Centers of Influence in the Southern States

«A good beginning has been made in the Southern field. In the forward march of events, the Lord has wrought most wonderfully for the advancement of His work. Battles have been fought, victories won. Favorable impressions have been made; much prejudice has been removed.

«In the night season I was taken by my Guide from place to place, from city to city, in the South. I saw the great work to be done,—that which ought to have been done years ago. We seemed to be looking at many places. Our first interest was for the places where the work has already been established, and for those where the way has opened for a beginning to be made.»— «Testimonies for the Church,» Vol. 7, p. 231 .

«I have encouraged our brethren in the South to arise in the strength of God, and with faith and courage enter His opening providences.

«The Lord has set the seal of His approval on the effort to establish memorials to His name in the city of Nashville. He has signified that from this important center, the light of the truth for this time shall radiate to every part of the Southern field. Nashville is a natural center for our work in the South. And the influence of the various educational and publishing institutions established there makes the city a favorable place in which to carry on the various phases of our work. . . .

The Nashville Sanitarium»Medical missions must be opened as pioneer agencies to prepare the way for the proclamation of the third angel’s message in the cities of the South. O, how great is the need for means to do this work! Gospel medical missions can not be established without financial aid. Every such mission calls for our sympathy, and for our means, that facilities may be provided to make the work successful. These institutions, conducted in accordance with the will of God, would remove prejudice, and call our work into favorable notice. The highest aim of the workers should be the spiritual health of the patients. Medical missionary work gives opportunity for carrying forward successful evangelistic work. It is as these lines of effort are united, that we may expect to gather the most precious fruit for the Lord. . . . The establishment of medical institutions in the South will make the work more expensive; but the importance of this line of effort can not be overestimated.» — «Review and Herald,» Sept. 7, 1905 .