Use of Drugs in the Care  of the Sick 4    

THE WORD OF GOD OUR STUDY BOOK 

The psalmist declares: "It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law. Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold. Therefore I esteem Thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way. Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them. The entrance of thy word giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." By the simple is meant those who do not consider themselves of such exalted understanding that they think they can improve the Scriptures above their present simplicity.  

Again he says: "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward."  

The word of God is to be our study book. If the word spoken by Christ from the pillar of cloud had been heeded and observed there would now exist in our world a state of things that could only exist through obedience to the law of God. The directions were plainly specified to Moses to be given to that vast multitude that God was leading to the promised land. It was His design, if this people should heed the word of the Lord, to establish them in the land of Canaan a pure, happy and healthful people, with not one feeble one in all their tribes. The law of the Lord was to be obeyed. Fathers and mothers were to teach it to their children, and compose the same into song, lest they should forget the word of the Lord. These holy commandments were good, and God declared that if they obeyed His word, they would be kept in the favor and love of God, they would be built up in righteousness and truth, and He could safely bless them. But if they departed from their loyalty, and transgressed the laws of His kingdom, their own course of action would react upon themselves. Their course of unrighteousness would produce its sure results, lawlessness, discord, hatred, strife and violence.

 The word of God has been preserved through the centuries to be our lesson book in these last days, and this word is to be studied. The minds that are turned to righteousness will be full of faith and hope and courage. We are to keep before the mind God and his creative work, "for without Him was not anything made that was made." He created the world, and all things that are therein. His book has been preserved by a miracle of God to guide men into right theories, and preserve men from the vague untruthful theories, which because of human inventions which have tried to mould and fashion the Bible, are prevalent in the world to-day.

 This is the very course the Jewish nation pursued, and for their course of transgression, because they would not believe and receive the word of God, and accept Christ as the world's Redeemer, the only provision God had made to save them, they brought upon themselves their own ruin and the destruction of Jerusalem. This is the sure result of a course of disobedience and transgression.

 The only safety of the Hebrew nation lay in their obedience to the laws of the kingdom of God. Through obedience they might have brought themselves into a right relation to God, and all the armies of heaven would have fought their battles for them. But they would not listen to the word of the Lord, and thus save themselves and their children. Had they heeded the words of their unseen leader, their system of theology would have been of heavenly similitude; God would have protected them from the degradation and superstition of the world.  

It was the privilege of the Jewish nation to represent the character of God to the world as it had been revealed to Moses. "Moses said unto the Lord, See, Thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: And Thou hast not let me know whom Thou wilt send with me; yet Thou hast said, I know thee by name, and Thou hast found grace in My sight. Now therefore, if I have found grace in Thy sight, show me now Thy way, that I may know Thee, that I may find grace in Thy sight; . . . . I beseech Thee, show me Thy glory. And He said, I will make all My goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. And He said, thou canst not see My face; for there shall no man see me and live. And the Lord said, Behold, there is a place by Me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock; and it shall come to pass, while My glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover thee with My hand while I pass by." "And the Lord descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will no wise clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation." But the pride and stubbornness of the Jews constantly misrepresented the character of God. They claimed to believe the Scriptures while they misinterpreted them. They misrepresented the character of God by justifying error and injustice and sin.

 If the written word of the Most High God is obeyed, it will educate the believer to co-operate with God in bringing up to a high level the diseased and fallen. Then the ignorant will learn that the enactments of God mean peace and goodness, mercy and love. Satan does not want this presentation to made of God. He desires selfishness to prevail, the love of money to become the ruling element in the heart. He wants that the money and property which belong to God shall be hoarded up, and robbery, fraud, crime, and injustice prevail in the world. He desires to see the poor made to suffer from hunger, and for want of food and clothing, and the world to-day become as full of violence as was the world before the flood. Then he can bring about his ends, charging all the misery upon God.

 To a large extent Satan has carried out his plans. The Lord's property is embezzled; God is robbed. The means that has been lent to men to relieve the necessities of the poor and to uplift and sustain the fallen in righteousness and truth, is used to please and glorify self. From beginning to end, the crime of tobacco using, of opium and drug medication has its origin in perverted knowledge. It is through plucking and eating of poisonous fruit, through the intricacies of names that the common people do not understand, that thousands and ten thousands of lives are lost. This great knowledge, supposed by men to be so wonderful, God did to mean that men should have. They are using The poisonous productions that Satan himself has planted to take the place of the tree of life, whose leaves are for the healing of the nations. Men are dealing in liquors and narcotics that are destroying the human family. Deathly mixtures are used, that make men mad, and murder and violence is prevailing everywhere.

 The time is near when all these wicked inventions will come to an end. At the last the passion for obtaining means by fraud will increase. Theft and robbery will become more prevalent. The fruit of the tree of knowledge will be greedily eaten. Satan will come down with great power, working with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish. Amusements of every kind will increase, and money, God's money, will be abused and misapplied while thousands are perishing for food in all our cities. The dead will be honored with costly sepulchers and expensive monuments, and attention will be called to these things as something worthy of laudation. The householders will turn away from the real wants of living beings and glorify Satan in embellishing the tombs of the dead.

 The cries of humanity from India, from Africa, from China, and from many places are going up to God. Misery and anguish and physical suffering are coming up before him, and God will soon sweep the earth of its moral corruption,--not by a sea of water as in Noah's day, but by a sea of fire that cannot be quenched by any human devising. Admonitions are given to the inhabitants of the earth who are corrupting their ways before God, who are plucking of the tree of knowledge of evil to the ruin of human beings. God will avenge his own elect which cry unto him day and night. Yea, he will avenge them speedily. E. G. White. Manuscript 119, 1898. Recopied July 13, 1926. J.S. 

HOMEOPATHY LESS HARMFUL THAN "OLD-SCHOOL" PRACTICE 

When the great question of health reform was opened before me, the methods of treating the sick were plainly revealed to me. The old school cruel practice and sure results, where one claimed to be benefited, thousands were made life-long invalids, who, had they never seen a physician, would have recovered of themselves without implanting in their systems diseases of a most distressing character. Eclectic was less dangerous.  

The homeopathy which creates so deadly opposition from the regular practice was attended with far less evil consequences than the oldschool practice, but did much harm because it could be resorted to so easily and used so readily with so little expense. Many practice upon themselves and fall back upon this without real knowledge of their ailments and do great harm to themselves, when a proper regulation of their diet, abstinence from tea, coffee, and all spices and flesh meats, [while] gaining an intelligent knowledge of temperance, would be medicine above all drugs.

 But Dr. B has insisted in putting his manner of treatment in a false light. He has repeatedly stated that if Dr. A did not use drugs he was afloat and could not do anything. In Oakland I had another conversation with Dr. B, and I urged him not to make so wonderful a specialty of methods of drug using. I told him after the whole system of drug medication had been laid open before me, I was shown of God that we should have an institution conducted on hygienic principles. In that institution lectures should be given, not on how to use drugs, not to lead minds and educate them in the methods of drug using, but how to live healthfully and without drugs. The words were repeated, Educate! Educate! Educate! . . .

 Then I was taken from room to room and shown disease and its causes, and the result of drug medication. I was then shown through rooms of a hygienic institution that was conducted on hygienic principles and these simple means: sunlight, pure air, and healthful habits. Constant instruction needs to be given, line upon line, precept upon precept, in regard to the necessity of clean bodies, clean houses and clean premises. Breathing clean air would preserve health without the use of drugs. . . .

 There are diseases of every stripe and type because self indulgence is practiced through willing ignorance. I tried to present to Dr. B something of the matter the Lord had shown me, but I think it did not make the least impression on his mind. He stated that he regarded homeopathy as of the devil, of the same character as spiritualism and mesmerism. Now Dr. A is not a homeopathic physician, but he takes the good of all. He obtained his education in the regular school and has his diploma from that school.  

The use of water to help the sick, plenty of exercise, education as to how to breath, and education as to purity of habits, would throw drugs in the shade in their own place, where they naturally belong.  

Dr. B thinks he knows a great deal more than he does, and here is the very seat of the difficulty. Were I sick, I would not trust myself in his hands for the principles of kill or cure. I fear it would be to kill. . . . In Oakland I tried to show Dr. B that his ideas were not after God's order in the set ideas that he could not harmonize with Dr. A. You say you have had an education in hygiene. Now, Dr. B, you have all the opportunity in the world in the Rural Health Retreat to practice that education and demonstrate to Dr. A the fact that hygiene will do wonderful things. Just demonstrate this. Do not, if you see hard work in this practice, like many others leave it aside and resort to your strong doses of drugs. I have positive light that this is tampering with human life. . . .

 Notwithstanding all I could say, he [Dr. B] would go over the same ground again, presenting the infallibility of the allopathy above the homeopathy. I was sure all that I had said of the light which the Lord had been pleased to give me was in his mind as thistledown. He has asserted that he used less drugs than Dr. A while Dr. A declares it is otherwise.--Letter 53, 1888, pp. 1-4. (To George I. Butler, February 10, 1888.)

 SANITARIUMS TO BE IN THE COUNTRY

As these things are presented before me, and as I think of how much is lost by an indoor life, I can scarcely endure the thought of our sanitariums being situated where the patients must endure the rigor of cold winters, where during the winter months they must remain inside most of the time, the rooms heated with steam-coils, and the air impure. In every place there are in winter some things that are disadvantageous to the sick, but some places have fewer disadvantages than others. There are localities where all the year round fruitbearing trees may be seen, and where but little fire is needed for purposes of warmth. In sanitariums established in such places the patients can have the advantages of the out-door air at all seasons of the year. When fires are required, there should, if possible, be open fire-places in which wood can be burned.

 Why do not our physicians see and understand that patients should be treated out of and away from the cities? And not the patients only, but physicians and nurses need a cheerful, sunny atmosphere. Is it surprising that under gloomy surroundings, should be down-hearted and depressed, leading unbelievers to think that their religion makes them gloomy? Let there be light and love and cheerful song in the place of gloom, and what a change would take place!

 Cultivate Cheerfulness. Would it not be well to cultivate gratitude and to offer grateful songs of thanksgiving to God? As Christians we ought to praise God more than we do. We ought to bring more of the brightness of His love into our lives. As by faith we look to Jesus. His joy and peace are reflected from our countenances. How earnestly we should seek so to relate ourselves to God that our faces may reflect the sunshine of His love! When our own souls are vivified by the Holy Spirit, we should exert an uplifting influence upon others who know not the joy of Christ's presence.

Said David, "Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what He hath done for my soul."

 Nebuchadnezzar because of his pride was humiliated, his reason was taken away, and for seven years he was as one of the beasts of the field. At the end of that time he praised God. "And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored Him that liveth forever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation; and all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; and He doeth according to His will in the army of Heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay His hand, or say unto Him, What doest thou?"

 In the open air, the patients, some in wheel-chairs will feel songs of joy coming from their hearts, and some will receive Christ by faith. Many more might be brought to a knowledge of the truth if their surroundings were of a softening and subduing nature. As they behold the beauties of nature, their minds will be led to think of the glories of the home that Christ has gone to prepare for his people. They will realize that the Bible has been given to point out the way to this home, and to prepare the soul for the region of bliss. Joy unspeakable will fill their minds.

 "In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, fear thou not: and to Zion, let not thine hands be slack. The Lord thy God in the midst of thee, is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing."

 Simplicity in Diet and Treatments. It would have been better if, from the first, all drugs had been kept out of our sanitariums, and use had been made of such simple remedies as are found in pure water, pure air, sunlight, and some of the simple herbs growing in the field. These would be just as efficacious as the drugs used under mysterious names, and concocted by human science. And they would leave no injurious effects in the system.

 Thousands who are afflicted might recover their health if, instead of depending upon the drug-store for their life, would discard all drugs, and live simply, without using tea, coffee, liquor, or spices, which irritate the stomach and leave it weak, unable to digest even simple food without stimulation. The Lord is willing to let His light shine forth in clear, distinct rays to all who are weak and feeble.

 Vegetables, fruits, and grains should compose our diet. Not an ounce of flesh-meat should enter stomachs. The eating of flesh is unnatural. We are to return to God's original purpose in the creation of man.

There is a great work to be done. And all are to undertake this work, not for self-exaltation, but wholly for the glory of God. They are instruments, chosen by God to co-operate with Him.  

There is a blessing in the association of old and young. The young may bring sunshine into the hearts and minds of the aged. Those of hoary heads need the vitality and action of the young. And the young need the wisdom and mature experience of older persons. There is to be a blending of the two. Wisdom and patience will do great work for the weak and sickly.

 The Lord has a controversy with the inhabitants of the earth. They are no longer of benefit to the world in advancing truth and righteousness. They are about to be gathered in bundles, ready to be burned. They are as faggots ready to be cast into the fire.  

September 4, 1903. I have been calling upon God to heal my eyes, and to give me clearness of mind, that I may be able to express in proper language, some subjects that I have dreaded to write out, fearing that I would be unable to do justice to the subject.

In our sanitarium work plants should be made in many places. In the sanitariums established decided influence for temperance and for all points of truth should be exerted. The workers should seek to help one another. Those who possess the true missionary spirit will esteem all for whom Christ has died.  

God has declared that sanitariums and hygienic restaurants should be established for the purpose of making known to the world His law. The closing of our restaurants on the Sabbath is to be a witness that there is a people who will not for worldly gain, or to please people, disregard God's holy rest day. These restaurants are to be established in our cities to bring the truth before many who are engrossed in the business and pleasure of this world. Many of these are professed Christians, but are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. These are to know that God has a people who fear Him and keep His commandments. They are to be taught how to choose and prepare the simple food that is best suited to nourish the body and preserve the health.

 Regarding Long Courses of Study. Questions have arisen in regard to the management of sanitariums, and in regard to the plans to be followed in the education of physicians and nurses. We are asked whether few of many should take a five years' course.

All are to be left perfectly free to follow the dictates of an enlightened conscience. There are those who with a few months instruction would be prepared to go out and do acceptable medical missionary work. Some can not feel that it is their duty to give years to one line of study.

Nurses Not to be Restricted. After the nurses have served the term agreed upon, and have given their services in return for their education, they should be at liberty to take up work where they wish, and to earn what they can. Some may not have been able to save any money while getting their education. Their board and clothing, with the gifts they have made to the cause of God, may have taken all their earnings. . . . Then if they are taken sick, they have no money to fall back on, and they are helped by the Sanitarium as cases of charity. This is a species of slavery to which some will conscientiously submit, while others will backslide from the truth.

 The young men and young women who take their medical course or the nurses' course should not be taught that after their graduation they will ever after be amenable to the association under which they received their education. When nurses go to patients not in the Sanitarium, they should not be required to return to the Sanitarium all that they earn, except just enough to cover the cost of food and clothing.

There is much to be considered in regard to this matter. From the light that I have, I know that these things are not properly adjusted. The nurses give their services in return for the education that they receive. They are not always to be required to pay a portion of their wages to the Sanitarium. This is not just.  

And when their term of service has expired, the nurses should be left to work where they please, and to recognize that they are accountable only to God for the use they make of the money they earn. They are not to be required to pay to the Sanitarium at which they received their training a certain part of their earnings. They are to be left free as those who have settled their indebtedness, and are now at liberty to use their earnings as God directs.

 Perhaps they have brothers and sisters who need an education in our schools. Perhaps their parents need what they can spare of their earnings. Their duty to their parents comes first. There has been suffering in families for want of the means that nurses have given in donations to our Sanitariums. This very money was needed by their parents.

A reformation is needed on this point, for justice has not always been done. A hold is not be retained on the nurses educated in our sanitariums, as if they had sold themselves to the institution for life. This matter has been presented to me as something that needs to be set right.

 How much depression and anxiety has been the result of this unwise business arrangement will never be known until the cases of all are seen as they really are. Many of the arrangements made in the name of medical missionary work need adjusting by the wisdom of a Physician who is above all human physicians. Men need to understand that equity and justice and mercy are the attributes of the Most High. In no case will the Lord be pleased with a course such as has been followed in dealing with those who are anxious to obtain a knowledge in the treatment of the sick. These nurses and helpers have rendered faithful service, but have not received an equivalent.

 Practical Instruction to be Given. Great care should be exercised in the training of young people for the medical missionary work; for the mind is moulded by that which it receives and retains. Too much incomplete work has been done in the education given. The most useful education is found in practical work.

 Our institutions are not to be so overgrown that the most important points in education do not receive the proper consideration. Instruction should be given in medical missionary work. The teaching given in medical lines should be blended with a study of the Bible. And physical training should not be neglected.  

Great care should be exercised in regard to the influences that prevail in the institution. The influences under which the nurses are placed will mould their character for eternity.

The home is the child's first school. Here it should receive its first teaching in regard to right principles. In childhood the mind is readily impressed and moulded, and it is then that boys and girls should be taught to love and honor God. In sympathy and love parents should teach them line upon line, precept upon precept the lessons of His word. Neither the church-school nor the college afford the opportunities for establishing a child's character building upon the right foundation as are afforded by the home. In the school there are not the strong ties of love that there are in the home.  

The youth in their waywardness and inexperience need to associate with teachers who feel an intense interest in the work of educating and training the members of the Lord's family. The teachers are to have no favorites among their students. They are not to give the most attention to the bright, quick students.  

First impressions are not to be trusted. It is those who apparently are the most unpromising, who most need the tact and kindly words that will bind their hearts to the heart of the teacher. Angels of God come to every school-room. If their presence is welcomed they will keep the minds of the students fresh with the love of God. And they will help the teacher to preserve order and discipline. 

Students who at first seem to be dull and slow may in the end make greater progress than those naturally quicker. If they are thorough and systematic in their work, they will gain much that others will fail to gain. Those who form habits of patient, persevering industry will accomplish more than those of quick, vivacious, brilliant minds, who, though grasping a point quickly, lose it just as readily. The patient ones, though slower to learn, will stand ahead of those who learn so quickly that they think they do not need to study.