Collins, Gilbert
Melrose, Massachusetts
[August] 1904
Portions of this letter are published in 1MR 226-227; 5Bio 350. +NoteOne or more typed copies of this document contain additional Ellen White handwritten interlineations which may be viewed at the main office of the Ellen G. White Estate.
Dear Brother Gilbert Collins,—
I understand that Dr. Nicola has entered into some negotiations with you for the use of your property, with the understanding that you shall be cared for as long as you live. The question may arise in your minds, “Can I trust them?” I assure you that you can. Dr. Nicola is an earnest Christian. It is very hard for him to ask for a donation to the Sanitarium. But when he knows that he is right, he takes a firm stand. 19LtMs, Lt 305, 1904, par. 1
Sister Nicola is a daughter of Sister Martha Smith, wife of Dr. Byington. Sister Martha is a conscientious, humble Christian. I have been acquainted with her from her girlhood, and I know her to be tender of heart and very kind. Her husband was a physician and as true as steel to principle. He and Uriah Smith were members of our family when we lived in Rochester, New York. They both helped in the first publication of the Review and Herald. After we moved the printing office to Battle Creek, they came with us and were staunch helpers. 19LtMs, Lt 305, 1904, par. 2
Brother and Sister Nicola are earnest Christian people, and you need have no fear that they will fail of fulfilling any promises they may make. 19LtMs, Lt 305, 1904, par. 3
As far as the Sanitarium itself is concerned, I have travelled extensively and have seen many sanitarium sites, but I have never seen a place more nearly perfect than this one at Melrose. The institution is situated in the midst of a beautiful park and is surrounded by trees of every kind. The park belongs to the State, and therefore no private dwellings can be put up near the Sanitarium. The large lake in front of the Sanitarium buildings supplies Boston with water, and the greatest care is exercised by the authorities to keep this lake free from contamination. No rowing or bathing is allowed in it. At any hour of the day, policemen may be seen riding on their bicycles round the lake, on guard against trespassers. 19LtMs, Lt 305, 1904, par. 4
I appeal to our people in New England to help the Melrose Sanitarium with their influence and their means. If all will take hold, the debt resting upon the institution can be cancelled. I ask our people to give liberally for this purpose; for it is in the providence of God that the Sanitarium is situated where it is. 19LtMs, Lt 305, 1904, par. 5
The Sanitarium is within easy access of Boston and can do much to reach that city with the truth. The Lord has instructed me that earnest efforts are to be made to reach the higher classes in Boston. He has provided a beautiful sanitarium site, where the scenery and the surroundings are as nearly perfect as can be found anywhere. I have been instructed that there are in the world other properties similar to this, all ready for use, which will be offered for sale at a very low price. 19LtMs, Lt 305, 1904, par. 6
I am so grateful to God that this beautiful property has been secured, and that it is in the charge of those who will make the best use of every advantage. God is working to reach the city of Boston and the surrounding suburbs. 19LtMs, Lt 305, 1904, par. 7
*****
There are many in our world who are slaves to intemperate habits, which are destroying soul and body. It is God’s purpose that in our sanitariums such ones shall learn a better way of living. Under the influence of Bible truth, many will be won to Christ. 19LtMs, Lt 305, 1904, par. 8
The third angel’s message is to be carried to all parts of the world. Our sanitariums are one of the means by which truth is to be brought to those who know it not. We must reach the people where they are. In the highways and the byways the call to the supper is to be given. All must hear the invitation to the banquet prepared for them at infinite cost. As unbelievers are brought under the influence of truth, angels of God will impress their hearts. 19LtMs, Lt 305, 1904, par. 9
*****
Christ’s message to us is, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through, nor steal.” In this scripture the Saviour warns us not to fail of laying up treasure in heaven. “Where your treasure is,” He says, “there will your heart be also.” [Matthew 6:19-21.] The characters of those who obey the Saviour’s injunction will reveal what their choice has been. Choosing the service of God, their lives bear the impress of the principles of heaven. Their characters are molded and fashioned after the character of Christ. They receive the impression of the divine, the stability of heaven’s greatness. 19LtMs, Lt 305, 1904, par. 10
There is a work which the wealthy may do for the Master. Let them consecrate to His service their entrusted goods. Christ throws open to us the gates of a heavenly commerce. He would give scope to our loftiest ideas and would provide security for our choicest treasures. He shows us a bank that never fails. Let those who have affluence place their abundance where it can be used for God, under His special supervision. Let the five talents be put out to the exchanger, to be increased to ten. 19LtMs, Lt 305, 1904, par. 11
The church is to be carefully guarded from the contamination of worldly influences. It is the Lord’s garden, and it is to be diligently cultivated under the direction of the divine Husbandman. Only those who are trees of righteousness, whose lives bring forth fruit unto eternal life, will be acknowledged by the Lord. These are trees of His planting, showing the skill of the great Gardener. Their lives, guided by the ennobling principles of truth, show the difference between sin and righteousness and the infinite power of Christ’s grace to transform human nature. 19LtMs, Lt 305, 1904, par. 12
Those who allow unsanctified influences to rule in their hearts will fall far short of God’s purpose for them. The world, with its confusing elements, comes into their lives. It is because this is so often true of professing Christians that sin dwells in the church, hindering it from giving a proper representation of the religion of Christ. The Eden of God is degraded into a common, where any feet, without being cleansed, may tread. 19LtMs, Lt 305, 1904, par. 13
Human perversity, human sophistry are being revealed and cherished by those who should have clear spiritual discernment. The members of the church make little effort to live lives that will answer Christ’s prayer that His disciples may be one with Him as He is one with the Father. Strange plants are being brought into the garden of the Lord. Noxious weeds grow side by side with the trees of His planting. 19LtMs, Lt 305, 1904, par. 14
God designed that nothing but truth should occupy the minds of His people. He knew that this would enable them to hold the beginning of their confidence firm unto the end, and, in a revolted world, stand true and loyal to Him, bearing His seal and signature. 19LtMs, Lt 305, 1904, par. 15