460
Evangelism
Prepared to Give Simple Treatments—Let our ministers who
have gained an experience in preaching the Word learn how to give
simple treatments, and then go forth as medical missionary evan-
gelists. Workers—gospel medical missionaries—are needed now.—
Manuscript 141, 1903
.
Teaching the Principles of Healthful Living—Gospel workers
should be able also to give instruction in the principles of healthful liv-
ing. There is sickness everywhere, and much of it might be prevented
by attention to the laws of health. The people need to see the bearing
of health principles upon their well-being, both for this life and for the
life to come. They need to be awakened to their responsibility for the
human habitation fitted up by their Creator as His dwelling place, and
over which He desires them to be faithful stewards.
Thousands need and would gladly receive instruction concerning
the simple methods of treating the sick,—methods that are taking the
place of the use of poisonous drugs. There is great need of instruction
in regard to dietetic reform. Wrong habits of eating and the use of un-
[526]
healthful food are in no small degree responsible for the intemperance
and crime and wretchedness that curse the world.
In teaching health principles, keep before the mind the great object
of reform,—that its purpose is to secure the highest development of
body and mind and soul. Show that the laws of nature, being the laws
of God, are designed for our good; that obedience to them promotes
happiness in this life, and aids in the preparation for the life to come.
Encourage the people to study that marvelous organism, the human
system, and the laws by which it is governed. Those who perceive the
evidences of God’s love, who understand something of the wisdom
and beneficence of His laws, and the results of obedience, will come
to regard their duties and obligations from an altogether different point
of view. Instead of looking upon an observance of the laws of health
as a matter of sacrifice or self-denial, they will regard it as it really is,
an inestimable blessing.
Every gospel worker should feel that to teach the principles of
healthful living is a part of his appointed work. Of this work there is
great need, and the world is open for it.—
Counsels on Health, 389,
390
(1914).
To Instruct in Healthful Cookery—Cooking schools should be
established, and house-to-house instruction should be given in the art