- CHAPTER THIRTEEN -

1 – THE SCOPE

OF MEDICAL MISSIONARY WORK

thing of the wisdom and beneficence of His laws, and the results of obedience, will come to regard their duties and obligations from an altogether different point of view. Instead of looking upon an observance of the laws of health as a matter of sacrifice or self-denial, they will regard it as it really is, an inestimable blessing.

"Every gospel worker should feel that to teach the principles of healthful living is a part of his appointed work. Of this work there is great need, and the world is open for it."—Counsels on Health, 389-390.

"The disciples were to have the same power which Jesus had to heal ‘all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.’ By healing in His name the diseases of the body, they would testify to His power for the healing of the soul. Matt. 4:23; 9:6. . . .

"Thus Christ gave His disciples their commission. He made full provision for the prosecution of the work, and took upon Himself the responsibility for its success. So long as they obeyed His Word, and worked in connection with Him, they could not fail. Go to all nations, He bade them. Go to the farthest part of the habitable globe, but know that My presence will be there. Labor in faith and confidence, for the time will never come when I will forsake you.

"The Saviour’s commission to the disciples included all the believers. It includes all believers in Christ to the end of time. . . .

"He is just as willing to heal the sick now as when He was personally on earth. Christ’s servants are His representatives, the channels for His working. He desires through them to exercise His healing power.

"In the Saviour’s manner of healing there were lessons for His disciples. On one occasion He anointed the eyes of a blind man with clay, and bade him, ‘Go wash in the pool of Siloam . . . He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.’ John 9:7. The cure could be wrought only by the power of the Great Healer, yet Christ made use of the simple agencies of nature. While He did not give countenance to drug medication, He sanctioned the use of simple and natural remedies.

"To many of the afflicted ones who received healing, Christ said, ‘Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.’ John 5:14. Thus He taught that disease is the result of violating God’s laws, both natural and spiritual. The great misery in the world would not exist did men but live in harmony with the Creator’s plan. . . .

"We are to be workers together with God for the restoration of health to the body as well as to the soul.

"And we should teach others how to preserve and to recover health. For the sick we should use the remedies which God has provided in nature, and we should point them to Him who alone can restore. It is our work to present the sick and suffering to Christ in the arms of our faith. We should teach them to believe in the Great Healer. We should lay hold on His promise, and pray for the manifestation of His power. The very essence of the gospel is restoration, and the Saviour would have us bid the sick, the hopeless, and the afflicted take hold upon His strength."—Desire of Ages, 821-825.

"Our people should become intelligent in the treatment of sickness without the aid of poisonous drugs. Many should seek to obtain the education that will enable them to combat disease in its varied forms by the most simple methods. Thousands have gone down to the grave because of the use of poisonous drugs, who might have been restored to health by simple methods of treatment. Water treatments, wisely and skillfully given, may be the means of saving many lives."—Medical Ministry, 227.

"Workers—gospel medical missionaries—are needed now. You cannot afford to spend years in preparation. Soon doors now open to the truth will be forever closed. Carry the message now. Do not wait, allowing the enemy to take possession of the fields now open before you. Let little companies go forth to do the work to which Christ appointed His disciples. Let them labor as evangelists, scattering our publications and talking of the truth to those they meet. Let them pray for the sick, ministering to their necessities, not with drugs, but with nature’s remedies, and teaching them how to regain health and avoid disease."—9 Testimonies, 172.

"All gospel workers should know how to give the simple treatments that do so much to relieve pain and remove disease."—Ministry of Healing, 146.

"There are many ways in which water can be applied to relieve pain and check disease. All should become intelligent in its use in simple home treatments. Mothers, especially, should know how to care for their families in both health and sickness."—Ministry of Healing, 327.

"As religious aggression subverts the liberties of our nation, those who would stand for freedom of conscience will be placed in unfavorable positions. For their own sake they should, while they have opportunity, become intelligent in regard to disease, its causes, prevention, and cure. And those who do this will find a field of labor anywhere."—Medical Ministry, 321.

"The Lord has provided antidotes for diseases in simple plants, and these can be used by faith, with no denial of faith; for by using the blessings provided by God for our benefit we are cooperating with Him. He can use water and sunshine and the herbs which He has caused to grow, in healing maladies brought on by indiscretion or accident. We do not manifest a lack of faith when we ask God to bless His remedies. True faith will thank God for the knowledge of how to use these precious blessings in a way which will restore mental and physical vigor."—2 Selected Messages, 289.

[2] – GIVE INSTRUCTION IN

THE PRINCIPLES OF HEALTHFUL LIVING

(9 Testimonies, 112-113; Counsels on Health, 443-446, 452). Gospel workers are to be able to teach principles of health (Ministry of Healing, 146-147; Gospel Workers, 233; Counsels on Health, 40, 389). Duty of ministers to understand and teach health principles (Gospel Workers, 231). Promulgation of health principles necessary in preparing for Christ’s coming (6 Testimonies, 224; Counsels on Health, 206). Health principles to be taught by example (6 Testimonies, 112-113; Counsels on Health, 451, 463, 467).

For more statements on this, see section 8 of this study.

"Gospel workers should know how to give the simple treatments that do so much to relieve pain and remove disease. . . .

"Thousands need and would gladly receive instruction concerning the simple methods of treating the sick—methods that are taking the place of the use of poisonous drugs."—Ministry of Healing, 146.

"Begin to do medical missionary work with the conveniences which you have at hand. You will find that thus the way will open for you to hold Bible readings. The heavenly Father will place you in connection with those who need to know how to treat their sick ones. Put into practice what you know regarding the treatment of disease. Thus suffering will be relieved, and you will have opportunity to break the bread of life to starving souls."—A Call to Medical Evangelism, 26.

(A list of water treatments and herbal preparations for various difficulties is given.) "There are many more simple remedies which will do much to restore healthful action to the body. All these simple preparations the Lord expects us to use for ourselves, but man’s extremities are God’s opportunities. If we neglect to do that which is within the reach of nearly every family, and ask the Lord to relieve pain when we are too indolent to make use of these remedies within our power, it is simply presumption."—2 Selected Messages, 297.

"The Lord has given some simple herbs of the field that at times are beneficial; and if every family were educated in how to use these herbs in case of sickness, much suffering might be prevented."—Letter 82, 1897 (written February 10, 1897).

"A great amount of good can be done by enlightening all to whom we have access, as to the best means, not only of curing the sick, but of preventing disease and suffering."—Counsels on Health, 451.

"As the work developed, we were instructed that suitable places were to be provided, to which we could bring the sick and suffering who knew nothing of our people and scarcely anything of the Bible, and there teach them how to regain health by rational methods of treatment without having recourse to poisonous drugs; and at the same time surround them with uplifting spiritual influences."—Counsels on Health, 469.

"Rally workers who possess true missionary zeal, and let them go forth to diffuse light and knowledge far and near. Let them take the living principles of health reform in the communities that to a large degree are ignorant of these principles. Let classes be formed, and instruction be given regarding the treatment of disease."—8 Testimonies, 148.

Disease to be understood (Counsels on Health, 366). Train students in methods of healing the sick (Counsels on Health, 301). All gospel workers should know how to give and to teach simple treatments (Counsels on Health, 389).

The poor should be taught to eat the most nourishing diet (9 Testimonies, 163; Counsels on Health, 137). Need of instruction in dietetic reform (Ministry of Healing, 146; 7 Testimonies, 116; Counsels on Health, 389, 482). Instruction in dietetic reform to be given in home and school (Education, 202-206).

The purpose of health reform is to lessen suffering and disease (2 Testimonies, 45; Counsels on Health, 531). The purpose of health reform is to rescue many from physical, mental, and moral degeneracy (6 Testimonies, 378). The purpose of health reform is to bring physical and spiritual health (1 Testimonies, 546). The purpose of reform is to prepare minds for the reception of truth (Counsels on Health, 22). The purpose of health reform is the highest development of body, mind, and soul (Ministry of Healing, 146). Health reform is given to aid in preparation for Christ’s coming (1 Testimonies, 486-488, 559; 3 Testimonies, 161-165; Counsels on Health, 20-21).

The laws of health are included in the laws of God (3 Testimonies, 165; Counsels on Health, 25). True religion goes hand in hand with the laws of health (4 Testimonies, 554; 7 Testimonies, 137; Counsels on Health, 445, 480). Health is the reward of obedience to nature’s laws (Ministry of Healing, 127). Observance of the laws of health is an inestimable blessing (Ministry of Healing, 147; Education, 201; Counsels on Health, 40). The physical laws are the laws of God (6 Testimonies 373). The laws of our being are on the same level with the ten commandments—It is as much a sin to break one as to break the others (2 Testimonies, 70; 3 Testimonies, 161; Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 295; Counsels on Health 40). Obedience to the laws of life ensure health (Counsels on Health, 49). Laws of nature are the laws of God (Ministry of Healing, 113, 146; Education, 99, 196; 5 Testimonies, 445; 6 Testimonies, 369; Counsels on Health 325, 389, 390). Making plain the laws of nature accompanies the Third Angel’s Message (3 Testimonies, 161).

Obedience to the laws of nature is rewarded by—physical and mental health (Ministry of Healing, 127). Promotes happiness in this life (Ministry of Healing, 146; Education, 103; Counsels on Health, 286, 390). Honored by nature with strength and beauty (Prophets and Kings, 485). All our enjoyment is traced to our obedience or transgression of natural law (3 Testimonies, 161). Beautifully develops the human form (Ministry of Healing, 292). Creates a life-giving atmosphere about the soul (6 Testimonies, 371). Aids in preparations for the future life (Ministry of Healing, 146: Counsels on Health, 386, 390). The path of obedience to nature’s laws is the direct path to heaven (Counsels on Health, 222).

God’s physical law is written with His own finger upon every nerve, muscle, and faculty (Education, 196-197; Counsels on Diet and Foods, 17). Ignorance of physiology has brought many to the grave (Fundamentals of Christian Education, 321). Children should understand physiology (Ministry of Healing, 402; Education, 196; 7 Testimonies, 65). Our education should include as full a knowledge of physiology as possible (Education, 195-201; Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 295). Study of physiology should inspire the students with reverence for God (Education, 201).

We are to follow the method of Jesus. First, He ministered to the physical needs of the people (He fed, clothed, and healed them); then, their confidence and love in Him was established. He ministered to their spiritual needs (He brought them forgiveness of sin, and opened to them the great truths of the Bible).

"Medical missionary work is the pioneer work of the gospel, the door through which the truth for this time is to find entrance to many homes. God’s people are to be genuine medical missionaries, for they are to learn to minister to the needs of both soul and body. The purest unselfishness is to be shown by our workers as, with the knowledge and experience gained by practical work, they go out to give treatments to the sick. As they go from house to house they will find access to many hearts. Many will be reached who otherwise never would have heard the gospel message."—Welfare Ministry, 125.

"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. . . . 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 fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah contains present truth for the people of God. Here we see how medical missionary work and the gospel ministry are to be bound together as the message is given to the world. Upon those who keep the Sabbath of the Lord is laid the responsibility of doing a work of mercy and benevolence. Medical missionary work is to be bound up with the message, and sealed with the seal of God."—Welfare Ministry, 121.

"The right hand is used to open doors through which the body may find entrance. This is the part the medical missionary work is to act. It is to largely prepare the way for the reception of the truth for this time. A body without hands is useless."—Welfare Ministry, 122-123.

It is a demonstration of practical work of the gospel (Ministry of Healing, 144; 6 Testimonies, 240-241, 289; 8 Testimonies, 77, 168). Entering wedge for the truth (Ministry of Healing, 144-145; 6 Testimonies, 293; 7 Testimonies, 59, 272: 9 Testimonies, 167; Counsels on Health, 27, 499-500). Interpretation of the gospel (Counsels on Health, 498). It opens doors to the truth (7 Testimonies, 62; Counsels on Health, 425). It overcomes prejudice (9 Testimonies, 34, 211; Counsels on Health, 430, 497, 532). It is the right arm of the message (6 Testimonies, 241, 288-293; 7 Testimonies, 59; 9 Testimonies, 220; Counsels on Health, 288, 293; 7 Testimonies, 59). It is to be carried on as part of the gospel (6 Testimonies, 292). It is the gospel practiced (8 Testimonies, 168). It is the gospel in illustration (6 Testimonies, 241). It is bound by Christ to the gospel (8 Testimonies, 46, 168). It is a perfect copy of the pattern of ministry given to us by Jesus while here on earth (Welfare Ministry, 116-124). It is outlined in Christ’s commission to His disciples (8 Testimonies, 203-204; Counsels on Health, 509).

"People need to be taught that drugs do not cure disease. It is true that they sometimes afford present relief, and the patient appears to recover as the result of their use; this is because nature has sufficient vital force to expel the poison and to correct the conditions that caused the disease. Health is recovered in spite of the drug. But in most cases the drug only changes the form and location of the disease. Often the effect of the poison seems to be overcome for a time, but the results remain in the system, and work great harm at some later period.

"By the use of poisonous drugs, many bring upon themselves lifelong illness, and many lives are lost that might be saved by the use of natural methods of healing. The poisons contained in many so-called remedies create habits and appetites that mean ruin to both soul and body. Many of the popular nostrums called patent medicines, and even some of the drugs dispensed by physicians, act a part in laying the foundation of the liquor habit, the opium habit, the morphine habit, that are so terrible a curse to society."—Ministry of Healing, 126-127.

"The only hope of better things is in the education of the people in right principles. Let physicians teach the people that restorative power is not in drugs, but in nature. Disease is an effort of nature to free the system from conditions that result from a violation of the laws of health. In case of sickness, the cause should be ascertained. Unhealthful conditions should be changed, wrong habits corrected. Then nature is to be assisted in her effort to expel impurities and to re-establish right conditions in the system."—Ministry of Healing, 127.

"Pure air, sunlight, abstemiousness, rest, exercise, proper diet, the use of water, trust in divine power,—these are the true remedies. Every person should have a knowledge of nature’s remedial agencies and how to apply them. It is essential both to understand the principles involved in the treatment of the sick and to have a practical training that will enable one rightly to use this knowledge.

"The use of natural remedies requires an amount of care and effort that many are not willing to give. Nature’s process of healing and upbuilding is gradual, and to the impatient it seems slow. The surrender of hurtful indulgences requires sacrifice. But in the end it will be found that nature, untrammeled, does her work wisely and well. Those who persevere in obedience to her laws will reap the reward in health of body and health of mind."—Ministry of Healing, 127.

"Too little attention is generally given to the preservation of health. It is far better to prevent disease than to know how to treat it when contracted.

"It is the duty of every person, for his own sake, and for the sake of humanity, to inform himself in regard to the laws of life, and conscientiously to obey them. All need to become acquainted with that most wonderful of all organisms, the human body. They should understand the functions of the various organs and the dependence of one upon the other for the healthy action of all. They should study the influence of the mind upon the body, and of the body upon the mind, and the laws by which they are governed."—Ministry of Healing, 128 (emphasis supplied).

"We cannot be too often reminded that health does not depend on chance. It is a result of obedience to law. This is recognized by the contestants in athletic games and trials of strength. These men make the most careful preparation. They submit to thorough training and strict discipline. Every physical habit is carefully regulated. They know that neglect, excess, or carelessness, which weakens or cripples any organ or function of the body, would ensure defeat.

"How much more important is such carefulness to insure success in the conflict of life. It is not mimic battles in which we are engaged. We are waging a warfare upon which hang eternal results. We have unseen enemies to meet. Evil angels are striving for the dominion of every human being. Whatever injures the health, not only lessens physical vigor, but tends to weaken the mental and moral powers. Indulgence in any unhealthful practice makes it more difficult for one to discriminate between right and wrong, and hence more difficult to resist evil. It increases the danger of failure and defeat."—Ministry of Healing, 128.