel at liberty to appropriate to their own use articles of food provided for the patients. The temptation is especially strong to indulge in things allowed to new-comers, who must be induced gradually to correct their pernicious habits. Employees have no right to help themselves to crackers, nuts, raisins, dates, sugar, oranges, or fruit of any kind; for, in the first place, in eating these things between meals, as is generally done,18injuring the digestive organs, and again, those who partake of these things are taking that which is not theirs. No food should pass the lips between the regular meals. Temptation is constantly before them to taste the food which they are handling; and here is an excellent opportunity for them to gain control of their appetite. But food seems to be very abundant, and they forget that it all represents so much money value. One and another thoughtlessly indulge in the habit of tasting and helping themselves, until they fancy there is no real sin in the practise. All should beware of cherishing this view of the matter, for conscience is thus losing its sensitiveness. One may reason, “The little that I have taken does not amount to much;” but the question comes home, Did the smallness of the amount lessen the sin of the act? Again, the little which one person takes may not amount to much; but when five act on the same plan, five littles are taken. Then ten, twenty, or even more may presume in the same way, until every day the workers may, to their own injury, appropriate many little things that they have no right to touch. Many littles make much in the end. But the greatest loss is sustained by the ones who digress; for they are violating the principles of right, and learning to look upon transgression in small matters as no transgression at all. They forget the words of Christ, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much; and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” When an effort is made to correct these practises, it is generally received as an evidence of stinginess on the part of the managers; and some19will make no change, but go on hardening the conscience until it becomes seared as with a hot iron. They rise up against any restriction, and act and talk defiantly, as though their rights had been invaded. But God looks upon all these things as theft, and so the record is carried up to heaven. The angels in heaven have a wider and more elevated sphere of action than we; but right with them and right with us are one and the same thing. In such an institution as the Sanitarium, where many are laboring together, some will do what they would not think it honest to do were they separately employed. They would have more respect for their reputation than to be found faulty in any of the so-called little matters. A person employed in a private family would not dare to take such liberties with his employer’s property as are taken at the Sanitarium. The helpers influence one another to do unlawful acts; and they do not realize that they are, through indulgence of self, wronging one of God’s instrumentalities, and crippling its powers. The fact that several are doing the same thing does not lessen their guilt. It is the act itself that is wrong, whether performed by many or by few. Those who are employed at our Sanitarium have in many respects the best advantages for the formation of correct habits. None will be placed beyond the reach of temptation; for in every character there are weak points that are in danger when assailed. Those who begin to be careless of their steps will find that before they are aware of it their feet will be entangled in a web from which it is impossible for them to extricate themselves.20It should be a fixed principle with all to be truthful and honest. Whether they are rich or poor, whether they have friends or are left alone, come what will, they should resolve, in the strength of God, that no influence shall lead them to commit the least wrong act. One and all should realize that upon them, individually, depends in a measure the prosperity of the Sanitarium. Christ resisted Satan in our behalf. We have the example of our Saviour to strengthen our weak purposes and resolves; but notwithstanding this, some will fall by Satan’s temptations, and they will not fall alone. Every soul that fails to obtain the victory carries others down through his influence. Those who fail to connect with God, and to receive wisdom and grace to refine and elevate their own lives, will be judged for the good they might have done, but failed to perform because they were content with earthliness of mind and friendship with the unsanctified. As my guide conducted me through the different apartments, the lack of economy everywhere stirred my soul with grief; for I had a full sense of the debt hanging over the institution. The petty dishonesty, the selfish neglect of duty, were marked by the recording angel. The waste permitted here and there in the course of a year amounts to a considerable sum. Much of this might be saved by the helpers; but each will say, “It does not belong to me to look after these things.” Would they pass these things so indifferently if the loss were to be sustained by themselves? No; they would know exactly what to do, and how to do it; but it makes all the difference that it belongs to the institution. This is the fruit of21selfishness, and is registered against them under the heading of selfishness. Some have labored faithfully, while others have done their work mechanically, as though they had no interest in it, except to get through as quickly as possible. Order and thoroughness were neglected because no one was near to watch them and criticize their work. Unfaithfulness was written against their names. FAITHFULNESS IN THE WORK.
The helpers should take Jesus with them in every department of their labor. Whatever is done should be done with that exactness and thoroughness which will bear inspection. The heart should be in the work. Faithfulness is as essential in washing dishes, sweeping the floors, and doing chamber work, as in caring for the sick or administering baths. Some may receive the idea that their work is not ennobling; but this is just as they choose to make it. They alone are capable of degrading or elevating their employment. Would that every drone might be compelled to toil for his daily bread; for work is a blessing, not a curse. Diligent labor will keep us from many of the snares of Satan, who ever finds some mischief for idle hands to do. None of us should be ashamed of work, however small and servile it may appear. Labor is ennobling. All who toil with head or hands are working men and women; and all are doing their duty and honoring their religion as much while working in the laundry or washing dishes as they are in going22to meeting. While the hands are engaged in the most common labor, the mind may be elevated and ennobled by pure and holy thoughts. When any of the workers manifest a lack of respect for religious things, they should be separated from the work. Let none feel that the institution is dependent upon them. Helpers who have been longest at our Sanitarium should now be responsible workers, reliable in every place, faithful to duty as the compass to the pole. Had they rightly improved their opportunities, they might now have had symmetrical characters and a deep, living experience in religious things. But many of these workers have separated from God. Religion is laid aside. It is not an inwrought principle, carefully cherished wherever they go, into whatever society they are thrown, proving as an anchor to the soul. I wish all the workers carefully to consider that success in this life, and success in gaining the future life, depends largely upon faithfulness in performing the duties just where God has placed them. The perfection of God’s work is as clearly seen in the tiniest insect as in the king of beasts. The soul of the little child who believes in Christ is as precious in his sight as are the angels about his throne. “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” As God is perfect in his sphere, so may man be perfect in his sphere. Whatever the hand finds to do should be done with thoroughness and despatch. Faithfulness and integrity in little things, the performance of little duties, and little deeds of kindness will cheer and gladden the pathway of life; and when our work on earth is ended, every one of23the little duties performed with fidelity will be treasured as a precious gem before God. If this institution is what God designed it should be, as his instrumentality it will not copy any institution in our land in its practices or moral standing. It will stand as a peculiar institution, governed and controlled after the Bible standard. No motive will be of sufficient force to move those engaged here from the straight line of duty. It will be reformitory in all its teachings and practise. There will be no uniting in closer harmony with the world in order to receive worldly patronage. If Jesus presides in the Sanitarium, there will be a greater and more distinct separation from the world. Pleasure cannot entice from the way of justice. “Those who are under the control of the Spirit of God will not be found seeking their own pleasure or amusement. They will answer the injunction, Come out from among them and be separate, touching not the unclean, and in no wise partaking of sin. They will aim to reach the high, pure, noble, elevated standard erected by our Lord Jesus Christ. The world, in its practices, and ways, and manners, will have no attractions to entice from duty. CRITICIZING AND FAULTFINDING.
Those visiting our institutions, and seeing where work is not done to the best advantage should, if they have had larger experience, and know of a more successful way to manage, counsel with those who are in trust, and seek to help them to24see the right way of action. Those who fail to do this neglect their duty, and are unfaithful to their God-given responsibility. Such an one, if he goes from that institution without saying anything to the proper persons, and states to parties not connected with it that he saw failures in the management there, that he saw places where expense was incurred without benefiting the institution, has failed to manifest a Christian spirit, and has been unfaithful to his brethren and to God. The Lord would have him diffuse light, if he has it to give; and if he has not a well-regulated plan to suggest, he does wrong to tell others of the mistakes which he has seen. If he fails to give the workers the benefit of his supposed superior wisdom; if he only finds fault without telling, in a right spirit, how to improve, he not only injures the reputation of the institution, but of the workers, who may be acting according to the very best light they have. These things need to be carefully considered. Let every man and woman inquire, “On whose side am I? Am I working to build up or to tear down one of God’s instrumentalities?” One thing makes me feel very sad, and that is that there is not always harmony among the workers in our institutions. I have thought, Is it possible that there is any one who will find fault with those connected with them in the work? Is there any one who will suggest to patients or to visitors or fellow workers that there are many things which ought to be done that are not done, and many other things which are not done right? If they do this, they are not doing the work of25Christians. Men who have been appointed to different positions of trust are to be respected. We do not expect to find men who are perfect in every respect. They may be seeking for perfection of character, but they are finite, and liable to err. Those who are engaged in our institutions should feel it their duty jealously to guard both the work and the workers from unjust criticism. They should not readily accept or speak words of censure against any who are connected with the work of God; for in thus doing God himself may be reproached, and the work that he is doing through instrumentalities may be greatly hindered. The wheels of progress may be blocked when God says, “Go forward.” It is a great evil, and one which exists among our people to a great extent, to give loose rein to the thoughts, to question and criticize everything another does, making mountains out of molehills, and thinking their own ways are right, whereas, if they were in the same place as their brother, they might not do half as well as he does. It is just as natural for some to find fault with what another does as it is for them to breathe. They have formed the habit of criticizing others, when they themselves are the ones who should be brought severely to task and their wicked speeches and hard feelings be burned out of their souls by the purifying fire of God’s love. When the converting power of God is felt upon the heart, altogether different results will be seen. A person who will allow any degree of suspicion or censure to rest upon his fellow workers, while he neither rebukes the complainers nor faithfully26presents the matter before the one condemned, is doing the work of the enemy. He is watering seeds of discord and of strife, the fruit of which he will have to meet in the day of God. He is backbiting; he is taking up a reproach against his neighbor; he is doing a work that will separate very friends. He is striking directly at the reputation of his brother; and envy, jealousy, and evil surmisings are awakened, which endanger the soul’s salvation. He is hedging up his brother’s way, binding his influence; and God will hold him accountable for this work. This disrespect for others, this disregard for right and justice, is not a rare thing. It is found to a greater or less extent in all our institutions. If one makes a mistake, there are some who make it their business to talk about it until it grows to large proportions. Instead of this, there should be in all engaged in our institutions a sacred principle to guard the interest and reputation of every one with whom they are associated, even as they would wish their own reputation guarded. May the Lord impress this upon the minds and hearts of all our workers.