Is it right for Seventh-day Adventist physicians to take fees for services rendered to the needy sick on the Sabbath?
Ministers are frequently asked this question by conscientious doctors, and it would be well for all to bear in mind the following statements from the Spirit of prophecy, which afford a defifinite and conclusive reply:
"Physicians need to cultivate a spirit of self-denial and self-sacrifice. It may be necessary to devote even the hours of the holy Sabbath to the relief of suffering humanity. But the fee for such labor should be put into the treasury of the Lord, to be used for the worthy poor, who need medical skill but cannot afford to pay for it." —Unpublished Manuscript.
"The necessities of life must be attended to, the sick must be cared for, the wants of the needy must be supplied. He will not be held guiltless who neglects to relieve suffering on the Sabbath. . . . God does not desire His creatures to suffer an hour's pain that may be relieved upon the Sabbath or any other day. . . . The law forbids secular labor on the rest day of the Lord; the toil that gains a livelihood must cease; no labor for worldly pleasure or profit is lawful upon that day." —"The Desire of Ages," p. 207.
"Circumstances will not justify any one in working upon the Sabbath for the sake of worldly profit."—"Testimonies," Vol. IV, p. 251.
G.A. Roberts
Oakland, Calif.
