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Testimonies for the Church Volume 6
very work that He came among men to do? The work now being done
in medical missionary lines ought to have been done years ago, and
would have been done if God’s people had been soundly converted
to the truth, if they had studied the word with humble hearts, if they
had reverenced the God of the universe and studied His will instead of
pleasing themselves. Had our people done this work, many persons
of ability and influence would have been converted and joined us in
giving the message of Christ’s soon coming.
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Those who understand physiology and hygiene will, in their min-
isterial labor, find it a means whereby they may enlighten others in
regard to the proper and intelligent treatment of the physical, mental,
and moral powers. Therefore those who are preparing for the min-
istry should make a diligent study of the human organism, that they
may know how to care for the body, not by means of drugs, but from
nature’s own laboratory. The Lord will bless those who make every
effort to keep themselves free from disease and lead others to regard
as sacred the health of the body as well as of the soul.
The ambassadors of Christ, those to whom have been committed
the living oracles of God, can be doubly useful if they know how to help
the sick. A practical knowledge of health reform will better qualify
men and women to proclaim the message of mercy and retribution to
the world.
Ministers should be educators who understand and appreciate the
needs of humanity. They should encourage the church members to
obtain a practical knowledge of all lines of missionary work, that they
may be a blessing to all classes of people. They should be quick
to discern those who appreciate questions relating to spiritual life,
who have tact and ability to watch for and care for souls as those
who must give an account. They should assist these to organize the
working forces of the church, so that men, women, and youth of
various temperaments, in various callings and positions, will take hold
of the work that must be done, bringing their God-given talents into
most solemn service for the Master.
Our ideas of Christian benevolence must be worked out if we
would have them enlarged. Practical work will accomplish far more
than sermons. The ideas of our ministers must broaden, and from an
earnest personal experience they should speak words that will arouse
the dormant energies of the people. By a daily connection with God
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