The great work of reform must go forward.
The Health Institute has been established at Battle Creek to
relieve the afflicted, to disseminate light, to awaken the spirit
of inquiry, and to advance reform. This institution is conducted
upon principles which are different from those of any other hygienic
institution in the land. Money is not the great object with its
friends and conductors. They conduct it from a conscientious,
religious standpoint, aiming to carry out the principles of Bible
hygiene. Most institutions of the kind are established upon different
principles and are conservative, making it their object to meet
the popular class halfway and to so shape their course that they
will receive the greatest patronage and the most money.
The Health Institute at Battle Creek is
established upon firm religious principles. Its conductors acknowledge
God as the real proprietor. Physicians and helpers look to Him
for guidance, and aim to move conscientiously, in His fear. For
this reason it stands upon a sure basis. When feeble, suffering
invalids learn in regard to the principles of the directors,
superintendent, physicians, and helpers at the Institute that
they have the fear of God before them, they will feel safer there
than at popular institutions.
If those connected with the Health Institute
at Battle Creek should descend from the pure, exalted principles
of Bible truth to imitate the theories and practices of those
at the head of other institutions, where only the diseases of
invalids are treated, and that merely for money, the conductors
not working from a high, religious standpoint, God's special
blessing would not rest upon the Institute. This institution
is designed of God to be one of the greatest aids in preparing
a people to be perfect before God. In order to attain to this
perfection, men and women must have physical and mental strength
to appreciate the elevated truths of God's word and be brought
into a position where they will discern the imperfections in
their moral characters. They should be in earnest to reform,
that they may have friendship with God. The religion of Christ
is not to be placed in the background and its holy principles
laid down to meet the approval of any class, however popular.
If the standard of truth and holiness is lowered, the design
of God will not then be carried out in this institution.
But our peculiar faith should not be discussed
with patients. Their minds should not be unnecessarily excited
upon subjects wherein we differ, unless they themselves desire
it; and then great caution should be observed not to agitate
the mind by urging upon them our peculiar faith. The Health Institute
is not the place to be forward to enter into discussion upon
points of our faith wherein we differ with the religious world
generally. Prayer meetings are held at the Institute in which
all may take part if they choose, but there is an abundance to
dwell upon in regard to Bible religion without
touching objectionable points of difference. Silent influence
will do more than open controversy.
In exhortation in the prayer meetings some
Sabbathkeepers have felt that they must bring in the Sabbath
and the third angel's message or they could not have freedom.
This is characteristic of narrow minds. Patients not acquainted
with our faith do not know what is meant by the third angel's
message. The introduction of these terms without a clear explanation
of them does only harm. We must meet the people where they are,
and yet we need not sacrifice one principle of the truth. The
prayer meeting will prove a blessing to patients, helpers, and
physicians. Brief and interesting seasons of prayer and social
worship will increase the confidence of patients in their physicians
and helpers. The helpers should not be deprived of these meetings
by work unless it is positively necessary. They need them and
should enjoy them.
By thus establishing regular meetings the
patients gain confidence in the Institute and feel more at home.
And thus the way is prepared for the seed of truth to take root
in some hearts. These meetings especially interest some who profess
to be Christians and make a favorable impression upon those who
do not. Mutual confidence is increased in one another, and prejudice
is weakened and in many cases entirely removed. Then there is
an anxiety to attend the Sabbath meeting. There, in the house
of God, is the place to speak our denominational sentiments.
There the minister can dwell with clearness upon the essential
points of present truth and with the spirit of Christ, in love
and tenderness, urge home upon all the necessity of obedience
to all the requirements of God, and let the truth convict hearts.
I was shown that a larger work could be
accomplished if there were gentlemen physicians of the right
stamp of mind who had proper culture and a thorough understanding
of every part of the work devolving on a physician. The physicians
should have a large stock of patience, forbearance,
kindliness, and pity; for they need these
qualifications in dealing with suffering invalids, who are diseased
in body, and many of whom are diseased both in body and in mind.
It is not an easy matter to obtain the right class of men and
women, those who are fitted for the place and who will work harmoniously,
zealously, and unselfishly for the benefit of suffering invalids.
Men are wanted at the Institute who will have the fear of God
before them and who can minister to sick minds and keep prominent
the health reform from a religious standpoint.
Those who engage in this work should be
consecrated to God and not make it their only object to treat
the body merely to cure disease, thus working from the popular
physician's standpoint, but to be spiritual fathers, to minister
to diseased minds, and point the sin-sick soul to the never-failing
remedy, the Saviour who died for them. Those who are reduced
by disease are sufferers in more than one sense. They can endure
bodily pain far better than they can bear mental suffering. Many
carry a violated conscience and can be reached only by the principles
of Bible religion.
When the poor, suffering paralytic was
brought to the Saviour, the urgency of the case seemed not to
admit of a moment's delay, for already dissolution was doing
its work upon the body. When those who bore him upon his bed
saw that they could not come directly into the presence of Christ,
they at once tore open the roof and let down the bed whereon
the sick of the palsy lay. Our Saviour saw and understood his
condition perfectly. He also knew that this wretched man had
a sickness of the soul far more aggravating than bodily suffering.
He knew that the greatest burden he had borne for months was
on account of sins. The crowd of people waited with almost breathless
silence to see how Christ would treat this case, apparently so
hopeless, and were astonished to hear the words which fell from
His lips: "Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee."
These were the most precious words that
could fall upon the ear of that
sick sufferer, for the burden of sin had lain so heavily upon
him that he could not find the least relief. Christ lifts the
burden that so heavily oppressed him: "Be of good cheer;"
I, your Saviour, came to forgive sins. How quickly the pallid
countenance of the sufferer changes! Hope takes the place of
dark despair, and peace and joy take the place of distressing
doubt and stolid gloom. The mind being restored to peace and
happiness, the suffering body can now be reached. Next comes
from the divine lips: "Thy sins be forgiven thee;"
"arise; and walk." In the effort to obey the will,
those lifeless, bloodless arms are quickened; a healthful current
of blood flows through the veins; the leaden color of his flesh
disappears, and the ruddy glow of health takes its place. The
limbs that for long years have refused to obey the will are now
quickened to life, and the healed paralytic grasps his bed and
walks through the crowd to his home, glorifying God.
This case is for our instruction. Physicians
who would be successful in the treatment of disease should know
how to minister to a diseased mind. They can have a powerful
influence for good if they make God their trust. Some invalids
need to be relieved of pain before the mind can be reached. After
relief has come to the body, the physician can frequently the
more successfully appeal to the conscience, and the heart will
be more susceptible to the influences of the truth. There is
danger of those connected with the Health Institute losing sight
of the object for which such an institution was established by
Seventh-day Adventists, and working from the worlding's standpoint,
patterning after other institutions.
The Health Institute was not established
among us for the purpose of obtaining money, although money is
very necessary to carry forward the institution successfully.
Economy should be exercised by all in the expenditure of means,
that money be not used needlessly. But there should be sufficient
means to invest in all necessary conveniences which will make
the work of helpers, and especially of physicians, as easy as
possible. And the directors of
the Institute should avail themselves of every facility which
will aid in the successful treatment of patients.
Patients should be treated with the greatest
sympathy and tenderness. And yet the physicians should be firm
and not allow themselves, in their treatment of the sick, to
be dictated to by patients. Firmness on the part of the physicians
is necessary for the good of the patients. But firmness should
be mingled with respectful courtesy. No physician or helper should
contend with a patient, or use harsh, irritating words, or even
words not the most kindly, however provoking the patient may
be.
One of the great objects of our Health
Institute is to direct sin-sick souls to the Great Physician,
the true healing Fountain, and call their attention to the necessity
of reform from a religious standpoint, that they no longer violate
the law of God by sinful indulgences. If the moral sensibilities
of invalids can be aroused and they see that they are sinning
against their Creator by bringing sickness upon themselves and
by the indulgence of appetite and debasing passions, when they
leave the Health Institute they will not leave their principles
behind, but will take them with them and be genuine health reformers
at home. If the moral sensibilities are aroused, patients will
have a determination to carry out their convictions of conscience;
and if they see the truth they will obey it. They will have true,
noble independence to practice the truths to which they assent.
And if the mind is at peace with God, the bodily conditions will
be more favorable.
The greatest responsibility rests upon
the church at Battle Creek to live and walk in the light, and
to preserve their simplicity and separation from the world, that
their influence may tell with convincing power upon strangers
to the truth who attend our meetings. If the church at Battle
Creek is a lifeless body, filled with pride, exalted above the
simplicity of true godliness, and leaning to the world, its influence
will be to scatter from Christ and to make the most solemn and
essential truths of the Bible of no force. The members of this
church have opportunities to be
benefited by lectures from the physicians of the Health Institute.
They can obtain information upon the great subject of health
reform if they desire it. But the church at Battle Creek, who
make great profession of the truth, are far behind other churches
who have not been blessed with the advantages they have had.
The neglect of the church to live up to the light which they
have had upon health reform is a discouragement to the physicians
and to the friends of the Health Institute. If the church would
manifest a greater interest in the reforms which God Himself
has brought to them to fit them for His coming, their influence
would be tenfold what it now is.
Many who profess to believe the Testimonies
live in neglect of the light given. The dress reform is treated
by some with great indifference and by others with contempt,
because there is a cross attached to it. For this cross I thank
God. It is just what we need to distinguish and separate God's
commandment-keeping people from the world. The dress reform answers
to us as did the ribbon of blue to ancient Israel. The proud,
and those who have no love for sacred truth, which will separate
them from the world, will show it by their works. God in His
providence has given us the light upon health reform, that we
may understand it in all its bearings, follow the light it brings,
and by rightly relating ourselves to life have health that we
may glorify God and be a blessing to others.
The church in general at Battle Creek have
not sustained the Institute by their example. They have not honored
the light of health reform by carrying it out in their families.
The sickness that has visited many families in Battle Creek need
not have been if they had followed the light God has given them.
Like ancient Israel they have disregarded the light and could
see no more necessity of restricting their appetite than did
ancient Israel. The children of Israel would have flesh meats
and said, as many now say: We shall die without meat. God gave
rebellious Israel flesh, but His curse was with it. Thousands
of them died while the meat they desired was between their teeth. We have the example of ancient
Israel and the warning for us not to do as they did. Their history
of unbelief and rebellion is left on record as a special warning
that we should not follow their example of murmuring at God's
requirements. How can we pass on so indifferently, choosing our
own course, following the sight of our own eyes, and departing
further and further from God, as did the Hebrews? God cannot
do great things for His people because of their hardness of heart
and sinful unbelief.
God is no respecter of persons; but in
every generation they that fear the Lord and work righteousness
are accepted of Him; while those who are murmuring, unbelieving,
and rebellious will not have His favor nor the blessings promised
to those who love the truth and walk in it. Those who have the
light and do not follow it, but disregard the requirements of
God, will find that their blessings will be changed into curses
and their mercies into judgments. God would have us learn humility
and obedience as we read the history of ancient Israel, who were
His chosen and peculiar people, but who brought their own destruction
by following their own ways.
The religion of the Bible is not detrimental
to the health of the body or of the mind. The influence of the
Spirit of God is the very best medicine that can be received
by a sick man or woman. Heaven is all health, and the more deeply
the heavenly influences are realized the more sure will be the
recovery of the believing invalid. At some other health institutions
they encourage amusements, plays, and dancing to get up an excitement,
but are fearful as to the result of a religious interest. Dr.
Jackson's theory in this respect is not only erroneous but dangerous.
Yet he has talked this in such a manner that, were his instructions
heeded, patients would be led to think that their recovery depended
upon their having as few thoughts of God and heaven as possible.
It is true that there are persons with ill-balanced minds who
imagine themselves to be very religious and who impose upon themselves
fasting and prayer to the injury
of their health. These souls suffer themselves to be deceived.
God has not required this of them. They have a pharisaical righteousness,
which springs, not from Christ, but from themselves. They trust
to their own good works for salvation and are seeking to buy
heaven by meritorious works of their own instead of relying,
as every sinner should, alone upon the merits of a crucified
and risen Saviour. Christ and true godliness, today and forever,
will be health to the body and strength to the soul.
The cloud which has rested upon our Health
Institute is lifting, and the blessing of God has attended the
efforts made to place it upon a right basis and to correct the
errors of those who through unfaithfulness brought great embarrassment
upon it and discouragement upon its friends everywhere.
Those who have assigned to the charitable
uses of the Institute the interest, or dividend, of their stock,
have done a noble thing, which will meet its reward. All those
who have not made an assignment, who are able to do so, should,
at their first opportunity, assign all or a part, as most of
the stockholders have done. And as the growing interest and usefulness
of this institution demand it, all, especially those who have
not done so, should continue to take stock in it.
I saw that there was a large amount of
surplus means among our people, a portion of which should be
put into the Health Institute. I also saw that there are many
worthy poor among our people who are sick and suffering, and
who have been looking toward the Institute for help, but who
are not able to pay the regular prices for board, treatment,
etc. The Institute has struggled hard with debts the last three
years and could not treat patients to any considerable extent
without full pay. It would please God for all our people who
are able to do so to take stock liberally in the Institute to
place it in a condition where it can help God's humble, worthy
poor. In connection with this I saw that Christ identifies Himself
with suffering humanity, and that what we have the privilege
of doing for even the least of
His children, whom He calls His brethren, we do to the Son of
God.
"Then shall the King say unto them
on His right hand, Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the
kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for
I was anhungered, and ye gave Me meat: I was thirsty, and ye
gave Me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took Me in: naked, and
ye clothed Me: I was sick, and ye visited Me: I was in prison,
and ye came unto Me. Then shall the righteous answer Him, saying,
Lord, when saw we Thee anhungered, and fed thee? or thirsty,
and gave Thee drink? When saw we Thee a stranger, and took Thee
in? or naked, and clothed Thee? Or when saw we Thee sick, or
in prison, and came unto Thee? And the King shall answer and
say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done
it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it
unto Me. Then shall He say also unto them on the left hand, Depart
from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil
and his angels: for I was anhungered, and ye gave Me no meat:
I was thirsty, and ye gave Me no drink: I was a stranger, and
ye took Me not in: naked, and ye clothed Me not: sick, and in
prison, and ye visited Me not. Then shall they also answer Him,
saying, Lord, when saw we Thee anhungered, or athirst, or a stranger,
or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto Thee?
Then shall He answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch
as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not
to Me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but
the righteous into life eternal."
To raise the Health Institute from its
low state in the autumn of 1869 to its present prosperous, hopeful
condition has demanded sacrifices and exertions of which its
friends abroad know but little. Then it had a debt of thirteen
thousand dollars and had but eight paying patients. And what
was worse still, the course of former managers had been such
as to so far discourage its friends that they had no heart to
furnish means to lift the debt or to recommend the sick to patronize
the Institute. It was at this discouraging
point that my husband decided in his mind that the Institute
property must be sold to pay the debts, and the balance, after
the payment of debts, be refunded to stockholders in proportion
to the amount of stock each held. But one morning, in prayer
at the family altar, the Spirit of God came upon him as he was
praying for divine guidance in matters pertaining to the Institute,
and he exclaimed, while bowed upon his knees: "The Lord
will vindicate every word He has spoken through vision relative
to the Health Institute, and it will be raised from its low estate
and prosper gloriously."
From that point of time we took hold of
the work in earnest and have labored side by side for the Institute
to counteract the influence of selfish men who had brought embarrassment
upon it. We have given of our means, thus setting an example
to others. We have encouraged economy and industry on the part
of all connected with the Institute and have urged that physicians
and helpers work hard for small pay until the institute should
again be fully established in the confidence of our people. We
have borne a plain testimony against the manifestation of selfishness
in anyone connected with the Institute and have counseled and
reproved wrongs. We knew that the Health Institute would not
succeed unless the blessing of the Lord rested upon it. If His
blessing attended it, the friends of the cause would have confidence
that it was the work of God and would feel safe to donate means
to make it a living enterprise, that it might be able to accomplish
the design of God.
The physicians and some of the helpers
went to work earnestly. They worked hard under great discouragements.
Drs. Ginley, Chamberlain, and Lamson worked with earnestness
and energy, for small pay, to build up this sinking institution.
And, thank God, the original debt has been removed, and large
additions for the accommodation of patients have been made and
paid for. The circulation of the Health Reformer, which lies
at the very foundation of the success of the Institute, has been
doubled, and it has become a live journal. Confidence in
the Institute has been fully restored in the
minds of most of our people, and there have been as many patients
at the Institute, nearly the year round, as could well be accommodated
and properly treated by our physicians.
It is a matter of deep regret that the
first managers of the Institute should take a course to nearly
overwhelm it in debt and discouragement. But the financial losses
which stockholders have felt and regretted have been small in
comparison to the labor, perplexity, and care which my husband
and I have borne without pay, and which physicians and helpers
have borne for small wages. We have taken stock in the Institute
to the amount of fifteen hundred dollars, which is "assigned,"
but which is a small consideration compared with the wear we
have suffered in consequence of former reckless managers. But
as the Institute now stands higher in reputation and patronage
than ever before, and as the property is worth more than all
the money that has been invested, and as former errors have been
corrected, those who have lost their confidence have no excuse
for cherishing feelings of prejudice. And if they still manifest
a lack of interest, it will be because they choose to cherish
prejudice rather than to be led by reason.
In the providence of God, Brother A has
given his interest and energies to the Health Institute. He has
had an unselfish interest to advance the interests of the Institute
and has not spared or favored himself. If he depends on God and
makes Him his strength and counselor he can be a blessing to
physicians, helpers, and patients. He has linked his interest
to everything connected with the Institute and has been a blessing
to others in cheerfully bearing burdens which were neither few
nor light. He has blessed others, and these blessings will again
be reflected upon him.
But Brother A is in danger of taking upon
himself burdens which others can and should bear. He should not
wear himself out in doing those things which others, whose time
is less valuable, can do. He should act as a director and superintendent.
He should preserve his strength, that with
his experienced judgment he can direct others what to do. This
is necessary in order for him to maintain a position of influence
in the Institute. His experience in managing with wisdom and
economy is valuable. But he is in danger of separating his interest
too much from his family, of becoming too much absorbed in the
Institute, and of taking too many burdens upon himself, as my
husband has done. My husband's interest for the Health Institute,
the Publishing Association, and the cause generally was so great
that he broke down and has been compelled to retire from the
work for a time, when, had he done less for these institutions
and divided his interest with his family, he would not have had
a constant strain in one direction, and would have preserved
his strength to continue his labors uninterruptedly. Brother
A is the man for the place. But he should not do as my husband
has done, even if matters are not in as prosperous a condition
as if he devoted his entire energies to them. God does not require
either my husband or Brother A to deprive himself of social family
enjoyment, to divorce himself from home and family, even for
the interest of these important institutions.
During the past three or four years several
have had an interest for the Health Institute and have made efforts
to place it in a better condition. But some have lacked discernment
and experience. As long as Brother A acts an unselfish part and
clings to God, He will be his helper and his counselor.
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.
None should be employed as laborers but
those who will work unselfishly in the interest of the Institute,
and such should be well paid for their services. There should
be a sufficient force, especially during the sickly season of
summer, so that none need to overwork. The Health Institute has
overcome its embarrassments; and physicians and helpers should
not be compelled to labor as hard, and suffer such privations,
as when it was so heavily embarrassed in consequence of unfaithful
men, who managed it almost into the ground.
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. 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.
Dr. B is not the best adapted to fill a
position as physician at the Institute. He sees men and women
ruined in constitution, who are weak in mental and moral power,
and he thinks it time lost to treat such cases. This may be so
in many cases. But he should not
become discouraged and disgusted with sick and suffering patients.
He should not lose his pity, sympathy, and patience, and feel
that his life is poorly employed when doing for those who can
never appreciate the labor they receive, and who will not use
their strength, if they regain it, to bless society, but will
pursue the same course of self-gratification that they did in
losing health. Dr. B should not become weary or discouraged.
He should 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, He did not stand aloof for fear of
contamination; He touched them and bade disease give back.
"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."
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.
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.
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.
I was shown that the nine who did not return
to give glory to God correctly represent some Sabbathkeepers
who come to the Health Institute as patients. They receive much
attention and should realize the anxiety and discouragements
of the physicians, and should be the last to cause them unnecessary
care and burdens. Yet I regret to say that frequently the patients
who are most difficult to manage at the Health Institute are
those of our faith. They are more free to make complaints than
are any other class. Worldlings, and professed Christians of
other denominations, appreciate the efforts made for their recovery
more than many Sabbathkeepers do. And when they return to their
homes they exert an influence more in favor of the Health Institute
than do Sabbathkeepers. And some of those
who are so free to question, and to complain of the management
at the Institute, are those who have been treated at reduced
prices.
This has been very discouraging to physicians
and helpers; but they should remember Christ, their great Pattern,
and not become weary in well-doing. If one among a large number
is grateful and exerts a right influence, they should thank God
and take courage. That one may be a stranger, and the inquiry
may arise: Where are the nine? Why do not all Sabbathkeepers
give their interest and support in favor of the Health Institute?
Some Sabbathkeepers have so little interest that, while receiving
attention at the Institute free of charge, they will speak disparagingly
to patients of the means employed for the recovery of the sick.
I wish such to consider their course. The Lord regards them as
He did the nine lepers who returned not to give Him glory. Strangers
do their duty and appreciate the efforts made for their recovery,
while these cast an influence against those who have tried to
do them good.
Dr. B needs to cultivate courtesy and kindness
lest he shall unnecessarily injure the feelings of the patients.
He is frank and openhearted, conscientious, sincere, and ardent.
He has a good understanding of disease, but he should have a
more thorough knowledge of how to treat the sick. With this knowledge
he needs self-culture, refinement of manners, and to be more
select in his words and illustrations in his parlor talks.
Dr. B is highly sensitive and naturally
of a quick, impulsive temper. He moves too much upon the spur
of the moment. He has made efforts to correct his hasty spirit
and to overcome his deficiencies, but he has a still greater
effort to make. If he sees things moving wrong he is in too great
haste to tell the ones in error what he thinks, and he does not
always use the most appropriate words for the occasion. He sometimes
so offends patients that they hate him and leave the Institute
with hard feelings, to the detriment of both themselves and the
Institute. It seldom does any good to talk in a censuring manner
to patients who are diseased in body and mind. But few who have moved in the society of the world,
and who view things from a worldling's standpoint, are prepared
to have a statement of facts in regard to themselves presented
before them. The truth even is not to be spoken at all times.
There is a fit time and opportunity to speak when words will
not offend. The 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. Dr. B has been confined too steadily to the Institute.
He should have had change. He should go out of Battle Creek occasionally
and rest and visit, not always making professional visits, but
visiting where he can be free and where his mind will not be
anxious about the sick.
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.
I was shown that Dr. B is too easily discouraged.
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 are exerting an influence which
will be reflected by the patients in other states and which will
be reflected again upon the Health Institute for good or for
evil. 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. 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." To subdue self, and
bring the passions under the control of the will, is the greatest
conquest that men and women can achieve.
Dr. B is not blind to his peculiar temperament.
He sees his failings, and when he feels the pressure upon him
he is disposed to beat a retreat and turn his back upon the battlefield.
But he will gain nothing by pursuing this course. He is situated
where his surroundings and the pressure of circumstances are
developing the strong points in his character, points from which
the roughness needs to be removed, that he may become refined
and elevated. For him to flee from the contest will not remove
the defects in his character. Should he run away from the Institute,
he would not in so doing remove or overcome the defects in his
character. He has a work before him to overcome these defects
if he would be among the number who are to stand without fault
before the throne of God, having come up through great tribulation,
and having washed their robes of character and made them white
in the blood of the Lamb. The provision has been made for us
to wash. The fountain has been prepared at infinite expense,
and the burden of washing rests upon us, who are imperfect before
God. The Lord does not propose to remove these spots of defilement
without our doing anything on our part. We must wash our robes
in the blood of the Lamb. We may lay hold of the merits of the
blood of Christ by faith, and through His grace and power we
may have strength to overcome our errors, our sins, our imperfections
of character, and come off victorious, having washed our robes
in the blood of the Lamb.
Dr. B should seek to add daily to his stock
of knowledge and to cultivate courteousness and refinement of
manners. In his parlor talks he is too apt to come down to a
low level; they do not have an influence to elevate. He should
bear in mind that he is associated
with all classes of minds and that the impressions he gives will
be extended to other states and will be reflected upon the Institute.
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.
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 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.
Other health institutions are looking with
a jealous eye upon the Health Institute at Battle Creek. They
work from the world's standpoint, while the managers of the Health
Institute work from a religious standpoint, acknowledging God
as their proprietor. They do not labor selfishly for means alone,
but for the sake of Christ and humanity. They are seeking to
benefit suffering humanity, to heal the diseased mind as well
as the suffering body, by directing invalids to Christ, the sinner's
Friend. They do not leave religion out of the question, but make
God their trust and dependence. The sick are directed to Jesus.
After the physicians have done what they can in behalf of the
sick, they ask God to work with their efforts and restore the
suffering invalids to health. This He has done in some cases
in answer to the prayer of faith. And this He
will continue to do if they are faithful and
put their trust in Him. The Health Institute will be a success,
for God sustains it. And if His blessing attends the Institute,
it will prosper and will be the means of doing a great amount
of good. Other institutions are aware that a high standard of
moral and religious influence exists at our Institute. They see
that its conductors are not actuated by selfish, worldly principles,
and they are jealous in regard to its commanding and leading
influence.