The Christian Physician

[DRS PURNOMO]

The Christian Physician
A Responsible Calling [TESTIMONIES FOR THE CHURCH, VOL. 5, PP.
439-449 (1885).]


"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." Psalm 111:10.
Professional men, whatever their calling, need divine wisdom. But the
physician is in special need of this wisdom in dealing with all classes of
minds and diseases. He occupies a position even more responsible than that
of the minister of the gospel. He is called to be a colaborer with Christ,
and he needs stanch religious principles and a firm connection with the God
of wisdom. If he takes counsel of God, he will have the Great Healer to work
with his efforts and he will move with the greatest caution, lest by his
mismanagement he injure one of God's creatures. He will be firm as a rock to
principle, yet kind and courteous to all. He will feel the responsibility of
his position, and his practice will show that he is actuated by pure,
unselfish motives and a desire to adorn the doctrine of Christ in all
things. Such a physician will possess a heaven-born dignity and will be a
powerful agent for good in the world. Although he may not be appreciated by
those who have no connection with God, yet he will be honored of Heaven. In
God's sight he will be more precious than gold, even the gold of Ophir. {CH
321.1}


An Example in Temperance

The physician should be a strictly temperate man. The physical ailments
of humanity are numberless, and he has to deal with disease in all its
varied forms. He

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knows that much of the suffering he seeks to relieve is the result of
intemperance and other forms of selfish indulgence. He is called to attend
young men and men in the prime of life and in mature age, who have brought
disease upon themselves by the use of the narcotic tobacco. If he is an
intelligent physician, he will be able to trace disease to its cause; but
unless he is free from the use of tobacco himself, he will hesitate to put
his finger upon the plague spot and faithfully unfold to his patients the
cause of their sickness. He will fail to urge upon the young the necessity
of overcoming the habit before it becomes fixed. If he uses the weed
himself, how can he present to the inexperienced youth its injurious
effects, not only upon themselves, but upon those around them? . . . {CH
321.2}

Of all men in the world, the physician and the minister should have
strictly temperate habits. The welfare of society demands total abstinence
of them, for their influence is constantly telling for or against moral
reform and the improvement of society. It is willful sin in them to be
ignorant of the laws of health or indifferent to them, for they are looked
up to as wise above other men. This is especially true of the physician, who
is entrusted with human life. He is expected to indulge in no habit that
will weaken the life forces. . . . {CH 322.1}

The question is not, What is the world doing? but, What are
professional men doing in regard to the widespread and prevailing curse of
tobacco using? Will men to whom God has given intelligence, and who are in
positions of sacred trust, be true to follow intelligent reason? Will these
responsible men, having under their care persons whom their influence will
lead in a right or a wrong direction, be pattern men? Will they, by precept
and example, teach obedience to the laws which govern the

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physical system? If they do not put to a practical use the knowledge they
have of the laws that govern their own being, if they prefer present
gratification to soundness of mind and body, they are not fit to be
entrusted with the lives of others. They are in duty bound to stand in the
dignity of their God-given manhood, free from the bondage of any appetite or
passion. {CH 322.2}

The man who chews and smokes is doing injury, not only to himself, but
to all who come within the sphere of his influence. If a physician must be
called, the tobacco devotee should be passed by. He will not be a safe
counselor. If the disease has its origin in the use of tobacco, he will be
tempted to prevaricate and assign some other than the true cause, for how
can he condemn himself in his own daily practice? {CH 323.1}

There are many ways of practicing the healing art, but there is only
one way that Heaven approves. God's remedies are the simple agencies of
nature, that will not tax or debilitate the system through their powerful
properties. Pure air and water, cleanliness, a proper diet, purity of life,
and a firm trust in God, are remedies for the want of which thousands are
dying, yet these remedies are going out of date because their skillful use
requires work that the people do not appreciate. Fresh air, exercise, pure
water, and clean, sweet premises, are within the reach of all with but
little expense; but drugs are expensive, both in the outlay of means and the
effect produced upon the system. {CH 323.2}


A Healer of Spiritual Maladies

The work of the Christian physician does not end with healing the
maladies of the body; his efforts should extend to the diseases of the mind,
to the saving of the

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soul. It may not be his duty, unless asked, to present any theoretical
points of truth; but he may point his patients to Christ. The lessons of the
divine Teacher are ever appropriate. He should call the attention of the
repining to the ever-fresh tokens of the love and care of God, to His wisdom
and goodness as manifested in His created works. The mind can then be led
through nature up to nature's God, and centered on the heaven which He has
prepared for those that love Him. {CH 323.3}

The physician should know how to pray. In many cases he must increase
suffering in order to save life; and whether the patient is a Christian or
not, he feels greater security if he knows that his physician fears God.
Prayer will give the sick an abiding confidence; and many times if their
cases are borne to the Great Physician in humble trust, it will do more for
them than all the drugs that can be administered. {CH 324.1}

Satan is the originator of disease, and the physician is warring
against his work and power. Sickness of the mind prevails everywhere. Nine
tenths of the diseases from which men suffer have their foundation here.
Perhaps some living home trouble is, like a canker, eating to the very soul
and weakening the life forces. Remorse for sin sometimes undermines the
constitution and unbalances the mind. There are erroneous doctrines also, as
that of an eternally burning hell and the endless torment of the wicked,
that, by giving exaggerated and distorted views of the character of God,
have produced the same result upon sensitive minds. Infidels have made the
most of these unfortunate cases, attributing insanity to religion, but this
is a gross libel, and one which they will not be pleased to meet by and by.
The religion of Christ, so far from being the cause of insanity, is one of
its most

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effectual remedies; for it is a potent soother of the nerves. {CH 324.2}

The physician needs more than human wisdom and power that he may know
how to minister to the many perplexing cases of disease of the mind and
heart with which he is called to deal. If he is ignorant of the power of
divine grace, he cannot help the afflicted one, but will aggravate the
difficulty; but if he has a firm hold upon God, he will be able to help the
diseased, distracted mind. He will be able to point his patients to Christ
and teach them to carry all their cares and perplexities to the great Burden
Bearer. {CH 325.1}

There is a divinely appointed connection between sin and disease. No
physician can practice for a month without seeing this illustrated. He may
ignore the fact; his mind may be so occupied with other matters that his
attention will not be called to it; but if he will be observing and honest,
he cannot help acknowledging that sin and disease bear to each other the
relationship of cause and effect. The physician should be quick to see this
and to act accordingly. When he has gained the confidence of the afflicted
by relieving their sufferings and bringing them back from the verge of the
grave, he may teach them that disease is the result of sin, and that it is
the fallen foe who seeks to allure them to health-and-soul-destroying
practices. He may impress their minds with the necessity of denying self and
obeying the laws of life and health. In the minds of the young especially he
may instill right principles. God loves His creatures with a love that is
both tender and strong. He has established the laws of nature; but His laws
are not arbitrary exactions. Every "Thou shalt not," whether in physical or
moral law, contains or implies a promise. If it is obeyed, blessings will
attend our steps; if it is disobeyed, the result is danger

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and unhappiness. The laws of God are designed to bring His people closer to
Himself. He will save them from the evil and lead them to the good, if they
will be led; but force them He never will. . . . {CH 325.2}

Physicians who love and fear God are few compared with those who are
infidels or openly irreligious; and these should be patronized in preference
to the latter class. We may well distrust the ungodly physician. A door of
temptation is open to him, a wily devil will suggest base thoughts and
actions, and it is only the power of divine grace that can quell tumultuous
passion and fortify against sin. To those who are morally corrupt,
opportunities to corrupt pure minds are not wanting. But how will the
licentious physician appear in the day of God? While professing to care for
the sick, he has betrayed sacred trusts. He has degraded both the soul and
the body of God's creatures and has set their feet in the path that leads to
perdition. How terrible to trust our loved ones in the hands of an impure
man, who may poison the morals and ruin the soul! How out of place is the
godless physician at the bedside of the dying! {CH 326.1}


Familiarity With Suffering

The physician is almost daily brought face to face with death. He is,
as it were, treading upon the verge of the grave. In many instances
familiarity with scenes of suffering and death results in carelessness and
indifference to human woe and recklessness in the treatment of the sick.
Such physicians seem to have no tender sympathy. They are harsh and abrupt,
and the sick dread their approach. Such men, however great their knowledge
and skill, can do the suffering little good; but if the love and sympathy
that Jesus manifested for the sick is combined with the

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physician's knowledge, his very presence will be a blessing. He will not
look upon his patient as a mere piece of human mechanism, but as a soul to
be saved or lost. {CH 326.2}


The Physician's Need of Sympathy

The duties of the physician are arduous. Few realize the mental and
physical strain to which he is subjected. Every energy and capability must
be enlisted with the most intense anxiety in the battle with disease and
death. Often he knows that one unskillful movement of the hand, even but a
hair's breadth in the wrong direction, may send a soul unprepared into
eternity. How much the faithful physician needs the sympathy and prayers of
the people of God. His claims in this direction are not inferior to those of
the most devoted minister or missionary worker. Deprived, as he often is, of
needed rest and sleep, and even of religious privileges on the Sabbath, he
needs a double portion of grace, a fresh supply daily, or he will lose his
hold on God and will be in danger of sinking deeper in spiritual darkness
than men of other callings. And yet often he is made to bear unmerited
reproaches and is left to stand alone, the subject of Satan's fiercest
temptations, feeling himself misunderstood, betrayed by his friends. {CH
327.1}

Many, knowing how trying are the duties of the physician, and how few
opportunities physicians have for release from care, even upon the Sabbath,
will not choose this for their lifework. But the great enemy is constantly
seeking to destroy the workmanship of God's hands, and men of culture and
intelligence are called upon to combat his cruel power. More of the right
kind of men are needed to devote themselves to this profession. Painstaking
effort should be made to induce suitable men to qualify

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themselves for this work. They should be men whose characters are based upon
the broad principles of the word of God--men who possess a natural energy,
force, and perseverance that will enable them to reach a high standard of
excellence. It is not everyone who can make a successful physician. Many
have entered upon the duties of this profession every way unprepared. They
have not the requisite knowledge, neither have they the skill and tact, the
carefulness and intelligence, necessary to ensure success. {CH 327.2}

A physician can do much better work if he has physical strength. If he
is feeble, he cannot endure the wearing labor incident to his calling. A man
who has a weak constitution, who is a dyspeptic, or who has not perfect
self-control, cannot become qualified to deal with all classes of disease.
Great care should be taken not to encourage persons who might be useful in
some less responsible position, to study medicine at a great outlay of time
and means, when there is no reasonable hope that they will succeed. {CH
328.1}


Unfaithfulness and Infidelity

Some have been singled out as men who might be useful as physicians,
and they have been encouraged to take a medical course. But some who
commenced their studies in the medical colleges as Christians, did not keep
the divine law prominent; they sacrificed principle and lost their hold on
God. They felt that singlehanded they could not keep the fourth commandment
and meet the jeers and ridicule of the ambitious, the world-loving, the
superficial, the skeptic, and the infidel. This kind of persecution they
were not prepared to meet. They were ambitious to climb higher in the world,
and they stumbled on the dark

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mountains of unbelief and became untrustworthy. Temptations of every kind
opened before them and they had no strength to resist. Some of these have
become dishonest, scheming policy men and are guilty of grave sins. {CH
328.2}

In this age there is danger for everyone who shall enter upon the study
of medicine. Often his instructors are worldly-wise men and his fellow
students infidels who have no thought of God, and he is in danger of being
influenced by these irreligious associations. Nevertheless, some have gone
through the medical course and have remained true to principle. They would
not continue their studies on the Sabbath, and they have proved that men may
become qualified for the duties of a physician and not disappoint the
expectations of those who furnish them means to obtain an education. Like
Daniel, they have honored God, and He has kept them. Daniel purposed in his
heart that he would not adopt the customs of kingly courts; he would not eat
of the king's meat nor drink of his wine. He looked to God for strength and
grace, and God gave him wisdom and skill and knowledge above that of the
astrologers, the soothsayers, and the magicians of the kingdom. To him the
promise was verified, "Them that honor Me I will honor." Samuel 2:30. {CH
329.1}

The young physician has access to the God of Daniel. Through divine
grace and power he may become as efficient in his calling as Daniel was in
his exalted position. But it is a mistake to make a scientific preparation
the all-important thing, while religious principles, that lie at the very
foundation of a successful practice, are neglected. Many are lauded as
skillful men in their profession, who scorn the thought that they need to
rely upon Jesus for wisdom in their work. But if these men who trust in
their knowledge of science were illuminated by the light

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of Heaven, to how much greater excellence might they attain! How much
stronger would be their powers, with how much greater confidence could they
undertake difficult cases! The man who is closely connected with the Great
Physician of soul and body has the resources of heaven and earth at his
command, and he can work with a wisdom, an unerring precision, that the
godless man cannot possess. {CH 329.2}

Those to whom the care of the sick is entrusted, whether as physicians
or nurses, should remember that their work must stand the scrutiny of the
piercing eye of Jehovah. There is no missionary field more important than
that occupied by the faithful, God-fearing physician. There is no field
where a man may accomplish greater good or win more jewels to shine in the
crown of his rejoicing. He may carry the grace of Christ, as a sweet
perfume, into all the sickrooms he enters; he may carry the true healing
balm to the sin-sick soul. He can point the sick and dying to the Lamb of
God that taketh away the sin of the world. He should not listen to the
suggestion that it is dangerous to speak of their eternal interests to those
whose lives are in peril, lest it should make them worse, for in nine cases
out of ten the knowledge of a sin-pardoning Saviour would make them better
both in mind and body. Jesus can limit the power of Satan. He is the
physician in whom the sin-sick soul may trust to heal the maladies of the
body as well as of the soul.


(331) {CH 330.1}

The Physician's Work for Souls [TESTIMONIES FOR THE CHURCH, VOL. 6, PP.
229-234 (1900).]


Every medical practitioner may through faith in Christ have in his
possession a cure of the highest value--a remedy for the sin-sick soul. The
physician who is converted and sanctified through the truth is registered in
heaven as a laborer together with God, a follower of Jesus Christ. Through
the sanctification of the truth, God gives to physicians and nurses wisdom
and skill in treating the sick, and this work is opening the fast-closed
door to many hearts. Men and women are led to understand the truth which is
needed to save the soul as well as the body. {CH 331.1}

This is an element that gives character to the work for this time. The
medical missionary work is as the right arm of the third angel's message
which must be proclaimed to a fallen world; and physicians, managers, and
workers in any line, in acting faithfully their part, are doing the work of
the message. Thus the sound of the truth will go forth to every nation and
kindred and tongue and people. In this work the heavenly angels bear a part.
They awaken spiritual joy and melody in the hearts of those who have been
freed from suffering, and thanksgiving to God arises from the lips of many
who have received the precious truth. {CH 331.2}

Every physician in our ranks should be a Christian. Only those
physicians who are genuine Bible Christians can discharge aright the high
duties of their profession. {CH 331.3}

The physician who understands the responsibility and accountability of
his position will feel the necessity of Christ's presence with him in his
work for those for whom such a sacrifice has been made. He will subordinate
everything to the higher interests which concern the life that

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may be saved unto life eternal. He will do all in his power to save both the
body and the soul. He will try to do the very work that Christ would do were
He in his place. The physician who loves Christ and the souls for whom
Christ died will seek earnestly to bring into the sickroom a leaf from the
tree of life. He will try to break the bread of life to the sufferer.
Notwithstanding the obstacles and difficulties to be met, this is the
solemn, sacred work of the medical profession. {CH 331.4}


Christ's Methods to Be Copied

True missionary work is that in which the Saviour's work is best
represented, His methods most closely copied, His glory best promoted.
Missionary work that falls short of this standard is recorded in heaven as
defective. It is weighed in the balances of the sanctuary and found wanting.
{CH 332.1}

Physicians should seek to direct the minds of their patients to Christ,
the Physician of soul and body. That which physician can only attempt to do,
Christ accomplishes. The human agent strives to prolong life. Christ is life
itself. He who passed through death to destroy him that had the power of
death is the Source of all vitality. There is balm in Gilead, and a
Physician there. Christ endured an agonizing death under the most
humiliating circumstances that we might have life. He gave up His precious
life that He might vanquish death. But He rose from the tomb, and the
myriads of angels who came to behold Him take up the life He had laid down
heard His words of triumphant joy as He stood above Joseph's rent sepulcher
proclaiming, "I am the resurrection and the life." {CH 332.2}




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Christ Has Brightened the Tomb

The question, "If a man die, shall he live again?" has been answered.
By bearing the penalty of sin, by going down into the grave, Christ has
brightened the tomb for all who die in faith. God in human form has brought
life and immortality to light through the gospel. In dying, Christ secured
eternal life for all who believe in Him. In dying, He condemned the
originator of sin and disloyalty to suffer the penalty of sin--eternal
death. {CH 333.1}

The possessor and giver of eternal life, Christ was the only one who
could conquer death. He is our Redeemer, and blessed is every physician who
is in a true sense of the word a missionary, a savior of souls for whom
Christ gave His life. Such a physician learns day by day from the Great
Physician how to watch and work for the saving of the souls and bodies of
men and women. The Saviour is present in the sickroom, in the operating
room; and His power for His name's glory accomplishes great things. {CH
333.2}


The Physician Can Point to Jesus

The physician can do a noble work if he is connected with the Great
Physician. To the relatives of the sick, whose hearts are full of sympathy
for the sufferer, he may find opportunity to speak the words of life; and he
can soothe and uplift the mind of the sufferer by leading him to look to the
One who can save to the uttermost all who come to Him for salvation. {CH
333.3}

When the Spirit of God works on the mind of the afflicted one, leading
him to inquire for truth, let the physician work for the precious soul as
Christ would work for it. Do not urge upon him any special doctrine, but
point him to Jesus as the sin-pardoning Saviour. Angels of God will impress
the mind. Some will refuse to be

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illuminated by the light which God would let shine into the chambers of the
mind and into the soul temple; but many will respond to the light, and from
these minds deception and error in their various forms will be swept away.
{CH 333.4}

Every opportunity of working as Christ worked should be carefully
improved. The physician should talk of the works of healing wrought by
Christ, of His tenderness and love. He should believe that Jesus is his
companion, close by his side. "We are laborers together with God." 1
Corinthians 3:9. Never should the physician neglect to direct the minds of
his patients to Christ, the Chief Physician. If he has the Saviour abiding
in his own heart, his thoughts will ever be directed to the Healer of soul
and body. He will lead the minds of sufferers to Him who can restore, who,
when on earth, restored the sick to health and healed the soul as well as
the body, saying, "Son, thy sins be forgiven thee." Mark 2:5. {CH 334.1}

Never should familiarity with suffering cause the physician to become
careless or unsympathetic. In cases of dangerous illness, the afflicted one
feels that he is at the mercy of the physician. He looks to that physician
as his only earthly hope, and the physician should ever point the trembling
soul to One who is greater than himself, even the Son of God, who gave His
life to save him from death, who pities the sufferer, and who by His divine
power will give skill and wisdom to all who ask Him. {CH 334.2}

When the patient knows not how his case will turn is the time for the
physician to impress the mind. He should not do this with a desire to
distinguish himself, but that he may point the soul to Christ as a personal
Saviour. If the life is spared, there is a soul for that physician to watch
for. The patient feels that the physician is the very life of his life. And
to what purpose should this great confidence

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be employed? Always to win a soul to Christ and magnify the power of God.
{CH 334.3}


Let Praise Be Given to God

When the crisis has passed and success is apparent, be the patient a
believer or an unbeliever, let a few moments be spent with him in prayer.
Give expression to your thankfulness for the life that has been spared. The
physician who follows such a course carries his patient to the One upon whom
he is dependent for life. Words of gratitude may flow from the patient to
the physician, for through God he has bound this life up with his own; but
let the praise and thanksgiving be given to God, as to One who is present
though invisible. {CH 335.1}

On the sickbed Christ is often accepted and confessed; and this will be
done oftener in the future than it has been in the past, for a quick work
will the Lord do in our world. Words of wisdom are to be on the lips of the
physician, and Christ will water the seed sown, causing it to bring forth
fruit unto eternal life. {CH 335.2}


A Word in Season

We lose the most precious opportunities by neglecting to speak a word
in season. Too often a precious talent that ought to produce a thousandfold
is left unused. If the golden privilege is not watched for it will pass.
Something was allowed to prevent the physician from doing his appointed work
as a minister of righteousness. {CH 335.3}

There are none too many godly physicians to minister in their
profession. There is much work to be done, and ministers and doctors are to
work in perfect union. Luke, the writer of the Gospel that bears his name,
is called the beloved physician, and those who do a work similar to that
which he did are living out the gospel.

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{CH 335.4}

Countless are the opportunities of the physician for warning the
impenitent, cheering the disconsolate and hopeless, and prescribing for the
health of mind and body. As he thus instructs the people in the principles
of true temperance, and as a guardian of souls gives advice to those who are
mentally and physically diseased, the physician is acting his part in the
great work of making ready a people prepared for the Lord. This is what
medical missionary work is to accomplish in its relation to the third
angel's message. {CH 336.1}

Ministers and physicians are to work harmoniously with earnestness to
save souls that are becoming entangled in Satan's snares. They are to point
men and women to Jesus, their righteousness, their strength, and the health
of their countenance. Continually they are to watch for souls. There are
those who are struggling with strong temptations, in danger of being
overcome in the fight with satanic agencies. Will you pass these by without
offering them assistance? If you see a soul in need of help, engage in
conversation with him even though you do not know him. Pray with him. Point
him to Jesus. {CH 336.2}

This work belongs just as surely to the doctor as to the minister. By
public and private effort the physician should seek to win souls to Christ.
{CH 336.3}

In all our enterprises and in all our institutions God is to be
acknowledged as the Master Worker. The physicians are to stand as His
representatives. The medical fraternity have made many reforms, and they are
still to advance. Those who hold the lives of human beings in their hands
should be educated, refined, sanctified. Then will the Lord work through
them in mighty power to glorify His name.


(337) {CH 336.4}


The Sphere of Leading Physicians [REVIEW AND HERALD, AUG. 13,
1914.]


Precious light has been given me concerning our sanitarium workers.
These workers are to stand in moral dignity before God. Physicians make a
mistake when they confine themselves exclusively to the routine of
sanitarium work, because they consider their presence essential to the
welfare of the institution. Every physician should see the necessity of
exerting all the influence the Lord has given him in as wide a sphere as
possible; he is required to let his light shine before men, that they may
see his good works and glorify the Father who is in heaven. {CH 337.1}

The head physicians in our sanitariums are not to exclude themselves
from the work of speaking the truth to others. Their light is not to be
hidden under a bushel, but placed where it can benefit believers and
unbelievers. The Saviour said of His representatives: "Ye are the salt of
the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be
salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be
trodden underfoot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set
on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a
bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the
house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good
works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:13-16. This is
a work that is strangely neglected, and because of this neglect, souls will
be lost. Wake up, my brethren, wake up! {CH 337.2}


Their Light to Shine Abroad

Our leading physicians do not glorify God when they confine their
talents and their influence to one institution.

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It is their privilege to show to the world that health reformers carry a
decided influence for righteousness and truth. They should make themselves
known outside of the institutions where they labor. It is their duty to give
the light to all whom they can possibly reach. While the sanitarium may be
their special field of labor, yet there are other places of importance that
need their influence. To physicians the instruction is given: Let your light
shine forth among men. Let every talent be used to meet unbelievers with
wise counsel and instruction. If our Christian physicians will consider that
there must be no daubing with untempered mortar and will learn to handle
wisely the subjects of Bible truth, seeking to present its importance on
every possible occasion, much prejudice will be broken down and souls will
be reached.... {CH 337.3}

We are not to be an obscure church, but we are to let the light shine
forth, that the world may receive it. "I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy
in My people," God declares through His servant Isaiah. Isaiah 65:19. These
words will be proved true when those who are capable of standing in
positions of responsibility let the light shine forth. Our leading
physicians have a work to do outside the compass of our own people. Their
influence is not to be limited. Christ's methods of labor are to become
their methods, and they are to learn to practice the teachings of His word.
Everyone who stands at the head of an institution is under sacred obligation
to God to show forth the light of present truth in increasingly bright rays
in every place where opportunity offers. {CH 338.1}

The workers in our sanitariums are not to think that the prosperity of
the institution depends upon the influence of the head physician alone.
There should be in every institution men and women who will exert a
righteous,

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refining influence, and who are capable of carrying responsibilities. The
chief responsibilities should be shared by several workers, in order that
the leading physician may not be confined too closely to his practice. He
should be given opportunity to go where there is need of words of counsel
and encouragement to be spoken. As a representative of the Chief Physician,
now in the heavenly courts, he is to speak to new congregations, to broaden
his experience. He needs to be constantly receiving new ideas, constantly
imparting of his store of knowledge, constantly receiving from the Source of
all wisdom. We need ever to keep ourselves in a position where we can
receive increased light, have new and deeper thoughts, and obtain clearer
views of the close relation that must exist between God and His people. And
we obtain these views and these ideas by association with those to whom we
are called to speak words of mercy and pardoning grace. {CH 338.2}

In all our work there should be kept in view the value of the exchange
of talents. Strenuous efforts are to be put forth to reach souls and win
them to the truth. We are required to make known the principles of health
reform in the large gatherings of our people at our camp meetings. A variety
of gifts is needed on these occasions, not only for the work of speaking
before those not of our faith, but to instruct our own people how to work in
order to secure the best success. Let our physicians learn how to take part
in this work--a work by which they give to the world bright rays of light.

(340) {CH 339.1}


Ready for Every Good Work [HEALTH, PHILANTHROPIC, AND MEDICAL
MISSIONARY WORK, PAGES 36-40 (1892).]


The Lord will hear and answer the prayer of the Christian physician,
and he may reach an elevated standard if he will but lay hold upon the hand
of Christ and determine that he will not let go. Golden opportunities are
open to the Christian physician, for he may exert a precious influence upon
those with whom he is brought in contact. He may guide and mold and fashion
the lives of his patients by holding before them heavenly principles. {CH
340.1}

The physician should let men see that he does not regard his work as of
a cheap order, but looks upon it as high, noble, elevated work, even that to
which is attached the sacred accountability of dealing with both the souls
and the bodies of those for whom Christ has paid the infinite price of His
most precious blood. If the physician has the mind of Christ, he will be
cheerful, hopeful, and happy, but not trifling. He will realize that
heavenly angels accompany him to the sickroom and will find words to speak
readily, truthfully, to his patients, that will cheer and bless them. His
faith will be full of simplicity, of childlike confidence in the Lord. He
will be able to repeat to the repenting soul the gracious promises of God
and thus place the trembling hand of the afflicted ones in the hand of
Christ, that they may find repose in God. {CH 340.2}

Thus, through the grace imparted to him, the physician will fulfill his
heavenly Father's claims upon him. In delicate and perilous operations he
may know that Jesus is by his side to counsel, to strengthen, to nerve him
to act with precision and skill in his efforts to save human

341
life. If the presence of God is not in the sickroom, Satan will be there to
suggest perilous experiments and will seek to unbalance the nerves, so that
life will be destroyed rather than saved. {CH 340.3}

A physician occupies a more important position, because of dealing with
morbid souls, diseased minds, and afflicted bodies, than does the minister
of the gospel. The physician can present an elevated standard of Christian
character, if he will be instant in season and out of season. He is thus a
missionary for the Lord, doing the Master's work with fidelity, and will
receive a reward by and by. {CH 341.1}

Let the Christian keep his own counsel and divulge no secret to
unbelievers. Let him communicate no secret that will disparage God's people.
Guard your thoughts, close the door to temptation. Do your work as in the
sight of the divine Watcher. Work patiently, expecting that, through the
grace of Christ, you will make a success in your profession. Keep up the
barriers which the Lord has erected for your safety. Keep your heart with
all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life, or of death. {CH 341.2}

A physician should attend strictly to his professional work. He should
not allow anything to come in to divert his mind from his business, or to
take his attention from those who are looking to him for relief from
suffering. An assuring and hopeful word spoken in season to the sufferer
will often relieve his mind and win for the physician a place in his
confidence. Kindness and courtesy should be manifested; but the common,
cheap talk which is so customary even among some who claim to be Christians,
should not be heard in our institutions. The only way for us to become truly
courteous, without affectation, without undue familiarity, is to drink in
the spirit of Christ, to heed the injunction, "Be ye holy; for I am holy."

342
1 Peter 1:16. If we act upon the principles laid down in the word of God, we
shall have no inclination to indulge in undue familiarity. {CH 341.3}

The workers in our institutions should be living examples of what they
desire those to be who are patients in the institution. A right spirit and a
holy life are a constant instruction to others. The hollowhearted courtesy
of the fashionable world is of no value in the sight of Him by whom actions
are weighed. There should be no partiality and no hypocrisy. The physician
should be ready for every good work. If his life is hid with Christ in God,
he will be a missionary in the highest sense. {CH 342.1}

When they are together, Christian physicians will conduct themselves as
sons of God. They will realize that they are engaged to work in the same
vineyard, and selfish barriers will be broken down. For each other they will
feel a deep interest, untainted with selfishness. He who is himself a
reformer can accomplish good in seeking to reform others. By precept and
example he can be a savor of life unto life. Would that the curtain could be
rolled back, and we could see how interestedly the angels of God are looking
upon the institutions for the treatment of the sick. The work in which the
physician is engaged --standing between the living and the dead--is of
special importance. {CH 342.2}

God has given a great work into the hand of physicians. The afflicted
children of men are in a degree at their mercy. How the patient watches him
who cares for his physical welfare. The actions and words, the very
expressions of the physician's countenance, are matters of study. What
gratitude springs up in the heart of the suffering one when his pain is
relieved through the efforts

343
of his faithful physician. The patient feels that his life is in the hands
of him who thus ministers to him, and the physician or the nurse can then
easily approach him on religious subjects. If the sufferer is under the
control of divine influences, how gently can the Christian physician or
nurse drop the precious seeds of truth into the garden of the heart. He can
bring the promise of God before the soul of the helpless one. If the
physician has religion, he can impart the fragrance of heavenly grace to the
softened and subdued heart of the suffering one. He can direct the thoughts
of his patient to the Great Physician. He can present Jesus to the sin-sick
soul. {CH 342.3}

How often the physician is made a confidant, and griefs and trials are
laid open before him by the sick. At such a time what precious opportunities
are afforded to speak words of comfort and consolation in the fear and love
of God, and to impart Christian counsel. Deep love for souls for whom Christ
died should imbue the physician. In the fear of God I tell you that none but
a Christian physician can rightly discharge the duties of this sacred
profession. {CH 343.1}


Bearing Witness to the Truth

Our sanitariums are to be established for one object --the proclamation
of the truth for this time. And they are to be so conducted that a decided
impression in favor of the truth will be made on the minds of those who come
to them for treatment. The conduct of each worker is to tell on the side of
right. We have a warning message to bear to the world, and our earnestness,
our devotion to God's service, are to bear witness to the
truth.--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 200 (1904).

(344) {CH 343.2}


Mind Cure [THE MINISTRY OF HEALING, PAGES 241-244
(1905).]


The relation that exists between the mind and the body is very
intimate. When one is affected, the other sympathizes. The condition of the
mind affects the health to a far greater degree than many realize. Many of
the diseases from which men suffer are the result of mental depression.
Grief, anxiety, discontent, remorse, guilt, distrust, all tend to break down
the life forces and to invite decay and death. {CH 344.1}

Disease is sometimes produced, and is often greatly aggravated, by the
imagination. Many are lifelong invalids who might be well if they only
thought so. Many imagine that every slight exposure will cause illness, and
the evil effect is produced because it is expected. Many die from disease,
the cause of which is wholly imaginary. {CH 344.2}

Courage, hope, faith, sympathy, love, promote health and prolong life.
A contented mind, a cheerful spirit, is health to the body and strength to
the soul. "A merry [rejoicing] heart doeth good like a medicine." Proverbs
17:22. {CH 344.3}

In the treatment of the sick, the effect of mental influence should not
be overlooked. Rightly used, this influence affords one of the most
effective agencies for combating disease. {CH 344.4}


Control of Mind Over Mind

There is, however, a form of mind cure that is one of the most
effective agencies for evil. Through this so-called science, one mind is
brought under the control of another, so that the individuality of the
weaker is merged in that of the stronger mind. One person acts out the will
of another. Thus it is claimed that the tenor of the thoughts

345
may be changed, that health-giving impulses may be imparted and patients may
be enabled to resist and overcome disease. {CH 344.5}

This method of cure has been employed by persons who were ignorant of
its real nature and tendency, and who believed it to be a means of benefit
to the sick. But the so-called science is based upon false principles. It is
foreign to the nature and spirit of Christ. It does not lead to Him who is
life and salvation. The one who attracts minds to himself leads them to
separate from the true Source of their strength. {CH 345.1}

It is not God's purpose that any human being should yield his mind and
will to the control of another, becoming a passive instrument in his hands.
No one is to merge his individuality in that of another. He is not to look
to any human being as the source of healing. His dependence must be in God.
In the dignity of his God-given manhood, he is to be controlled by God
Himself, not by any human intelligence. {CH 345.2}

God desires to bring men into direct relation with Himself. In all His
dealings with human beings He recognizes the principle of personal
responsibility. He seeks to encourage a sense of personal dependence, and to
impress the need of personal guidance. He desires to bring the human into
association with the divine, that men may be transformed into the divine
likeness. Satan works to thwart this purpose. He seeks to encourage
dependence upon men. When minds are turned away from God, the tempter can
bring them under his rule. He can control humanity. {CH 345.3}

The theory of mind controlling mind was originated by Satan to
introduce himself as the chief worker, to put human philosophy where divine
philosophy should

346
be. Of all the errors that are finding acceptance among professedly
Christian people, none is a more dangerous deception, none more certain to
separate man from God, than is this. Innocent though it may appear, if
exercised upon patients it will tend to their destruction, not to their
restoration. It opens a door through which Satan will enter to take
possession both of the mind that is given up to be controlled by another,
and of the mind that controls. {CH 345.4}

Fearful is the power thus given to evil-minded men and women. What
opportunities it affords to those who live by taking advantage of other's
weaknesses or follies! How many, through control of minds feeble or
diseased, will find a means of gratifying lustful passion or greed of gain!
{CH 346.1}

There is something better for us to engage in than the control of
humanity by humanity. The physician should educate the people to look from
the human to the divine. Instead of teaching the sick to depend upon human
beings for the cure of soul and body, he should direct them to the One who
can save to the uttermost all who come unto Him. He who made man's mind
knows what the mind needs. God alone is the one who can heal. Those whose
minds and bodies are diseased are to behold in Christ the restorer. "Because
I live," He says, "ye shall live also." This is the life we are to present
to the sick, telling them that if they have faith in Christ as the restorer,
if they co-operate with Him, obeying the laws of health and striving to
perfect holiness in His fear, He will impart to them His life. When we
present Christ to them in this way, we are imparting a power, a strength,
that is of value; for it comes from above. This is the true science of
healing for body and soul.


(347) {CH 346.2}


Christlike Compassion [TESTIMONIES FOR THE CHURCH, VOL. 3, PP.
178-184 (1872).]


I was shown that the physicians at our Institute should be men and
women of faith and spirituality. They should make God their trust. There are
many who come to the Institute who have, by their own sinful indulgence,
brought upon themselves disease of almost every type. This class do not
deserve the sympathy that they frequently require. And it is painful to the
physicians to devote time and strength to this class, who are debased
physically, mentally, and morally. {CH 347.1}

But there is a class who have, through ignorance, lived in violation of
nature's laws. They have worked intemperately and have eaten intemperately,
because it was the custom to do so. Some have suffered many things from many
physicians, but have not been made better, but decidedly worse. At length
they are torn from business, from society, and from their families; and as
their last resort, they come to the Health Institute, with some faint hope
that they may find relief. This class need sympathy. They should be treated
with the greatest tenderness, and care should be taken to make clear to
their understanding the laws of their being, that they may, by ceasing to
violate them, and by governing themselves, avoid suffering and disease, the
penalty of nature's violated law. . . . {CH 347.2}

Remember Christ, who came in direct contact with suffering humanity.
Although, in many cases, the afflicted had brought disease upon themselves
by their sinful course in violating natural law, Jesus pitied their
weakness, and when they came to Him with disease the most loathsome,

348
He did not stand aloof for fear of contamination; He touched them and bade
disease give back. {CH 347.3}


Healing the Lepers

"And as He entered into a certain village, there met Him ten men that
were lepers, which stood afar off: and they lifted up their voices, and
said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when He saw them, He said unto
them, Go show yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as
they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was
healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on
his face at His feet, giving Him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus
answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There
are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And He
said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole." Luke
17:12-19. {CH 348.1}

Here is a lesson for us all. These lepers were so corrupted by disease
that they had been restricted from society lest they should contaminate
others. Their limits had been prescribed by the authorities. Jesus comes
within their sight, and in their great suffering, they cry unto Him who
alone has power to relieve them. Jesus bids them show themselves to the
priests. They have faith to start on their way, believing in the power of
Christ to heal them. As they go on their way, they realize that the horrible
disease has left them. But only one has feelings of gratitude, only one
feels his deep indebtedness to Christ for this great work wrought for him.
This one returns praising God, and in the greatest humiliation falls at the
feet of Christ, acknowledging with thankfulness the work wrought for him.
And this man was a stranger; the other nine were Jews.

349
{CH 348.2}

For the sake of this one man, who would make a right use of the
blessing of health, Jesus healed the whole ten. The nine passed on without
appreciating the work done and rendered no grateful thanks to Jesus for
doing the work. {CH 349.1}

Thus will the physicians of the Health Institute have their efforts
treated. But if, in their labor to help suffering humanity, one out of
twenty makes a right use of the benefits received and appreciates their
efforts in his behalf, the physicians should feel grateful and satisfied. If
one life out of ten is saved, and one soul out of one hundred is saved in
the kingdom of God, all connected with the Institute will be amply repaid
for all their efforts. All their anxiety and care will not be wholly lost.
If the King of glory, the Majesty of heaven, worked for suffering humanity,
and so few appreciated His divine aid, the physicians and helpers at the
Institute should blush to complain if their feeble efforts are not
appreciated by all and seem to be thrown away on some. . . . {CH 349.2}

To deal with men and women whose minds as well as bodies are diseased
is a nice work. Great wisdom is needed by the physicians at the Institute in
order to cure the body through the mind. But few realize the power that the
mind has over the body. A great deal of the sickness which afflicts humanity
has its origin in the mind, and can only be cured by restoring the mind to
health. There are very many more than we imagine who are sick mentally.
Heart sickness makes many dyspeptics, for mental trouble has a paralyzing
influence upon the digestive organs. {CH 349.3}

In order to reach this class of patients, the physician must have
discernment, patience, kindness, and love. A sore, sick heart, a discouraged
mind, needs mild treatment, and it is through tender sympathy that this
class of minds

350
can be healed. The physicians should first gain their confidence and then
point them to the all-healing Physician. If their minds can be directed to
the Burden Bearer and they can have faith that He will have an interest in
them, the cure of their diseased bodies and minds will be sure. {CH 349.4}


Patience and Sympathy

There will ever be things arising to annoy, perplex, and try the
patience of physicians and helpers. They must be prepared for this and not
become excited or unbalanced. They must be calm and kind, whatever may
occur. . . . They should ever consider that they are dealing with men and
women of diseased minds, who frequently view things in a perverted light and
yet are confident that they understand matters perfectly. {CH 350.1}

Physicians should understand that a soft answer turneth away wrath.
Policy must be used in an institution where the sick are treated, in order
to successfully control diseased minds and benefit the sick. If physicians
can remain calm amid a tempest of inconsiderate, passionate words, if they
can rule their own spirits when provoked and abused, they are indeed
conquerors. "He that ruleth his spirit" is better "than he that taketh a
city." Proverbs 16:32. To subdue self and bring the passions under the
control of the will is the greatest conquest that men and women can
achieve.--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, pp. 182, 183 (1872).


(351) {CH 350.2}


A Messenger of Mercy [TESTIMONIES FOR THE CHURCH, VOL. 7, PP.
72-75 (1902).]


The Christian physician is to be to the sick a messenger of mercy,
bringing to them a remedy for the sin-sick soul as well as for the diseased
body. As he uses the simple remedies that God has provided for the relief of
physical suffering, he is to speak of Christ's power to heal the maladies of
the soul. {CH 351.1}

How necessary that the physician live in close communion with the
Saviour! The sick and suffering with whom he deals need the help that Christ
alone can give. They need prayers indited by His Spirit. The afflicted one
leaves himself to the wisdom and mercy of the physician, whose skill and
faithfulness may be his only hope. Let the physician, then, be a faithful
steward of the grace of God, a guardian of the soul as well as of the body.
{CH 351.2}

The physician who has received wisdom from above, who knows that Christ
is His personal Saviour, because he has himself been led to the Refuge,
knows how to deal with the trembling, guilty, sin-sick souls who turn to him
for help. He can respond with assurance to the inquiry, "What must I do to
be saved?" He can tell the story of the Redeemer's love. He can speak from
experience of the power of repentance and faith. As he stands by the bedside
of the sufferer, striving to speak words that will bring to him help and
comfort, the Lord works with him and through him. As the mind of the
afflicted one is fastened on the Mighty Healer, the peace of Christ fills
his heart, and the spiritual health that comes to him is used as the helping
hand of God in restoring the health of the body. {CH 351.3}

Precious are the opportunities that the physician has of awakening in
the hearts of those with whom he is

352
brought in contact a sense of their great need of Christ. He is to bring
from the treasure house of the heart things new and old, speaking the words
of comfort and instruction that are longed for. Constantly he is to sow the
seeds of truth, not presenting doctrinal subjects, but speaking of the love
of the sin-pardoning Saviour. Not only should he give instruction from the
word of God, line upon line, precept upon precept; he is to moisten this
instruction with his tears and make it strong with his prayers, that souls
may be saved from death. {CH 351.4}

In their earnest, feverish anxiety to avert the peril of the body,
physicians are in danger of forgetting the peril of the soul. Physicians, be
on your guard, for at the judgment seat of Christ you must meet those at
whose deathbed you now stand. {CH 352.1}

The solemnity of the physician's work, his constant contact with the
sick and the dying, require that, so far as possible, he be removed from the
secular duties that others can perform. No unnecessary burdens should be
laid on him, that he may have time to become acquainted with the spiritual
needs of his patients. His mind should be ever under the influence of the
Holy Spirit, that he may be able to speak in season the words that will
awaken faith and hope. {CH 352.2}

At the bedside of the dying no word of creed or controversy is to be
spoken. The sufferer is to be pointed to the One who is willing to save all
who come to Him in faith. Earnestly, tenderly, strive to help the soul that
is hovering between life and death. {CH 352.3}


Direct the Mind to Jesus

The physician should never lead his patients to fix their attention on
him. He is to teach them to grasp with the hand of faith the outstretched
hand of the Saviour.

353
Then the mind will be illuminated with the light radiating from the Sun of
Righteousness. What physicians attempt to do, Christ did in deed and in
truth. They try to save life; He is life itself. {CH 352.4}

The physician's effort to lead the minds of his patients to healthy
action must be free from all human enchantment. It must not grovel to
humanity, but soar aloft to the spiritual, grasping the things of eternity.
{CH 353.1}

The physician should not be made the object of unkind criticism. This
places on him an unnecessary burden. His cares are heavy, and he needs the
sympathy of those connected with him in the work. He is to be sustained by
prayer. The realization that he is appreciated will give him hope and
courage. {CH 353.2}


Sin and Disease

The intelligent Christian physician has a constantly increasing
realization of the connection between sin and disease. He strives to see
more and more clearly the relation between cause and effect. He sees that
those who are taking the nurses' course should be given a thorough education
in the principles of health reform; that they should be taught to be
strictly temperate in all things, because carelessness in regard to the laws
of health is inexcusable in those set apart to teach others how to live. {CH
353.3}

When a physician sees that a patient is suffering from an ailment
caused by improper eating and drinking, yet neglects to tell him of this,
and to point out the need of reform, he is doing a fellow being an injury.
Drunkards, maniacs, those who are given over to licentiousness--all appeal
to the physician to declare clearly and distinctly that suffering is the
result of sin. We have received great light on health reform. Why, then, are
we not more

354
decidedly in earnest in striving to counteract the causes that produce
disease? Seeing the continual conflict with pain, laboring constantly to
alleviate suffering, how can our physicians hold their peace? Can they
refrain from lifting the voice in warning? Are they benevolent and merciful
if they do not teach strict temperance as a remedy for disease? {CH 353.4}

Physicians, study the warning which Paul gave to the Romans: "I beseech
you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies
a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable
service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the
renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable,
and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:1, 2. {CH 354.1}


Physicians to Conserve Their Strength

Physicians should not be overworked, and their nervous systems
prostrated; for this condition of body will not be favorable to calm minds,
steady nerves, and a cheerful, happy spirit. . . . {CH 354.2}

The privilege of getting away from the Health Institute should
occasionally be accorded to all the physicians, especially to those who bear
burdens and responsibilities. If there is such a scarcity of help that this
cannot be done, more help should be secured. To have physicians overworked
and thus disqualified to perform the duties of their profession is a thing
to be dreaded. It should be prevented if possible, for its influence is
against the interests of the Institute. The physicians should keep well.
They must not get sick by overlabor, or by any imprudence on their
part.--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 182 (1872).


(355) {CH 354.3}


A Work That Will Endure [TESTIMONIES FOR THE CHURCH, VOL. 8, PP.
195-200 (1903).]


Saint Helena, California, June 25, 1903.

To Our Sanitarium Physicians--
My dear Brethren: Those who stand in responsible positions in the work
of the Lord are represented as watchmen on the walls of Zion. God calls upon
them to sound an alarm among the people. Let it be heard in all the plain.
The day of woe, of wasting and destruction, is upon all who do
unrighteousness. With special severity will the Lord's hand fall upon the
watchmen who have failed to place before the people in clear lines their
obligation to Him who by creation and by redemption is their owner. {CH
355.1}

My brethren, the Lord calls upon you to examine the heart closely. He
calls upon you to adorn the truth in your daily practice, and in all your
dealings with one another. He requires of you a faith that works by love and
purifies the soul. It is dangerous for you to trifle with the sacred demands
of conscience, dangerous for you to set an example that leads others in a
wrong direction. {CH 355.2}

Christians should carry with them, wherever they go, the sweet
fragrance of Christ's righteousness, showing that they are complying with
the invitation, "Learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall
find rest unto your souls." Matthew 11:29, 30. Are you learning daily in the
school of Christ--learning how to dismiss doubt and evil surmisings,
learning how to be fair and noble in your dealings with your brethren, for
your own sake and for Christ's sake? {CH 355.3}


Present Truth Leads Upward

Present truth leads onward and upward, gathering in the needy, the
oppressed, the suffering, the destitute.

356
All that will come are to be brought into the fold. In their lives there is
to take place a reformation that will constitute them members of the royal
family, children of the heavenly King. By hearing the message of truth, men
and women are led to accept the Sabbath and to unite with the church by
baptism. They are to bear God's sign by observing the Sabbath of creation.
They are to know for themselves that obedience to God's commandments means
eternal life. {CH 355.4}

Means and earnest labor may be safely invested in such a work as this,
for it is a work that will endure. Thus those who have been dead in
trespasses and sins are brought into fellowship with the saints and are made
to sit in heavenly places with Christ. Their feet are placed on a sure
foundation. They are enabled to reach a high standard, even the loftiest
heights of faith, because Christians make straight paths for their feet,
lest the lame be turned out of the way. {CH 356.1}


All to Act a Part

Every church should labor for the perishing within its own borders and
for those outside its borders. The members are to shine as living stones in
the temple of God, reflecting heavenly light. No random, haphazard,
desultory work is to be done. To get fast hold of souls ready to perish
means more than praying for a drunkard, and then, because he weeps and
confesses the pollution of his soul, declaring him saved. Over and over
again the battle must be fought. {CH 356.2}

Let the members of every church feel it their special duty to labor for
those in their neighborhood. Let each one who claims to stand under the
banner of Christ feel that he has entered into covenant relation with God,
to do the work of the Saviour. Let not those who take up

357
this work become weary in well-doing. When the redeemed stand before God,
precious souls will respond to their names who are there because of the
faithful, patient efforts put forth in their behalf, the entreaties and
earnest persuasions to flee to the Stronghold. Thus those who in this world
have been laborers together with God will receive their reward. {CH 356.3}

The ministers of the popular churches will not allow the truth to be
presented to the people from their pulpits. The enemy leads them to resist
the truth with bitterness and malice. Falsehoods are manufactured. Christ's
experience with the Jewish rulers is repeated. Satan strives to eclipse
every ray of light shining from God to His people. He works through the
ministers as he worked through the priests and rulers in the days of Christ.
Will those who know the truth join his party, to hinder, embarrass, and turn
aside those who are trying to work in God's appointed way to advance His
work, to plant the standard of truth in the regions of darkness? {CH 357.1}


The Message for This Time

The third angel's message, embracing the messages of the first and
second angels, is the message for this time. We are to raise aloft the
banner on which is inscribed, "The commandments of God, and the faith of
Jesus." The world is soon to meet the great Lawgiver over His broken law.
This is not the time to put out of sight the great issues before us. God
calls upon His people to magnify the law and make it honorable. {CH 357.2}

When the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted
for joy, the Sabbath was given to the world, that man might ever remember
that in six days God created the world. He rested upon the seventh day,
blessing it as the day of His rest, and gave it to the beings

358
He had created, that they might remember Him as the true and living God. {CH
357.3}

By His mighty power, notwithstanding the opposition of Pharaoh, God
delivered His people from Egypt, that they might keep the law which had been
given in Eden. He brought them to Sinai to hear the proclamation of this
law. {CH 358.1}

By proclaiming the Ten Commandments to the children of Israel with His
own voice, God demonstrated their importance. In awful grandeur He made
known His majesty and authority as Ruler of the world. This He did to
impress the people with the sacredness of His law and the importance of
obeying it. The power and glory with which the law was given reveal its
importance. It is the faith once delivered to the saints by Christ our
Redeemer speaking from Sinai. {CH 358.2}


The Sign of Our Relationship to God

By the observance of the Sabbath, the children of Israel were to be
distinguished from all other nations. "Verily My Sabbaths ye shall keep,"
Christ said, "for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your
generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you."
"It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever: for in six days
the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He rested, and was
refreshed." "Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to
observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant."
Exodus 31:13, 17, 16. {CH 358.3}

The Sabbath is a sign of the relationship existing between God and His
people--a sign that they are His obedient subjects, that they keep holy His
law. The observance of the Sabbath is the means ordained by God of
preserving a knowledge of Himself and of distinguishing

359
between His loyal subjects and the transgressors of His law. {CH 358.4}

This is the faith once delivered to the saints, who stand in moral
power before the world, firmly maintaining this faith. {CH 359.1}

Opposition we shall have as we voice the message of the third angel.
Satan will bring in every possible device to make of no effect the faith
once delivered to the saints. "Many shall follow their pernicious ways; by
reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through
covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose
judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth
not." 2 Peter 2:2, 3. But in spite of opposition, all are to hear the words
of truth. {CH 359.2}

The law of God is the foundation of all enduring reformation. We are to
present to the world in clear, distinct lines the need of obeying this law.
Obedience to God's law is the greatest incentive to industry, economy,
truthfulness, and just dealing between man and man. {CH 359.3}


The Foundation of Enduring Reformation

The law of God is to be the means of education in the family. Parents
are under a most solemn obligation to obey this law, setting their children
an example of the strictest integrity. Men in responsible positions, whose
influence is far-reaching, are to guard well their ways and works, keeping
the fear of the Lord ever before them. "The fear of the Lord is the
beginning of wisdom." Psalm 111:10. Those who hearken diligently to the
voice of the Lord and cheerfully keep His commandments will be among the
number who see God. "The Lord commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear
the Lord our God, for our good always, that He might preserve us alive, as
it is

360
at this day. And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all
these commandments before the Lord our God, as He hath commanded us."
Deuteronomy 6:24, 25. {CH 359.4}

Our work as believers in the truth is to present before the world the
immutability of the law of God. Ministers and teachers, physicians and
nurses, are bound by covenant with God to present the importance of obeying
His law. We are to be distinguished as a people who keep the commandments.
The Lord has stated explicitly that He has a work to be done for the world.
How shall it be done? Let us seek to find the best way and then perform the
will of the Lord. {CH 360.1}


Each One in His Place

The physicians of the Health Institute should not feel compelled to do
work that helpers can do. They should not serve in the bathroom or in the
movement room, expending their vitality in doing what others might do. There
should be no lack of helpers to nurse the sick and to watch with the feeble
ones who need watchers. The physicians should reserve their strength for the
successful performance of their professional duties. They should tell others
what to do. If there is a want of those whom they can trust to do these
things, suitable persons should be employed and properly instructed, and
suitably remunerated for their services.--Testimonies for the Church, vol.
3, pp. 177, 178 (1872).


(361) {CH 360.2}

Dangers and Opportunities [SPECIAL TESTIMONIES, SERIES B, NO. 15, PP.
11-15 (1907).]


Sanitarium, California, June 3, 1907.
The physician stands in a difficult place. Strong temptations will come
to him, and unless kept by the power of God, that which he hears and sees in
his work will discourage his heart and pollute his soul. His thoughts should
be constantly uplifted to God. This is his only safety. {CH 361.1}

Countless are the opportunities that a physician has for winning souls
to God, for cheering the discouraged and relieving the despair that comes to
the soul when the body is tortured with pain. {CH 361.2}

But some who have chosen the medical profession are too easily led away
from the duties resting upon the physician. Some by misuse enfeeble their
powers, so that they cannot render to God perfect service. They place
themselves where they cannot act with vigor, tact, and skill, and they do
not realize that by disregard to physical laws they bring upon themselves
inefficiency, and thus they rob and dishonor God. {CH 361.3}

Physicians should not allow their attention to be diverted from their
work; neither should they confine themselves so closely to professional work
that health will be injured. In the fear of God they should be wise in the
use of strength that God has given them. Never should they disregard the
means that God has provided for the preservation of health. It is their duty
to bring under the control of reason every power that God has given them.
{CH 361.4}


Value of Rest, Study, and Prayer

Of all men, the physician should, as far as possible, take regular
hours for rest. This will give him power of endurance to bear the taxing
burdens of his work. In his

362
busy life the physician will find that the searching of the Scriptures and
earnest prayer will give vigor of mind and stability of character. {CH
361.5}

Seek to meet the expectations of Jesus Christ. He will help in every
effort in the right direction. Remember that there is not an action of life,
nor a motive of the heart, that is not open to the grace of the Saviour. {CH
362.1}

The way to the throne of God is always open. You cannot always be on
your knees in prayer, but your silent petitions may constantly ascend to God
for strength and guidance. When tempted, as you will be, you may flee to the
secret place of the Most High. His everlasting arms will be underneath you.
Let these words cheer you, "Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have
not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white: for they
are worthy." Revelation 3:4. {CH 362.2}

When Christ is formed within, the hope of glory, you will be well
balanced, and you will not be changeable, but will rise above the influences
that discourage and discompose those who are not stayed upon Christ. You
will be able to prove that it is possible to be a wise, successful
physician, and at the same time an active Christian, serving the Lord in
sincerity. Godliness is the foundation of true dignity and completeness of
character. {CH 362.3}


Thoroughness and Promptness Essential

Unless the physicians in our sanitariums are men of thorough habits,
unless they attend promptly to their duties, their work will become a
reproach and the Lord's appointed agencies will lose their influence. By a
course of negligence to duty the physician humiliates the Great Physician,
of whom he should be a representative. Strict

363
hours should be kept with all patients, high and low. No careless neglect
should be allowed in any of the nurses. Ever be true to your word, prompt in
meeting your appointments, for this means much to the sick. {CH 362.4}


Refinement and Delicacy

Among Christian physicians there should ever be a striving for the
maintenance of the highest order of true refinement and delicacy, a
preservation of those barriers of reserve that should exist between men and
women. {CH 363.1}

We are living in a time when the world is represented as Noah's time,
and as in the time of Sodom. I am constantly shown the great dangers to
which youth, and men and women who have just reached manhood and womanhood,
and also men and women of mature years, are exposed, and I dare not hold my
peace. There is need of greater refinement, both in thought and association.
There is need of Christians' being more elevated and delicate in words and
deportment. {CH 363.2}

The work of the physician is of a character that if there is a
coarseness in his nature, it will be revealed. Therefore, the physician
should guard carefully his speech and avoid all commonness in his
conversation. Every patient he treats is reading the traits of his character
and the tone of his morals by his actions and conversation. {CH 363.3}

The light given me of the Lord regarding this matter is that as far as
possible lady physicians should care for lady patients, and gentlemen
physicians have the care of gentlemen patients. Every physician should
respect the delicacy of the patients. Any unnecessary exposure of ladies
before male physicians is wrong. Its influence is detrimental.

364
{CH 363.4}

Delicate treatments should not be given by male physicians to women in
our institutions. Never should a lady patient be alone with a gentleman
physician, either for special examination or for treatment. Let the
physicians be faithful in preserving delicacy and modesty under all
circumstances. {CH 364.1}

In our medical institutions there ought always to be women of mature
age and good experience who have been trained to give treatments to the lady
patients. Women should be educated and qualified just as thoroughly as
possible to become practitioners in the delicate diseases which afflict
women, that their secret parts should not be exposed to the notice of men.
There should be a much larger number of lady physicians, educated not only
to act as trained nurses, but also as physicians. It is a most horrible
practice, this revealing the secret parts of women to men, or men being
treated by women. {CH 364.2}

Women physicians should utterly refuse to look upon the secret parts of
men. Women should be thoroughly educated to work for women, and men to work
for men. Let men know that they must go to their own sex and not apply to
lady physicians. It is an insult to women, and God looks upon these things
of commonness with abhorrence. {CH 364.3}

While physicians are called upon to teach social purity, let them
practice that delicacy which is a constant lesson in practical purity. Women
may do a noble work as practicing physicians; but when men ask a lady
physician to give them examinations and treatments which demand the exposure
of private parts, let her refuse decidedly to do this work. {CH 364.4}

In the medical work there are dangers which the physician should
understand and constantly guard against. Truly converted men are the ones
who should be

365
employed as physicians in our sanitariums. Some physicians are
self-sufficient and consider themselves able to guard their own ways;
whereas if they but knew themselves, they would feel their great need of
help from above, a higher intelligence. {CH 364.5}

Some medical men are unfit to act as physicians to women because of the
attitude they assume toward them. They take liberties until it becomes a
common thing with them to transgress the laws of chastity. Our physicians
should have the highest regard for the direction given by God to His church
when they were delivered from Egypt. This will keep them from becoming loose
in manners and careless in regard to the laws of chastity. All who live by
the laws given by God from Sinai may be safely trusted. {CH 365.1}


Skillful Midwives Needed

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

366
need and may have the wisdom of the Great Physician in their work. {CH
365.3}

We ought to have a school where women can be educated by women
physicians, to do the best possible work in treating the diseases of women.
{CH 366.1}

Among us as a people, the medical work should stand at its highest.
Physicians should bear in mind that it is their work to fit souls as well as
bodies for heavenly lives. Their service for God is to be uncorrupted by
evil practices. {CH 366.2}

Every practitioner should study carefully the word of God. Read the
story of the sons of Aaron in the tenth chapter of Leviticus, verses 1-11.
Here was a case where the use of wine benumbed the senses. The Lord demands
that the appetite and all the habits of life of the physician be kept under
strict control. While dealing with the bodies of their patients, they are to
constantly remember that the eye of God is upon their work. {CH 366.3}


The Causes of Disease to Be Understood

The most exalted part of the physician's work is to lead the men and
women under his care to see that the cause of disease is the violation of
the laws of health and to encourage them to higher and holier views of life.
Instruction should be given that will provide an antidote for the diseases
of the soul as well as for the sickness of the body. Only that sanitarium
will be a healthful institution where right principles are established. The
physician who, knowing the remedy for the diseases of the soul and body,
neglects the educational part of his work, will have to give an account of
his neglect in the day of judgment. Strict purity of language and every word
and action is to be guarded.


(367) {CH 366.4}


Dangers in Success [SPECIAL TESTIMONIES TO PHYSICIANS AND
HELPERS, PAGES 15-17 (1879).]


It is a dangerous age for any man who has talents which can be of value
in the work of God; for Satan is constantly plying his temptations upon such
a person, ever trying to fill him with pride and ambition; and when God
would use him, in nine cases out of ten he becomes independent,
self-sufficient, and feels capable of standing alone. This will be your
danger, Dr. ----, unless you live a life of constant faith and prayer. You
may have a deep and abiding sense of eternal things and that love for
humanity which Christ has shown in His life. A close connection with Heaven
will give the right tone to your fidelity and will be the ground of your
success. Your feeling of dependence will drive you to prayer and your sense
of duty summon you to effort. Prayer and effort, effort and prayer, will be
the business of your life. You must pray as though the efficiency and praise
were all due to God, and labor as though duty were all your own. If you want
power you may have it, as it is awaiting your draft upon it. Only believe in
God, take Him at His word, act by faith, and blessings will come. {CH 367.1}

In this matter, genius, logic, and eloquence will not avail. Those who
have a humble, trusting, contrite heart, God accepts and hears their prayer;
and when God helps, all obstacles will be overcome. How many men of great
natural abilities and high scholarship have failed when placed in positions
of responsibility, while those of feebler intellect, with less favorable
surroundings, have been wonderfully successful. The secret was, the former
trusted to themselves, while the latter united with Him who is

368
wonderful in counsel and mighty in working to accomplish what He will. {CH
367.2}

Your work being always urgent, it is difficult for you to secure time
for meditation and prayer; but this you must not fail to do. The blessing of
Heaven, obtained by daily supplication, will be as the bread of life to your
soul and will cause you to increase in spiritual and moral strength, like a
tree planted by the river of waters, whose leaf will be always green, and
whose fruit will appear in due time. {CH 368.1}

Your neglect to attend the public worship of God is a serious error.
The privileges of divine service will be as beneficial to you as to others
and are fully as essential. You may be unable to avail yourself of these
privileges as often as do many others. You will frequently be called, upon
the Sabbath, to visit the sick, and may be obliged to make it a day of
exhausting labor. Such labor to relieve the suffering was pronounced by our
Saviour a work of mercy and no violation of the Sabbath. But when you
regularly devote your Sabbaths to writing or labor, making no special
change, you harm your own soul, give to others an example that is not worthy
of imitation, and do not honor God. {CH 368.2}

You have failed to see the real importance, not only of attending
religious meetings, but also of bearing testimony for Christ and the truth.
If you do not obtain spiritual strength by the faithful performance of every
Christian duty, thus coming into a closer and more sacred relation to your
Redeemer, you will become weak in moral power.


(369) {CH 368.3}


The Bible Your Counselor [WORDS OF COUNSEL (1903).]


God would have all who profess to be gospel medical missionaries learn
diligently the lessons of the Great Teacher. This they must do if they would
find peace and rest. Learning of Christ, their hearts will be filled with
the peace that He alone can give. {CH 369.1}

The one book that is essential for all to study is the Bible. Studied
with reverence and godly fear, it is the greatest of all educators. In it
there is no sophistry. Its pages are filled with truth. Would you gain a
knowledge of God and Christ, whom He sent into the world to live and die for
sinners? An earnest, diligent study of the Bible is necessary in order to
gain this knowledge. {CH 369.2}

Many of the books piled up in the great libraries of earth confuse the
mind more than they aid the understanding. Yet men spend large sums of money
in the purchase of such books and years in their study, when they have
within their reach a Book containing the words of Him who is the Alpha and
Omega of wisdom. The time spent in a study of these books might better be
spent in gaining a knowledge of Him whom to know aright is life eternal.
Those only who gain this knowledge will at last hear the words, "Ye are
complete in Him." Colossians 2:10. {CH 369.3}

Study the Bible more and the theories of the medical fraternity less,
and you will have greater spiritual health. Your mind will be clearer and
more vigorous. Much that is embraced in a medical course is positively
unnecessary. Those who take a medical training spend a great deal of time in
learning that which is worthless. Many of the theories that they learn may
be compared in value to the traditions and maxims taught by the scribes and
Pharisees.

370
Many of the intricacies with which they have to become familiar are an
injury to their minds. {CH 369.4}

These things God has been opening before me for many years. In our
medical schools and institutions we need men who have a deeper knowledge of
the Scriptures, men who have learned the lessons taught in the word of God,
and who can teach these lessons to others, clearly and simply, just as
Christ taught His disciples the knowledge that He deemed most essential. {CH
370.1}

The Great Physician's Prescription for Rest

If our medical missionary workers would follow the Great Physician's
prescription for obtaining rest, a healing current of peace would flow
through their souls. Here is the prescription: "Come unto Me, all ye that
labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you,
and learn of Me; 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." Matthew
11:28-30. {CH 370.2}

When our medical missionary workers follow this prescription, gaining
from the Saviour power to reveal His characteristics, their scientific work
will have greater soundness. Because the word of God has been neglected,
strange things have been done in the medical missionary work of late. The
Lord cannot accept the present showing. {CH 370.3}

Study the word, which God in His wisdom and love and goodness has made
so plain and simple. The sixth chapter of John tells us what is meant by a
study of the word. The principles revealed in the Scriptures are to be
brought home to the soul. We are to eat the word of God; that is, we are not
to depart from its precepts. We are to bring its truths into our daily
lives, grasping the mysteries of godliness.

371
{CH 370.4}

Pray to God. Commune with Him. Prove the very mind of God, as those who
are striving for eternal life, and who must have a knowledge of His will.
You can reveal the truth only as you know it in Christ. You are to receive
and assimilate His words; they are to become part of yourselves. This is
what is meant by eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God.
You are to live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God; that
is, what God has revealed. Not all has been revealed; we could not bear such
a revelation. But God has revealed all that is necessary for our salvation.
We are not to leave His word for the suppositions of men. {CH 371.1}

Obtain an experimental knowledge of God by wearing the yoke of Christ.
He gives wisdom to the meek and lowly, enabling them to judge of what is
truth, bringing to light the why and wherefore, pointing out the result of
certain actions. The Holy Spirit teaches the student of the Scriptures to
judge all things by the standard of righteousness and truth and justice. The
divine revelation supplies him with the knowledge that he needs. {CH 371.2}

And the needed knowledge will be given to all who come to Christ,
receiving and practicing His teachings, making His words a part of their
lives. Those who place themselves under the instruction of the great Medical
Missionary, to be workers together with Him, will have a knowledge that the
world, with all its traditionary lore, cannot supply. {CH 371.3}

Make the Bible the man of your counsel. Your acquaintance with it will
grow rapidly if you keep your mind free from the rubbish of the world. The
more the Bible is studied, the deeper will be your knowledge of God. The
truths of His word will be written in your soul, making an ineffaceable
impression.

372
{CH 371.4}

Not only will the student himself be benefited by a study of the word
of God. His study is life and salvation to all with whom he associates. He
will feel a sacred responsibility to impart the knowledge that he receives.
His life will reveal the help and strength that he receives from communion
with the word. The sanctification of the Spirit will be seen in thought,
word, and deed. All that he says and does will proclaim that God is light
and in Him is no darkness at all. Of such ones the Lord Jesus can indeed
say, "Ye are laborers together with God." {CH 372.1}


Qualifications Needed

I was shown that physicians and helpers should be of the highest order,
those who have an experimental knowledge of the truth, who will command
respect, and whose word can be relied on. They should be persons who have
not a diseased imagination, persons who have perfect self-control, who are
not fitful or changeable, who are free from jealousy and evil surmising;
persons who have a power of will that will not yield to slight
indispositions, who are unprejudiced, who will think no evil, who think and
move calmly, considerately, having the glory of God and the good of others
ever before them. Never should one be exalted to a responsible position
merely because he desires it. Those only should be chosen who are qualified
for the position. Those who are to bear responsibilities should first be
proved and given evidence that they are free from jealousy, that they will
not take a dislike to this or that one, while they have a few favored
friends and take no notice of others. God grant that all may move just right
in that institution.--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 567 (1867).


(373) {CH 372.2}


Praying for the Sick [OUR CAMP MEETINGS, PAGES 44-48 (1892).]


In the matter of praying for the sick . . . I have been considering
many things that have been presented to me in the past in reference to this
subject. {CH 373.1}

Suppose that twenty men and women should present themselves as subjects
for prayer at some of our camp meetings, this would not be unlikely, for
those who are suffering will do anything in their power to obtain relief and
to regain strength and health. Of these twenty, few have regarded the light
on the subject of purity and health reform. They have neglected to practice
right principles in eating and drinking and in taking care of their bodies,
and some of those who are married have formed gross habits and indulged in
unholy practice, while of those who are unmarried, some have been reckless
of health and life, since in clear rays the light has shone upon them; but
they have not had respect unto the light, nor have they walked
circumspectly. Yet they solicit the prayers of God's people and call for the
elders of the church. {CH 373.2}

Should they regain the blessing of health, many of them would pursue
the same course of heedless transgression of nature's laws unless
enlightened and thoroughly transformed. . . . {CH 373.3}

Sin has brought many of them where they are--to a state of feebleness
of mind and debility of body. Shall prayer be offered to the God of heaven
for His healing to come upon them then and there, without specifying any
conditions? I say, No, decidedly no. What, then, shall be done? Present
their cases before Him who knows every individual by name. {CH 373.4}

Present these thoughts to the persons who come asking for your prayers:
We are human; we cannot read the

374
heart or know the secrets of your life. These are known only to yourself and
God. If you now repent of your sin, if any of you can see that in any
instance you have walked contrary to the light given you of God and have
neglected to give honor to the body, the temple of God, but by wrong habits
have degraded the body which is Christ's property, make confession of these
things to God. Unless you are wrought upon by the Holy Spirit in special
manner to confess your sins of private nature to man, do not breathe them to
any soul. {CH 373.5}

Christ is your Redeemer; He will take no advantage of your humiliating
confessions. If you have sin of a private character, confess it to Christ,
who is the only Mediator between God and man. "If any man sin, we have an
advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." 1 John 2:1. If you
have sinned by withholding from God His own in tithes and offerings, confess
your guilt to God and to the church, and heed the injunction that He has
given you: "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse." Malachi 3:10. . .
. {CH 374.1}


A Most Solemn Experience

Praying for the sick is a most solemn thing, and we should not enter
into this work in any careless, hasty way. Examination should be made as to
whether those who would be blessed with health have indulged in
evilspeaking, alienation, and dissension. Have they sowed discord among the
brethren and sisters of the church? If these things have been committed they
should be confessed before God and the church. When wrongs have been
confessed the subjects for prayer may be presented before God in earnestness
and faith, as the Spirit of God may move upon you.

375
{CH 374.2}

But it is not always safe to ask for unconditional healing. Let your
prayer include this thought: "Lord, Thou knowest every secret of the soul.
Thou art acquainted with these persons; for Jesus, their advocate, gave His
life for them. He loves them better than we possibly can. If, therefore, it
is for Thy glory and the good of these afflicted ones to raise them up to
health, we ask Thee in the name of Jesus, that health may be given them at
this time." In a petition of this kind, no lack of faith is manifested. {CH
375.1}

The Lord "doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men."
Lamentations 3:33. "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord
pitieth them that fear Him. For He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we
are dust." Psalm 103:13, 14. He knows our heart, for He reads every secret
of the soul. He knows whether or not those for whom petitions are offered
would be able to endure the trial and test that would come upon them if they
lived. He knows the end from the beginning. Many will be laid away to sleep
before the fiery ordeal of the time of trouble shall come upon our world.
This is another reason why we should say after our earnest petition;
"Nevertheless not my will, but Thine, be done." Luke 22:42. Such a petition
will never be registered in heaven as a faithless prayer. {CH 375.2}

The apostle was bidden to write, "Blessed are the dead which die in the
Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their
labors; and their works do follow them." Revelation 14:13. From this we can
see that all are not to be raised up; and if they are not raised to health
they should not be judged as unworthy of eternal life. If Jesus, the world's
Redeemer, prayed, "O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass

376
from Me," and added, "nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt" (Matthew
26:39), how very appropriate it is for finite mortals to make the same
surrender to the wisdom and will of God. {CH 375.3}


According to His Will

In praying for the sick, we are to pray that, if it is God's will, they
may be raised to health; but if not, that He will give them His grace to
comfort, His presence to sustain them in their suffering. {CH 376.1}

Many who should set their house in order neglect to do it when they
have hope that they will be raised to health in answer to prayer. Buoyed up
by a false hope, they do not feel the need of giving words of exhortation
and counsel to their children, parents, or friends, and it is a great
misfortune. Accepting the assurance that they would be healed when prayed
for, they dare not make a reference as to how their property shall be
disposed of, how their family is to be cared for, or express any wish
concerning matters of which they would speak if they thought they would be
removed by death. In this way disasters are brought upon the family and
friends, for many things that should be understood are left unmentioned
because they fear expression on these points would be denial of their faith.
Believing they will be raised to health by prayer, they fail to use hygienic
measures which are within their power to use, fearing it would be a denial
of their faith. {CH 376.2}

I thank the Lord that it is our privilege to co-operate with Him in the
work of restoration, availing ourselves of all the possible advantages in
the recovery of health. It is no denial of our faith to place ourselves in
the condition most favorable for recovery.


(377) {CH 376.3}


Submission and Faith [TESTIMONIES FOR THE CHURCH, VOL. 2, PP.
146-149 (1868).]


In such cases of affliction, where Satan has control of the mind,
before engaging in prayer there should be the closest self-examination to
discover if there are not sins which need to be repented of, confessed, and
forsaken. Deep humility of soul before God is necessary, and firm, humble
reliance upon the merits of the blood of Christ alone. Fasting and prayer
will accomplish nothing while the heart is estranged from God by a wrong
course of action. Read Isaiah 58:6, 7, 9-11. {CH 377.1}

It is heart work that the Lord requires, good works springing from a
heart filled with love. All should carefully and prayerfully . . .
investigate their motives and actions. The promise of God to us is on
condition of obedience, compliance with all His requirements. Read Isaiah
58:1-3.... {CH 377.2}


Faith and Calmness

I was shown that in case of sickness, where the way is clear for the
offering up of prayer for the sick, the case should be committed to the Lord
in calm faith, not with a storm of excitement. He alone is acquainted with
the past life of the individual and knows what his future will be. He who is
acquainted with the hearts of all men knows whether the person, if raised
up, would glorify His name or dishonor Him by backsliding and apostasy. All
that we are required to do is to ask God to raise the sick up if in
accordance with His will, believing that He hears the reasons which we
present and the fervent prayers offered. If the Lord sees it will best honor
Him, He will answer our prayers. But to urge recovery without submission to
His will is not right.

378
{CH 377.3}

What God promises He is able at any time to perform, and the work which
He gives His people to do He is able to accomplish by them. If they will
live according to every word He has spoken, every good word and promise will
be fulfilled unto them. But if they come short of perfect obedience, the
great and precious promises are afar off and they cannot reach the
fulfillment. {CH 378.1}

All that can be done in praying for the sick is to earnestly importune
God in their behalf, and in perfect confidence rest the matter in His hands.
If we regard iniquity in our hearts the Lord will not hear us. He can do
what He will with His own. He will glorify Himself by working in and through
them who wholly follow Him so that it shall be known that it is the Lord,
and that their works are wrought in God. {CH 378.2}


Faith and Obedience

Said Christ, "If any man serve Me, him will My Father honor." When we
come to Him we should pray that we might enter into and accomplish His
purpose, and that our desires and interests might be lost in His. We should
acknowledge our acceptance of His will, not praying Him to concede to ours.
It is better for us that God does not always answer our prayers just when we
desire and in just the manner we wish. He will do more and better for us
than to accomplish all our wishes; for our wisdom is folly. {CH 378.3}

We have united in earnest prayer around the sickbed of men, women, and
children, and have felt that they were given back to us from the dead in
answer to our earnest prayers. In these prayers we thought we must be
positive, and if we exercised faith, that we must ask for nothing less than
life. We dared not say, "If it will glorify God,"

379
fearing it would admit a semblance of doubt. We have anxiously watched those
who have been given back, as it were, from the dead. We have seen some of
these, especially youth, raised to health, and they have forgotten God,
become dissolute in life, causing sorrow and anguish to parents and friends,
and have become a shame to those who feared to pray. They lived not to honor
and glorify God, but to curse Him with their lives of vice. {CH 378.4}

We no longer mark out a way, nor seek to bring the Lord to our wishes.
If the life of the sick can glorify Him, we pray that they may live,
nevertheless, not as we will but as He will. Our faith can be just as firm,
and more reliable, by committing the desire to the all-wise God and, without
feverish anxiety, in perfect confidence trusting all to Him. We have the
promise. We know that He hears us if we ask according to His will. {CH
379.1}

Our petitions must not take the form of a command, but of intercession
for Him to do the things we desire of Him. When the church are united, they
will have strength and power; but when part of them are united to the world
and many are given to covetousness, which God abhors, He can do but little
for them. Unbelief and sin shut them away from God. We are so weak that we
cannot bear much spiritual prosperity, lest we take the glory and accredit
goodness and righteousness to ourselves as the reason of the signal blessing
of God, when it was all because of the great mercy and loving-kindness of
our compassionate heavenly Father and not because any good was found in us.


(380) {CH 379.2}


Faith and Works [HEALTH, PHILANTHROPIC, AND MEDICAL MISSIONARY WORK,
PAGES 51-54 (1892).]


In praying for the sick, it is essential to have faith; for it is in
accordance with the word of God. "The effectual fervent prayer of a
righteous man availeth much." James 5:16. So we cannot discard praying for
the sick, and we should feel very sad if we could not have the privilege of
approaching God, to lay before Him all our weaknesses and our infirmities,
to tell the compassionate Saviour all about these things, believing that He
hears our petitions. Sometimes answers to our prayers come immediately;
sometimes we have to wait patiently and continue earnestly to plead for the
things that we need, our cases being illustrated by the case of the
importunate solicitor for bread. "Which of you shall have a friend, and
shall go unto him at midnight," etc. This lesson means more than we can
imagine. We are to keep on asking, even if we do not realize the immediate
response to our prayers. "I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you;
seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For
everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that
knocketh it shall be opened." Luke 11:9, 10. {CH 380.1}

We need grace, we need divine enlightenment, that through the Spirit we
may know how to ask for such things as we need. If our petitions are indited
by the Lord they will be answered. {CH 380.2}

There are precious promises in the Scriptures to those who wait upon
the Lord. We all desire an immediate answer to our prayers and are tempted
to become discouraged if our prayer is not immediately answered. Now, my
experience has taught me that this is a great mistake. The delay is for our
special benefit. We have a chance to

381
see whether our faith is true and sincere or changeable like the waves of
the sea. We must bind ourselves upon the altar with the strong cords of
faith and love, and let patience have her perfect work. Faith strengthens
through continual exercise. This waiting does not mean that because we ask
the Lord to heal there is nothing for us to do. On the contrary, we are to
make the very best use of the means which the Lord in His goodness has
provided for us in our necessities. {CH 380.3}

I have seen so much of carrying matters to extremes, in praying for the
sick, that I have felt that this part of our experience requires much solid,
sanctified thinking, lest we shall make movements that we may call faith,
but which are really nothing less than presumption. Persons worn down with
affliction need to be counseled wisely, that they may move discretely; and
while they place themselves before God to be prayed for that they may be
healed, they are not to take the position that methods of restoration to
health in accordance with nature's laws are to be neglected. {CH 381.1}

If they take the position that in praying for healing they must not use
the simple remedies provided by God to alleviate pain and to aid nature in
her work, lest it be a denial of faith, they are taking an unwise position.
This is not a denial of faith; it is in strict harmony with the plans of
God. When Hezekiah was sick, the prophet of God brought him the message that
he should die. He cried unto the Lord, and the Lord heard His servant and
worked a miracle in his behalf, sending him a message that fifteen years
should be added to his life. Now, one word from God, one touch of the divine
finger, would have cured Hezekiah instantly, but special directions were

382
given to take a fig and lay it upon the affected part, and Hezekiah was
raised to life. In everything we need to move along the line of God's
providence. {CH 381.2}

The human agent should have faith and should cooperate with the divine
power, using every facility, taking advantage of everything that, according
to his intelligence, is beneficial, working in harmony with natural laws;
and in doing this he neither denies nor hinders faith. {CH 382.1}


Gratitude for Health

How often those who are in health forget the wonderful mercies that are
continued to them day by day, year after year. They render no tribute of
praise to God for all His benefits. But when sickness comes, God is
remembered. The strong desire for recovery leads to earnest prayer, and this
is right. God is our refuge in sickness as in health. But many do not leave
their cases with Him; they encourage weakness and disease by worrying about
themselves. If they would cease repining and rise above depression and
gloom, their recovery would be more sure. They should remember with
gratitude how long they enjoyed the blessing of health; and should this
precious boon be restored to them, they should not forget that they are
under renewed obligations to their Creator. When the ten lepers were healed,
only one returned to find Jesus and give Him glory. Let us not be like the
unthinking nine whose hearts were untouched by the mercy of
God. --Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 315 (1885).


(383) {CH 382.2}


The Physician's Influence [TESTIMONIES FOR THE CHURCH, VOL. 4, PP.
566-569 (1881).]


I have been shown that the physicians should come into a closer
connection with God and stand and work earnestly in His strength. They have
a responsible part to act. Not only the lives of the patients, but their
souls also, are at stake. Many who are benefited physically, may, at the
same time, be greatly helped spiritually. Both the health of the body and
the salvation of the soul are in a great degree dependent upon the course of
the physicians. It is of the utmost consequence that they are right, that
they have not only scientific knowledge, but the knowledge of God's will and
ways. Great responsibilities rest upon them. {CH 383.1}

My brethren, you should see and feel your responsibility, and, in view
of it, humble your souls before God and plead with Him for wisdom. You have
not realized how much the salvation of the souls of those whose bodies you
are seeking to relieve from suffering, depends upon your words, your actions
and deportment. You are doing work which must bear the test of the judgment.
You must guard your own souls from the sins of selfishness,
self-sufficiency, and self-confidence. {CH 383.2}


Draw Water From the Hidden Spring

You should preserve a true Christian dignity, but avoid all affection.
Be strictly honest in heart and life. Let faith, like the palm tree, strike
its penetrating roots beneath the things which do appear, and obtain
spiritual refreshment from the living springs of God's grace and mercy.
There is a well of water which springeth up into everlasting life. You must
draw your life from this hidden

384
spring. If you divest yourselves of selfishness and strengthen your souls by
constant communion with God, you may promote the happiness of all with whom
you come in contact. You will notice the neglected, inform the ignorant,
encourage the oppressed and desponding, and, as far as possible, relieve the
suffering. And you will not only point the way to heaven, but will walk in
that way yourselves. {CH 383.3}

Be not satisfied with superficial knowledge. Be not elated by flattery
nor depressed by faultfinding. Satan will tempt you to pursue such a course
that you may be admired and flattered; but you should turn away from his
devices. You are servants of the living God. {CH 384.1}

Your intercourse with the sick is an exhausting process and would
gradually dry up the very springs of life if there were no change, no
opportunity for recreation, and if angels of God did not guard and protect
you. If you could see the many perils through which you are conducted safely
every day by these messengers of Heaven, gratitude would spring up in your
hearts and find expression from your lips. If you make God your strength,
you may, under the most discouraging circumstances, attain a height and
breadth of Christian perfection which you hardly think it possible to reach.
Your thoughts may be elevated, you may have noble aspirations, clear
perceptions of truth, and purposes of action which shall raise you above all
sordid motives. {CH 384.2}

Both thought and action will be necessary if you would attain to
perfection of character. While brought in contact with the world you should
be on your guard that you do not seek too ardently for the applause of men
and live for their opinion. Walk carefully, if you would walk safely;
cultivate the grace of humility and hang your helpless souls upon Christ.
You may be, in every sense, men

385
of God. In the midst of confusion and temptation in the worldly crowd you
may, with perfect sweetness, keep the independence of the soul. {CH 384.3}


Daily Communion With God

If you are in daily communion with God, you will learn to place His
estimate upon men, and the obligations resting upon you to bless suffering
humanity will meet with a willing response. You are not your own; your Lord
has sacred claims upon your supreme affections and the very highest services
of your life. He has a right to use you in your body and in your spirit, to
the fullest extent of your capabilities, for His own honor and glory.
Whatever crosses you may be required to bear, whatever labors or sufferings
are imposed upon you by His hand, you are to accept without a murmur. {CH
385.1}

Those for whom you labor are your brethren in distress, suffering from
physical disorders and the spiritual leprosy of sin. If you are any better
than they, it is to be credited to the cross of Christ. Many are without God
and without hope in the world. They are guilty, corrupt, and degraded,
enslaved by Satan's devices. Yet these are the ones whom Christ came from
heaven to redeem. They are subjects for tenderest pity, sympathy, and
tireless effort, for they are on the verge of ruin. They suffer from
ungratified desires, disordered passions, and the condemnation of their own
consciences; they are miserable in every sense of the word, for they are
losing their hold on this life and have no prospect for the life to come.
{CH 385.2}


Be Active and Vigilant

You have an important field of labor, and you should be active and
vigilant, rendering cheerful and unqualified obedience to the Master's
calls. Ever bear in mind

386
that your efforts to reform others should be made in the spirit of
unwavering kindness. Nothing is ever gained by holding yourselves aloof from
those whom you would help. You should keep before the minds of patients the
fact that in suggesting reforms of their habits and customs you are
presenting before them that which is not to ruin but to save them; that,
while yielding up what they have hitherto esteemed and loved, they are to
build on a more secure foundation. While reform must be advocated with
firmness and resolution, all appearance of bigotry or an overbearing spirit
should be carefully shunned. Christ has given us precious lessons of
patience, forbearance, and love. Rudeness is not energy; nor is domineering,
heroism. The Son of God was persuasive. He was manifested to draw all men
unto Him. His followers must study His life more closely and walk in the
light of His example, at whatever sacrifice to self. Reform, continual
reform, must be kept before the people, and your example should enforce your
teachings. {CH 385.3}


Obedience and Happiness

Let it ever be kept before the mind that the great object of hygienic
reform is to secure the highest possible development of mind and soul and
body. All the laws of nature--which are the laws of God--are designed for
our good. Obedience to them will promote our happiness in this life and will
aid us in a preparation for the life to come.--Christian Temperance, page
120 (1890). {CH 386.1}




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[Joseph Meehan]

DRS PURNOMO wrote:

Well he really did not write, he or she just copies and paste.

He or she also appears to be so interested in all this stuff that he or
she will not support their quotes or respond to questions.

Sure sounds like a Troll to me.