Balanced Presentations
Some have been singled out as men who might be useful as physicians, and they have been encouraged to take a MEDICAL COURSE. But some who commenced their studies in the medical colleges as Christians did not keep the divine law prominent; they sacrificed principle and lost their hold on God. They felt that singlehanded they could not keep the FOURTH COMMANDMENT and meet the jeers and ridicule of the ambitious, the world-loving, the superficial, the skeptic, and the infidel. This kind of persecution they were not prepared to meet. They were ambitious to climb higher in the world, and they stumbled on the dark mountains of unbelief and became untrustworthy. Temptations of every kind opened before them, and they had no strength to resist. Some of these have become dishonest, scheming policy men and are guilty of grave sins. {5T 447.2}
In almost every church there are young men and women who might receive an education either as physicians or NURSES. They will never have a more favorable opportunity than now. I would urge that this subject be considered prayerfully, that special effort be made to select those youth who give promise of usefulness and moral strength. Let these receive an education at our Sanitarium at Battle Creek, to go out as missionaries wherever the Lord may call them to labor.–M. M., V. II, p. 216. {HL 249.1}
Recognition of Emergency Conditions
(1890) C.T.B.H. 117, 118
Where plenty of good milk and fruit can be obtained there is rarely any excuse for eating animal food; it is not necessary to take the life of any of God’s creatures to supply our ordinary needs. IN CERTAIN CASES OF ILLNESS OR EXHAUSTION IT MAY BE THOUGHT BEST TO USE SOME MEAT, BUT GREAT CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN TO SECURE THE FLESH OF HEALTHY ANIMALS. It has come to be a very serious question whether it is safe to use flesh food at all in this age of the world. It would be better never to eat meat than to use the flesh of animals that are not healthy. WHEN I COULD NOT OBTAIN THE FOOD I NEEDED, I HAVE SOMETIMES EATEN A LITTLE MEAT; BUT I AM BECOMING MORE AND MORE AFRAID OF IT.
[ELLEN G. WHITE AT TIMES COMPELLED TO EAT A LITTLE MEAT– APPENDIX I:10] {CD 394.2}
Not to Be Classed With Flesh Meat
(1902) 7T 135
MILK, EGGS, AND BUTTER SHOULD NOT BE CLASSED WITH FLESH MEAT. IN SOME CASES THE USE OF EGGS IS BENEFICIAL. The time has not come to say that the use of milk and eggs should be wholly discarded. THERE ARE POOR FAMILIES WHOSE DIET CONSISTS LARGELY OF BREAD AND MILK. THEY HAVE LITTLE FRUIT, AND CANNOT AFFORD TO PURCHASE THE NUT FOODS. IN TEACHING HEALTH REFORM, AS IN ALL OTHER GOSPEL WORK, WE ARE TO MEET THE PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE. Until we can teach them how to prepare health reform foods that are palatable, nourishing, and yet inexpensive, WE ARE NOT AT LIBERTY TO PRESENT THE MOST ADVANCED PROPOSITIONS REGARDING HEALTH REFORM DIET. {CD 351.2}
Our Needs.
“As has been pointed out already, whatever has been required by medical boards, or of necessity has been provided for the school. The medical inspectors have been satisfied in the matter of entrance requirements, curriculum, faculty, laboratory and equipment, library, and medical periodicals. Emphasis was laid by each of the inspectors upon the necessity for a clinical hospital. This is our great and immediate need, and demands attention at once. . . {LLM 24.1}
Surgery.
Dear Brethren:–
Last night I seemed to be in the operating room of a large HOSPITAL, to which people were being brought, and instruments were being prepared to cut off their limbs in a big hurry. One came in who seemed to have authority, and said to the physician, “Is it necessary to bring these people into this room?” Looking pityingly at the sufferers, he said, “NEVER AMPUTATE A LIMB UNTIL EVERYTHING POSSIBLE HAS BEEN DONE TO RESTORE IT.” Examining the limbs which the physicians had been preparing to cut off, he said, “They may be saved. The first work is to use every available means to restore these limbs. What a fearful mistake it would be to amputate a limb that could be saved by patient care. Your conclusions have been too hastily drawn. Put these patients in the best room in the hospital, and give them the very best of care and treatment. USE EVERY MEANS IN YOUR POWER TO SAVE THEM FROM GOING THROUGH LIFE IN A CRIPPLED CONDITION, THEIR USEFULNESS DAMAGED FOR LIFE.” {SpM 267.2}
Drug medication, as it is generally practiced, is a curse. Educate away from drugs. USE THEM LESS AND LESS, and depend more upon hygienic agencies; then nature will respond to God’s physicians—pure air, pure water, proper exercise, a clear conscience. Those who persist in the use of tea, coffee, and flesh meats will feel the need of drugs, but many might recover without one grain of medicine if they would obey the laws of health. DRUGS NEED SELDOM BE USED. 153 {CCh 105.4}
NOT ALL WHO PROFESS TO BELIEVE IN DIETETIC REFORM ARE REALLY REFORMERS. WITH MANY PERSONS THE REFORM CONSISTS MERELY IN DISCARDING CERTAIN UNWHOLESOME FOODS. They do not understand clearly the principles of health, and their tables, still loaded with harmful dainties, are far from being an example of Christian temperance and moderation. {MH 318.1} ANOTHER CLASS, IN THEIR DESIRE TO SET A RIGHT EXAMPLE, GO TO THE OPPOSITE EXTREME. Some are unable to obtain the most desirable foods, and, instead of using such things as would best supply the lack, they adopt an impoverished diet. THEIR FOOD DOES NOT SUPPLY THE ELEMENTS NEEDED TO MAKE GOOD BLOOD. THEIR HEALTH SUFFERS, THEIR USEFULNESS IS IMPAIRED, AND THEIR EXAMPLE TELLS AGAINST, RATHER THAN IN FAVOR OF, REFORM IN DIET. {MH 318.2}
There is real common sense in dietetic reform. THE SUBJECT SHOULD BE STUDIED BROADLY AND DEEPLY, AND NO ONE SHOULD CRITICIZE OTHERS BECAUSE THEIR PRACTICE IS NOT, IN ALL THINGS, IN HARMONY WITH HIS OWN. It is impossible to make an unvarying rule to regulate everyone’s habits, and no one should think himself a criterion for all. NOT ALL CAN EAT THE SAME THINGS. FOODS THAT ARE PALATABLE AND WHOLESOME TO ONE PERSON MAY BE DISTASTEFUL, AND EVEN HARMFUL, TO ANOTHER. SOME CANNOT USE MILK, WHILE OTHERS THRIVE ON IT. SOME PERSONS CANNOT DIGEST PEAS AND BEANS; OTHERS FIND THEM WHOLESOME. FOR SOME THE COARSER GRAIN PREPARATIONS ARE GOOD FOOD, WHILE OTHERS CANNOT USE THEM. {MH 319.2} THOSE WHO LIVE IN NEW COUNTRIES OR IN POVERTY-STRICKEN DISTRICTS, WHERE FRUITS AND NUTS ARE SCARCE, SHOULD NOT BE URGED TO EXCLUDE MILK AND EGGS FROM THEIR DIETARY. IT IS TRUE THAT PERSONS IN FULL FLESH AND IN WHOM THE ANIMAL PASSIONS ARE STRONG NEED TO AVOID THE USE OF STIMULATING FOODS. ESPECIALLY IN FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WHO ARE GIVEN TO SENSUAL HABITS, EGGS SHOULD NOT BE USED. BUT IN THE CASE OF PERSONS WHOSE BLOOD-MAKING ORGANS ARE FEEBLE,–ESPECIALLY IF OTHER FOODS TO SUPPLY THE NEEDED ELEMENTS CANNOT BE OBTAINED,–MILK AND EGGS SHOULD NOT BE WHOLLY DISCARDED. GREAT CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN, HOWEVER, TO OBTAIN MILK FROM HEALTHY COWS, AND EGGS FROM HEALTHY FOWLS, THAT ARE WELL FED AND WELL CARED FOR; AND THE EGGS SHOULD BE SO COOKED AS TO BE MOST EASILY DIGESTED. {MH 320.1}
Because principle requires us to discard those things that irritate the stomach and impair health, we should remember that an impoverished diet produces poverty of the blood. Cases of disease most difficult to cure result from this cause. The system is not sufficiently nourished, and dyspepsia and general debility are the result. THOSE WHO USE SUCH A DIET ARE NOT ALWAYS COMPELLED BY POVERTY TO DO SO, BUT THEY CHOOSE IT THROUGH IGNORANCE OR NEGLIGENCE, OR TO CARRY OUT THEIR ERRONEOUS IDEAS OF REFORM. {MH 321.3}
The narrow ideas of some would-be health reformers have been a great injury to the cause of hygiene. Hygienists should remember that dietetic reform will be judged, to a great degree, by the provision they make for their tables; and instead of taking a course that will bring discredit upon it, they should so exemplify its principles as to commend them to candid minds. There is a large class who will oppose any reform movement, however reasonable, if it places a restriction on the appetite. They consult taste instead of reason or the laws of health. By this class, all who leave the beaten track of custom and advocate reform will be accounted radical, no matter how consistent their course. That these persons may have no ground for criticism, HYGIENISTS SHOULD NOT TRY TO SEE HOW DIFFERENT THEY CAN BE FROM OTHERS, BUT SHOULD COME AS NEAR TO THEM AS POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE SACRIFICE OF PRINCIPLE. {MH 323.3}
WHEN THOSE WHO ADVOCATE HYGIENIC REFORM GO TO EXTREMES, IT IS NO WONDER THAT MANY WHO REGARD THESE PERSONS AS REPRESENTING HEALTH PRINCIPLES REJECT THE REFORM ALTOGETHER. These extremes frequently do more harm in a short time than could be undone by a lifetime of consistent living. {MH 324.1} HYGIENIC REFORM IS BASED UPON PRINCIPLES THAT ARE BROAD AND FAR-REACHING, AND WE SHOULD NOT BELITTLE IT BY NARROW VIEWS AND PRACTICES. But no one should permit opposition or ridicule, or a desire to please or influence others, to turn him from true principles, or cause him lightly to regard them. Those who are governed by principle will be firm and decided in standing for the right; YET IN ALL THEIR ASSOCIATIONS THEY WILL MANIFEST A GENEROUS, CHRISTLIKE SPIRIT AND TRUE MODERATION. {MH 324.2}
While working against gluttony and intemperance, we must recognize the condition to which the human family is subjected. God has made provision for those who live in the different countries of the world. Those who desire to be co-workers with God must consider carefully before they specify just what foods should and should not be eaten. We are to be brought into connection with the masses. Should health reform in its most extreme form be taught to those whose circumstances forbid its adoption, more harm than good would be done. AS I PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR, I AM INSTRUCTED TO TELL THEM TO EAT THAT FOOD WHICH IS MOST NOURISHING. I CANNOT SAY TO THEM: “YOU MUST NOT EAT EGGS, OR MILK, OR CREAM. YOU MUST USE NO BUTTER IN THE PREPARATION OF FOOD.” THE GOSPEL MUST BE PREACHED TO THE POOR, BUT THE TIME HAS NOT YET COME TO PRESCRIBE THE STRICTEST DIET. {9T 163.1}
Chap. 6 – Heights that May be Attained
Dear youth, what is the aim and purpose of your life? Are you ambitious for education that you may have a name and position in the world? Have you thoughts that you dare not express, that you may one day stand upon the summit of intellectual greatness; that you may sit in deliberative and legislative councils, and help to enact laws for the nation? There is nothing wrong in these aspirations. You may every one of you make your mark. You should be content with no mean attainments. Aim high, and spare no pains to reach the standard. {MYP 36.1}
AS LONG AS TIME SHALL LAST, WE SHALL HAVE NEED OF SCHOOLS. THERE WILL ALWAYS BE NEED OF EDUCATION; but we must be careful lest education absorb every spiritual interest. {CT 417.1}
THE LITTLE ONES SHOULD BE EDUCATED IN CHILDLIKE SIMPLICITY. They should be trained to be content with the small, helpful duties and the pleasures and experiences natural to their years. Childhood answers to the blade in the parable, and the blade has a beauty peculiarly its own. CHILDREN SHOULD NOT BE FORCED INTO A PRECOCIOUS MATURITY, BUT AS LONG AS POSSIBLE SHOULD RETAIN THE FRESHNESS AND GRACE OF THEIR EARLY YEARS. The more quiet and simple the life of the child–the more free from artificial excitement and the more in harmony with nature–the more favorable it is to physical and mental vigor and to spiritual strength. {Ed 107.2}
GOD HAS BEEN PLEASED TO GIVE YOU LINE UPON LINE AND PRECEPT UPON PRECEPT. But there are not many of you that really know what is contained in the Testimonies. You are not familiar with the Scriptures. IF YOU HAD MADE GOD’S WORD YOUR STUDY, WITH A DESIRE TO REACH THE BIBLE STANDARD AND ATTAIN TO CHRISTIAN PERFECTION, YOU WOULD NOT HAVE NEEDED THE TESTIMONIES. It is because you have neglected to acquaint yourselves with God’s inspired Book that He has sought to reach you by simple, direct testimonies, calling your attention to the words of inspiration which you had neglected to obey, and urging you to fashion your lives in accordance with its pure and elevated teachings. {5T 664.3}
THE TESTIMONIES THEMSELVES WILL BE THE KEY THAT WILL EXPLAIN THE MESSAGES GIVEN, AS SCRIPTURE IS EXPLAINED BY SCRIPTURE.– Letter 73, 1903. {1SM 42.2}
“REGARDING THE TESTIMONIES, NOTHING IS IGNORED; NOTHING IS CAST ASIDE; BUT TIME AND PLACE MUST BE CONSIDERED. Nothing must be done untimely. SOME MATTERS MUST BE WITHHELD BECAUSE SOME PERSONS WOULD MAKE AN IMPROPER USE OF THE LIGHT GIVEN. Every jot and tittle is essential and must appear at an opportune time. In the past, the testimonies were carefully prepared before they were sent out for publication. And all matter is still carefully studied after the first writing. {PH116 25a.1}
THE LANGUAGE OF THE BIBLE SHOULD BE EXPLAINED ACCORDING TO ITS OBVIOUS MEANING, UNLESS A SYMBOL OR FIGURE IS EMPLOYED. Christ has given the promise: “IF ANY MAN WILL DO HIS WILL, HE SHALL KNOW OF THE DOCTRINE.” JOHN 7:17. IF MEN WOULD BUT TAKE THE BIBLE AS IT READS, IF THERE WERE NO FALSE TEACHERS TO MISLEAD AND CONFUSE THEIR MINDS, a work would be accomplished that would make angels glad and that would bring into the fold of Christ thousands upon thousands who are now wandering in error. {GC 598.3}
We must be careful lest we misinterpret the Scriptures. THE PLAIN TEACHINGS OF THE WORD OF GOD ARE NOT TO BE SO SPIRITUALIZED THAT THE REALITY IS LOST SIGHT OF. DO NOT OVERSTRAIN THE MEANING OF SENTENCES IN THE BIBLE IN AN EFFORT TO BRING FORTH SOMETHING ODD IN ORDER TO PLEASE THE FANCY. TAKE THE SCRIPTURES AS THEY READ.– Manuscript 30, 1904. {1SM 170.2}
MANY FEEL THAT A RESPONSIBILITY RESTS UPON THEM TO EXPLAIN EVERY SEEMING DIFFICULTY IN THE BIBLE IN ORDER TO MEET THE CAVILS OF SKEPTICS AND INFIDELS. BUT IN TRYING TO EXPLAIN THAT WHICH THEY BUT IMPERFECTLY UNDERSTAND, THEY ARE IN DANGER OF CONFUSING THE MINDS OF OTHERS IN REFERENCE TO POINTS THAT ARE CLEAR AND EASY TO BE UNDERSTOOD. THIS IS NOT OUR WORK. Nor should we lament that these difficulties exist, but accept them as permitted by the wisdom of God. It is our duty to receive His word, which is plain on every point essential to the salvation of the soul, and practice its principles in our life, teaching them to others both by precept and example. Thus it will be evident to the world that we have a connection with God and implicit confidence in His word. A life of godliness, a daily example of integrity, meekness, and unselfish love, will be a living exemplification of the teaching of God’s word, and it will be an argument in favor of the Bible which few will be able to resist. This will prove the most effectual check to the prevailing tendency to skepticism and infidelity. {5T 705.3}
Both in the [Battle Creek] Tabernacle and in the college the subject of inspiration has been taught, and finite men have taken it upon themselves to say that some things in the Scriptures were inspired and some were not. I was shown that the Lord did not inspire the articles on inspiration published in the Review, [REFERENCE HERE IS TO A SERIES OF ARTICLES THE WRITER OF WHICH ADVOCATED THAT THERE WERE “DIFFERENCES IN DEGREES” OF INSPIRATION. SEE THE REVIEW AND HERALD, JAN. 15, 1884.–COMPILERS.] neither did He approve their endorsement before our youth in the college. When men venture to criticize the Word of God, they venture on sacred, holy ground, and had better fear and tremble and hide their wisdom as foolishness. God sets no man to pronounce judgment on His Word, selecting some things as inspired and discrediting others as uninspired. The testimonies have been treated in the same way; but God is not in this.–Letter 22, 1889. {1SM 23.1}
Every teacher must be a learner, that his eyes may be anointed to see the evidences of the advancing truth of God. The beams of the Sun of Righteousness must shine into his own heart if he would impart light to others.–Review and Herald, February 18, 1890.
There are a thousand temptations in disguise prepared for those who have the light of truth; and THE ONLY SAFETY FOR ANY OF US IS IN RECEIVING NO NEW DOCTRINE, NO NEW INTERPRETATION OF THE SCRIPTURES, WITHOUT FIRST SUBMITTING IT TO BRETHREN OF EXPERIENCE. LAY IT BEFORE THEM IN A HUMBLE, TEACHABLE SPIRIT, WITH EARNEST PRAYER; AND IF THEY SEE NO LIGHT IN IT, YIELD TO THEIR JUDGMENT; FOR “IN THE MULTITUDE OF COUNSELORS THERE IS SAFETY.” {5T 293.1}
Blessings
