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Lessons from Past Experiences

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 19, 1908

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 85, No. 12.

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Lessons from Past Experiences

By GEO. O. STATES

— No. 24

GEO. O. STATES
The light on health reform has come to us step by step as we were able to stand it. In 1865 this word came to us: “The health reform, I was shown, is a part of the third angel’s message, and is just as closely connected with it as are the arm and hand with the human body. I saw that we as a people must make an advance move in this great work. Ministers and people must act in concert. God’s people are not prepared for the loud cry of the third angel.”
It is over forty years since this counsel was given. In that same testimony we were told that we should provide a home for the afflicted, where they may learn how to take care of their bodies that they may prevent sickness. Our people should have an institution, of their own, under their own control, for the benefit of the diseased and suffering among us who wish to have health and strength that they may glorify God in their bodies and spirits, which are his. Such an institution, rightly conducted, would be the means of bringing our views before many whom it would be impossible for us to reach by the common course of advocating the truth.”
Acting in harmony with this counsel, Brother White and other leading brethren began agitating the matter, and soon secured property north of the Review Office, and started the old Health Institute. All connected with the Institute were impressed that it was a solemn work, and the dangers which would beset them were pointed out: “Well-regulated labor gives the invalid the idea that he is not totally useless in the world, that he is, at least, of some benefit. This will afford him satisfaction, give him courage, and impart to him vigor, which vain mental amusements can never do.”
Those who have watched the development of the health work among us can see how the Lord has led at every step. As there was danger, we were told: “I saw that in an institution established among us, the greatest danger would be of its managers departing from the spirit of present truth and from that simplicity which should ever characterize the disciples of Christ. A warning was given me against lowering the standard of truth in any way in such an institution, in order to help the feelings of unbelievers, and thus secure their patronage.”
In those early days we appreciated the counsel in these matters, for we all believed it was light which the Lord was sending this people through the gift of prophecy. In the evening we read these Testimonies in our homes, and talked about the Lord’s goodness in sending us such wonderful light. From the very start, the institution prospered, for the doctors and helpers all believed in the Testimonies, and tried to follow the counsel given.
Because of the danger of lowering the standard, a few years after the opening of the institution we were told: “God would have a health institution established which will, in its influence, be closely connected with the closing work for mortals fitting for immortality; one that will have no tendency to weaken the religious principles of old or young, and which will not improve the health of the body to the detriment of spiritual growth. I saw that the high standard should not be lowered in the least in order that the institution may be patronized by unbelievers. If unbelievers choose to come while its conductors occupy the exalted spiritual position which God designs they should, there will be a power that will affect their hearts. With God and angels on their side, his commandment-keeping people can but prosper.” I know that as our people tried to follow the counsel given, the blessing of God attended the work, and many were brought into the truth through coming to the sanitarium for treatment.
We all believed that the sanitarium work was a part of the message, and felt a deep interest in its prosperity. As we learned how the leading hygienic doctor of the United States had said that the principles advocated by Sister White were in harmony with physiology and hygiene, and how surprised he seemed on learning that she had never been graduated from any medical college, but was simply telling what had been presented to her in vision, we all felt that surely the Lord was favoring this people above any on earth, giving us light directly from heaven. As our people continued to heed the light given, the blessing of the Lord continued upon the work.
Cedaredge, Colo.