5-B

6 – INSTITUTIONAL RATES

[1] - EQUITABLE

[2] – FINANCIAL LOSSES PREFERABLE

TO MERCENARY AND ANGRY FEELINGS

"You are to always place yourself in the position of the one with whom you deal and see how you would feel under similar circumstances; then act as you would have others act toward you, that no shadow may be cast upon the precious cause of truth. It must not be reproached for the sake of gaining a few dollars or cents. Let no occasion ever be given for anyone to say that Seventh-day Adventists ever will do mean actions. Contempt will be what they will reap. Let all our business transactions

7 – WAGES AND HOURS

[1] – FAIR

[2] – EQUITABLE

[3] – EQUALLY SHARE IN LOSS AND IN PROSPERITY

When more prosperous—all receive higher wages (Counsels on Health, 311).

None should work too long hours (Counsels on Health, 314-315).

None should be overworked (Counsels on Health, 311).

"Do not allow the helpers to overwork. Let the patients see nurses that are cheerful and bright, not nurses who, because they are overworked, are discouraged and downhearted. It is most inconsistent with the principles on which our sanitariums are founded for the nurses to be allowed to break down in their work."—Medical Ministry, 212.

"The workers in our sanitariums are to be trained for the work for which they are best adapted. But when an emergency arises, and help is needed, workers should not say, That is not my work. The helper who has the idea that he is only to do the work assigned him, and no more, who feels no responsibility to help wherever and whenever help is needed, should at once dismiss this idea from his mind. He should never feel that a wrong is done him if in an emergency he is asked to work overtime. When extra help is needed, let the workers assist willingly, in Christian meekness, and they will receive a blessing."—Medical Ministry, 176-177.

Overwork, overeating, lack of exercise, and the worker’s health (Medical Ministry, 291-297).

Physicians should not overwork—obtain more help if necessary—a vacation essential occasionally (Counsels on Health, 354).

Have enough workers to properly assist the physician (Counsels on Health, 360).

Of all men, physicians should have regular hours for rest (Counsels on Health, 361).

"If you who have charge of an institution see other institutions bravely struggling for standing room, so that they may do a work similar to the work of the institutions with which you are connected, do not be jealous."—Counsels on Health, 308.

"Rather curtail some of your large plans and help those who are struggling. Aid them in carrying out some of their plans to increase their facilities. Do not use every dollar in enlarging your facilities and increasing your responsibilities. Reserve part of your means for establishing in other places health institutions and schools."—Counsels on Health, 308.

"Everyone should aim to carry forward to a successful issue the work placed in his hands. All our institutions should keep this in mind and strive for success: but at the same time let them remember that their success will increase in proportion as they exercise disinterested liberality, sharing their abundance with institutions that are struggling for a foothold. Our prosperous institutions should help those institutions that God has said should live and prosper, but which are still struggling for an existence. There is among us a very limited amount of real, unselfish love."—Counsels on Health, 309.

"Donations were made to the Battle Creek Sanitarium in its earlier history, and should not this sanitarium consider carefully what it can do for its sister institutions on the Pacific Coast? My brethren in Battle Creek, does it not seem in accordance with God’s order to restrict your wants, to curtail your building operations, not enlarging our institutions in that center? Why should you not feel that it is your privilege and duty to help those who need help?"—Counsels on Health, 309-310.

"It is selfishness that hinders men from sending help to those places where the work of God is not as prosperous as it is in the institution over which they have supervision."—Counsels on Health, 310.

"Restrict your ambition to enlarge the institution and to accumulate responsibilities. Let some of the means flowing into the sanitarium be given to the institutions needing help. This is certainly right. It is in accordance with God’s will and way, and it will bring the blessing of God upon the sanitarium."—Counsels on Health, 312.

"From the light given me, the managers of all our institutions, and especially of newly established sanitariums, are to be careful to economize in the expenditure of means, that they may be in a position to help similar institutions that are to be established in other parts of the world."—Counsels on Health, 224-225.

"We must not absorb in a few places all the money in the treasury, but must labor to build up the work in many places. New territory is to be added to the Lord’s kingdom. Other parts of His vineyard are to be furnished with facilities that will give character to the work. The Lord forbids us to use selfish schemes in His service. He forbids us to adopt plans that will rob our neighbor of facilities that would enable him to act his part in representing the truth. We are to love our neighbor as ourselves."—Counsels on Health, 275.

"The men in positions of trust should regard the means they handle as God’s revenue, and use it in an economical manner. When there is an abundance in the treasury, they are not to invest it in adding building to building in places already provided with memorials for God. Hundreds of other places are in need of this money, that they too, may have something established to represent the truth."—Medical Ministry, 165.

"The Lord is certainly opening the way for us as a people to divide and subdivide the companies that have been growing too large to work together to the greatest advantage. And this dividing should be done, not only that the students may have greater advantages, but that the teachers may be benefited, and life and health spared. To establish another school will be better than further enlargement of the school at __. Let another locality have the advantage of one of our educational institutions."—Medical Ministry, 322 (read 7 Testimonies, 285).

"The Lord will give to our sanitariums whose work is already established an opportunity to cooperate with Him in assisting newly established plants. Every new institution is to be regarded as a sister helper in the great work of proclaiming the third angel’s message. God has given our sanitariums an opportunity to set in operation a work that will be as a stone instinct with life, growing as it is rolled by an invisible hand. Let this mystic stone be set in motion."—Counsels on Health, 220.

Statements on this will be found compiled together in the section entitled "Working Standards."

"Let there be a company formed somewhat after the order of the Christian Endeavor Society, and see what can be done by each accountable human agent in watching and improving opportunities to do work for the Master. He has a vineyard in which everyone can perform good work. Suffering humanity needs help everywhere."—Counsels on Health, 537.

"No one man is ever to set himself up as a ruler, as a lord over his fellow men, to act out his natural impulses. No one man’s voice and influence should ever be allowed to become a controlling power. Those who oppress their fellow workers in our institutions, and who refuse to change their manner of treating helpers under their charge, should be removed. As overseers, they should have exerted a superior, refining influence for the right. Their investment with power makes it all the more necessary for them to be models of true Christianity."—Medical Ministry, 165.

"No one in an institution, not even the superintendent, should take the position that he is free to follow his own judgment in all things. Let no one think that he knows so much that he no longer needs to learn. Unless we are constantly learning of Christ, and unless we are willing to take counsel and advice from our brethren, we shall fail in our work; for we shall become self-sufficient, and with those who are self-sufficient God cannot work."—Medical Ministry, 166.

"The man at the head of any work in God’s cause is to be a man of intelligence, a man capable of managing large interests successfully, a man of even temper, Christlike forbearance, and perfect self-control. He only whose heart is transformed by the grace of Christ can be a proper leader."—Medical Ministry, 164.

"The man who occupies the position of superintendent must be brave and true, ready to stand fearlessly for what he knows to be right. He must be a man who is quick to discern and discriminate, a man who can make wrong right with as little friction as possible. A lack of discernment, a failure to reason from cause to effect, often brings about in our institutions a condition of things that is very displeasing to God."—Medical Ministry, 166.

Not to cater to demands for pleasure; no worldly or theatrical amusements (Counsels on Health, 293, 271-274; Medical Ministry, 205).

Not to cater to tastes and habits of unconsecrated people by bringing in innovations (Medical Ministry, 163).

"Those who take charge of this work are first to obtain Christlikeness. Daily they are to learn in the school of Christ. Then they will have wisdom to know how to deal with human 

minds. They will know how to carry on from stage to stage of true knowledge those who come to the institution to prepare themselves for usefulness in God’s service."—Medical Ministry, 175.

"He should have dignity and knowledge, blended with a clear sense of how to use his authority. Christ must be revealed in his life. He must be a man who can give religious instruction and exert a spiritual influence. He must know how to deal with minds, and he must allow his own mind to be controlled by the Spirit. Wisdom is to come forth from his lips in words of encouragement to all with whom he is connected. He must know how to discern and correct mistakes. He must be a man who will harmonize with his fellow workers, a man who possesses adaptability. He should be able to speak of the different points of our faith, as occasion requires. His words and acts should reveal justice, judgment, and the love of God."—Medical Ministry, 169.

"Those in responsible positions will have to deal with those whose life is far from easy. Toil and deprivation, with no hope for better things in the future make their burden very heavy. And when pain and sickness are added, the load is almost greater than they have strength to bear. Let not God’s stewards put sharpness into their dealings with such ones. This would be cruelty itself. Let them clothe themselves with courtesy as with a garment. Let them be kind and conciliatory in their dealing with the lowest and poorest. God will see and reward such dealing."—Medical Ministry, 172.

"Those who occupy positions of responsibility in a sanitarium, either as manager or matron, should feel the importance of the responsibility resting on them to train those in their charge to do their work thoroughly and quickly."—Medical Ministry, 175. (Read also page 176.)

"Christ says, My sheep hear My voice, and they follow Me away from the byways of sin. As Christ worked, so you are to work. In tenderness and love seek to lead the erring to the right way. This will call for great patience and forbearance, and for the constant manifestation of the forgiving love of Christ. Daily the Saviour’s compassion must be revealed. The example He has left must be followed. He took upon His sinless nature our sinful nature, that He might know how to succor those that are tempted."—Medical Ministry, 181.

"It is not necessary to bring everything that needs to be corrected before the manager. When you see a worker in error, go to him, and talk with him kindly and tenderly, showing a sincere desire for his welfare. In nine cases out of ten, your efforts will be successful. You will save a soul from death, and hide a multitude of sins."—Medical Ministry, 181-182.

"While the students must be ready to begin with lesser responsibilities and give evidence that they can be trusted, he [the instructor] should feel for them the tenderest affection. He should not become discouraged at their ignorance, but should give them credit for all the good qualities he sees in them. In educating himself in this direction, he is obtaining a valuable experience,—an experience which he needs in order to be a practical Christian.

"If the students make mistakes, let him not think them unworthy to be placed on trial again, as though they had committed sins that cannot be forgiven. He should kindly point out their errors; and they, in turn, should be grateful for a friend so faithful as to tell them their faults and how to correct them. To cast off the erring, to treat them coldly, would not be doing as Christ has done for him. We are all fallible, and need the pity and consideration and forgiveness of one another. He cannot find perfection anywhere, and should not expect it, but he must bear with the perversity of men, and try to teach them."—Medical Ministry, 211.

Let everything in and around the Sanitarium be orderly and neat (Counsels on Health, 242). 

Modest and neat dress of workers, but deportment is more important (Counsels on Health, 292).

"Build for eternity. Christ’s lessons are before us. We are to do carefully, neatly, and with exactitude whatever is to be done."—Medical Ministry, 204.

"Everything connected with a sanitarium should be neat and orderly. Neatness and order will often have more influence than mere words."—Medical Ministry 212.

Not wise to have too many inexperienced learners as workers, and too few experienced and efficient ones (Counsels on Health, 292; Medical Ministry, 173-174).

When you see where changes could be made and have a possible solution, go to the head of the institution and counsel with him. Do not talk or listen to discouragement. Be silent or work to correct the evil (Counsels on Health, 243- 244). No criticism (Medical Ministry, 137-138).

"If we would guard our words, so that nothing but kindness shall escape our lips, we will give evidence that we are preparing to become members of the heavenly family. In words and works we shall show forth the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. Oh, what a reformative influence would go forth if we as a people would value at its true worth the talent of speech and its influence upon human souls!"—Medical Ministry 213.

"The conversation I was made to hear in the rooms of the helpers was not of a character to elevate and strengthen mind or morals. The frivolous talk, the foolish jesting, the meaningless laugh, fell painfully upon the ear. . . .

"I was astonished as I saw the jealousy indulged and listened to the words of envy, the reckless talk, which made angels of God ashamed."—Counsels on Health, 412 (read 412-413).

"The Lord must be given an opportunity to show men their duty and to work upon their minds. No one is to bind himself to serve for a term of years under the direction of one group of men or in one specified branch of the Master’s work, for the Lord Himself will call men, as of old He called the humble fishermen, and will Himself give them instruction regarding their field of labor and the methods they should follow. He will call men from the plow and from other occupations, to give the last note of warning to perishing souls. There are many ways in which to work for the Master, and the Great Teacher will open the understanding of these workers, enabling them to see wondrous things in His Word."—Counsels on Health, 395.

"If the rush of work is allowed to drive us from our purpose of seeking the Lord daily, we shall make the greatest mistakes; we shall incur losses, for the Lord is not with us; we have closed the door so that He cannot find access to our souls. But if we pray even when our hands are employed, the Saviour’s ear is open to hear our petitions. If we are determined not to be separated from the Source of our strength, Jesus will be just as determined to be at our right hand to help us, that we may not be put to shame before our enemies. The grace of Christ can accomplish for us that which all our efforts will fail to do."—Counsels on Health, 424.

"No soul can prosper without time to pray, to search the Scriptures; and all should, as far as possible, have the privilege of attending public worship."—Counsels on Health, 422.

"God takes care of you in the place where it is your duty to be. But be sure, as often as possible, to go where prayer is wont to be made."—Counsels on Health, 424.

Beware of making the Sabbath commonplace in sanitariums and institutions (Counsels on Health 236-237).

Observance of the Sabbath in institutions (Counsels on Health, 368, 422, 489, 491; Medical Ministry, 164, 214).

Fees from Sabbath work are to be put into the treasury to help the poor (Medical Ministry, 216).

The sick are not to be neglected on the Sabbath (Counsels on Health, 236).

"The Saviour has shown us by His example that it is right to relieve suffering on this day; but physicians and nurses should not do unnecessary work. Ordinary treatment, and operations that can wait, should be deferred till the next day."—Medical Ministry 214.

Diet on the Sabbath (Counsels on Health, 489-491).

"Those who, from whatever cause, are obliged to work on the Sabbath, are always in peril; they feel the loss, and from doing works of necessity, they fall into the habit of doing things on the Sabbath that are not necessary. The sense of its sacredness is lost, and the holy commandment is of no effect."—Medical Ministry, 215.

Never honor the rich, and slight or neglect the poor (Counsels on Health, 228-230).

Invite all sects and classes to share the benefits of our medical institutions (Counsels on Health, 246).

"Those who are really the least in need of help are likely to receive the most of our attention. But we need to show special wisdom in dealing with those who seem inconsiderate and thoughtless."—Medical Ministry, 209.

"From the manager down to the humblest worker, all should feel a responsibility for the unconverted among their own number."—Medical Ministry, 182.

There should be daily efforts by the workers in soul-winning (Medical Ministry, 190-192, 194-197; Counsels on Health, 540).

Be slow to advance new, different, advanced, and possibly objectionable doctrines to the patients (Counsels on Health, 245-246; Medical Ministry, 189).

Male physicians should work with male patients, and female physicians should work with female patients (Counsels on Health, 363-365).

Never should a male physician be alone with a female patient (Counsels on Health, 364).

In every medical institution, experienced, mature women are to give treatments to the women (Counsels on Health, 364).

Women physicians are to handle obstetrics (childbirth) and gynecology (Counsels on Health 365-366; Medical Ministry, 61).

In the medical school, women should be trained by women (Counsels on Health, 366).

Women as physicians should labor together and spouses need to counsel together regarding difficult cases (Medical Ministry, 140).

Do not miss appointments and do not be late. If you can not be there, send an associate physician who should explain cause of the absence (Medical Ministry, 192-194; Counsels on Health, 363).

"The physician should be governed by a strict sense of propriety at all times and on all occasions. I speak plainly, because I know that it is my duty to do this. You cannot be too chaste in your words or too modest in your examination of patients. Coarseness or indelicacy in the operating room, or by the bedside of the suffering, is a sin in the sight of God; and in the minds of the patients it will tell with power against the physician. Unless he constantly cherishes a strict sense of propriety, he will unguardedly shock sensitive patients who are modest and refined."—Medical Ministry, 149.

"There should not be even an approach to commonness. The actions of the physician are making their impressions; the tones of his voice, the expression of his countenance, the words he speaks, are weighed by the patient. Every movement is scrutinized."—Medical Ministry, 149.

"You have no right to shut yourself up within yourself, and say scarcely anything to the patients. You should not keep patients waiting for your decision in their case. It is not right to cause them suffering of mind by unnecessary delay. Every case should receive prompt attention in its turn and according to its necessity. . . .

"I have been shown that this defect in your character has caused men and women to curse you in their hearts, and almost to blaspheme God. Now if I thought this could not be corrected, I would not write as I do. It is your duty as a Christian physician to educate your manners and your habits for the sickroom, to be cheerful and affable, to manifest tender sympathy, to converse freely on the subjects essential to your patients, and which come within the sphere of your practice. You can reach a high standard in your practice."—Medical Ministry, 148.

Open the truth to the patients—depending on the circumstances—but always if there is danger of death (Medical Ministry, 38).

The truth may not always be completely told to the patient, but never prevaricate (Medical Ministry, 38).

"I do not justify anyone in practicing deception upon the dying. In as mild a manner as possible tell them the truth in regard to their case (as I believe you do), and then point them to Jesus as their only hope."—Medical Ministry, 148.

"The Christian physician is a minister of the highest order. He is a missionary. Those who through their skill and faithful, earnest effort, by wisdom from God, can relieve bodily pain, place themselves in such a relation to their patients that they can point them to the Soul Healer, who can say, Thy sins be forgiven thee. "—Medical Ministry 147.

"The sick should not be compelled to wait when they need advice and relief. Never should the physician neglect his patients. He should have quick, penetrating judgment, and should carry into the sickroom a genial atmosphere. He should not be cold, reticent, or hesitating, but should cultivate those qualities which exert a soothing influence over the suffering ones. They want more than looks; they want kind, hopeful words. The doctor should be ready to give them cheerful reassuring words, words spoken from the heart in wisdom, showing that he understands the cases of those under his care. This will inspire a restfulness and confidence, even at the first interview."—Medical Ministry, 193.

"The time that has been spent in communing with God, in seeking His help before undertaking to relieve those who were in a critical condition, has brought angels to the side of the doctor and his assistants. You have succeeded according as you have trusted in God. He has been by your side just as verily as Christ was by the side of those who were suffering when He walked among them on earth."—Medical Ministry, 34.

"If the invalid is relieved from pain, and brought back, as it were, from death to life, he is inclined almost to worship the one who, he thinks, has saved his life. He seldom thinks that it is God who has done this work through His human agents. Now is the opportune moment for Satan to come in and lead the physician to exalt himself instead of Christ. Jesus says, ‘Without Me ye can do nothing.’

"You should lead the patient to behold Jesus as the physician of the body as well as of the soul. If the physician has the love of Christ in his own heart, he will use his influence to set the mighty Healer before the afflicted one. He can direct the thoughts, the gratitude, and praise, to the Source of all power, mercy, and goodness."—Medical Ministry, 149-150.