This document provides guidance on establishing sanitariums based on counsel given to Ellen White. It discusses that sanitariums should be established to educate people on healthful living through rational treatment and spiritual influences. Smaller sanitariums are preferable to large institutions, and should be located in rural areas with land for agriculture. They should be connected to training schools and serve both the poor and wealthy. All workers must practice health reform and the institutions should uplift spiritual principles. The success of sanitariums depends on acknowledging God and following His guidance.

1. Selected Counsels About the Establishment of Sanitariums
Soon there will be no more work done in ministerial lines
“I wish to tell you that soon there will be no work done in ministerial lines but medical
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missionary work.” CH, 533
Why conduct sanitariums?
“In letters received from our brethren, the questions are asked, "Why do we expend so
much effort in establishing sanitariums? Why do we not pray for the healing of the sick,
instead of having sanitariums?" CH 469.1
“There is more to these questions that is at first apparent. In the early history of our work,
many were healed by prayer. And some, after they were healed, pursued the same course in the
indulgence of appetite that they had followed in the past. They did not live and work in such a
way as to avoid sickness. They did not show that they appreciated the Lord's goodness to them.
Again and again they were brought to suffering through their own careless, thoughtless course
of action. How could the Lord be glorified in bestowing on them the gift of health?” CH 469.2
“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 469.3
“In all our medical institutions, patients should be systematically and carefully instructed
how to prevent disease by a wise course of action. Through lectures and the consistent practice
of the principles of healthful living on the part of consecrated physicians and nurses, the
blinded understanding of many will be opened, and truths never before thought of will be
fastened on the mind. Many of the patients will be led to keep the body in the most healthy
condition possible, because it is the Lord's purchased possession. . . .” CH 470.1
“When we have shown the people that we have right principles regarding health reform, we
should then take up the temperance question in all its bearings, and drive it home to the hilt.”
CH 470.2
“It is to save the souls, as well as to cure the bodies, of men and women, that at much
expense our sanitariums are established. God designs that by means of these agencies of His
own planting, the rich and the poor, the high and the low, shall find the bread of heaven and
the water of life. He designs that they shall be educated in right habits of living, spiritual and
physical. The salvation of many souls is at stake. In the providence of God, many of the sick
are to be given the opportunity of separating for a time from harmful associations and
surroundings and of placing themselves in institutions where they may receive health-restoring
treatments and wise instruction from Christian nurses and physicians. The establishment of
sanitariums is a providential arrangement, whereby people from all churches are to be reached
and made acquainted with the truth for this time.” CH 470.3

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Most successful method to reach people
“Our sanitariums are one of the most successful means of reaching all classes of people.”
CH 212
“Why do we establish sanitariums? That the sick who come to them for treatment may
receive relief from physical suffering and may also receive spiritual help.” CH 271
Many small sanitariums, homelike institutions
“...we plead for sanitariums--not expensive, mammoth sanitariums, but homelike
institutions in pleasant places.
“The sick are to be reached, not by massive buildings, but by the establishment of many
small sanitariums, . . .” CH 211
Not mammoth institutions
“It is not the Lord's will for His people to erect mammoth sanitariums anywhere. Many
sanitariums are to be established. They are not to be large, but sufficiently complete to do a
good and successful work.” CH 225
“I have been repeatedly shown that it is not wise to erect mammoth institutions. It is not by
the largeness of an institution that the greatest work for souls is to be accomplished. A
mammoth sanitarium requires many workers. And where so many are brought together, it is
exceedingly difficult to maintain a high standard of spirituality. In a large institution it often
happens that responsible places are filled by workers who are not spiritual-minded, who do not
exercise wisdom in dealing with those who, if wisely treated, would be awakened, convicted,
and converted.” CH 239
Out of the cities
“It is the Lord's will that these institutions shall be established outside the city. They should
be situated in the country, in the midst of surroundings as attractive as possible. In nature--the
Lord's garden--the sick will always find something to divert their attention from themselves
and lift their thoughts to God.
“I have been instructed that the sick should be cared for away from the bustle of the cities,
away from the noise of streetcars and the continual rattling of carts and carriages. People who
come to our sanitariums from country homes will appreciate a quiet place, and in retirement
patients will be more readily influenced by the Spirit of God.”
“From the standpoint of health, the smoke and dust of the cities are very objectionable. And
the patients who for a large part of their time are shut up within four walls, often feel that they
are prisoners in their rooms. When they look out of a window, they see nothing but houses,
houses, houses. Those who are thus confined to their rooms are liable to brood over their
suffering and sorrow. Sometimes an invalid is poisoned by his own breath.
“Many other evils follow the establishment of great medical institutions in the large cities.
“Why deprive patients of the health-restoring blessing to be found in outdoor life? I have
been instructed that as the sick are encouraged to leave their rooms and spend time in the open
air, cultivating flowers, or doing some other light, pleasant work, their minds will be called
from self to something more health-giving. Exercise in the open air should be prescribed as a

3. beneficial, life-giving necessity. The longer patients can be kept out of doors the less care will
they require. The more cheerful their surroundings, the more hopeful will they be. Surround
them with the beautiful things of nature, place them where they can see the flowers growing
and hear the birds singing, and their hearts will break into song in harmony with the song of
the birds. Shut them in rooms and, be these rooms ever so elegantly furnished, they will grow
fretful and gloomy. Give them the blessing of outdoor life; thus their souls will be uplifted.
Relief will come to body and mind.
"’Out of the cities,’ is my message. Our physicians ought to have been wide-awake on this
point long ago. I hope and pray and believe that they will now arouse to the importance of
getting out into the country.” CH 265-268
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Not in the surroundings of wealthy people
“It might seem to us that it would be best to select for our sanitariums places among the
wealthy, that this would give character to our work and secure patronage for our institutions.
But in this there is no light. "The Lord seeth not as man seeth." 1 Samuel 16:7. Man looks at
the outward appearance; God looks at the heart. The fewer grand buildings there are around
our institutions, the less vexation we shall experience.” CH 269
Look for cheap properties with buildings
“The Lord will work upon human minds in unexpected quarters. Some who apparently are
enemies of the truth will, in God's providence, invest their means to develop properties and
erect buildings. In time, these properties will be offered for sale at a price far below their cost.
Our people will recognize the hand of Providence in these offers and will secure valuable
property for use in educational work. They will plan and manage with humility, self-denial,
and self-sacrifice. Thus men of means are unconsciously preparing auxiliaries that will enable
the Lord's people to advance His work rapidly. {CH 227.2}
“In various places, properties are to be purchased to be used for sanitarium purposes. Our
people should be looking for opportunities to purchase properties away from the cities, on
which are buildings already erected and orchards already in bearing. Land is a valuable
possession. Connected with our sanitariums there should be lands, small portions of which can
be used for the homes of the helpers and others who are receiving a training for medical
missionary work.” CH 227
With land for agriculture
“It was His design that instead of rebuilding the one large sanitarium [Battle Creek], our
people should make plants in several places. These smaller sanitariums should have been
established where land could be secured for agricultural purposes. It is God's plan that
agriculture shall be connected with the work of our sanitariums and schools. Our youth need
the education to be gained from this line of work. It is well, and more than well,--it is
essential,--that efforts be made to carry out the Lord's plan in this respect.” CH 223
Connected to our training schools
“Small local sanitariums are to be established in connection with our training schools.” CH
220

4. “An educational work should be carried on in connection with all our sanitariums. There is
a close relation between the work of our schools and our sanitariums, and wherever it is
practicable, there are decided advantages in having a school in close connection with a
sanitarium. There would be in such an arrangement decided advantages to both lines of work.”
CH 242
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A training place for missionaries
“In every sanitarium established, young men and young women should be trained to be
medical missionaries.” CH 225
In Europe
“Our brethren generally have not taken the interest that they ought in the establishment of
sanitariums in the European countries. In the work in these countries the most perplexing
questions will arise, because of the circumstances peculiar to the various fields. But from the
light given me, institutions will be established which, though at first small, will, by God's
blessing, become larger and stronger.” CH 216
Economy in buildings
“Those who lead out in the establishment of medical institutions must set a right example.
Even if the money is in sight, they should not use more than is absolutely needed.
“We must also remember that our work is to correspond with our faith. We believe that the
Lord is soon to come, and should not our faith be represented in the buildings we erect? Shall
we put a large outlay of money into a building that will soon be consumed in the great
conflagration?
“Much more money than was necessary has been expended on our older institutions. Those
who have done this have supposed that this outlay would give character to the work. But this
plea is no excuse for unnecessary expenditure.” CH 275, 276
“All who are connected with our institutions should have a jealous care that nothing be
wasted, even if the matter does not come under the very part of the work assigned them.
Everyone can do something toward economizing. All should perform their work, not to win
praise of men, but in such a manner that it may bear the scrutiny of God.” CH 281
Comfortable rooms without luxury
“In all our advance work we must regard the necessity of economy. There must be no
needless expense. The Lord is soon to come, and our outlay in buildings is to be in harmony
with our faith. Our means is to be used in providing cheerful rooms, healthful surroundings,
and wholesome food.
“Our ideas of building and furnishing our institutions are to be molded and fashioned by a
true, practical knowledge of what it means to walk humbly with God. Never should it be
thought necessary to give an appearance of wealth.
“Men of common sense appreciate comfort above elegance and display. It is a mistake to
suppose that by keeping up an appearance, more patients, and therefore more means, would be
gained. But even if this course would bring an increase of patronage, we could not consent to

5. have our sanitariums furnished according to the luxurious ideas of the age. Christian influence
is too valuable to be sacrificed in this way. All the surroundings, inside and outside our
institutions, must be in harmony with the teachings of Christ and the expression of our faith.
Our work in all its departments should be an illustration, not of display and extravagance, but
of sanctified judgment.
It is not large, expensive buildings, it is not rich furniture, it is not tables loaded with
delicacies, that will give our work influence and success. It is the faith that works by love and
purifies the soul; it is the atmosphere of grace that surrounds the believer, the Holy Spirit
working upon the mind and heart, that makes him a savor of life unto life and enables God to
bless his work.” CH 277, 278
Prosperity depends upon God’s blessings, not human skills
“The Lord revealed that the prosperity of the sanitarium was not to be dependent alone
upon the knowledge and skill of its physicians, but upon the favor of God. It was to be known
as an institution where God was acknowledged as the Monarch of the universe, an institution
that was under His special supervision. Its managers were to make God first and last and best
in everything. And in this was to be its strength. If conducted in a manner that God could
approve, it would be highly successful and would stand in advance of all other institutions of
the kind in the world.” CH 205
“The success of the sanitarium depends upon its maintaining the simplicity of godliness
and shunning the world's follies in eating, drinking, dressing, and amusements. It must be
reformatory in all its principles.” CH 255
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For the poor and for the rich
“Everywhere there is a work to be done for all classes of society. We are to come close to
the poor and depraved, those who have fallen through intemperance. And, at the same time, we
are not to forget the higher classes--the lawyers, ministers, senators, and judges, many of
whom are slaves to intemperate habits.” CH 218
“We are to invite everyone--the high and the low, the rich and the poor, all sects and
classes--to share the benefits of our medical institutions. We receive into our institutions
people of all denominations. But as for ourselves, we are strictly denominational;” CH 246
God-fearing doctors and nurses
“Institutions for the care of the sick are to be established, where men and women may be
placed under the care of God-fearing medical missionaries and be treated without drugs.” CH
212
“A physician is not fit for medical missionary work until he has gained a knowledge of
Him who came to save perishing, sin-sick souls.” CH 213
Well prepared physicians
“The physicians are not quacks nor infidels, but men who understand the human system
and the best methods of treating disease, men who fear God and who have an earnest interest
for the moral and spiritual welfare of their patients.” CH 256

6. All departments should be memorials for God
“Our sanitariums in all their departments should be memorials for God, His
instrumentalities for sowing the seeds of truth in human hearts. This they will be if rightly
conducted.
“The living truth of God is to be made known in our medical institutions. . . . The religious
influence that pervades these institutions inspires the guests with confidence. The assurance
that the Lord presides there, and the many prayers offered for the sick, make an impression
upon their hearts.
“Many go away from our sanitariums with new hearts. The change is decided. These,
returning to their homes, are as lights in the world.” CH 208
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All workers need to practice health reform
“The Lord years ago gave me special light in regard to the establishment of a health
institution where the sick could be treated on altogether different lines from those followed in
any other institution in our world. It was to be founded and conducted upon Bible principles, as
the Lord's instrumentality, and it was to be in His hands one of the most effective agencies for
giving light to the world. It was God's purpose that it should stand forth with scientific ability,
with moral and spiritual power, and as a faithful sentinel of reform in all its bearings. All who
should act a part in it were to be reformers, having respect to its principles and heeding the
light of health reform shining upon us as a people.” CH 205
“Among the greatest dangers to our health institutions is the influence of physicians,
superintendents, and helpers who profess to believe the present truth, but who have never taken
their stand fully upon health reform. Some have no conscientious scruples in regard to their
eating, drinking, and dressing. How can the physician or anyone else present the matter as it is
when he himself is indulging in the use of harmful things?” CH 261
Without drugs
“Institutions for the care of the sick are to be established, where men and women may be
placed under the care of God-fearing medical missionaries and be treated without drugs.” CH
212
“Drug medication, as it is generally practiced, is a curse. Educate away from drugs. Use
them less and less, and depend more upon hygienic agencies; then nature will respond to God's
physicians--pure air, pure water, proper exercise, a clear conscience. Those who persist in the
use of tea, coffee, and flesh meats will feel the need of drugs, but many might recover without
one grain of medicine if they would obey the laws of health. Drugs need seldom be used.” CH
261
Observance of the Sabbath
“The observance of the Sabbath is the sign between God and His people. Let us not be
ashamed to bear the sign that distinguishes us from the world.
“A spirit of irreverence and carelessness in the observance of the Sabbath is liable to come
into our sanitariums. Upon the men of responsibility in the medical missionary work rests the

7. duty of giving instruction to physicians, nurses, and helpers in regard to the sanctity of God's
holy day.” CH 235, 236
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No amusements
“Worldly or theatrical entertainments are not essential for the prosperity of the sanitarium
or for the health of the patients. The more they have of this kind of amusements, the less will
they be pleased unless something of the kind shall be continually carried on. The mind is in a
fever of unrest for something new and exciting, the very thing it ought not to have. . . . But
repose, rather than excitement, is what many of the patients need.” CH 240
No place for discussion of religious differences
“Our peculiar faith should not be discussed with patients. Their minds should not be
unnecessarily excited upon subjects wherein we differ, unless they themselves desire it; and
then great caution should be observed not to agitate the mind by urging upon them our peculiar
faith. . . . Prayer meetings are held at the Institute, in which all may take part if they choose;
but there is an abundance to dwell upon in regard to Bible religion without touching
objectionable points of difference. Silent influence will do more than open controversy.” CH
245
Have selected literature visible everywhere
“While none should urge our faith upon the patients or engage in religious controversy with
them, our papers and publications, carefully selected, should be in sight almost everywhere.
The religious element must predominate. This has been and ever will be the power of that
institution.” CH 255
Not to serve meat in the cafeteria
“The place of meat should be supplied with wholesome foods that are inexpensive. In this
matter very much depends on the cook.” CH 254
“We are not building sanitariums for hotels. Receive into our sanitariums only those who
desire to conform to right principles, those who will accept the foods that we can
conscientiously place before them. Should we allow patients to have intoxicating liquor in their
rooms, or should we serve them with meat, we could not give them the help they should
receive in coming to our sanitariums. We must let it be known that from principle we exclude
such articles from our sanitariums and our hygienic restaurants. Do we not desire to see our
fellow beings freed from disease and infirmity, and in the enjoyment of health and strength?
Then let us be as true to principle as the needle to the pole.” CH 271
“Persons with tumors running their life away should not be burdened with the question as
to whether they should leave meat eating or not. Be careful to make no stringent resolution in
regard to this matter. It will not help the case to force changes, but will do injury to the
nonmeat-eating principles. Give lectures in the parlor. Educate the mind, but force no one; for
such reformation made under a press is worthless. . . .” {CD 292.3}

8. 8
Women to treat women
“It is not in harmony with the instructions given at Sinai that gentlemen physicians should
do the work of midwives. The Bible speaks of women at childbirth being attended by women,
and thus it ought always to be. Women should be educated and trained to act skillfully as
midwives and physicians to their sex. It is just as important that a line of study be given to
educate women to deal with women's diseases, as it is that there should be gentlemen
thoroughly trained to act as physicians and surgeons. And the wages of the woman should be
proportionate to her services. She should be as much appreciated in her work as the gentleman
physician is appreciated in his work. {CH 365.2}
“Let us educate ladies to become intelligent in the work of treating the diseases of their sex.
They will sometimes need the counsel and assistance of experienced gentlemen physicians.
When brought into trying places let all be led by supreme wisdom. Let all bear in mind that
they need and may have the wisdom of the Great Physician in their work.” CH 365
Prayer for the sick
“Christ has empowered His church to do the same work that He did during His ministry.
Today He is the same compassionate physician that He was while on this earth. We should let
the afflicted understand that in Him there is healing balm for every disease, restoring power for
every infirmity. His disciples in this time are to pray for the sick as verily as His disciples of
old prayed. And recoveries will follow, for "the prayer of faith shall save the sick." James
5:15.” CH 210
“Let no one obtain the idea that the Institute is the place for them to come to be raised up
by the prayer of faith. This is the place to find relief from disease by treatment and right habits
of living, and to learn how to avoid sickness. But if there is one place under the heavens more
than another where soothing, sympathizing prayer should be offered by men and women of
devotion and faith, it is at such an institute.” CH 247
(See also the chapter “Praying for the Sick”, CH 373-377)