The Work in Graysville
EGW
Friday morning, June 17, we left Nashville for Graysville, where we spent Sabbath and Sunday. RH August 25, 1904, par. 1
I found that the work at Graysville has made much progress. Graysville is a homelike place,—a pretty little village in a valley surrounded by hills. A large part of the village is made up of the homes of Seventh-day Adventists. RH August 25, 1904, par. 2
On Sabbath I spoke to our people. The church was crowded. The Spirit of Lord rested upon me, and I was given a plain testimony to bear. In my weakness I had much strength; for God was with me. My heart was filled with thanksgiving and praise and rejoicing. RH August 25, 1904, par. 3
On Sunday we were taken to see the different lines of work that are being carried on by our people in Graysville. We went over the school building, and then we visited the twenty-five acre farm on the hill, which is largely planted with peaches. The young trees look thrifty. After looking at this, we went to see the four-hundred-acre farm, which has recently been acquired by the conference and has been leased to the school. On this farm we saw large fields of corn, broad pasture lands, and on the hill thirty acres of strawberries. RH August 25, 1904, par. 4
The school is doing well. An addition is needed to the main building; for the chapel is not large enough. But we advised those in charge to wait until the sanitarium could be put in running order. Finishing and equipping this institution will require all the means that they can command at present. RH August 25, 1904, par. 5
From the school farm we drove to the sanitarium. I am much interested in this institution. It is built on the mountainside, in the midst of a grove of trees. There are pine, oak, chestnut, hickory, and many other varieties of beautiful trees. With proper care this grove can be made very beautiful. It is a place in which any lover of nature would take delight, and is as healthful a location for a sanitarium as I have ever seen. RH August 25, 1904, par. 6
The institution is well planned, and the physicians and nurses are working disinterestedly and earnestly to bring the work on the building to completion. I wish that I had had time to say to the physician, “It pleases me to see the good work you do while handling the ax, hammer, and plane. You seem to be a master of the situation.” His face expressed anxiety, and showed a burden of thought, and I did wish to say to him, “This is the work that Christ did in his youth. And through it all he did not speak an impatient word, not even when he was misunderstood. He always spoke pleasantly. When he was blamed for being so particular about his work, he answered by words of song from the Psalms, and those who had been scolding him often found themselves uniting with him in singing, ‘O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth forever.’ ‘Let them now that fear the Lord say, that his mercy endureth forever.’ ‘Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.’” RH August 25, 1904, par. 7
I should have been pleased to have spoken words of encouragement to the physician's wife and sister. I would have said to them, “Be sure, my dear friends, ever to walk with Christ. ‘Learn of me,’ said the divine Teacher; ‘for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’” RH August 25, 1904, par. 8
On the second floor we found the nurses busy at work. I hope they all realized that their faithfulness is fully appreciated by One who knows. In looking to their Saviour, they will find peace and joy. We are to unite our influence in making the earth radiant and glorious. Entire consecration is essential, and the union of all is needed, in order that the work of God may advance. No one is to exalt self and disparage others. RH August 25, 1904, par. 9
I longed to say to all the workers, “Henceforth you are Christ's servants. No longer are you to live to yourselves, but for him who died for you, and rose again. Your lives are to be hid with Christ in God, that when he who is your life shall appear, you may appear with him in glory.” RH August 25, 1904, par. 10
Some of the patients asked if I would not talk to them in the parlor, but I had not the strength to do this, and at the same time to see the various things which our brethren wished me to see in connection with the work in Graysville. RH August 25, 1904, par. 11
We went up to the third story of the building, and looked off over the treetops across the valley. We greatly enjoyed the view. RH August 25, 1904, par. 12
I was taken to the spring, which is a little farther up the mountainside. This spring gives an abundance of soft, pure water, and is a treasure of inestimable worth. RH August 25, 1904, par. 13
I am more than pleased with the earnestness and zeal that the brethren have shown in the erection of this sanitarium. Success had attended their unselfish efforts. Each worker has tried to help the other, and all have worked together harmoniously. This is as it should be. When workers labor thus, their efforts reveal the sweet fragrance of godliness. RH August 25, 1904, par. 14
On our return, the brother who was driving stopped at the homes of many of our brethren in the village. I did not get out of the carriage, but we drove up to the gate of each house, and the friends came out. Whole families, father, mother, and children came out to speak with me, and I shook hands with them all, not forgetting the children. RH August 25, 1904, par. 15
Our visit to Graysville was a very pleasant one. We were sorry that we could not stay longer, so that we might have more time to talk with the brethren and sisters there. RH August 25, 1904, par. 16