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Relief of Physical Suffering, June 26
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal
the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye
have received, freely give.
Matthew 10:7, 8
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Perilous times are before us. The whole world will be involved in
perplexity and distress, disease of every kind will be upon the human
family, and such ignorance as now prevails concerning the laws of health
would result in great suffering and the loss of many lives that might be
saved....
As religious aggression subverts the liberties of our nation, those who
would stand for freedom of conscience will be placed in unfavorable posi-
tions. For their own sake, they should, while they have opportunity, become
intelligent in regard to disease, its causes, prevention, and cure. And those
who do this will find a field of labor anywhere. There will be suffering ones,
plenty of them, who will need help, not only among those of our own faith,
but largely among those who know not the truth.
The medical work done in connection with the giving of the third angel’s
message, is to accomplish wonderful results. It is to be a sanctifying,
unifying work, corresponding to the work which the great Head of the
church sent forth the first disciples to do.
Calling these disciples together, Christ gave them their commission:
... “And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely
ye have received, freely give.” “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the
midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”
Matthew 10:7, 8, 16
.
It is well for us to read this chapter and let its instruction prepare us
for our labors. The early disciples were going forth on Christ’s errands,
under His commission. His spirit was to prepare the way before them. They
were to feel that with such a message to give, such blessings to impart, they
should receive a welcome in the homes of the people.
God reaches hearts through the relief of physical suffering. A seed of
truth is dropped into the mind, and is watered by God. Much patience may
be required before this seed shows signs of life, but at last it springs up, and
bears fruit unto eternal life.
How slow men are to understand God’s preparation for the day of His
power!
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