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Self-supporting Work
A Call for God’s Church

The Second Coming

“One of the most solemn and yet most glorious truths revealed in the Bible” GC 299
What should our attitude be?
•Revelation 22:20
•2 Peter 3:10-12 Hasting = to make haste; to desire earnestly
“By giving the gospel to the world it is in our power to hasten our Lord's return. We are not only to look for but to
hasten the coming of the day of God. 2 Peter 3:12, margin. Had the church of Christ done her appointed work as the Lord
ordained, the whole world would before this have been warned, and the Lord Jesus would have come to our earth in power
and great glory.” -Maranatha p. 19
Revelation 7:1-3
What does it mean to hold the four winds?
Winds = strife and violence Also see - Jer 49:36; Zech 2:6
“Why is it that all this wickedness does not break forth in decided violence against righteousness and truth? It is because the
four angels are holding the four winds, that they shall not blow upon the earth.” In Heavenly Places p. 96
(after quoting Rev. 7:1-3) “This points out the work we now have to do, which is to cry to God for the angels to hold the four
winds…” Last Day Events p. 125
Are we to pray for a delay?
Why are we crying for the violence not to come?
Shouldn’t we rejoice because we see signs of Jesus’ soon coming?
What about hastening the coming of the Lord?
Reasons why we should pray for the angels to hold the 4 winds:
“Let none sit in calm expectation of the evil, comforting themselves with the belief that this work must go on because
prophecy has foretold it, and that the Lord will shelter his people. We are not doing the will of God if we sit in quietude, doing
nothing to preserve liberty of conscience.” -Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 713, 714
Rev 7:1-3 “Here was a work to be done before the angels should let go the four winds (the sealing); and if we shall awake
to what is transpiring right around us, we must admit that we are not ready for the contest and the perplexities which are
to be brought upon us, after the decree shall go forth. (cont.)
(Continued…) We are to cry to the God of heaven in earnest, united prayer, for the angels to hold the four winds till
missionaries shall be sent to all parts of the world, till we have proclaimed the warning against disobedience to the
law of Jehovah, and against worshiping the beast and his image. The claims of God's law must be made known to
the inhabitants of the earth. This is our work; but every conceivable thing that the enemy can do will be done to hinder the
people of God from awaking.”
-RH, December 18, 1888 par. 16
“…that the angels may hold the four winds until the truth is more fully proclaimed…”
-RH, January 1, 1889 par. 13
“We as a people have not accomplished the work which God has committed to us. We are not ready for the issue to which
the enforcement of the Sunday law will bring us. It is our duty, as we see the signs of approaching peril, to arouse to
action..…Fervent, effectual prayer should be ascending to heaven that this calamity may be deferred until we can
accomplish the work which has so long been neglected. Let there be more earnest prayer; and then let us work in harmony
with our prayers.”
-Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 713, 714

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In Summary-
•Because we are not ready to meet the coming events
•So that we may arouse to action
•To proclaim the truth more fully
•To be sent and to send missionaries to all parts of the earth
•To proclaim the warning against disobedience to the law of God
•To work to preserve liberty of conscience
•So that we have time to be ready for the sealing of God
If we are doing all of this in answer to our prayer that the angels hold the four winds, we really are hastening the coming of
the Lord.
2 Peter 3:3-12
The Second Coming Deferred in Mercy
1868 -”The long night of gloom is trying, but the morning is deferred in mercy, because if the Master should come,
so many would be found unready. God's unwillingness to have His people perish, has been the reason of so long delay.”
-- Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 194.
The Work Might Have Been Done
1900 -Had the purpose of God been carried out by His people in giving to the world the message of mercy, Christ would,
ere this, have come to the earth, and the saints would have received their welcome into the city of God.
-- Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 450.
We should not add Sin to Sin
1901 -We may have to remain here in this world because of insubordination many more years, as did the children of
Israel; but for Christ's sake, His people should not add sin to sin by charging God with the consequence of their
own wrong course of action. -- Evangelism 696
1902
“Many whose names are on the church roll, are living as if there were no great emergency, no fearful danger of their fellow
men losing eternal life. Many fold their hands at ease, yet profess to be followers of Christ. The burden of the work has been
left largely with those who are laboring under salary. But this is not as it should be. The great missionary field is open to
all, and the lay members of our churches must understand that no one is exempted from labor in the Master's vineyard.”
- RH, October 22, 1914 par. 12
“The work of God in this earth can never be finished until the men and women comprising our church membership rally to
the work and unite their efforts with those of ministers and church officers.” -9T 116
Instead, what was the majority of the church doing?
“Nearly all have ceased their watching and waiting; we are not ready to open to Him immediately. The love of the world
has so occupied our thoughts that our eyes are not turned upward, but downward to the earth. We are hurrying about,
engaging with zeal and earnestness in different enterprises, but God is forgotten, and the heavenly treasure is not
valued. We are not in a waiting, watching position. The love of the world and the deceitfulness of riches eclipse our faith, and
we do not long for, and love, the appearing of our Saviour. We try too hard to take care of self ourselves.”
-2 Testimonies p. 195
“Not one in a hundred among us is doing anything beyond engaging in common, worldly enterprises. We are not half awake
to the worth of the souls for whom Christ died.”
-- Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 148.
“I saw that many were neglecting the preparation so needful and were looking to the time of "refreshing" and the "latter rain"
to fit them to stand in the day of the Lord and to live in His sight. Oh, how many I saw in the time of trouble without a shelter!”
- Maranatha p. 242
God is Waiting

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“Long has God waited for the spirit of service to take possession of the whole church so that everyone shall be working for
Him according to his ability. When the members of the church of God do their appointed work in the needy fields at home
and abroad, in fulfillment of the gospel commission, the whole world will soon be warned and the Lord Jesus will return to
this earth with power and great glory.” -AA 111
“When we have entire, wholehearted consecration to the service of Christ, God will recognize the fact by an outpouring of
His Spirit without measure; but this will not be while the largest portion of the church are not laborers together with God.”
--Review and Herald, July 21, 1896.
“The ordained ministers, alone, are not equal to the task. God is calling Bible workers, and other consecrated laymen of
varied talent who have a knowledge of present truth, to consider the needs of the unwarned cities. There should be one
hundred believers actively engaged in personal missionary work where now there is but one. Time is rapidly passing. There
is much work to be done before satanic opposition shall close up the way. Every agency must be set in operation, that
present opportunities may be wisely improved.”
--Medical Ministry, p. 248.
“Let ministers teach church-members that in order to grow in spirituality, they must carry the burden that the Lord has laid
upon them,--the burden of leading souls into the truth… In thus working they will have the co-operation of heavenly
angels, and will obtain an experience that will increase their faith, and give them a strong hold on God.”
-Gospel Workers p. 200
“By all that has given us advantage over another,--be it education and refinement, nobility of character, Christian training,
religious experience,--we are in debt to those less favored; and, so far as lies in our power, we are to minister unto them. If
we are strong, we are to stay up the hands of the weak.”
-Ministry of Healing p. 105
“Many fields ripe for the harvest have not yet been entered because of our lack of self-sacrificing helpers. These fields must
be entered, and many laborers should go to them with the expectation of bearing their own expenses.” -7T 254
“Will we now, who have such great light, make some sacrifice for Jesus, who for our sakes became poor, that we through
his poverty might be made rich? We must arouse, and through piety and earnest work for the Master, partake of his spirit of
love for souls, of faith in God, that he may work with us, by us, and through us.”
-RH, January 1, 1889 par. 21
Self-Supporting Work
The Example of Paul

Important Statistics - Where do we need the most workers?

100 laymen to support 1 minister
50 laymen to support 1 bible worker

Without financial support from the church, what can laymen do?
1. Trust God to provide as did the twelve apostles – see Matt. 10:5-10; Luke 22:35
2. Follow the example of Paul as a self-supporting worker.

Why did Paul, an ordained minister, an apostle and prophet, work to support his and others livelihood?

Acts of the Apostles page 347- “Before he became a disciple of Christ, Paul had occupied a high position and was not
dependent upon manual labor for support. But afterward, when he had used all his means in furthering the cause of Christ,
he resorted at times to his trade to gain a livelihood. Especially was this the case when he labored in places where his
motives might have been misunderstood.”

1 Corinthians 9:6,7,12,14,15,18
“…they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel” is the principle of God’s regular organized work for full time
service. See AA 335

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1 Thessalonians 2:9 - “For ye remember, brethren, our labor and travail: for laboring night and day, because we would not
be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God”
2 Thessalonians 3:8 - “Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labor and travail night and day,
that we might not be chargeable to any of you”
Acts 20:34 - “Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with
me”

Acts of the Apostles page 348 – “Paul was not wholly dependent upon the labor of his hands for support while at
Thessalonica. Referring later to his experiences in that city, he wrote to the Philippian believers in acknowledgment of the
gifts he had received from them while there, saying, "Even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity."
Philippians 4:16. Notwithstanding the fact that he received this help he was careful to set before the Thessalonians an
example of diligence, so that none could rightfully accuse him of covetousness, and also that those who held fanatical views
regarding manual labor might be given a practical rebuke.”

Acts of the Apostles page 349 – “When Paul first visited Corinth, he found himself among a people who were suspicious of
the motives of strangers. The Greeks on the seacoast were keen traders. So long had they trained themselves in sharp
business practices, that they had come to believe that gain was godliness, and that to make money, whether by fair means
or foul, was commendable. Paul was acquainted with their characteristics, and he would give them no occasion for saying
that he preached the gospel in order to enrich himself. He might justly have claimed support from his Corinthian hearers; but
this right he was willing to forgo, lest his usefulness and success as a minister should be injured by the unjust suspicion that
he was preaching the gospel for gain. He would seek to remove all occasion for misrepresentation, that the force of his
message might not be lost.”

An Example for Laymen - Acts of the Apostles page 355:1

“Paul set an example against the sentiment, then gaining influence in the church, that the gospel could be proclaimed
successfully only by those who were wholly freed from the necessity of physical toil. He illustrated in a practical way what
might be done by consecrated laymen in many places where the people were unacquainted with the truths of the gospel.”

Paul Inspired Many - Acts of Apostles page 355:1 concluded

“His course inspired many humble toilers with a desire to do what they could to advance the cause of God, while at the
same time they supported themselves in daily labor.”

Creates Strong Workers - Acts of the Apostles page 355:2

“There is a large field open before the self- supporting gospel worker. Many may gain valuable experiences in ministry while
toiling a portion of the time at some form of manual labor, and by this method strong workers may be developed for
important service in needy fields.”

A Waste of Time? - Acts of the Apostles page 351:2

“There were some who objected to Paul's toiling with his hands, declaring that it was inconsistent with the work of a gospel
minister. Why should Paul, a minister of the highest rank, thus connect mechanical work with the preaching of the word?
Was not the laborer worthy of his hire? Why should he spend in making tents time that to all appearance could be put to
better account?”

What Paul Accomplished - Acts of the Apostles page 351:3

“But Paul did not regard as lost the time thus spent. As he worked with Aquila he kept in touch with the Great Teacher,
losing no opportunity of witnessing for the Saviour, and of helping those who needed help. His mind was ever reaching out
for spiritual knowledge. He gave his fellow workers instruction in spiritual things, and he also set an example of industry and
thoroughness.”

Reached the Unreached - Acts of the Apostles page 351:3 concluded

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“He was a quick, skillful worker, diligent in business, "fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." Romans 12:11. As he worked at his
trade, the apostle had access to a class of people that he could not otherwise have reached. He showed his associates that
skill in the common arts is a gift from God, who provides both the gift and the wisdom to use it aright. He taught that even in
everyday toil God is to be honored.”

Highest Christianity - Sketches from the Life of Paul page 101:1

“While thus preaching and working, he presented the highest type of Christianity.”

An Example for Young Ministers - Acts of the Apostles page 353

“Paul knew that those who neglect physical work soon become enfeebled. He desired to teach young ministers that by
working with their hands, by bringing into exercise their muscles and sinews, they would become strong to endure the toils
and privations that awaited them in the gospel field. And he realized that his own teachings would lack vitality and force if he
did not keep all parts of the system properly exercised.”

Young Ministers follow Paul - Acts of the Apostles page 354:1

“Not all who feel that they have been called to preach, should be encouraged to throw themselves and their families at once
upon the church for continuous financial support. There is danger that some of limited experience may be spoiled by
flattery, and by unwise encouragement to expect full support independent of any serious effort on their part.”

Other Aspects of Working for God - Conflict and Courage page 221:3
“Because they are not connected with some directly religious work, many feel that their lives are useless, that they are doing
nothing for the advancement of God's kingdom....A man may be in the active service of God while engaged in the ordinary,
everyday duties-- while felling trees, clearing the ground, or following the plow. The mother who trains her children for Christ
is as truly working for God as is the minister in the pulpit.”

Watching for Souls - Acts of the Apostles page 354, 355

“...he (Paul) ever held himself ready to lay aside his secular work, in order to meet the opposition of the enemies of the
gospel, or to improve a special opportunity to win souls to Jesus.”

Character Developed by Laymen - Child Guidance page 358, 359

“It requires much more grace and stern discipline of character to work for God in the capacity of mechanic, merchant,
lawyer, or farmer, carrying the precepts of Christianity into the ordinary business of life, than to labor as an acknowledged
missionary in the open field, where one's position is understood and half its difficulties obviated by that very fact.”

Religion in the Workshop - Child Guidance page 358, 359 – concluded

“It requires strong spiritual nerve and muscle to carry religion into the workshop and business office, sanctifying the details of
everyday life, and ordering every worldly transaction to the standard of a Bible Christian.”

Why did Paul work as a self-supporting missionary? - Summary

• To show he was not preaching the gospel for gain.

• To witness to a class of people he could not otherwise reach.
• To be able to teach his fellow workers while working.
• To correct the fanatical views of some on manual labor.
• To show the importance of industry and thoroughness.
• To show that skill in common arts is a gift from God.
• To teach young ministers the importance of exercise.
• To show that manual labor gives vitality and force to his teaching.
• To show the laymen how they could preach the gospel.

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“The church-members should be drawn out to labor. . . . I am instructed to say that the angels of God will direct in
the opening of fields nigh as well as afar off. . . . God calls upon believers to obtain an experience in missionary work by
branching out into new territory, and working intelligently for the people in the byways. . . . The Lord is certainly opening the
way for us as a people to divide and subdivide the companies that have been growing too large to work together to the
greatest advantage.”--Personal Letter, Oct., 1908.

“The whole church needs to be imbued with the missionary spirit; then there will be many to work unselfishly in
various ways as they can, without being salaried… Young men need to catch the missionary spirit, to be thoroughly imbued
with the spirit of the message.” PH005 29

“Young men, go forth into the places to which you are directed by the Spirit of the Lord. Work with your hands, that
you may be self-supporting, and as you have opportunity proclaim the message of warning.”--MM 321

“I am glad that our people are established here at Madison. I am glad to meet these workers here, who are offering
themselves to go to different places. God's work is to advance steadily; his truth is to triumph. To every believer we would
say: Let no one stand in the way. Say not, "We cannot afford to work in a sparsely-settled field, and largely in a self-
supporting way, when out in the world are great fields where we might reach multitudes." And let none say, "We cannot
afford to sustain you in an effort to work in those out-of-the-way places." What! Cannot afford it! You cannot afford not to
work in these isolated places; and if you neglect such fields, the time will come when you will wish that you had afforded it.
There is a world to be saved. Let some of our consecrated teachers go out into the highways and the hedges, and compel
the honest in heart to come in,--not by physical force; oh, no! but with the weight of evidence as presented in God's Word.”
p. 12

“Let married men and women who know the truth go forth to the neglected fields to enlighten others. Follow the
example of those who have done pioneer work in new fields. Wisely work in places where you can best labor. Learn the
principles of health reform, in order that you may be able to teach them to others. By reading and studying the various books
and periodicals on the subject of health, learn to give treatment to the sick, and thus to do better work for the Master.” --
Letter 136, 1902

“How are the people to be warned in these countries, is the question. What can be done to proclaim the message
when we have so little means to work with, and so few workers.
If several families who could understand the situation would move to these countries and engage in some
business in places where a few keeping the Sabbath, and do missionary work for Christ's sake, I know that by personal
labor and holding a steady influence they could do much good. O that the Lord would stir up the minds of many in
America to give themselves to this work! I have tried again and again to place the situation before our people in Battle
Creek, but no one responds.
Sometimes I feel that I must never leave this field until families are settled here from America as missionaries, not
ordained ministers, but workers in different lines.” PH005 35

“Why has it not been understood from the Word of God that the work being done in medical missionary lines is a fulfillment
of the scripture, "Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the
halt, and the blind. . . . The servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the lord said
unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled."
This is a work that the churches in every locality, north and south and east and west, should do. The churches have been
given the opportunity of answering this work. Why have they not done it? Someone must fulfill the commission.”--Review
and Herald, May 25, 1897

Self-supporting Work
‘Two Heads are Better than One’

“When one labors alone continually, he is apt to think that his way is above criticism, and he feels no particular
desire to have anyone labor with him. But it is Christ's plan that someone should stand right by his side, so that the work

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shall not be molded entirely by one man's mind, and so that his defects of character shall not be regarded as virtues by
himself or by those who hear him.” Ev 73

“No one man, whether a teacher, a physician, or a minister, can ever hope to be a complete whole. God has given
to every man certain gifts and has ordained that men be associated in His service in order that the varied talents of many
minds may be blended. The contact of mind with mind tends to quicken thought and increase the capabilities. The
deficiencies of one laborer are often made up by the special gifts of another; and as physicians and teachers thus
associated unite in imparting their knowledge, the youth under their training will receive a symmetrical, well-balanced
education for service.” CT 521

“Let schools and sanitariums now be established in many places in the Southern States. Let centers of influence
be made in many of the Southern cities by the opening of food stores and vegetarian restaurants. Let there also be
facilities for the manufacture of simple, inexpensive health foods. But let not selfish, worldly policy be brought into the work,
for God forbids this. Let unselfish men take hold of this work in the fear of God and with love for their fellow men.” --CH 493

City Work

“I have been instructed that one of the principal reasons why hygienic restaurants and treatment-rooms should
be established in the centers of large cities, is that by this means the attention of leading men will be called to the third
angel's message. Noticing that these restaurants are conducted in a way altogether different from the way in which ordinary
restaurants are conducted, men of intelligence will begin to inquire into the reasons for the difference in business methods,
and will investigate the principles that lead us to serve superior food. Thus they will be led to a knowledge of the message
for this time.”--Testimonies, vol. 7, pp. 122, 123

“The knowledge of methods for the manufacture of health foods, which God gave to His people as a means of
helping to sustain His cause, these men have disclosed to worldly businessmen, who are using it for personal gain. They
have sold the Lord's goods for personal profit.” 7T 129

“In every city where we have a church, there is need of a place where treatment can be given.” CH 468

Outpost Centers

“Repeatedly the Lord has instructed us that we are to work the cities from outpost centers. In these cities we are
to have houses of worship, as memorials for God, but institutions for the publication of our literature, for the healing of the
sick, and for the training of workers, are to be established outside the cities. Especially is it important that our youth be
shielded from the temptations of city life.” CL 31

“Let men of sound judgment be appointed, not to publish abroad their intentions, but to search for such properties
in the rural districts, in easy access to the cities, suitable for small training schools for workers, and where facilities may
also be provided for treating the sick and weary souls who know not the truth. Look for such places just out from the large
cities, where suitable buildings may be secured, either as a gift from the owners, or purchased at a reasonable price by the
gifts of our people. Do not erect buildings in the noisy cities.”--Medical Ministry, pp. 308, 309.

Training Schools

“And while God is calling upon young men and women who have already gained a practical knowledge of how to
treat the sick, to labor as gospel medical missionaries in connection with experienced evangelical workers, He is also
calling for many recruits to enter our medical missionary training schools to gain a speedy and thorough preparation for
service. Some need not spend so long a time in these schools as do others. It is not in harmony with God's purpose that all
should plan to spend exactly the same length of time, whether three, four, or five years, in preparation, before beginning to
engage in active field work. Some, after studying for a time, can develop more rapidly by working along practical lines in
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different places, under the supervision of experienced leaders, than they could by remaining in an institution. As they
advance in knowledge and ability, some of these will find it much to their advantage to return to one of our sanitarium
training schools for more instruction. Thus they will become efficient medical missionaries, prepared for trying
emergencies.” CT 469

"The youth should be encouraged to attend our training schools for Christian workers, which should become more
and more like the schools of the prophets. These institutions have been established by the Lord, and if they are
conducted in harmony with His purpose, the youth sent to them will quickly be prepared to engage in various lines of
missionary work. Some will be trained to enter the field as missionary nurses, some as canvassers, and some as gospel
ministers." --8T 229, 230

“We need schools that will be self-supporting; and this can be, if teachers and students will be helpful, industrious,
and economical.” SpTB09 7

“It is essential that there shall be a sanitarium connected with the Madison school. The educational work at the
school and the sanitarium can go forward hand in hand. The instruction given at the school will benefit the patients, and the
instruction given to the sanitarium patients will be a blessing to the school.” PH119 2

Small Sanitariums and Treatment Rooms

“Today the truth is to be proclaimed as Christ proclaimed it when He was on this earth. Our people who are
collected together at large centers should be out in the field working for souls. They should go to places where the truth has
not yet been heard, and pray and plan and work and gain an experience by practical work. Is not Christ in our world today as
verily as He was then? Can He not heal the sick as well now as then? Let small sanitariums and treatment rooms be
established, and let people be given an education in the simple methods of treating disease. Those who take up this work
will increase in capability; for unseen heavenly agencies will be present to help them.” -PH005 38

“To preach the gospel means much more than many realize. It is a broad, far-reaching work. Our sanitariums have
been presented to me as most efficient mediums for the promotion of the gospel message.”--Manuscript 5, 1908
“The conversion of souls is the one great object to be sought for in our medical institutions. It is for this that these
institutions are established.” -- Letter 213, 1902.
“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, p. 327 “not expensive, mammoth sanitariums, but
homelike institutions in pleasant places.” CH 211
"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.” MM 158
“When the light came that we should begin sanitarium work, the reasons were plainly given. There were many who
needed to be educated in regard to healthful living. As the work developed, we were instructed that suitable places were to
be provided, to which we could bring the sick and suffering who knew nothing of our people and scarcely anything of the
Bible, and there teach them how to regain health by rational methods of treatment without having recourse to
poisonous drugs, and at the same time surround them with uplifting spiritual influences. As a part of the treatment,
lectures were to be given on right habits of eating and drinking and dressing. Instruction was to be given regarding the
choice and the preparation of food, showing that food may be prepared so as to be wholesome and nourishing and at the
same time appetizing and palatable.” CH 469
“Let the spiritual atmosphere of these institutions be such that men and women who are brought to the
sanitariums to receive treatment for their bodily ills shall learn the lesson that their diseased souls need healing. . . .

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Simple, earnest talks may be given in the parlors, pointing the sufferers to their only hope for the salvation of the soul.
These religious meetings should be short and right to the point, and they will prove a blessing to the
hearers…Publications containing the precious truths of the gospel should be in the rooms of the patients, or where they
can have easy access to them. There should be a library in every sanitarium, and it should be supplied with books
containing the light of the gospel. Judicious plans should be laid that the patients may have constant access to reading
matter that contains the light of present truth. . . .
Let our sanitariums become what they should be-- homes where healing is ministered to sin-sick souls. And this will be
done when the workers have a living connection with the Great Healer.”--Manuscript 5, 1908
“As to drugs' being used in our institutions, it is contrary to the light which the Lord has been pleased to give. The
drugging business has done more harm to our world and killed more than it has helped or cured. The light was first given to
me why institutions should be established, that is, sanitariums were to reform the medical practices of physicians.”--
Letter 69, 1898
“But many have never learned by experience the beneficial effects of the proper use of water, and they are afraid of
it. Water treatments are not appreciated as they should be, and to apply them skillfully requires work that many are
unwilling to perform. But none should feel excused for ignorance or indifference on this subject. There are many ways in
which water can be applied to relieve pain and check disease. All should become intelligent in its use in simple home
treatments. Mothers, especially, should know how to care for their families in both health and sickness.” MH 237
“Those who have no burning desire to save souls are not the ones who should connect with our sanitariums.”--
Letter 159, 1902

Self-supporting Work
The Madison School

“Physical labor will not prevent the cultivation of the intellect. Far from this. The advantages gained by physical
labor will so balance the mind that it shall not be overworked. The toil will then come upon the muscles, and relieve the
wearied brain. There are many listless, useless girls who consider it unlady-like to engage in active labor. But their
characters are too transparent to deceive sensible persons in regard to their real worthlessness… Physical soundness, and
a practical knowledge in all the necessary household duties, is never a hindrance to a well-developed intellect, but is highly
important for a lady. CE 17
All the powers of the mind should be called into use, and developed, in order for men and women to have well-
balanced minds. The world is full of one-sided men and women, because one set of the faculties is cultivated, while others
are dwarfed from inaction. The education of most youth is a failure. They overstudy, while they neglect that which pertains to
practical business life.
There should have been in past generations provisions made for education upon a larger scale.... I have been led
to inquire, Must all that is valuable in our youth be sacrificed in order that they may obtain an education at the schools? If
there had been agricultural and manufacturing establishments in connection with our schools, and competent teachers had
been employed to educate the youth in the different branches of study and labor, devoting a portion of each day to mental
improvement, and a portion of the day to physical labor, there would now be a more elevated class of youth to come upon
the stage of action, to have influence in moulding society. The youth who would graduate at such institutions would many of
them come forth with stability of character. They would have perseverance, fortitude, and courage to surmount obstacles,
and principles that would not be swerved by wrong influence, however popular. There should have been experienced
teachers to give lessons to young ladies in the cooking department. Young girls should have been instructed to manufacture
wearing apparel, to cut, make, and mend garments, and thus become educated for the practical duties of life. {CE 18.2}
For young men there should be establishments where they could learn different trades, which would bring into exercise
their muscles as well as their mental powers. If the youth can have but a one-sided education, and it is asked, Which is of
the greater consequence, the study of the sciences with all the disadvantages to health and life, or the knowledge of labor
for practical life, we unhesitatingly say, The latter. If one must be neglected, let it be the study of books.
The impression that work is degrading to fashionable life, has laid thousands in the grave who might have
lived....Intellectual, physical, and moral culture should be combined in order to have well-developed and well-balanced men
and women. Some are qualified to exercise greater intellectual strength than others, while others are inclined to love and
enjoy physical labor. Both of these should seek to improve where they are deficient, that they may present to God their
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Finishing the Work
Self-Supporting Work

entire being, a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to him, which is their reasonable service. The habits and customs of
fashionable society should not shape their course of action. The inspired apostle adds, "And be not conformed to this world;
but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of
God." ROM. 12:2” CE 20

“Though in many respects our institutions of learning have swung into worldly conformity, though step by step they
have advanced toward the world, they are prisoners of hope. Fate has not so woven its meshes about their workings that
they need to remain helpless and in uncertainty. If they will listen to His voice and follow in His ways, God will correct and
enlighten them, and bring them back to their upright position of distinction from the world.” 6T 145

“Yet the study of the sciences is not to be neglected. Books must be used for this purpose; but they should be in
harmony with the Bible, for that is the standard. Books of this character should take the place of many of those now in the
hands of students.” CT 426

"Now as never before we need to understand the true science of education. If we fail to understand this, we shall
never have a place in the kingdom of God."--Christian Schools.
--Advocate, November 1, 1900 par. 1

“Words of instruction were given me to speak to you and Elders----- ,-----, and -----. I said: You have a work to do to
encourage the school work in Madison, Tennessee….The workers who have been striving to carry out the mind and will of
God in Madison have not received the encouragement they should have….The brethren who have influence should do all in
their power to hold up the hands of these workers by encouraging and supporting the work of the Madison school. Means
should be appropriated to the needs of the work in Madison, that the labors of the teachers may not be so hard in the
future.” SpTB11 21

“The class of education given at the Madison school is such as will be accounted a treasure of great value by those
who take up missionary work in foreign fields. If many more in other schools were receiving a similar training, we as a
people would be a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. The message would be quickly carried to every country,
and souls now in darkness would be brought to the light.” PH119 2

“Every possible means should be devised to establish schools of the Madison order in various parts of the South;
and those who lend their means and their influence to help this work, are aiding the cause of God. I am instructed to say to
those who have means to spare: Help the work at Madison. You have no time to lose. Satan will soon rise up to create
hindrances; let the work go forward while it may.
Let us strengthen this company of educators to continue the good work in which they are engaged, and labor to
encourage others to do a similar work. Then the light of truth will be carried in a simple and effective way, and a great work
will be accomplished for the Master in a short time.” PH119 2.5

“It is essential that there shall be a sanitarium connected with the Madison school. The educational work at the
school and the sanitarium can go forward hand in hand. The instruction given at the school will benefit the patients, and the
instruction given to the sanitarium patients will be a blessing to the school.” PH119 2.1

“Workers--gospel medical missionaries--are needed now. You cannot afford to spend years in preparation.” 9T 172.4

A GENERAL CONFERENCE RECOMMENDATION.

AT THE 1909 SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE, AT WASHINGTON, D.C., THE GENERAL CONFERENCE MADE THE FOLLOWING
RECOMMENDATION: {PH012 15.1}
"WE RECOMMEND, THAT OUR STRONGER CONFERENCES SEARCH OUT AND ENCOURAGE SUITABLE PERSONS TO UNDERTAKE THE
SELF-SUPPORTING WORK, AND THAT THE WORKERS THUS SELECTED BE ENCOURAGED TO PURSUE A COURSE OF INSTRUCTION AT
THE NASHVILLE AGRICULTURAL AND NORMAL INSTITUTE."
THOSE DESIRING INFORMATION SHOULD ADDRESS,
E. A. SUTHERLAND, MADISON, TENN.
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