Support to be Given Madison

Sanitarium, Napa, Co. Cal.,

Feb. 24, 1907.

Southern Union Conference Committee:

... It is in harmony with the leadings of God's Spirit that Brethren Sutherland and Magan and their associates have begun a work at Madison. The Lord has guided them in the selection of a location for the school. Had a small sanitarium been established in connection with the school, this would have been in the order of God, and these two institutions would have been a mutual help. This has not yet been done, but our brethren in Madison need not be discouraged.SpM 399.7

I would say to our brethren in the Southern field, Let there be no restrictions laid on the Madison School to limit its work in the field of its operation. If Brethren Sutherland and Magan have promised not to draw students to their school from the Southern states, they should be freed from any such restrictions. Such a promise should never have been asked nor granted. I am instructed to say that there should be no restrictions limiting their freedom to draw students from the Southern field. There is need of such an institution as has been established near Nashville, and let no one endeavor to hinder the attendance of those who can at that school best receive the training that will fit them to labor in the Southern states, and in other mission fields.SpM 400.1

At Berrien Springs Brethren Sutherland and Magan carried on a work of self-sacrifice. They did not leave the North because they had lost their influence: They went to the South because they saw the needs of that field. In their work in Madison they should have encouragement from these whom they have come to help. Those who have in charge the disbursement of funds coming to the Southern field, should not fail to render proportionate help to the Madison School.SpM 400.2

In the Madison school students are taught how to till the soil, how to build houses and perform other lines of useful labor. These are some of the lines of work that the Lord instructed us to introduce into our schools in Australia. With a practical training, students will be taught to fill useful positions in many places. Skill in the common arts is a gift from God. He provides both the gift and the wisdom to use the gift aright.SpM 400.3