Never for a moment, in our plans or in our labors, should we lose sight of the grand purpose for which our large investment in medical institutions is made. The volume of business and the many details of an efficient professional service tend to obscure spiritual interests. The long, busy hours necessary to maintain a continuous night-and-day service may easily lead to the neglect of personal piety. The traits of Martha are commendable only when the devotions of Mary are not neglected. The chaplain therefore plays an important role in helping maintain the proper spiritual tone in a medical institution.
"Let the workers in the sanitarium remember that the object of the establishment of these institutions is not alone the relief of suffering and the healing of disease, but also the salvation of souls. . . . The work of the true medical missionary is largely a spiritual work."—"Counsels on Health," p. 540.
"The spiritual work in our sanitariums is not to be under the control of physicians. This work requires thought and tact, and a broad knowledge of the Bible. Ministers possessing these qualifications should be connected with our sanitariums."—Id., p. 293.
One is led to exclaim, "Who is sufficient for these things?" What a weight of responsibility for the welfare of blood-bought souls is here ! The chaplain has more to do than say daily public prayers and occasionally call upon the sick. He must find food for his own soul in the living bread, and commune with the Source of all power. This requires much time and quiet study. He comes in contact with men of high and low estate, of varied religious beliefs and of no religion at all, rich and poor. He must meet their natural prejudices and if possible overcome them. The nervous, and those afflicted with various ailments, pour out their troubles and complaints upon his soul. He must patiently listen, console, and explain. The dying and the bereaved cling to him for comfort and prayer. Along with the physician, he must willingly respond to any call night or day, when his services may be needed.
The chaplain must be on hand in the dining room to say grace at all meals and to help maintain a pleasant table conversation. Each morning he conducts a devotional service for the sanitarium guests, and several evenings a week gives a lecture or sermonette for their benefit. He must be willing to deliver his prepared discourse to many, or to a pitiable few scattered about in parlor seats. He must accustom himself to microphone technique, and keep in .mind the personnel of the listeners-in. He must take time for just being sociable. Whenever possible, he must accept invitations to speak at luncheon clubs, near or far away.
The spiritual interests of an institution lie largely, however, with the large family of employees. Among these, an atmosphere of sincere religion in life and labor must be fostered. The chaplain must seek the willing and happy cooperation of each member, however employed. Very close indeed must be the cooperative relationship of medical superintendent, general manager, and chaplain. The superintendent of nurses holds a key position in the work of preserving correct ideals and Christian standards among the nurses. The medical staff, by remembering their high calling as medical evangelists, may do much for the souls of both patients and employees. The chaplain need never feel alone. His work covers all departments. He must be actively supported by all, or his task is impossible.
The nurses' training school requires his services in the teaching of Bible classes equivalent to that of the college grades, and this is of first importance. Here his study and experience is passed on to others who multiply it for the cause of God at home and abroad.
In addition to the institution, with its guestsand its family of helpers, the chaplain some times has the care of the institutional church as well, and all the duties that devolve upon a pastor are his. The weekly sermon, his Sabbath school class, the promotion of campaigns, the church school, and other duties must not be overlooked.
The heavy investment in our sanitariums, the large numbers of non-Adventists who pass through our halls, the many people who find employment in these institutions, warrant the
best efforts of any chaplain to maintain a strong spiritual and evangelistic ministry. Let us make this possible by the closest cooperation of all workers within and without our institutions, and by most earnestly seeking the directorship of the Holy Spirit.
