A Statement of Facts Concerning Our Present Situation—No. 5
By Arthur G. Daniells
The basic principles of true temperance reform, healthful living, and the use of natural remedies and rational methods in treating disease, are a part of the great threefold message of Revelation 14. “Obedience to the commandments of God” includes obedience to the laws of life and health. A preparation for translation at the coming of Christ relates to the body as well as to the soul. As it was this threefold message of Revelation 14 that brought Seventh-day Adventists into existence, it is but natural that the true principles relating to life and health should hold a prominent place in the views and work of the denomination. It is but natural, too, that these principles should have been discerned and emphasized by the pioneers at an early date in the history of our cause. It is gratifying, therefore, to know that the first Seventh-day Adventist, Joseph Bates, was an ardent and prominent temperance and health reformer. And it is assuring to know that at a very early period in the development of this work, the principles relating to health and the treatment of disease were revealed by the spirit of prophecy to the Lord’s messenger. This revelation removes, to a large extent, ground for doubts and differences regarding these important principles which call for self-denial and self-control. The essential features of all that we have to-day in what we call medical missionary work, were understood and accepted by the leaders of this cause in the first few years of its history. As there were then no doctors, ministers took the burden of this work. They advocated the principles by voice and pen. They prepared and circulated health literature. As soon as a physician could be secured, they started a sanitarium, and began to encourage and assist young men to secure a medical education. Thus our medical work was begun. The physicians, developed from among our own young people, gave this work a wonderful impetus. With the development of the health and medical missionary work there arose also the unfortunate trouble between the evangelical and medical workers that has so sadly marred our cause. In the first article of this series three primary causes of this trouble were given, one of which was this: a failure on the part of ministers and people to appreciate, put in practise, and make known to others as they should, the truth God has given us regarding health reform and the treatment of disease. This, however, is not true of all; but it has been true of some from the first, and of many at times. Very early in our history reproofs on this point began coming to the church through the spirit of prophecy. The following quotation is from a Testimony written in 1865:— In the vision given me in Rochester, N. Y., Dec. 25, 1865, I was shown that our Sabbath-keeping people have been negligent in acting upon the light which God has given in regard to the health reform; that there is yet a great work before us; and that, as a people, we have been too backward to follow in God’s opening providence, as he has chosen to lead us. I was shown that the work of health reform has scarcely been entered upon yet. While some feel deeply, and act out their faith in the work, others remain indifferent, and have scarcely taken the first step in reform. . . . 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.—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. I, page 485. That clear, pointed message of warning has been repeated many times, giving the reasons why this phase of the message has been neglected, the results of that neglect, and what might have been if all had made the use of that part of the truth they should. Note the following:— Why do some of our ministering brethren manifest so little interest in health reform?—It is because instruction on temperance in all things is opposed to their practise of self-indulgence. In some places this has been the great stumbling-block in the way of our bringing the people to investigate and practise and teach health reform. No man should be set apart as a teacher of the people while his own teaching or example contradicts the testimony God has given his servants to bear in regard to diet, for this will bring confusion. His disregard of health reform unfits him to stand as the Lord’s messenger.—Ibid., Vol. VI, page 378. The following is full of meaning, and should appeal to every believer: The Lord has given his people a message in regard to health reform. This light has been shining upon their pathway for thirty years. . . . Can he be pleased, when half the workers laboring in a place teach that the principles of health reform are as closely allied to the6third angel’s message as the arm is to the body, to have their coworkers, by their practise, teach principles that are entirely opposite? Testimony after Testimony has been given which should have brought about great reforms. . . . The light which God has given upon health reform can not be trifled with without injury to those who attempt it; and no man can hope to succeed in the work of God while, by precept and example, he acts in opposition to the light which God has sent.—“Healthful Living,” page 32. One of the results of either indifference or opposition to health reform is given as follows:— The work of educating in medical missionary lines is an advance step of great importance in awakening man to his moral responsibilities. Had the ministers taken hold of this work in its various departments in accordance with the light which God has given, there would have been a most decided reformation in eating, drinking, and dressing. But some have stood directly in the way of the advance of health reform. They have held the people back by their indifferent or condemnatory remarks, or by pleasantries and jokes. They themselves and a large number of others have been sufferers unto death, but all have not yet learned wisdom.—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VI, page 377. It is not difficult to see that differences of a serious nature might arise between a body of physicians and nurses who were enthusiastic in behalf of health principles, and a body of ministers who were either indifferent or opposed to them. A lack of confidence would be created, then criticism would be made, counter charges would follow, and finally a pulling apart and a gradual separating of forces. There has certainly been little if any excuse for either the ministers or the people of this denomination to give occasion for serious differences to come between them and the medical workers. The principles themselves have been plain, and the instruction pointed enough to guide all aright. In one of the earliest Testimonies, the following statement is made:— One important part of the work of the ministry is to faithfully present to the people the health reform, as it stands connected with the third angel’s message, as a part and parcel of the same work. They should not fail to adopt it themselves, and should urge it upon all who profess to believe the truth.—Ibid., Vol. I, page 469. In later years much good instruction has been given as to the part the church should take in this phase of our message. This should be looked up and read with care. Here are a few statements:— In order to be carried forward aright, the medical missionary work needs talent. It requires strong, willing hands, and wise, discriminating management. But can this be while those in responsible places—presidents of conferences and ministers—bar the way? The Lord says to the presidents of conferences and to other influential brethren, “Remove the stumbling-blocks that have been placed before the people.”—Ibid., Vol. VIII, page 71. Not only should ministers walk in the light of health reform and teach it to others, but the churches should do the same:— The medical missionary work should be a part of the work of every church in our land.—Ibid., Vol. VI, page 289. We have come to a time when every member of the church should take hold of medical missionary work. . . . Let our people show that they have a living interest in medical missionary work. Let them prepare themselves for usefulness by studying the books that have been written for our instruction in these lines. . . . Those who study and practise these principles will be greatly blessed, both physically and spiritually. An understanding of the philosophy of health will be a safeguard against many of the evils that are continually increasing.—Ibid., Vol. VII, pages 62, 63. Thus it is plain that the neglect of ministers and people has been one of the leading causes of the trouble we are now in. However this conflict may terminate, the only course for this denomination to pursue is to heed the light and instruction it has received. This we must do, and, by the grace of God, this we will do. A. G. DANIELLS.