Chapter 52—Moral and Intellectual Culture
In the view given me October 9, 1878, I was shown the position
which our sanitarium at Battle Creek should occupy and the character
and influence which should be maintained by all connected with it.
This important institution has been established by the providence of
God, and His blessing is indispensable to its success. The physicians
are not quacks nor infidels, but men who understand the human system
and the best methods of treating disease—men who fear God and
who have an earnest interest for the moral and spiritual welfare of
their patients. This interest for spiritual as well as physical good the
managers of the institution should make no effort to conceal. By a
life of true Christian integrity they can give to the world an example
worthy of imitation, and they should not hesitate to let it be seen that in
addition to their skill in treating disease, they are continually gaining
wisdom and knowledge from Christ, the greatest Teacher the world
has ever known. They must have this connection with the Source of
all wisdom, to make their labor successful.
Truth has a power to elevate the receiver. If Bible truth exerts
its sanctifying influence upon the heart and character, it will make
believers more intelligent. A Christian will understand his responsi-
bilities to God and to his fellow men if he is truly connected with the
Lamb of God, who gave His life for the world. Only by a continual
improvement of the intellectual as well as the moral powers can we
hope to answer the purpose of our Creator.
God is displeased with those who are too careless or indolent to
become efficient, well-informed workers. The Christian should pos-
sess more intelligence and keener discernment than the worldling. The
study of God’s word is continually expanding the mind and strength-
ening the intellect. There is nothing that will so refine and elevate the
character, and give vigor to every faculty, as the continual exercise of
the mind to grasp and comprehend weighty and important truths.
[546]
The human mind becomes dwarfed and enfeebled when dealing
with commonplace matters only, never rising above the level of the
499