A patient whom we recently baptized said, "It is not the work of any one person that has led me to become a Seventh-day Adventist, but the kindnesses shown by many." Another woman who became a member told us, "For thirty years I have been coming to the St. Helena Sanitarium. I cannot longer resist. I want to be a Seventh-day Adventist. I have been greatly influenced by the consecrated lives of the doctors and nurses."
Somehow, men and women seem more impressed with Christian virtues when they are displayed in the lives of those whose particular work is not listed with the spiritual callings. If a domestic worker faithfully does his or her duty, his silent witness, I am persuaded, is more effective than anything a minister can say directly upon the subject of religion. Our most favorable contacts are made with those who have learned to have confidence in their doctor and nurse as genuine Christians. We have noticed that the fact that the doctor conducts the Sabbath school lesson or speaks from the desk seems to greatly impress the patients. The following quotations from patients express appreciation for service rendered to them:
"I want you to tell me just what you folks here believe. The woman who cares for my room has been so very kind to me. Her conduct has led me to inquire as to your religion. The work of this institution is beautiful. I was raised a Catholic, but later took up Christian Science. This religion is different." (This lady drank in the story of our message, with its doctrines.)
"A nurse came to my room the other night to rub my back. I could just feel the magic of her touch. And then she said the sweetest prayer. I felt so much better. Everyone is so kind to me."
"What a comfort my doctor has been to me. He has told me something so dreadful about my condition, and yet how could I ever have stood it if it had been told in another way? Several doctors have examined me, and I am sure they knew the truth, but they did not tell me. My doctor here has made it so much easier. He has pointed me to a heavenly Father, who knows our sorrow and trouble. I am sure God directed me here to meet this awful crisis in my life. He will be with roe through my suffering, and I have the comfort of a bright future beyond."
"I have not forgotten you. In fact, I doubt if I ever will. Several weeks ago I attended services at your church in____ . The sermon was inspiring, and everyone was friendly. The minister and his wife called to see me, I told him about you and how much you impressed me. Please do not think me insincere when I tell you that you are the very first person that I have ever met who talked in the way that I think a real Christian should. You sounded as if you believed sincerely everything you said, and you acted as if you were here just to be a servant of God."
The sanitarium workers all have a part in breaking down prejudice and winning the confidence of the patients. Someone has said, "The meanest weapon which Satan possesses is prejudice." It seems to us there is no more successful weapon to break down prejudice than our sanitarium work. Recently a dear old lady said, "For many years I have been a member of the first-day Adventist church. Many times Seventh-day Adventists have talked with me. Four or five Seventh-day Adventist ministers have visited me. I am now eighty-one years old, and this is my first visit to the sanitarium. This is the strongest evidence I have ever had that God is with this Seventh-day Adventist movement. The sanitarium idea is the greatest thing I have ever seen, connecting the medical with the spiritual. This is a heavenly place. I wish I had known of it before. The kindness of the nurses and helpers is marvelous."
Our literature is appreciated. An Episcopal minister who was here recently read the book Belief and Work of Seventh-day Adventists. Upon leaving he requested a copy to give to the man who had come to take him home, who proved to be the highest bishop of the Episcopal church in San Francisco.
Here are a few more excerpts from our' letter file, showing how the guests appreciate the spiritual influences at St. Helena:
"Thank you for all you have done for me. It was very kind of you to be interested in me, and I'll never forget. Keep praying. As soon as I am able I will find an Adventist church and attend it as often as I can."
"I truly felt sad when I walked out of the sanitarium after my stay there. I doubt if anyone can understand just what it has meant to me to be there and experience the new birth and go away a much different person."
"You have accomplished two things for me at the sanitarium. You have guided me back into the way of life, for I have long been off the beaten path. I have also had restored to me the- use of my right arm, which I had used but little for the past eight years."
"I thank the sanitarium for, what has been done for me in regards to my spiritual life. I have a better understanding of the Scriptures. I surely miss the morning and evening services. I have kept up my daily Scripture reading, and am trying to live the Christ life."
"We have never attended church before in our lives. My husband and I have so much appreciated the parlor services."
"This letter is written through the kindness of my nurse. I am too weak to write. I welcome your letters and appreciate your prayers. I feel the gates of heaven have opened a little wider through your intercession. As I listened to 'The Old Rugged Cross' over the radio here in my home, I was carried back to the sanitarium parlor at St. Helena. I know not how soon I will cling to the support of the cross in my final hour. God bless and keep you all is my most earnest prayer."
