- CHAPTER TEN -

1 – THE QUALIFICATION NEEDED

TO BECOME A MEDICAL MISSIONARY

CAN ONLY COME FROM THE GREAT PHYSICIAN: JESUS

2 – JESUS QUALIFIES THOSE OF HIS DISCIPLES

WHO WILL LIVE AND TEACH OBEDIENCE TO HIS LAWS

"The sick are to be healed through the combined efforts of the human and the divine. Every gift, every power, that Christ promised to His disciples, He bestows upon those who will serve Him faithfully."—Medical Ministry, 12.

"The providence of God had placed Jesus where He was; and He depended on His heavenly Father for means to relieve the necessity. When we are brought into strait places, we are to depend on God. In every emergency we are to seek help from Him who has infinite resources at His command.’’—Ministry of Healing, 48-49.

"We cannot heal. We cannot change the diseased conditions of the body. But it is our part, as medical missionaries, as workers together with God, to use the means that He has provided. Then we should pray that God will bless these agencies."—Medical Ministry, 13.

"Young men and young women, gather a stock of knowledge. Do not wait until some human examination pronounces you competent to work, but go out into the highways and hedges, and begin to work for God. Use wisely the knowledge you have. Exercise your ability with faithfulness, generously imparting the light that God gives you. Study how best to give to others peace and light and truth and the many other rich blessings of heaven. Constantly improve. Keep reaching higher and still higher. It is the ability to put to the tax the powers of mind and body, ever keeping eternal realities in view, that is of value now. Seek the Lord most earnestly, that you may become more and more refined, more spiritually cultured. Then you will have the very best diploma that anyone can have,—the endorsement of God."—7 Testimonies, 281.

"Christ identifies His interest with that of humanity. The work that bears the divine credentials is that which manifests the spirit of Jesus, which reveals His love, His carefulness, His tenderness in dealing with the minds of men."—Testimonies to Ministers, 184.

"There is a work to be done in all our cities, and those who still work and walk humbly with God, striving daily to be overcomers, will gain precious victories day by day. The work that is done in humility will bear the divine credentials. Let us hide in God."—Counsels on Health, 544.

"God can use every person just in proportion as He can put His spirit into the soul-temple. The work that He will accept is the work that reflects His image. His followers are to bear, as their credentials to the work, the ineffaceable characteristics of His immortal principles."—Ministry of Healing, 37.

"The Saviour lived on this earth a life that love for God will constrain every true believer in Christ to live. Following His example in our medical missionary work, we shall reveal to the world that our credentials are from above; that as representatives of the kingdom of heaven, we are fulfilling the words of the Lord’s prayer, ‘Thy kingdom come.’ United with Christ in God, we shall reveal to the world that as God chose His Son to be His representative on the earth, even so has Christ chosen us to represent His character."—Medical Ministry, 23.

It is interesting to note that medical missionary work, properly conducted, provided the credentials for Jesus’ work while here on earth. It provided the proof that He was the Messiah, and the evidence of His Divinity (Matt. 11:2-6; Ministry of Healing, 34-37).

"The gospel commission is the great missionary charter of Christ’s kingdom."—Acts of the Apostles, 28.

"The divine commission needs no reform. Christ’s way of presenting truth cannot be improved upon. The Saviour gave the disciples practical lessons, teaching them how to work in such a way as to make souls glad in the truth. He sympathized with the weary, the heavy laden, the oppressed. He fed the hungry and healed the sick. Constantly He went about doing good."—Welfare Ministry, 56.

"We have come to a time when every member of the church should take hold of medical missionary work. The world is a lazar house filled with victims of both physical and spiritual disease. Everywhere people are perishing for lack of a knowledge of the truths that have been committed to us. The members of the church are in need of an awakening, that they may realize their responsibility to impart these truths. Those who have been enlightened by the truth are to be light bearers to the world. To hide our light at this time is to make a terrible mistake. The message to God’s people today is, ‘Arise, shine: for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon Thee.’ "—Counsels on Health, 425.

"God’s people are to be genuine medical missionaries. They are to learn to minister to the needs of soul and body. They should know how to give the simple treatments that do so much to relieve pain and remove disease. They should be familiar with the principles of health reform, that they may show others how, by right habits of eating, drinking, and dressing, disease may be prevented and health regained. A demonstration of the value of the principles of health reform will do much toward removing prejudice against our evangelical work. The Great Physician, the originator of Medical Missionary work, will bless every one who will go forward humbly and trustfully seeking to impart the truth for this time."—Welfare Ministry, 127.

"The breadth of gospel medical missionary work is not understood. The medical missionary work now called for is that outlined in the commission which Christ gave to His disciples just before His ascension. ‘All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth,’ He said. ‘Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world’ (Matt. 28:18-20). These words point out our field and our work. Our field is the world; our work the proclamation of the truths which Christ came to our world to proclaim."—8 Testimonies, 204; Counsels on Health, 509.

"Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. . . . And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? Or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man walk? . . . And His name through faith in His name hath made this man strong."—Acts 3:6, 12, 16.

"The disciples were to carry their work forward in Christ’s name."—Acts of The Apostles, 28.

"Those who go forth in the name of the Lord are His messengers to give to the multitudes who are in darkness and error the glad tidings of salvation through Christ in obeying the law of God."—Colporteur Evangelism, 10-11.

"Not only is the truth to be presented in public assemblies; house-to-house work is to be done. Let this work go forward in the name of the Lord. Those who engage in it have the heavenly angels as their companions."—Evangelism, 490.

Every church member is to become a medical missionary, following the pattern of ministry given by Jesus (Welfare Ministry, 56-81, 128, 116-118, 120-125, 125-127, 142; 7 Testimonies, 62, 63, 272; 5 Testimonies, 385-386; 6 Testimonies, 267, 289, 290-301; 8 Testimonies, 71-75, 168-169; 9 Testimonies, 82-83, 167-168; Counsels on Health, 425-426, 548; Desire of Ages, 640; Christ’s Object Lessons, 233-234; A Call to Medical Evangelism, 26-27. Read the chapter, "The Medical Missionary Commission," for more information on this. There are two statements which tell us that some "will feel it their duty" (Medical Ministry, 69) to gain "a special preparation" (Medical Ministry, 57) in medical lines in order to pass the required legal examinations, to entitle them to practice as regularly qualified professional physicians. Regarding the manner in which this preparation is to be supplied, we are instructed:

"If there are legal requirements making it necessary that medical students shall take a certain preparatory course of study, let our colleges teach the required additional studies in a manner consistent with Christian education. . . . They should arrange to carry their students to the point of literary and scientific training that is necessary."—Loma Linda Messages, 172 (unabridged edition, 775).

Our main work is to advance many small medical missionary schools and classes to aid every member in learning basic instruction in the simple methods of ministry that Jesus has instructed us to use (read "Medical Missionary Schools" for details on this) rather than to primarily advance a few large medical centers, to produce professionally qualified ones.

"In the work of the school maintain simplicity. No argument is so powerful as is success founded on simplicity. You may attain success in the education of students as medical missionaries without a medical school that can qualify physicians to compete with the physicians of the world. Let the students be given a practical education. The less dependent you are upon worldly methods of education, the better it will be for the students. Special instruction should be given in the art of treating the sick without the use of poisonous drugs and in harmony with the light that God has given. In the treatment of the sick, poisonous drugs need not be used. Students should come forth from the school without having sacrificed the principles of health reform or their love for God and righteousness."—9 Testimonies, 175.

"Our young people are not to be wholly dependent upon schools where they are told, ‘If you wish to complete your course of instruction, you must take this study, or some other study,’ —studies that perhaps would be of no practical benefit to those whose only desire is to give to the world God’s message of health and peace. In the education that many receive, there are not only subjects that are nonessential, but much that is decidedly objectionable. We should endeavor to give instruction that will prepare students quickly for service to their fellow men."—Medical Ministry, 75.

"The education that meets the world’s standard is to be less and less valued by those who are seeking for efficiency in carrying the medical missionary work in connection with the work of the third angel’s message. They are to be educated from the standpoint of conscience and, as they conscientiously and faithfully follow right methods in their treatment of the sick, these methods will come to be recognized as preferable to the methods to which many have become accustomed, which demand the use of poisonous drugs."—9 Testimonies, 175.

"Shall we represent before the world that our physicians must follow the pattern of the world before they can be qualified to act as successful physicians? This is the question that is now testing the faith of some of our brethren. Let not any of our brethren displease the Lord by advocating in their assemblies the idea that we need to obtain from unbelievers a higher education than that specified by the Lord.

"The representation of the Great Teacher is to be considered an all-sufficient revelation. Those in our ranks who qualify as physicians are to receive only such education as is in harmony with these divine truths. . . .

"I have not a word to say in favor of the world’s ideas of higher education in any school that we shall organize for the training of physicians."—Medical Ministry, 62.

"There are those who will suggest to you that in order to be successful in your profession you must be a policy man. . . . The policy principle is one that will assuredly lead into difficulties. He who regards the favor of men as more desirable than the favor of God will fall under the temptation to sacrifice principle for worldly gain or recognition. Thus fidelity to God is constantly being sacrificed. Truth, God’s truth, must be cherished in the soul and held in the strength of heaven, or the power of Satan will wrest it from you."—Medical Ministry 71.

"Never forsake the true standard, even though to cling to it makes you a beggar. God has set up a high standard of righteousness. He has made a plain distinction between human and divine wisdom. All who work on Christ’s side must work to save, not destroy. Worldly policy is not to become the policy of the servants of God. Divine authority is to be acknowledged. The church on earth is to be the representative of heavenly principles. Amid the awful confederacy of injustice, deception, robbery, and crime she is to shine with light from on high. In the righteousness of Christ she is to stand against the prevailing apostasy."—Medical Ministry 132, 133.

"We must have medical instructors who will teach the science of healing without the use of drugs. . . . We are to prepare a company of workers who will follow Christ’s methods."—Medical Ministry 75.

"I am instructed to say that in our educational work there is to be no compromise in order to meet the world’s standards. God’s commandment-keeping people are not to unite with the world, to carry various lines of work according to worldly plans and wisdom.

"Our people are now being tested as to whether they will obtain their wisdom from the greatest Teacher the world ever knew, or seek to the god of Ekron. Let us determine that we shall not be tied by so much as a thread to the educational policies of those who do not discern the voice of God, and who will not hearken to His commandments."—Medical Ministry 61-62.

"It is not safe to trust to physicians who have not the fear of God before them. Without the influence of divine grace, the hearts of men are ‘deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.’ Self-aggrandizement is their aim. Under cover of the medical profession, what iniquities have been practiced, what delusions supported!"—Counsels on Health, 456.

"Furthermore, the teaching of these physicians is continually leading away from the principles God has given us in regard to health, especially on the diet question. They say we are not living as we ought, and prescribe changes that are contrary to the light God has sent. Brethren, how can the Lord let His blessing rest upon us when we are going right upon the enemy’s ground."—Counsels on Health, 456-457.

"God has granted to this people great light, yet we are not placed beyond the reach of temptation. Who among us are seeking help from the gods of Ekron?"—Counsels on Health, 457.

"There is danger in departing in the least from the Lord’s instruction. When we deviate from the plain path of duty, a train of circumstances will arise that seems irresistibly to draw us farther and farther from the right. Needless intimacies with those who have no respect for God will seduce us ere we are aware. The fear of offending worldly friends will deter us from expressing our gratitude to God, or acknowledging our dependence upon Him.

"We must keep close to the Word of God. We need its warnings and encouragement, its threatenings and promises. We need the perfect example given only in the life and character of our Saviour. Angels of God will preserve His people while they walk in the path of duty; but there is no assurance of such protection for those who deliberately venture upon Satan’s ground. An agent of the great deceiver will say and do anything to gain his object."—Counsels on Health, 458-459.

"The enemy has used the chain of dependence to draw men together. They have united to destroy God’s image in man, to counterwork the gospel by perverting its principles. They are represented in God’s Word as being bound in bundles to be burned. Satan is uniting his forces for perdition."—Counsels on Health, 525.

"Let the whole burden of soul be just what Christ was in His work. We are to make no compromise with the habits and practices of the world. We are to stand upon the platform of eternal truth, pure, unadulterated truth. In this we may be considered singular, but this is the lot of all who make Christ their portion. Every worker in medical missionary lines is to make that work a success by living in connection with the Great Worker."—Medical Ministry, 161.

"Now and ever we are to stand as a distinct and peculiar people, free from all worldly policy, unembarrassed by confederacy with those who have not wisdom to discern the claims of God, so plainly set forth in His law."—Medical Ministry, 329.

"No line of our faith that has made us what we are is to be weakened. We have the old landmarks of truth, experience, and duty; and we are to stand firm in defense of our principles, in full view of the world. With hearts filled with interest and solicitude, we are to give the invitation to those in the highways and the byways. Medical missionary work is to be done."—Counsels on Health, 521-522.

"There is to be no change in the general features of God’s cause. It is to stand out as clear and distinct as prophecy has made it. We are to enter into no confederacy with the world, supposing that by so doing we could accomplish more."—Counsels on Health, 521.

"Some questions have been asked me regarding our relation to the laws governing medical practitioners. We need to move understandingly, for the enemy would be pleased to hedge up our work so that our physicians would have only a limited influence. Some men do not act in the fear of God, and they may seek to bring us into trouble by placing on our necks yokes that we could not consent to bear. We cannot submit to regulations if the sacrifice of principle is involved; for this would imperil the soul’s salvation."—Medical Ministry, 84.

"Connect with those who honor God by keeping His commandments. If the recommendation goes forth from our people that our workers are to seek for success by acknowledging as essential the education which the world gives, we are virtually saying that the influence the world gives is superior to that which God gives. God will be dishonored by such a course. God has full knowledge of the faith and trust and confidence that His professed people have in His providence."—Medical Ministry, 84-85.

"There is constant danger among our people that those who engage in labor in our schools and sanitariums will entertain the idea that they must get in line with the world, study the things which the world studies, and become familiar with the things that the world becomes familiar with. This is one of the greatest mistakes that could be made. We shall make great mistakes unless we give special attention to the searching of the Word."—Fundamentals of Christian Education, 534.

"We want none of that kind of ‘higher education’ that will put us in a position where the credit must be given not to the Lord God of Israel, but to the god of Ekron. The Lord designs that we shall stand as a distinct people, so connected with Him that He can work with us. Let our physicians realize that they are to depend wholly upon the true God."—Loma Linda Messages, 173.

"In the book, ‘Living Temple,’ there is presented the alpha of deadly heresies. The omega will follow, and will be received by those who are not willing to heed the warning God has given.

"Our physicians, upon whom important responsibilities rest, should have clear spiritual discernment. They are to stand constantly on guard. Dangers that we do not now discern will soon break upon us, and I greatly desire that they shall not be deceived. I have an intense longing to see them standing free in the Lord. I pray that they may have courage to stand firm for the truth as it is in Jesus, holding fast the beginning of their confidence unto the end."—Series B, No 2, 50.

"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 the medical course is positively unnecessary. Those who take a medical training spend a great deal of time in learning that which is merely rubbish. Many of the theories they learn may be compared in value to the traditions and maxims taught by the Scribes and Pharisees. Many of the intricacies with which they have to become familiar, are an injury to their minds."—Loma Linda Messages, 190.

"Not one of the schools of medicine so highly lauded in the world is approved in the courts above, nor do they bear the heavenly superscription and endorsement. You are not justified in advocating one school above the others, as though it were the only one worthy of respect. Those who vindicate one school of medicine and bitterly condemn another are actuated by a zeal that is not according to knowledge. With Pharisaic pride some men look down upon others who have not received a diploma from the so-called standard school. All this proves that they cannot humble themselves at the cross of Calvary. This spirit will never be acknowledged in heaven; nor will men that cherish it ever hear the ‘well done.’ I have spoken plainly in regard to your feelings concerning the methods of practice. Some of you have been as zealous in exalting what your school advocated as though the Lord had specified that very method and was the only one to be allowed. The use of drugs has resulted in far more harm than good, and should our physicians who claim to believe the truth almost entirely dispense with medicine and faithfully practice along the lines of hygiene, using nature’s remedies, far greater success would attend their efforts. There is no need whatever to exalt the method whereby drugs are administered. I know whereof I speak. Brethren in the medical profession, I entreat you to think candidly and put away childish things. The Lord is not pleased with your attitude toward those who have graduated in what you call inferior schools. He does not approve of the spirit that actuated you. God will judge us by what we ought to have been, what we ought to have done had we been obedient children. We cannot escape the consequences of our omissions and mistakes even though we cannot see them or estimate their results."—Taken from the Paulson Collection of Testimonies, entitled "Extracts on Medical Work," pages 3, 6, 8, 10, 16, 19, 21, 23.

"The Lord has shown us the evil of depending upon the strength of earthly organizations. He has instructed us that the commission of the medical missionary is received from the very highest authority; He would have us understand that it is a mistake to regard as most essential the education given by physicians who reject the authority of Christ, the greatest Physician who ever lived upon the earth. We are not to accept and follow the views of men who refuse to recognize God as their teacher, but who learn of men, and are guided by man-made laws and restrictions.

"During the night of April 26 (1910) many things were opened before me. I was shown that now in a special sense we as a people are to be guided by divine instruction. Those fitting themselves for medical missionary work should fear to place themselves under the direction of worldly doctors, to imbibe their sentiments and peculiar prejudices, and to learn to express their ideas and views. They are not to depend for their influence upon worldly teachers. They should be ‘looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.’

"It is not necessary that our medical missionaries follow the precise track marked out by medical men of the world. They do not need to administer drugs to the sick. They do not need to follow the drug medication in order to have influence in their work. . . . Connected with the divine Teacher, they will understand that their dependence is upon God, and not upon the professedly wise men of the world.

"Some of our medical missionaries have supposed that a medical training according to the plans of worldly schools is essential to their success. To those who have thought that the only way to success is by being taught by worldly men, and by pursuing a course that is sanctioned by worldly men, I would say, put away such ideas. This is a mistake that should be corrected. It is a dangerous thing to bring into the work a spirit which the Word of God cannot sanction. There are to come to the physicians and to the teachers new ideas, a new understanding of the principles that must govern the medical work. An education is to be given that is altogether in harmony with the teachings of the Word of God.

"There is a lack of faith in the power of God that leads our physicians to lean so much upon the arm of the law, and to trust so much to the influence of worldly powers. . . . Christ was the greatest physician the world has ever known; His heart was ever touched with human woe. He has a work for those to do who will not place their dependence upon worldly powers.

"The true medical missionary will be wise in the treatment of the sick, using the remedies that Nature provides. And then he will look to Christ as the true Healer of disease. The principles of health reform brought into the life of the patient, the use of nature’s remedies, and the cooperation of divine agencies in behalf of the suffering, will bring success. . . .

"A time will come when medical missionaries of other denominations will become jealous and envious of the influence exerted by Seventh-day Adventists who are working in these lines."—Loma Linda Messages, 545.

"We are not to misrepresent what we profess to believe in order to gain favor."—Medical Ministry, 127.

"At the very beginning of the gospel dispensation, He taught His church to rely not on worldly rank and splendor, but on the power of faith and obedience. The favor of God is of greater value than gold and silver. The power of His Spirit is of inestimable worth."—Counsels on Health, 226.

"As the chosen people of God, we cannot copy the habits, practices, or fashions of the world. We are not left in darkness, to pattern after worldly models, and to depend on outward appearance for success. The Lord has told us whence comes our strength. ‘This is the Word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit saith the Lord of hosts.’ "—Counsels on Health, 274.

"The physicians at the Sanitarium are not as thorough and intelligent as they ought to be in the practice of their profession. They resort to drugs when greater skill and knowledge would teach them the more excellent way. Do you not know that lives have been lost which might have been saved if drugs had not been resorted to? As a rule, the less frequently drugs are employed the better the patient will prosper. I thought the matter of using drugs had been settled for us years ago by the testimony of the spirit of God, but the Lord’s warning has been unheeded. I am ashamed and distressed over this matter, and I tell you that a decided reformation must take place. The physicians at the Sanitarium are departing a long way from the light the Lord has given concerning the use of drugs. . . .

"The world looks favorably on some of our methods and ideas; but we must not let the pattern of the world seduce us. We must not depend upon human favor or patronage for success. Like a mighty cleaver this truth has taken us out of the quarry of the world to be the peculiar people of God, and we cannot afford to assimilate with the world. We cannot compromise our principles of truth for even one position to gain the favor and patronage of the world."—Extracts on Medical Work, 3, 6, 8, 10, 16, 19, 21, 23.

"We are now to use all our entrusted capabilities in giving the last warning message to the world. In this work we are to preserve our individuality. We are not to unite with secret societies or with trade unions. We are to stand free in God, looking constantly to Christ for instruction. All our movements are to be made with a realization of the importance of the work to be accomplished for God."—7 Testimonies, 84.

"We are to enter into no confederacy with those who do not love or fear God."—Counsels on Health, 300.

"The Lord is testing His people, to see who will be loyal to the principles of His truth. Our work is to proclaim to the world the first, second, and third angels’ messages. In the discharge of our duties, we are neither to despise nor to fear our enemies. To bind ourselves up by contracts with those not of our faith is not in the order of God. We are to treat with kindness and courtesy those who refuse to be loyal to God, but we are never, never to unite with them in counsel regarding the vital interests of His work. Putting our trust in God, we are to move steadily forward, doing His work with unselfishness, in humble dependence upon Him, committing to His providence ourselves and all that concerns our present and future, holding the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end, remembering that we receive the blessings of Heaven, not because of our worthiness, but because of Christ’s worthiness and our acceptance, through faith in Him, of God’s abounding grace."—Counsels on Health, 238.

"Men have confederated to oppose the Lord of hosts. These confederacies will continue until Christ shall leave His place of intercession before the mercy-seat, and shall put on garments of vengeance. Satanic agencies are in every city, busily organizing into parties those opposed to the law of God. Professed saints and avowed unbelievers take their stand with these parties. This is no time for the people of God to be weaklings. We cannot afford to be off our guard for a moment."—8 Testimonies, 42.

"The trade unions will be one of the agencies that will bring upon this earth a time of trouble such as has not been since the world began."—Country Living, 10.

"The work of the people of God is to prepare for the events of the future, which will soon come upon them with blinding force. In the world gigantic monopolies will be formed. Men will bind themselves together in unions that will wrap them in the folds of the enemy. A few men will combine to grasp all the means to be obtained in certain lines of business. Trade unions will be formed, and those who refuse to join these unions will be marked men."—Country Living, 10.

"The trade unions and confederacies of the world are a snare. Keep out of them, and away from them, brethren. Have nothing to do with them. Because of these unions and confederacies, it will soon be very difficult for our institutions to carry on their work in the cities."—Country Living, 10.

"Men are seeking to bring those engaged in the different trades under bondage to certain unions. This is not God’s planning, but the planning of a power that we should in no wise acknowledge."—7 Testimonies, 84.

"Those who claim to be the children of God are in no case to bind up with labor unions that are formed or that shall be formed. This the Lord forbids. Cannot those who study the prophecies see and understand what is before us?"—Country Living, 12.

"It is time for the people of God, those who wear the sign of His kingdom, and whose authority is derived from ‘It is written,’ to work. The world is the field of our labor, and we are to strive to give the last message of mercy to the world. Our every action is being watched with jealous eyes. . . . As reformers we are to reform the medical practice, by educating toward the light. Our work is to be done in the full recognition of God."—Medical Ministry, 125.

"The Lord has shown us the evil of depending upon the strength of earthly organizations. He has instructed us that the commission of the medical missionary is received from the very highest authority. He would have us understand that it is a mistake to regard as most essential the education given by physicians who reject the authority of Christ, the greatest Physician who ever lived upon the earth."—Medical Ministry, 206-207.

"We are now to use all our entrusted capabilities in giving the last warning message to the world. In this work we are to preserve our individuality. We are not to unite with secret societies or with trade unions. We are to stand free in God, looking constantly to Christ for instruction. All our movements are to be made with a realization of the importance of the work to be accomplished for God."—Counsels on Health, 273.

"Then the idea gained favor that the medical missionary work would be greatly advanced if all our medical institutions and other medical missionary interests were bound up under the control of the medical association at Battle Creek.

"I was told I must lift up my voice in warning against this. We were not to be under the control of men. We were not to be guided by men who want their word to be the controlling power. The development of the desire to control has been very marked, and God sent warning after warning, forbidding consolidation. He warned us against binding ourselves to fulfill certain agreements that would be presented by men laboring to control the movements of their brethren.

"Light has been given me that there are papers that have been drawn up by lawyers that are blinding the eyes of the simple people of God. We are to guard against the acceptance of documents framed in language that is confusing to minds. We have no need of such documents. They are a snare, and our people are warned to beware of them. The words of the Lord came to me, ‘Say to My people, Put not your trust in writings drawn up by lawyers, filled with technicalities and conditions and restrictions, which blind the minds of those who have to do with them. God wants those who believe the truth to take their stand against everything of the kind."—Manuscript 114, October 5, 1903—(8 Testimonies, 217, has part of this).

"There are many who suppose it to be their privilege to control to some degree the actions of their fellow workers. They think that other workers, whom the Lord is using, should first obtain their consent before doing a certain work, and that they should work according to their direction. All such yokes are to be broken. The work is to go forward under the Lord’s direction. His servants are to work at His dictation.

"God has not committed to any the task of lording it over His heritage. When the yokes that are now being placed on the necks of some of God’s people are broken, the work will go forward in a way that will surprise us. But, on the other hand, unless ministers and physicians and those in responsible offices give the Lord the right of way, to use His followers as He sees fit, He will reprove by judgments. . . .

"It is the spirit of self-importance that leads men to lay down rules which limit the work of their fellows. I am bidden to say, break every yoke. Shall we refuse to yield obedience to the Source of all power, and wait for human permissions before we do the work that God bids us to do? . . .

"There is a great work to be done in the earth before the eternal purpose of God is fully worked out. Instead of blocking the way of any of our workers, we must give them the right of way that God has designed they should have, and let Him work through human minds. Every possible effort must now be made to present the truth as it is in Jesus."—Letter, October 10, 1899; Manuscript, 147-148.

"Unless those who can help in _______ are aroused to a sense of their duty, they will not recognize the work of God when the loud cry of the third angel shall be heard. When light goes forth to lighten the earth, instead of coming up to the help of the Lord, they will want to bind about His work to meet their narrow ideas. Let me tell you that the Lord will work in this last work in a manner very much out of the common order of things, and in a way that will be contrary to any human planning. There will be those among us who will always want to control the work of God, to dictate even what movements shall be made when the work goes forward under the direction of the angel who joins the third angel in the message to be given to the world. God will use ways and means by which it will be seen that He is taking the reins in His own hands. The workers will be surprised by the simple means that He will use to bring about and perfect His work of righteousness."—Testimonies to Ministers, 300.