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Testimonies for the Church Volume 7
regard to the laws of health is inexcusable in those set apart to teach
others how to live.
When a physician sees that a patient is suffering from an ailment
caused by improper eating and drinking, yet neglects to tell him of this
and to point out the need of reform, he is doing a fellow being an injury.
Drunkards, maniacs, those who are given over to licentiousness—all
appeal to the physician to declare clearly and distinctly that suffering is
the result of sin. We have received great light on health reform. Why,
then, are we not more decidedly in earnest in striving to counteract the
causes that produce disease? Seeing the continual conflict with pain,
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laboring constantly to alleviate suffering, how can our physicians hold
their peace? Can they refrain from lifting the voice in warning? Are
they benevolent and merciful if they do not teach strict temperance as
a remedy for disease?
Physicians, study the warning which Paul gave to the Romans: “I
beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present
your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your
reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye
transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is
that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Romans 12:1, 2
.
* * * * *
The spiritual work of our sanitariums is not to be under the control
of physicians. This work requires thought and tact and a broad knowl-
edge of the Bible. Ministers possessing these qualifications should be
connected with our sanitariums. They should uplift the standard of
temperance from a Christian point of view, showing that the body is
the temple of the Holy Spirit and bringing to the minds of the people
the responsibility resting upon them as God’s purchased possession to
make mind and body a holy temple, fit for the indwelling of the Holy
Spirit. When temperance is presented as a part of the gospel, many
will see their need of reform. They will see the evil of intoxicating
liquors and that total abstinence is the only platform on which God’s
people can conscientiously stand. As this instruction is given, the
people will become interested in other lines of Bible study.
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