959. Only seek to assist nature in her efforts, by removing every obstruction, and then leave her to recover the exhausted energies of the system.— H. to L., Chap. 3, p. 54.
960. There are many ways of practising the healing art; but there is only one way that Heaven approves. God’s remedies are the simple agencies of nature, that will not tax or debilitate the system through their powerful properties. Pure air and water, cleanliness, a proper diet, purity of life, and a firm trust in God are remedies for the want of which thousands are dying; yet these remedies are going out of date because their skilful use requires work that the people do not appreciate. Fresh air, exercise, pure water, and clean, sweet premises are within the reach of all with but little expense.—T., No. 32, p. 199.
961. Keep the patient free from excitement, and every influence calculated to depress. Her attendants should be cheerful and hopeful. She should have a simple diet, and should be allowed plenty of pure, soft water to drink. Bathe frequently in pure, soft water, followed by gentle rubbing. Let the light and air be freely admitted into the room. She must have quiet and undisturbed rest.— H. to L., Chap. 3, pp. 54, 55.
Water Drinking.
962. Water is the best liquid possible to cleanse the tissues. . . . Drink some little time before or after the meal.—R. and H., 1884, No. 31.
963. Fast for one or two meals, and drink only pure, soft water. The loss of a meal or two will enable the overburdened system to overcome slight indispositions; and even graver difficulties may sometimes be overcome by this simple process.—H. R.
964. Their sallow skins indicate that they are bilious. . . . Observe regular habits of rising early. . . . Eat sparingly, thus relieving the system of unnecessary burden, and encourage cheerfulness; take proper exercise in the open air, bathe frequently, and drink freely of pure, soft water.—H. R.
965. If they would become enlightened, . . . and accustom themselves to outdoor exercise, and to air in their houses, summer and winter, and use soft water for drinking and bathing purposes, they would be comparatively well and happy, instead of dragging out a miserable existence.—H. to L., Chap. 4, p. 56.
Bathing.
966. Many have never experienced the beneficial effects of water, and are afraid to use one of heaven’s greatest blessings.— H. to L., Chap. 3, p. 62.
967. The use of water can accomplish but little if the patient does not feel the necessity of also strictly attending to his diet.—H. to L., Chap. 3, p. 60.
Frequency of the Bath.
968. Persons in health should . . . by all means bathe as often as twice a week. Those who are not in health have impurities of the blood. . . . The skin needs to be carefully and thoroughly cleansed, that the pores may do their work in freeing the body from impurities; therefore feeble persons who are diseased surely need the advantages and blessings of bathing as often as twice a week, and frequently even more than this is positively necessary.—T., V. III, p. 70.
969. Frequent bathing is very beneficial, especially at night just before retiring, or upon rising in the morning.—C. T., p. 141.
Manner of Giving the Bath.
970. A bath, properly taken, fortifies against cold, because the circulation is improved; . . . for the blood is brought to the surface, and a more easy and regular flow of the blood through all the blood-vessels is obtained.—T., V. III, p. 71.
971. Reduce the feverish state of the system by a careful and intelligent application of water.—H. to L., Chap. 3, p. 60.
972. If, in their fevered state, water had been given them to drink freely, and applications had also been made externally, long days and nights of suffering would have been saved, and many precious lives spared.—H. to L., Chap. 3, p. 62.
973. The fire of fever seems consuming him. He longs for pure water to moisten the parched lips, to quench the raging thirst, and to cool the fevered brow. . . . The blessed, heaven-sent water, skilfully applied, would quench the devouring flame.—T., No. 31, p. 191.
974. Twice a week she should take a general bath, as cool as will be agreeable, a little cooler every time, until the skin is toned up.— T., V. I, p. 702.
975. It will take but a few moments to give the children a bath and to rub them until their bodies are in a glow.— C. T., p. 141.
Effects of the Bath.
976. Whether a person is sick or well, respiration is more free and easy if bathing is practised. By it the muscles become more flexible, the body and mind are alike invigorated, the intellect is made brighter, and every faculty becomes livelier. The bath is a soother of the nerves. It promotes general perspiration, quickens the circulation, overcomes obstructions in the system, and acts beneficially on the kidneys and the urinary organs. Bathing helps the bowels, stomach, and liver, giving energy and new life to each. It also promotes digestion, and instead of the system’s being weakened, it is strengthened. Instead of increasing the liability to cold, a bath, properly taken, fortifies against cold, because the circulation is improved, and the uterine organs, which are more or less congested, are relieved; for the blood is brought to the surface, and a more easy and regular flow of the blood through all the blood-vessels is obtained.— T., V. III, p. 70.
977. Nature, to relieve herself of poisonous impurities, makes an effort to free the system, which effort produces fevers and what is termed disease. But even then, if those who are afflicted would assist nature in her efforts by the use of pure, soft water, much suffering would be prevented.— H. to L., Chap. 4, p. 60.
Sunlight.
978. This is one of nature’s most healing agents.
—T., V. II, p. 527.
979. If you would have your homes sweet and inviting, make them bright with air and sunshine, remove your heavy curtains, open the windows, throw back the blinds, and enjoy the rich sunlight, even if it be at the expense of the colors of your carpets.
— T., V. II, p. 527.
980. If the windows were freed from blinds and heavy curtains, and the air and sun permitted to enter freely the darkened rooms, there would be seen a change for the better in the mental and physical health of the children. The pure air would have an invigorating influence upon them, and the sun that carries healing in its beams would soothe and cheer, and make them happy, joyous, and healthy.— H. R.
981. The confined air of unventilated rooms meets us with sickening odors of mildew and mold, and the impurities exhaled from its inmates. . . . The emanations from damp, moldy rooms and clothing are poisonous to the system. . . . If all would appreciate the sunshine, and expose every article of clothing to its drying, purifying rays, mildew and mold would be prevented. . . . This is the only way rooms can be kept from impurities. . . . Every room in our dwellings should be daily thrown open to the healthful rays of the sun, and the purifying air should be invited in. This will be a preventive of disease.— H. R.
982. Exercise, and a free and abundant use of the air and sunlight, . . . would give life and strength to the emaciated.—T., V. II, p. 531.
983. The feeble one should press out into the sunshine as earnestly and naturally as do the shaded plants and vines. The pale and sickly grain blade that has struggled up out of the cold of early spring, puts out the natural and healthy deep green after enjoying for a few days the health-and-life-giving rays of the sun. Go out into the light and warmth of the glorious sun, you pale and sickly ones, and share with vegetation its life-giving, health-dealing power.—H. R.
Relation of the Mind to the Body.
984. But few realize the power the mind has over the body.—T., V. III, p. 184.
985. The sympathy which exists between the mind and the body is very great; when one is affected, the other responds.— T., V. IV, p. 60.
986. The burden of sin, with its unrest and unsatisfied desires, lies at the very foundation of a large share of the maladies which the sinner suffers.—T., V. IV, p. 579.
987. Sickness of the mind prevails everywhere. Nine tenths of the diseases from which men suffer have their foundation here. Perhaps some living home trouble is, like a canker, eating to the very soul and weakening the life forces. Remorse for sin sometimes undermines the constitution and unbalances the mind.—T., No. 32, p. 200.
Help for the Body through the Mind.
988. Great wisdom is needed . . . in order to cure the body through the mind. But few realize the power that the mind has over the body. A great deal of the sickness which afflicts humanity has its origin in the mind, and can only be cured by restoring the mind to health. There are very many more than we imagine who are sick mentally. To deal with men and women whose minds as well as bodies are diseased, is nice work.—T., V. III, p. 184.
Influence of the Will.
989. Thousands are sick and dying around us who might get well and live if they would; but their imagination holds them. They fear that they will be made worse if they labor or exercise, when this is just the change they need to make them well. Without this, they never can improve. They should exercise the power of the will, rise above their aches and debility, and engage in useful employment, and forget that they have aching backs, sides, lungs, and heads.— T., V. III, p. 76.
990. I have met many who were really sufferers through their imagination. They lacked will power to rise above and combat disease of body and mind; and therefore they were held in suffering bondage.—H. R.
991. You have a determined will, which causes the mind to react upon the body, unbalancing the circulation, and producing congestion in certain organs; and you are sacrificing health to your feelings. . . . And yet you are capable of controlling your imagination, and overcoming these nervous attacks. — T., No. 32, p. 66.
992. The nerves . . . control the vital action of every part of the system. If your mind is impressed and fixed that a bath will injure you, the mental impression is communicated to all the nerves of the body. The nerves control the circulation of the blood; therefore the blood is, through the impression of the mind, confined to the blood-vessels, and the good effects of the bath are lost. All this is because the blood is prevented by the mind and will from flowing readily, and from coming to the surface to stimulate, arouse, and promote the circulation. For instance, you are impressed that if you bathe you will become chilly. The brain sends this intelligence to the nerves of the body, and the blood-vessels, held in obedience to your will, cannot perform their office and cause a reaction after the bath. —T., V. III, p. 70.
993. Let the mind become intelligent, and the will be placed on the Lord’s side, and there will be a wonderful improvement in the physical health. But this can never be accomplished in mere human strength.— M. M., V. II, p. 216.
994. Keep the power of the will awake; for the will, aroused and rightly directed, is a potent soother of the nerves.— T., V. I, p. 557.
995. Bring to your aid the power of the will, which will resist cold, and will give energy to the nervous system.— T., V. II, p. 533.
Cheerfulness Productive of Health.
996. A contented mind, a cheerful spirit, is health to the body and strength to the soul. Nothing is so fruitful a cause of disease as depression, gloominess, and sadness.— T., V. I, p. 702.
997. That which brings sickness of body and mind to nearly all is dissatisfied feelings and discontented repinings.— T., V. I, p. 566.
998. Heart-sickness makes many dyspeptics; for mental trouble has a paralyzing influence upon the digestive organs.— T., V. III, p. 184.
999. The less the attention is called to the stomach after a meal, the better. If you are in constant fear that your food will hurt you, it most assuredly will.
— T., V. II, p. 530.
1000. We should encourage a cheerful, hopeful, peaceful frame of mind; for our health depends upon our so doing.— T., V. III, p. 13.
1001. Cheerfulness and a clear conscience are better than drugs, and will be an effective agent in your restoration to health.— H. R.
Doing Good a Remedy for Disease.
1002. You who are suffering with poor health, there is a remedy for you. If thou clothe the naked, and bring the poor that are cast out to thy house, and deal thy bread to the hungry, “then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily.” Doing good is an excellent remedy for disease.—T., V. II, p. 29.
1003. The consciousness of right-doing is the best medicine for diseased bodies and minds. He who is at peace with God has secured the most important requisite to health. The blessing of the Lord is life to the receiver.— S. of T., 1882, No. 23.
1004. The condition of the mind has much to do with the health of the physical system. If the mind is free and happy, under a consciousness of right-doing and a sense of satisfaction in causing happiness234to others, it will create a cheerfulness that will react upon the whole system, causing a freer circulation of the blood and a toning up of the entire body.
— T., V. IV, p. 60.
1005. Doing good is a work that benefits both giver and receiver. If you forget self in your interest for others, you gain a victory over your infirmities. The satisfaction you will realize in doing good will aid you greatly in the recovery of the healthy tone of the imagination. The pleasure of doing good animates the mind and vibrates through the whole body.— T., V. II, p. 534.
1006. The blessing of God is a healer; and those who are abundant in benefiting others, will realize that wondrous blessing in their hearts and lives.— T., V. IV, p. 60.
Restorative Power of the Spirit of God.
1007. The influence of the Spirit of God is the very best medicine for disease. Heaven is all health; the more deeply heavenly influences are realized, the more sure will be the recovery of the believing invalid.— C. T., p. 13.
1008. Sickness of the mind prevails everywhere. Nine tenths of the diseases from which men suffer have their foundation here. . . . The religion of Christ, so far from being the cause of insanity, is one of its most effectual remedies; for it is a potent soother of the nerves.— T., No. 32, p. 200.
1009. In nine cases out of ten the knowledge of a sin-pardoning Saviour would make them better both in mind and body.— T., No. 32, p. 205.2351010. Many carry a violated conscience, and can be reached only by the principles of Bible religion. — T., V. III, p. 168.
1011. A sore, sick heart, a discouraged mind, needs mild treatment; and it is through tender sympathy that this class of minds can be healed. The physician should first gain their confidence, and then point them to the all-healing Physician. If their minds can be directed to the Burden-Bearer, and they can have faith that he will have an interest in them, the cure of their diseased bodies and minds will be sure.— T., V. III, p. 184.
1012. A person whose mind is quiet and satisfied in God is in the pathway to health.— R. and H., 1880, No. 11.
1013. The assurance of God’s approval will promote physical health. It fortifies the soul against doubt, perplexity, and excessive grief, that so often sap the vital forces and induce nervous diseases of a most debilitating and distressing character.— R. and H., 1883, No. 41.
1014. The exalting influence of the Spirit of God is the best restorative for the sick.— T., V. I, p. 556.
CHAPTER XXXV.
PRAYER FOR THE SICK.
1015. It is labor lost to teach people to go to God as a healer of their infirmities, unless they are educated also to lay aside every wrong practise.— U. T., Aug. 25, 1897.
1016. Many have expected that God would keep them from sickness merely because they have asked him to do so. But God did not regard their prayers, because their faith was not made perfect by works. God will not work a miracle to keep those from sickness who have no care for themselves, but are continually violating the laws of health, and make no effort to prevent disease. When we do all we can on our part to have health, then we may expect that the blessed results will follow, and we can ask God in faith to bless our efforts for the preservation of health. He will then answer our prayer, if his name can be glorified thereby. But let all understand that they have a work to do. God will not work in a miraculous manner to preserve the health of persons who are taking a sure course to make themselves sick, by their careless inattention to the laws of health.— H. to L., Chap. 4, p. 64.
1017. In such cases of affliction where Satan has control of the mind, before engaging in prayer there should be the closest self-examination to discover if237there are not sins which need to be repented of, confessed, and forsaken. Deep humility of soul before God is necessary, and firm, humble reliance upon the blood of Christ alone. Fasting and prayer will accomplish nothing while the heart is estranged from God by a wrong course of action.— T., V. II, p. 146.
1018. I had been shown that there was so much iniquity abounding, even among professed Sabbath-keepers, that I did not wish to unite in prayer for those of whose history I had no knowledge.—T., V. II, p. 350.
1019. What word has God for those who ignore the light that is shining abroad, and then ask to be prayed for that they may be sanctified and healed? — The same word that he had for Cain: “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door.” — U. T., Aug. 25, 1897.
Instruction.
1020. Some, if they should regain their health, would indulge in some heedless transgression of nature’s laws.— U. T.
1021. We should first find out if the sick one has been withholding tithes or has made trouble in the church.— U. T.
1022. There are very many more than we imagine that are sick mentally. . . . A sore, sick heart, a discouraged mind, needs mild treatment, and it is through tender sympathy that this class of minds can be directed to the Burden-Bearer, and if they can have faith that he will have an interest in them, the cure238of their diseased bodies and minds will be sure.— T., V. III, p. 184.
1023. After the physicians [of the Health Institute] have done what they can in behalf of the sick, they ask God to work with their efforts, and restore the suffering invalids to health. This he has done in some cases in answer to the prayer of faith. And this he will continue to do, if they are faithful, and put their trust in him.— T., V. II, p. 184.
1024. God does not work miracles where he has provided means by which the work may be accomplished.— R. and H., 1888, No. 29.
1025. Faith without intelligent works is dead, being alone. Faith in the healing power of God will not save unless it is combined with good works.— U. T., Aug. 25, 1897.
1026. God will not work a miracle to change natural causes which you can control.—S. of T., 1884, No. 18.
1027. Many would not endure the time of trial, and will therefore be laid away.— U. T.
1028. Where the way is clear for the offering up of prayer for the sick, the case should be committed to the Lord in calm faith, not with a storm of excitement. He alone is acquainted with the past life of the individual, and knows what his future will be. . . . All that we are required to do is to ask God to raise up the sick if in accordance with his will, believing that he hears the reasons which we present, and the fervent prayers offered. If the Lord sees that it will best honor him, he will answer our prayers. But to urge recovery without submission to his will,239is not right. . . . All that can be done in praying for the sick is earnestly to importune God in their behalf, and in perfect confidence rest the matter in his hands. . . . If the life of the sick can glorify him, we pray that they may live; nevertheless, not as we will, but as he wills. Our faith can be just as firm, and more reliable, by committing the desire to the all-wise God, and without feverish anxiety, in perfect confidence, trusting all to him. . . . Our petitions must not take the form of a command, but of intercession for him to do the thing we desire of him. — T., V. II, pp. 147–149.
1029. The strong desire for recovery leads to earnest prayer; and this is right. God is our refuge in sickness as in health.— T., No. 32, p. 71.
1030. Prayer will give the sick an abiding confidence.— T., No. 32, p. 199.
1031. Jesus can limit the power of Satan. He is the physician in whom the sin-sick soul may trust to heal the maladies of the body as well as of the soul.
— T., No. 32, p. 205.
1032. I would come before the Lord with this petition: “Lord, we cannot read the heart of this sick one, but thou knowest whether it is for the good of his soul and for the glory of thy name to raise him to health. In thy great goodness, compassionate this case, and let healthy action take place in the system. The work must be entirely thine own. We have done all that human skill can do; now, Lord, we lay this case at thy feet, work as only God can work, and if it be for thy good and for thy glory, arrest the progress of disease and heal this sufferer.”...240But after I have prayed earnestly for the sick, what then? Do I cease to do all I can for their recovery?—No, I work all the more earnestly, with much prayer that the Lord may bless the means which his own hand has provided; that he may give sanctified wisdom to co-operate with him in the recovery of the sick.—U. T., March 11, 1892.
1033. In praying for the sick, it is essential to have faith; for it is in accordance with the word of God. . . . Sometimes answers to our prayers come immediately, sometimes we have to wait patiently and continue earnestly to plead for the things we need. Our faith is illustrated by the case of the importunate solicitor for bread. . . . If our petitions are indited by the Lord, they will be answered.—Ibid.
1034. We all desire an immediate answer to our prayers, and we are tempted to become discouraged if it does not come. Now my experience has taught me that this is a great mistake. The delay is for our special benefit. . . . Faith strengthens through continual exercise. This waiting does not mean that because we ask the Lord to heal, there is nothing for us to do. We are to make the very best use of the means which the Lord in his gracious goodness has provided for us in our very necessities. . . . I have looked to God in faith, and have used every benefit that hygienic methods have provided, of which we could avail ourselves. This was my duty. . . . In treatment we have used water in a variety of ways, always asking the Lord to give wisdom in all our efforts, and to put his blessing upon every laudable241means employed for the recovery of health. . . . As a reasonable being, through the grace of God I shall take advantage of the blessings of the Lord which he has placed within my reach.—U. T., March 11, 1892.
1035. I have seen so much of carrying matters to extremes, even in praying for the sick, that I have felt that this part of our experience requires much earnest, sanctified thinking, else we shall make movements that we may call faith, but that are 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 neglect methods of restoration to health that are in accordance with nature’s laws. If, in praying for healing, they refuse to 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. It is not a denial of faith, it is in strict harmony with the plans of God. . . . One word from God, one touch of the divine finger, would have cured Hezekiah instantly, but special directions were given to take a fig and lay it on 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 co-operate with divine power, using every facility, taking advantage of everything that to his intelligence is beneficial, and working in harmony with natural laws; in doing this he neither denies nor hinders faith.—Ibid.
1036. Should the Lord work a miracle to restore the wonderful machinery which human beings have impaired through their own carelessness and inattention and their indulgence of appetite and passions, by doing the very things that the Lord has told them they should not do, he would be ministering to sin, which is the transgression of his own law.— U. T., May 19, 1897.
1037. The relations between God and each soul are as distinct and full as though there were not another soul for whom he gave his beloved Son. . . . Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares, and your fears before God. . . . The Lord is very pitiful and of tender mercy. His heart of love is touched by our sorrows, and even by our utterance of them. . . . Nothing that in any way concerns our peace is too small for him to notice. There is no chapter in our experience too dark for him to read; there is no perplexity too difficult for him to unravel. No calamity can befall the least of his children, no anxiety harass the soul, no joy cheer, no sincere prayer escape the lips, of which our Heavenly Father is unobservant, or in which he takes no immediate interest. “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.”—S. to C., p. 117.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
DRUGS.
1038. Many, instead of seeking to remove the poisonous matter from the system, take a more deadly poison into the system to remove a poison already there.—H. to L., Chap. 4, p. 64.
1039. Many parents substitute drugs for judicious nursing.—H. R.
Mode of Action.
1040. Drugs never cure disease; they only change its form and location. . . . When drugs are introduced into the system, for a time they seem to have a beneficial effect. A change may take place, but the disease is not cured. It will manifest itself in some other form. . . . The disease which the drug was given to cure may disappear, but only to reappear in a new form, such as skin diseases, ulcers, painful, diseased joints, and sometimes in a more dangerous and deadly form. . . . Nature keeps struggling, and the patient suffers with different ailments, until there is a sudden breaking down in her efforts, and death follows.—H. to L., Chap. 3, p. 60.
1041. Every additional drug given to the patient . . . will complicate the case, and make the patient’s recovery more hopeless. . . . An evil, simple in the beginning, which nature aroused herself to overcome, and which she would have done if left to244herself, aided by the common blessings of Heaven, has been made tenfold worse by introducing drug poisons into the system, which cause of themselves a destructive disease, forcing into extraordinary action the remaining life forces to war against and overcome the drug intruder.—H. to L., Chap. 3, p. 57.
1042. Sick people who take drugs do appear to get well. With some there is sufficient life force for nature to draw upon to so far expel the poison from the system that the sick, having a period of rest, recover. But no credit should be allowed the drugs taken, for they only hindered nature in her efforts. All the credit should be ascribed to nature’s restorative powers.—H. to L., Chap. 3, p. 50.
1043. Powerful poisons are often administered, which fetter nature in all her friendly efforts to recover from the abuse the system has suffered.—H. to L., Chap. 3, p. 49.
Results of Drug Medication.
1044. Drugging should be forever abandoned; for while it does not cure any malady, it enfeebles the system, making it more susceptible to disease.—T., No. 32, p. 57.
1045. There are more who die from the use of drugs than all who would have died of disease had nature been left to do her own work.—H. to L., Chap. 3, p. 61.
1046. Medicines have no power to cure, but will most generally hinder nature in her efforts.—H. to L., Chap. 3, p. 62.
1047. Medicine deranges nature’s fine machinery, and breaks down the constitution. It kills, but never cures.—H. to L., Chap. 3, p. 57.
1048. The endless variety of medicines in the market, the numerous advertisements of new drugs and mixtures, all of which claim to do wonderful cures, kill hundreds where they benefit one. . . . Yet people keep dosing, and continue to grow weaker until they die. Some will have medicine at all events. Then let them take these hurtful mixtures and the various deadly poisons upon their own responsibility. God’s servants should not administer medicines which they know will leave behind injurious effects upon the system, even if they do relieve present suffering. Every poisonous preparation in the vegetable and mineral kingdoms, taken into the system, will leave its wretched influence, affecting the liver and lungs, and deranging the system generally.—F. of F., p. 140.
1049. The sick are in a hurry to get well, and the friends of the sick are impatient. They will have medicine, and if they do not feel that powerful influence upon their systems which their erroneous views lead them to think they should feel, they impatiently change to another physician. The change often increases the evil. They go through a course of medicine equally as dangerous as the first, and more fatal, because the two treatments do not agree, and the system is poisoned beyond remedy.—H. to L., Chap. 3, p. 62.
1050. Although the patient may recover, yet the powerful effort nature was required to make to overcome the poison, injured the constitution, and shortened the life of the patient. There are many who do not die under the influence of drugs, but there are246very many who are left useless wrecks, hopeless, gloomy, and miserable sufferers, a burden to themselves and to society.—H. to L., Chap. 3, p. 50.
1051 Everywhere you go you will see deformity, disease, and imbecility, which in very many cases can be traced directly back to drug poisons.—H. to L., Chap. 3, p. 51.
1052. Drugs given to stupefy, whatever they may be, derange the nervous system.—H. to L., Chap. 3, p. 57.
The Use of Drugs in our Institutions.
1053. Our institutions are established that the sick may be treated by hygienic methods, discarding almost entirely the use of drugs. There is a terrible account to be rendered to God by men who have so little regard for human life as to treat the body ruthlessly, in dealing out drugs. . . . We are not excusable if, through ignorance, we destroy God’s building by taking into the stomach poisonous drugs under a variety of names we do not understand. It is our duty to refuse all such prescriptions. We want sanitariums where maladies may be cured by nature’s own provisions, and where the people may be taught how to treat themselves when sick; where they will learn to eat temperately of wholesome food, and to be educated to discard all narcotics, tea, coffee, fermented wines, and stimulants of all kinds, and the flesh of dead animals.—U. T., Dec. 4, 1896.
1054. Drug medication, as it is generally practised, is a curse. Educate away from drugs, use them less and less, and depend more upon hygienic agencies. Nature will respond to God’s remedies,—pure air,247pure water, proper exercise, and a clear conscience.—U. T., 1888.
1055. To use drugs while continuing evil habits is certainly inconsistent, and greatly dishonors God by dishonoring the body which he has made. Yet for all this, stimulants and drugs continue to be prescribed and freely used; while the hurtful indulgences that produce the disease are not discarded. The use of tea, coffee, tobacco, opium, wine, beer, and other stimulants gives nature a false support. Physicians should understand how to treat the sick through the use of nature’s remedies. Pure air, pure water, and healthful exercise should be employed in the treatment of the sick.—U. T., 1892.
1056. Many physicians are not as thorough and intelligent as they should be in the practise of their profession. They resort to drugs, when greater skill and knowledge would teach them a more excellent way. Lives have been lost which might have been saved if drugs had not been resorted to. As a rule, the less frequently they are employed, the better the patient will prosper.—U. T., 1888.
1057. Make use of the remedies that God has provided. Pure air, sunshine, and the intelligent use of water are beneficial agents in the restoration of health. But the use of water is considered too laborious. It is easier to employ drugs than to use natural remedies.
In treating the sick, the physician will seek God for wisdom; then, instead of placing his dependence upon drugs and expecting that medicine will bring health to his patients, he will use nature’s restoratives,248and employ natural means whereby the sick may be aided to recover. The Lord will hear and answer the prayers of the Christian physician.—U. T., 1888.
1058. A great amount of good can be done by enlightening all to whom we have access, as to the best means, not only of curing the sick, but of preventing disease and suffering. The physician who endeavors to enlighten his patients as to the nature and causes of their maladies, and to teach them how to avoid disease, may have up-hill work; but if he is a conscious reformer, he will talk plainly of the ruinous effects of self-indulgence in eating, drinking, and dressing, of the overtaxation of the vital forces that has brought his patients where they are. He will not increase the evil by administering drugs till exhausted nature gives up the struggle, but will teach the patients how to form correct habits, and to aid nature in her work of restoration by a wise use of her own simple remedies.—C. T., p. 121.
1059. The question of health reform is not agitated as it must be and will be. A simple diet and the entire absence of drugs, leaving nature free to recuperate the wasted energies of the body, would make our sanitariums far more effectual in restoring the sick to health.—U. T., Aug. 30, 1896.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
THE MISSIONARY NURSE.
Need of Nurses.
1060. In almost every church there are young men and women who might receive an education either as physicians or nurses. They will never have a more favorable opportunity than now. I would urge that this subject be considered prayerfully, that special effort be made to select those youth who give promise of usefulness and moral strength. Let these receive an education at our Sanitarium at Battle Creek, to go out as missionaries wherever the Lord may call them to labor.—M. M., V. II, p. 216.
1061. I could wish that there were one hundred nurses in training where there is one. It ought to be thus. Both men and women can be much more useful as medical missionaries than as missionaries without a medical education.—M. M., V. II, p. 215.
Qualifications of Nurses.
1062. Attendants should be cheerful and hopeful. — H. to L., Chap. 3, p. 54.
1063. The attendants should be unhurried, calm, and self-possessed.—H. to L., Chap. 4, p. 50.
1064. The mother may be an intelligent nurse and physician of her own dear children. It is her right to have an understanding of her own and her children’s organisms, that she may know how to treat her children in sickness.—H. R.
The Nurse’s Duty to Herself.
1065. It is the duty of attendants and nurses in the sick-room to have a special care for their own health, especially in critical cases of fever and consumption. One person should not be kept closely confined to the sick-room. It is safer to have two or three to depend upon, who are careful and understanding nurses, these alternating and sharing the care and confinement of the sick-room. Each should have exercise in the open air as often as possible. This is important to sick-bed attendants, especially if the friends of the sick are among that class who continue to regard air, if admitted into the sick-room, as an enemy, and will not allow the windows raised or the doors opened. The sick and the attendants are in this case compelled to breathe the atmosphere from day to day, because of the inexcusable ignorance of the friends of the sick.—H. to L., Chap. 4, p. 56.
1066. If attendants are awake to the subject of health, and realize the necessity of ventilation for their own benefit, as well as that of the patient, and the relatives, as well as the sick, oppose the admission of air and light into the sick-room, the attendants should have no scruples of conscience in leaving the sick-room. They should feel themselves released from their obligations to the sick. It is not the duty of one or more to risk the liability of incurring disease and endangering their lives by breathing the poisonous atmosphere. If the sick will fall victims to their own erroneous ideas, and will shut out of the room the most essential of heaven’s blessings, let251them do so, but not at the peril of those who ought to live.—H. to L., Chap. 4, p. 57.
Suggestions to Nurses.
1067. It is of great value to the sick to have an even temperature in the room. This cannot always be correctly determined, if left to the judgment of attendants, for they may not be the best judges of a right temperature.—H. to L., Chap. 4, p. 54.
1068. Few realize the effect of a mild, firm manner, even in the care of an infant. The fretful, impatient mother or nurse creates feverishness in the child in her arms, whereas a gentle manner tends to quiet the nerves of the little one.—H. R.
1069. Where there are two watchers, they often converse together, sometimes aloud, but more frequently in whispered tones, which is far more trying and exciting to the nerves of the sick than talking aloud. . . . Attendants upon the sick should, if possible, leave them to quiet and rest through the night, while they occupy a room adjoining. All unnecessary noise and excitement should be avoided in the sick-room, and the whole house should be kept as quiet as possible. Ignorance, forgetfulness, and recklessness have caused the death of many who might have lived had they received proper care from judicious, thoughtful attendants.—H. to L., Chap. 4, p. 59.