Section Three

MEDICAL MISSIONARY WORKING PRINCIPLES

6 – Neatness and order in everything done: Medical Ministry, 212.

7 – Faithfulness in little things: Eccl. 9:10; Luke 16:10; John 6:12; Counsels on Health, 404, 428; Ministry of Healing, 40; Patriarchs and Prophets, 573-574.

8 – Strictest economy in all lines: Matt. 10:8-10; John 6:12; Counsels on Health, 280, 281, 299, 300; Ministry of Healing, 48.

9 – Cash only—never credit—Keep yourself and others from debt: Rom 13:8; Prov. 22:7; Luke 6:35; Psalm 37:21. Never be surety for another’s debts: Prov. 6:1-2; 11:15; 17:18; 22:26; 3 Testimonies 173, 175; 6 Testimonies, 206-207, 210-213, 216, 217, 469, 470; 7 Testimonies, 206-209, 235, 236, 284; Counsels on Health, 262, 263, 304, 305; 8 Testimonies, 89; 9 Testimonies, 71; 9 Testimonies, 271-272.

10 – No irrevocable time contracts—Sign no contracts, agreements, or leases that would, in effect, bind you in regard to your location or employment for a period of time: Counsels on Health, 238; 9 Testimonies 170-171. This would, of course, include the signing of a city lease: Country Living, 32; 9 Testimonies, 92-93; Evangelism, 29; Country Living, 8-11, 13, 29, 30.

11– Fair charge or no charge for medical fees—Two methods are given in the Spirit of Prophecy. We are instructed to charge honest, fair medical fees (Medical Ministry, 121- 122, 125, 128). But a higher method—the method of the Master Himself—is clearly brought out (Matt. 10:1, 7-10; Luke 6:38; 22:35; Matt. 6:25-34; Psalm 37:3; Isa. 65:13; Medical Ministry, 123, 125, 126, 128; Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 302; Medical Ministry, 131-133; Prophets and Kings, 65; Medical Ministry, 152, 154, 155, 156, 159, 181, Mount of Blessing, 144, 145, 147, 148; Great Controversy, 113-114; Desire of Ages, 273; Ministry of Healing, 480-482). Each should be free to seek for himself the counsel of the Lord regarding the method he should follow. Some apply the no-charge plan rates and some do not. Read and pray for guidance.

12 – Simple and equitable wages—Except in the case of those donating part or all of their time and services: Acts 2:44, 45; 4:32; Counsels on Health, 302-307, 314-318, 311.

13 – Partnership plan, non-profit: Everything in excess of a predetermined income goes to build like centers elsewhere (Deut. 8:18; Proverbs 3:27, 28; Matt 6:19, 20; Counsels on Health, 308-310, 220, 224, 225; Medical Ministry, 165).

14 – Few Possessions—Consider carefully every purchase, do not go above your needs and own no more than necessity requires (Matt. 10:7-10; 19:21; 8:19-20; Rev. 3:17; Luke 12:33; Matt. 13:44; Prov. 13:17; Mark 4:19; 1 Tim. 6:7; Matt. 16:24-26; 8 Testimonies, 52-53).

15 – Growth Check—After a predetermined small size is reached, all further growth ceases and another institution begins elsewhere (Counsels on Health, 308-310, 220, 224, 225, 275, 217; Medical Ministry, 164, 322; 7 Testimonies, 285; Counsels on Health, 211, 212, 214-227, 239).

16 – Keep Moving—When workers have been trained and the work has been established in one place, begin another center of influence elsewhere (Matt. 9:35, 10:11, 23; 28:19; Acts 1:8; Ministry of Healing, 17; Counsels on Health, 430, 396; Evangelism, 45; 8 Testimonies, 148; 9 Testimonies, 171; Counsels on Health, 517, 518, 542).

17 – Follow the entire blueprint—Always live with your family in the country—work the cities, but don’t live in them. Read Country Living, the entire book. Always combine health, welfare, evangelism, and education (Matt. 4:23-24; 9:35, 36; 28;18-20; Mark 16:15-17; Luke 4:16-21; Isa. 58:1-14). Health and welfare (Welfare Ministry, 117-133; Ministry of Healing, 139-208). Health and Evangelism (Evangelism, 513-547; Counsels on Health, 497-558; Medical Ministry, 237-257). Health and Education (Counsels on Health, 425-470; Fundamentals of Christian Education, 145-148, Ministry of Healing, 125-160. Welfare and Evangelism: Welfare Ministry, 295-319). Welfare and Education (Ministry of Healing, 183-200, Welfare Ministry, 194-202). Evangelism and Education (Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 493-545; Fundamentals of Christian Education, 201-211).

18 – Bring the Sick to Jesus—Follow the pattern that He gave in Medical Missionary work (Ministry of Healing, 95-107; Welfare Ministry, 53-59, 117-124).

19 – Never give poison in any form (Ex. 20:13; 1 Cor. 3:16-17; Deut. 27:24-25; Prov. 6:16-17; Gen. 9:5; Deut. 29:18-20; Num. 35:16-18; Hab. 2:10; Eze. 22:8-9. Ministry of Healing, 126-127, 146, 233; Counsels on Health, 261, 212, 323, 389, 393, 394, 452, 469, 501; Medical Ministry, 27, 29, 57, 75, 85, 125, 221-229, 231; 2 Selected Messages, 279-284, 287-291, 293-295, 305; 441-454, 456, 460).

20 – Teamwork and encouragement, never criticism (Matt. 7:1-5; Rom. 14:4-13; Luke 22:32; 1 Cor. 4:5; Ex. 17:12; Matt. 18:19; Counsels on Health, 242-244, 296-298, Medical Ministry, 137-138, 164).

21 – Counsel together with the brethren: Consider carefully all advice that does not conflict with principle (Prov. 11:15; 15:22; 24:6; Phil. 2:2-3; cf: Isa. 30:1; Rom. 11:34; Testimonies to Ministers, 252; Counsels on Health, 296).

22 – No Rulers—When no principles are endangered, each is free to seek the direct guidance of the Lord in carrying out His work. When no principle is being violated, none should seek to be conscience for another man and direct the particular manner in which God’s people shall carry forward that work (Matt. 23:8-11; Gal. 2:4; Ex. 20:3; Psalm 119:45; Medical Ministry, 203; Testimonies to Ministers, 347-359, 374-386).

23 – Point out sin—When principles are violated, be sure which ones they are; then in deep humility of spirit, and after earnest heart searching, tenderly counsel with the party involved. Carefully bring the lambs back to Jesus, remembering how often you have strayed (James 5:19-20; Jude 23; Psalm 51:12; Isa. 58:1; Joshua 7:11-12; Isa. 59:2, 64:7; Ministry of Healing, 113-115; 3 Testimonies, 293-304, 252-293; 1 Selected Messages, 195-197).

24 – Do not betray confidences: Guard the interests of both the patient and the work (Isa. 39:1-6; Eccl. 3:7; Prov. 17:27; 11:13; 25:9; 13:3; 21:23; Medical Ministry, 212-213).

25 – Non-affiliation with any worldly organization, association, or secret society (Rev. 18:1-4; 2 Cor. 6:14-18; Eph. 5:6-7, 11; Gen. 19:15; 20:3; Ex. 23:2, 32-33; 33:15-16; 34:12-15; Numbers 16:26; 25:1-5; Joshua 23:6-13; Deut. 7:24; 12:30; 13:6-8; 1 Kings 11:2; 2 Kings 1:3; 17:15; 2 Chron. 16:12; 19:2; Ezra 4:3; 6:21; 9:12, 14; 10:11; Neh. 9:2; 10:30; 13:13; Psalm 1:1; 6:8; 26:4, 5, 9; 28:3; 31:6; 50:18; 84:10; 101:4, 7; 106:34-35; 119:115; 120; 139:19, 21-22; 141:4; Prov. 1:10, 11, 14, 15; 4:14, 15; 9:6; 13:20; 14:7; 20:19, 22:10; 24:1; 29:16, 24; Eccl. 9:18; Isa. 1:23; 8:11-12; 52:11; Jer. 15:17; 51:6; Hos. 4:17; 7:5, 8, 9; Amos 3:3; Micah 6:6; John 18:18, 25; 1 Cor. 10:21, 31; 15:33, 1 Tim. 6:5; 2 Tim. 3:4, 5; Rev. 2:2; 2 Peter 2:18, 19; 3:17; 1 John 1:5-7; 2:15; Counsels on Health, 226, 237-239, 274, 291, 300, 401, 456-459, 520, 521, 522, 525; Medical Ministry, 123, 125, 206, 207, 24-25, 62-63, 71-72, 75, 84-85, 127, 132, 160, 161, 164, 329; 8 Testimonies, 45; 9 Testimonies, 175; Country Living, 10-12; read the entire book).

26 – Strive for Unity among the workers and in the church, without sacrificing principle (John 17:21; Rom. 12:5; 1 Cor. 1:10; 2 Cor. 13:11; Eph. 4:3; 1 Peter 3:8; Isa. 52:8; 2 Selected Messages, 158-161; Gospel Workers, 483-490; 5 Testimonies, 571-573).

27 – Loyalty to Seventh-day Adventism, without violating the principles upon which it was founded (Acts 23:5; Ex. 22:28; Matt. 22:21; Acts 5:27-29; Testimonies to Ministers, 15-23, 32, 61; 2 Selected Messages 63, 71, 387-479; Great Controversy, 39-46; Testimonies to Ministers, 53). 

- CHAPTER NINE -

1 – THE OBJECTIVE

THE GLORY OF GOD AND THE SALVATION OF MEN

"It is to save the souls, as well as to cure the bodies of men and women, that at much expense our sanitariums are established. God designs that by means of these agencies of His own planting, the rich and the poor, the high and the low, shall find the bread of heaven and the water of life. He designs that they shall be educated in right habits of living, spiritual and physical. The salvation of many souls is at stake."—Counsels on Health, 470.

"I have been instructed that we are not to delay to do the work that needs to he done in health reform lines. Through this work we are to reach souls in the highways and byways. I have been given special light that in our sanitariums . . . women are to be taught how to care for their own bodies, and at the same time how to become sound in the faith."—Counsels on Health, 393.

"Let the Lord’s work go forward. Let the medical missionary and the educational work go forward. I am sure that this is our great lack—earnest, devoted, intelligent, capable workers. In every large city there should be a representation of true medical missionary work. Let many now ask, ‘Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?’ It is the Lord’s purpose that His method of healing without drugs shall be brought into prominence in every large city through our medical institutions. God invests with holy dignity those who go forth farther and still farther, in every place to which it is possible to obtain entrance. Satan will make the work as difficult as possible, but divine power will attend all true-hearted workers. Guided by our heavenly Father’s hand, let us go forward, improving every opportunity to extend the work of God."—Counsels on Health, 393-394.

"A health institution, rightly conducted, gives character to our work in new fields."—Medical Ministry, 25.

"The conversion of souls is now to be our one object."—Medical Ministry, 328.

"We should ever remember that the efficiency of the medical missionary work is in pointing sin-sick men and women to the Man of Calvary, who taketh away the sin of the world. By beholding Him they will be changed into His likeness. Our object in establishing sanitariums is to encourage the sick and suffering to look to Jesus and live."—Counsels on Health, 528.

"The establishment of sanitariums is a providential arrangement, whereby people from all churches are to be reached and made acquainted with the truth for this time."—Counsels on Health 470.

"The anxious hours they have spent, the perplexing circumstances they have had to meet, the sorrow of heart because some refused to see and receive the things which make for their peace, are forgotten. The self-denial they have practiced in order to support the work is remembered no more. As they look upon the souls they sought to win to Jesus, and see them saved, eternally saved,—monuments of God’s mercy and of a Redeemer’s love,—there ring through the arches of heaven shouts of praise and thanksgiving."—Medical Ministry, 135.

"Let us remember that one most important agency is our medical missionary work. Never are we to lose sight of the great object for which our sanitariums are established—the advancement of God’s closing work in earth."—Counsels on Health, 233. (Read also: "Why conduct Sanitariums?" in Counsels on Health 469-470.)

"It is not generous or right for a man to start sanitarium work on independent lines in a place where a sanitarium is already established."—Medical Ministry, 154.

"It is not His plan for an institution to be in too close proximity to another one doing the same kind of work; for an institution, wherever it may be, must have good facilities and experienced helpers."—Medical Ministry, 151.

"Our institutions, for any land, are not to be crowded together in one locality. God never designed that the light of truth should be thus restricted."—Counsels on Health, 216.

"There are physicians who, because of a past connection with our sanitariums, find it profitable to locate close to these institutions; and they close their eyes to the great field, neglected and unworked, in which unselfish labor would be a blessing to many."—Counsels on Health, 394.

"The first question to be settled is, ‘Should there be a sanitarium in this locality?’ If there should be, the path of duty is plain."—Medical Ministry, 153.

"Plants should be established in various places all over the world. First one, and then another part of the vineyard is to be entered, until all has been cultivated. Efforts are to be put forth wherever the need is greatest. But we cannot carry on this aggressive warfare and at the same time make an extravagant outlay of means in a few places."—Counsels on Health, 214.

"Many plants are to be established in the cities of America, and especially in the Southern cities, where as yet little has been done."—Counsels on Health, 224.

"Centers should be made in all the cities that are unacquainted with the great work that the Lord would have done to warn the world that the end of all things is at hand."—Counsels on Health, 214.

"Beginnings might be made in every prominent place where camp meetings are held. Make small beginnings and enlarge as circumstances may demand."—Counsels on Health, 468.

"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."—Counsels on Health, 265.

"No selfishness, no personal ambition, is to be allowed to enter into the work of selecting locations for our sanitariums. . . . 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."—Counsels on Health, 265.

"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."—Counsels on Health, 265.

(Sanitariums in the country: Counsels on Health, 265-268; the only exception to this that is given: Counsels on Health, 488; Medical Ministry, 323).

"It might seem to us that it would be best to select for our sanitariums places among the wealthy, that this would give character to our work and secure patronage for our institutions. But in this there is no light. ‘The Lord seeth not as man seeth.’ 1 Samuel 16:7. Man looks at the outward appearance; God looks at the heart. The fewer grand buildings there are around our institutions, the less vexation we shall experience."—Counsels on Health, 269.

"The Lord has instructed me to warn those who in the future establish sanitariums in new places, to begin their work in humility, consecrating their abilities to His service. The buildings erected are not to be large or expensive. Small local sanitariums are to be established in connection with our training schools. In these sanitariums young men and young women of ability and consecration are to be gathered."—Counsels on Health, 220.

"From our sanitariums, trained workers are to go forth into places where the truth has never been proclaimed, and do missionary work for the Master, claiming the promise, ‘Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.’ "—Counsels on Health, 211.

"I have clear instruction that, wherever it is possible, schools should be established near to our sanitariums, that each institution may be a help and strength to the other."—Counsels on Health, 301.

"Cautions have been given me in reference to the work of training nurses and medical missionary evangelists. We are not to centralize this work in any one place. In every sanitarium established, young men and young women should be trained to be medical missionaries. The Lord will open the way before them as they go forth to work for Him."—Counsels on Health, 225 (see Counsels on Health 227, 242, 243, 493, 542).

"Every sanitarium established by Seventh-day Adventists is to be conducted on educational lines."—Medical Ministry 175. (See also Counsels on Health 393, 395-396.)

"It was His design that instead of rebuilding the one large sanitarium, our people should make plants in several places. These smaller sanitariums should have been established where land could be secured for agricultural purposes. It is God’s plan that agriculture shall be connected with the work of our sanitariums and schools. Our youth need the education to be gained from this line of work. It is well, and more than well—it is essential—that efforts be made to carry out the Lord’s plan in this respect."—Counsels on Health, 223.

"The Lord will work upon human minds in unexpected quarters. Some who apparently are enemies of the truth will, in God’s providence, invest their means to develop properties and erect buildings. In time, these properties will be offered for sale at a price far below their cost. Our people will recognize the hand of Providence in these offers and will secure valuable property for the use in educational work. They will plan and manage with humility, self-denial, and self-sacrifice. Thus men of means are unconsciously preparing auxiliaries that will enable the Lord’s people to advance His work rapidly."—Counsels on Health, 227.

"In the visions of the night the Lord had shown me unoccupied properties in the country, suitable for sanitarium purposes, and for sale at a price far below the original cost."—Counsels on Health, 231-232.

"It was some time before we found these places."—Counsels on Health, 232.

(How teachers and students are to work together out in the fields: Medical Ministry, 81, 77, 79)

"The work of God is to be carried on without outward display."—Counsels on Health, 300.

"In no case is money to be invested for display. The gospel medical missionary work is to be carried forward in simplicity, as was the work of the Majesty of heaven, who seeing the necessities of a lost, sinful world, laid aside His royal robe and kingly crown and clothed His divinity with humanity, that He might stand at the head of humanity. He so conducted His missionary work as to leave a perfect example for human beings to follow. ‘If any man will come after Me,’ He declared, ‘Let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.’ Matthew 16:24. Every true medical missionary will obey these words. He will not strain every nerve to follow worldly customs and make a display, thus thinking to win souls to the Saviour. No, no. If the Majesty of heaven could leave His glorious home to come to a world all seared and marred by the curse, to establish correct methods of doing medical missionary work, we His followers ought to practice the same self-denial and self-sacrifice."—Counsels on Health, 319.

"To those who engage in the medical missionary work, the temptation will come to exalt themselves, to put on an appearance for the sake of effect. Cut away everything of this character from your work. Let the whole burden of soul be to be just what Christ was in His work. We are to stand upon the platform of eternal truth—pure, unadulterated truth. In this we may be considered singular, but this is the lot of all who make Christ their portion. Every worker in medical missionary lines is to make that work a success by living in connection with the Great Worker."—Medical Ministry, 161.

"Those whose affections are set on God will succeed. They will lose sight of self in Christ, and worldly attractions will have no power to allure them from their allegiance. They will realize that outward display does not give strength. It is not ostentation, outward show, that gives a correct representation of the work that we, as God’s chosen people, are to do. Those who are connected with our sanitarium work should be adorned with the grace of Christ. This will give them the greatest influence for good.

"The Lord is in earnest with us. His promises are given on condition that we faithfully do His will; therefore, in the building of sanitariums He is to be made first and last and best in everything.

"Let all who are connected with the service of God be guarded, lest by desire for display they lead others into indulgence and self-glorification. God does not want any of His servants to enter into unnecessary, expensive undertakings, which bring heavy burdens of debt upon the people."—Counsels on Health, 274-275.

"Never should appearance be depended on as a means of success. This is a delusion. The desire to make an appearance that is not in every way appropriate to the work that God has given us to do, an appearance that could be kept up only by expending a large sum of money, is a merciless tyrant. It is like a canker that is ever eating into the vitals."—Counsels on Health, 277.

"The idea that outward show gives influence to a man or his position is one of Satan’s lies."—Medical Ministry, 160.

"In establishing institutions, we are never to compete with the institutions of the world in size or splendor."—Counsels on Health, 300.

"We believe that the Lord is soon to come, and should not our faith be represented in the buildings we erect? Shall we put a large outlay of money into a building that will soon be consumed in the great conflagration?"—Counsels on Health, 276.

"Then let us bind about our ambitious plans; let us guard against extravagance or improvidence."—Counsels on Health, 276.

"Much more money than was necessary has been expended on our older institutions. Those who have done this have supposed that this outlay would give character to the work. But this plea is no excuse for unnecessary expenditure."—Counsels on Health, 276.

"He came to be our example in all things. His life was one of strict self-denial. If we follow His example, we shall never expend means unnecessarily."—Counsels on Health, 276.

"Character is given to the work, not by investing means in large buildings, but by maintaining the true standard of religious principles, with noble Christlikeness of character."—Counsels on Health, 276.

"The sanitariums established in the future are not to be immense, expensive buildings. Small local sanitariums are to be established in connection with our schools."—Medical Ministry, 156.

"It is that thirsting souls may be led to the living water that we plead for sanitariums—not expensive, mammoth sanitariums, but home-like institutions in pleasant places."—Counsels on Health, 211.

"The Battle Creek Sanitarium is too large. A great many workers will be required to care for the patients who come. A tenth of the number of patients who come to that institution is as many as can be cared for with the best results in one medical missionary center."—Counsels on Health, 214.

"To absorb a large amount of means in a few places is contrary to Christian principles. Every building is to be erected with reference to the need for similar buildings in other places."—Counsels on Health, 217.

"It is not the Lord’s will for His people to erect mammoth sanitariums anywhere. Many sanitariums are to be established. They are not to be large, but sufficiently complete to do a good and successful work."—Counsels on Health, 225.

"I have been repeatedly shown that it is not wise to erect mammoth institutions. It is not by the largeness of an institution that the greatest work for souls is to be accomplished. A mammoth sanitarium requires many workers. And where so many are brought together, it is exceedingly difficult to maintain a high standard of spirituality."—Counsels on Health, 239.

"The fact that many patients are coming to the new sanitarium at ________ is not to be read as a sign that the planning for so large work there was for the best. To this large institution will come many men and women who are not really sick. Workers will be required to wait on them; our nurses will become the servants of worldly men and women who are not inclined to piety or religion. But this is not the work that God has given to His medical missionaries."—Medical Ministry, 159.

"The sick are to be reached, not by massive buildings, but by the establishment of many small sanitariums, which are to be as lights shining in a dark place."—Counsels on Health, 211.

"Christ embraced the world in His missionary work, and the Lord has shown me by revelation that it is not His plan for large centers to be made, for large institutions to be established, and for the funds of our people in all parts of the world to be exhausted in the support of a few large institutions, when the necessities of the times call for something to be done, as Providence opens the way, in many places. Plants should be established in various places all over the world. First one, and then another part of the vineyard is to be entered, until all has been cultivated. Efforts are to be put forth wherever the need is greatest. But we cannot carry on this aggressive warfare and at the same time make an extravagant outlay of means in a few places."—Counsels on Health, 214.

"Centers should be made in all the cities that are unacquainted with the great work that the Lord would have done to warn the world that the end of all things is at hand. ‘There is too much,’ said the Great Teacher, ‘in one place.’ "—Counsels on Health, 214.

"Break up the large centers, has been the word of the Lord. ‘Carry the light to many places.’ Those who are desirous of receiving a training for effective medical missionary work should understand that large sanitariums will be conducted so much like institutions of the world that students laboring in such sanitariums cannot obtain a symmetrical training for Christian medical missionary work."—Medical Ministry, 158-159.

"Some will be attracted by one phase of the gospel, and some by another. We are instructed by our Lord to work in such a way that all classes will be reached. The message must go to the whole world. Our sanitariums are to help to make up the number of God’s people. We are not to establish a few mammoth institutions; for thus it would be impossible to give the patients the messages that will bring health to the soul. Small sanitariums are to be established in many places."—Medical Ministry, 327.

"Never, never build mammoth institutions. Let these institutions be small, and let there be more of them, that the work of winning souls to Christ may be accomplished."—Medical Ministry, 323.

"The proclamation of the truth in all parts of the world calls for small sanitariums in many places."—Medical Ministry, 159.

"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, designs to direct His work. They should take time to ask counsel of Him."—Counsels on Health, 278-279.

"Brick and stone buildings are not the most desirable for a sanitarium, for they are generally cold and damp. It may be said that a brick building presents a much more attractive appearance, and that the building should be attractive. But we need roomy buildings; and if brick is too costly, we must build of wood. Economy must be our study. This is a necessity, because of the greatness of the work that must be done in many lines in God’s moral vineyard.

"It has been suggested that patients will not feel safe from fire in a wooden structure. But if we are in the country, and not in the cities where buildings are crowded together, a fire would originate from within, not from without; therefore brick would not be a safeguard. It should be presented to the patients that for health a wooden building is preferable to one of brick."—Counsels on Health, 279.

"Those who lead out in the establishment of medical institutions must set a right example. Even if the money is in sight, they should not use more than is absolutely needed. The Lord’s work should be conducted with reference to the necessities of every part of His vineyard."—Counsels on Health, 275.

"In all our advance work we must regard the necessity of economy. There must be no needless expense. The Lord is soon to come, and our outlay in buildings is to be in harmony with our faith. Our means are to be used in providing cheerful rooms, healthful surroundings, and wholesome food."—Counsels on Health, 277.

"Men of common sense appreciate comfort above elegance and display. It is a mistake to suppose that by keeping up an appearance, more patients, and therefore more means would be gained. But even if this course would bring an increase of patronage, we could not consent to have our sanitariums furnished according to the luxurious ideas of 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 and extravagance, but of sanctified judgment."—Counsels on Health, 277.

"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 makes him a savor of life unto life and enables God to bless his work."—Counsels on Health, 278.

"Less expensively furnished rooms than you desire will be in accordance with the work God has given us to do in these last days. Your ideas are not molded and fashioned by a true practical idea of what it means to walk humbly with God. You look upon appearance as the great means of lifting you up to success. This is a delusion. You seek to make an appearance that is not in any way appropriate to the work God has given you to do, an appearance which it would require a large sum of money to keep up. We cannot consent to have the rooms of the sanitarium furnished in accordance with the idolatry of the age, even if this will bring an increase of patronage. Christian influence is of more value than this."—Medical Ministry, 167.

"They should count the cost of every step taken. They should not launch out into the work without knowing how much money they have to invest."—Medical Ministry, 153.

"If they would depend on the help of God, putting their trust in Him, and showing themselves willing to begin small, and to let the merit of their work speak for itself, if they had sanctified motives, and if they would make it their determination to exert a saving influence in the world, they would be blessed in their work, and many more sanitariums would be established as representatives of the truth."—Medical Ministry, 156.

"Make small beginnings and enlarge as circumstances may demand. Count the cost of every undertaking, that you may be sure of being able to finish. Draw as little as possible from the treasury. Men of faith and financial ability are needed to plan economically. Our sanitariums must be erected with a limited outlay of means. Buildings in which to begin the work can often be secured at low cost."—Counsels on Health, 468.

"Before adopting plans and methods that require a large outlay of means, we are to consider whether they bear the divine signature."—Counsels on Health, 518.

"To the managers of all our sanitariums, I would say, Let no large debts be created. Make no unnecessary move. Set aside your desire for full equipment at once. Let the best possible use be made of fewer facilities, rather than to increase debt. All that is needed may in time be obtained, but all the furnishings and facilities need not be provided at once. Let reason, calm thought, and wise calculation be the rule of action. If success attends our institutions established for the care of the sick, it will be because the managers have preferred to get along with the most essential things, rather than to pile up debts."—Medical Ministry, 166.

"Dr. __ is not to study how he can best meet the requirements of the world. He is not to pattern after the world in his appearance and equipage, flattering himself that this is the way to meet the higher classes. The gospel forbids the cherishing of worldly ideas."—Medical Ministry, 160.

"Begin to do medical missionary work with the conveniences which you have at hand."—A Call to Medical Evangelism and Health Education, 26 (speaking especially of personal work).