Spiritual Influence of the Medical Work by L. A. H.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 6, 1911

Spiritual Influence of the Medical Work

By L. A. H.

WHILE our sanitariums are established for the direct purpose of ministering to physical ailments, their work is of such a nature as to give definite spiritual relief also. While they do not announce themselves as specific religious institutions, they do become such in the minds of many who have gone to them only for bodily relief, but have at the same time found positive spiritual help. In fact, much of our sanitarium patronage is made up of those who choose to come because of the decided spiritual atmosphere prevailing in these institutions. It is frequently remarked by patients that they value this feature of our work even above all others.

It is not in keeping with propriety to make our peculiar religious views specially prominent in our dealing with patients, and wise sanitarium workers refrain from doing that which is not in place, and which may cause prejudice. At the same time, our medical workers can not help exerting a positive influence of appeal to souls, and awakens in them a desire to know more of God and his truth.

Our medical workers have many experiences to keep before them the fact that theirs is a soul-saving work as well as one for curing diseases of the body. The professional character of their work does not permit a free report of their missionary experiences, and with many these really become a matter of such common occurrence that there does not seem to be anything to warrant reporting. Some instances are marked with extraordinary circumstances, while many cases present nothing of an unusual character. The following instance is given by one of our physicians as an example of some of the more common experiences of our medical workers:—

“One of my sanitarium patients became much interested in the truth, asking many questions, especially concerning the Sabbath. The nurse and I studied the Bible with her, on the Sabbath question, the state of the dead, the new earth, and kindred topics. She became convinced that the seventh day is the day to keep, but could not accept the views we hold on the state of the dead. She subscribed for one of our papers, and purchased 'Bible Readings' so that she could learn more about Bible truths.

“While she was with us, her minister called on her, and tried to convince her that it did not make any difference which day she kept; but she had studied this from God's own Word, and man's word did not change her in the least.

“Her son is an infidel, and she wished to have papers and tracts sent him. She offered to pay for a course of treatments for him, in order to give us an opportunity to teach him the Bible.

“I told her about the $300,000 Fund. I did not ask her to help; but in a few days she handed me a bill, saying: 'I love the work you people are doing, and want to help on that $300,000 Fund. This is not much, but every little helps.'

“As she was leaving for home, she said: 'I don't know what I shall do, as there is no Seventh-day Adventist church where I live.' She has written me since, telling me about studying the Bible with her neighbors on the Sabbath. I have sent her some tracts of different subjects. She has responded with a good donation for our missions.

“This is only one instance of good done in this way by our sanitariums. I could tell you of other similar experiences. I trust that all needed assistance may come to these struggling institutions, so they will not be crippled in carrying on the work the Lord has said they should do.”

L. A. H.