p. 258 | A Warning by Editor

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jun 8, 1882

A Warning.

By Editor

NONE of us are much inclined to profit by the experience and mistakes of others. We generally wait until we become involved in the same difficulty before paying heed to a warning. We heard it once objected that a majority of those who were earnest "health reformers," or hygienists, were in a "broken-down condition." But the objector was not aware of the fact that they were not hygienists—that they refused to conform to the laws of health—until their "broken-down condition" forced the necessity upon them. He did not consider that this broken-down condition might have been averted by a timely obedience to the laws of their being.

We have been pained to read of another "clerical scandal"—another minister who has disgraced himself and brought reproach upon the gospel in the work of which he was engaged. And probably a small proportion of those who read the brief account in the daily papers will ever learn, or care to learn, of the causes which led to the unfortunate occurrence.

A Baptist minister of St. Louis, well known and of good repute, was seen in a railroad car in a state of intoxication, where he grossly insulted the females in the car. This is the report. Now for the further facts.

The members of his church come forward and state that he was an efficient and very zealous minister, and that in his zeal he greatly overworked himself; that they protested against his laboring so much and so hard, but, like many others who find so much to do, he could not "find time" to take the rest which his exhausted system and fevered brain demanded. In this condition he traveled, but his brain seemed to have passed the resting point. Those who have sadly overworked their brains will know exactly what we mean by this expression. His landlord advised him to take some whisky, asserting that it would soothe and quiet him. He took it and the result is before the world.

Most of our readers will be astonished that whisky should be recommended, or accepted as an anodyne in such a case. Only think! whisky to soothe and quiet a fevered body and a burning brain. But before you let your wonder rise too high, consider, (1) That it was a landlord who recommended the whisky. Nothing wonderful in that. (2) That the man who accepted it was nearly wrought up to a state of desperation. He was ready to grasp anything which was offered as a means of relief, perhaps without the power to calmly consider the probable consequences. Many bright minds have broken entirely under such circumstances. Some of the most promising men have committed suicide under the severe mental strain of over study and work. (3) That physicians are daily pursuing the same course so wisely pursued by this landlord. They are feeding whisky to fevered patients; adding fuel to the flame which is consuming the life forces. Here you may stop and wonder.

We have no idea that brain workers will profit by this warning. Some labor under great difficulties; they cannot "see through their work," nor decide how to neglect it or to abandon it in season. In many cases their friends urge that they "cannot be spared" from their work. But when the jaded brain fails to perform its functions, or when they fall into an untimely grave, they are spared; they must be spared.

As a people we are great trespassers in this respect. Our ministers and active mind-workers are so few that there is great danger of putting too heavy a load upon the willing laborer; a great inducement to the zealous servant of Christ to strive to accomplish more than he can do well, or safely undertake. Exactly what is duty to do under these circumstances is hard to tell. Few can be aware of the condition of the brain of the hard student or worker. Friends and even physicians are not prepared to give advice suitable to the case. An "inscrutable and all-wise providence" has to bear the blame of many very unwise actions of parents, teachers, ministers, and writers.

While many will only blame the subject of this article, some will be able to appreciate his sad condition, and to pity him. A few may pray God to avert such a calamity which, they are partially aware, hangs over them. But will any heed the warning, and preserve their lives in the midst of a multitude of cares and duties? Of this there is room to doubt.