Messenger of Mercy
369
Sin and Disease
The intelligent Christian physician has a constantly increasing
realization of the connection between sin and disease. He strives to
see more and more clearly the relation between cause and effect. He
sees that those who are taking the nurses’ course should be given a
thorough education in the principles of health reform; that they should
be taught to be strictly temperate in all things, because carelessness in
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
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causes that produce disease? Seeing the continual conflict with pain,
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
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