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Counsels on Health
the contrary, we are to make the very best use of the means which the
Lord in His goodness has provided for us in our necessities.
I have seen so much of carrying matters to extremes, in praying for
the sick, that I have felt that this part of our experience requires much
solid, sanctified thinking, lest we shall make movements that we may
call faith, but which are really nothing less than presumption. Persons
worn down with affliction need to be counseled wisely, that they may
move discreetly; and while they place themselves before God to be
prayed for that they may be healed, they are not to take the position
that methods of restoration to health in accordance with nature’s laws
are to be neglected.
If they take the position that in praying for healing they must not
use the simple remedies provided by God to alleviate pain and to
aid nature in her work, lest it be a denial of faith, they are taking an
unwise position. This is not a denial of faith; it is in strict harmony
with the plans of God. When Hezekiah was sick, the prophet of God
brought him the message that he should die. He cried unto the Lord,
and the Lord heard His servant and worked a miracle in his behalf,
sending him a message that fifteen years should be added to his life.
Now, one word from God, one touch of the divine finger, would have
cured Hezekiah instantly, but special directions were given to take a
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fig and lay it upon the affected part, and Hezekiah was raised to life.
In everything we need to move along the line of God’s providence.
The human agent should have faith and should cooperate with the
divine power, using every facility, taking advantage of everything that,
according to his intelligence, is beneficial, working in harmony with
natural laws; and in doing this he neither denies nor hinders faith.