In the innermost nature of mankind there it resides an inborn desire for health, a dread of pain and suffering, and a certain pride in well-being and efficiency. The strength of this desire, however, has led to many abuses in the Practice of the healing art, for the majority of laymen know very little of the science of things medical, and many faddists, quacks, and ignorant and unscrupulous persons have through the years preyed quite readily upon the public. In more recent years much effort has been made by enactment of laws to protect the public from exploitation, but it is not possible by statute to make the medical world wholly safe for the layman.
One important purpose of the counsels of the Spirit of prophecy is to save the church from many of the dangers and delusions with which we are surrounded. The instruction relating to healthful living pointed to a sound, safe path, and was intended to be an "inestimable blessing" to the church. This counsel, however, can do nothing for those who are indifferent to it, or for those who value their own opinions above the advice given.
If the counsels found in the one book, "Ministry of Healing," not to mention other invaluable counsel available, were thoroughly studied and carefully followed, what an opportunity there would be for our people who go to cultists, nostrum vendors, exploiters who have a "fake for every ache," and those who are inadequately qualified, to have a real understanding of the basic principles of health, the cause of disease, and its intelligent treatment.
Tremendous advances have been made through the years in knowledge relating to the complexity of the human body. Very high professional standards and ideals are set before our medical workers. High educational attainments are required of our students, and rightfully so. It is a solemn responsibility to deal with human life. Adequate preparation for entering the medical and nursing profession, and the field of nutrition and diet therapy, requires a comprehensive, thorough, and exact knowledge of the sciences which relate to these professions and a background of experience in their application. At the same time the individual who engages in the science and art of healing should have a deep understanding of human nature, and a conscientious regard for the patient's welfare which has its foundation in judgment and wisdom.
Treatment of the sick by "novices" is condemned in the Testimonies. Rather strong words of censure are used in referring to individuals who are not properly qualified by training and experience, yet who make bold to take the life of a human being in hand. In regard to a specific case with a tragic result, the following general admonition is given:
"It is time that something was done to prevent novices from taking the field and advocating health reform. Their works and words can be spared; for they do more injury than the wisest and most intelligent men, with the best influence they can exert, can counteract. It is impossible for the best-qualified advocates of health reform to fully relieve the minds of the public from the prejudice received through the wrong course of these extremists, and to place the great subject of health reform upon a right basis in the community where these men have figured. The door is also closed in a great measure, so that unbelievers cannot be reached by the present truth upon the Sabbath and the soon coming of our Saviour."—"Testimonies," Vol. II, pp. 386, 387.
The highest professional standard is set before us as Seventh-day Adventist medical workers. The following striking counsel has been given, and although only the physician is named, I am confident that all will agree that this admonition is basic, and will regard it as applying equally to all who are associated in the profession.
"The physician who desires to be an acceptable coworker with Christ will strive to become efficient in every feature of his work. He will study diligently, that he may be well qualified for the responsibilities of his profession, and will constantly endeavor to reach a higher standard, seeking for increased knowledge, greater skill, and deeper discernment. Every physician should realize that he who does weak, inefficient work is not only doing injury to the sick, but is also doing injustice to his fellow physicians. The physician who is satisfied with a low standard of skill and knowledge not only belittles the medical profession, but does dishonor to Christ, the chief Physician."—"Ministry of Healing," p. 116.
This paragraph could well be regarded as the medical worker's motto and daily aim. Such an ideal and high calling is indeed inspiring. and stimulating. Should not the influence of the Christian physician and nurse be more pronounced in all our ranks—an influence for good, both physically and spiritually? The knowledge that we are engaging in a work of the "highest trust" calls for the most thorough qualification professionally, and for a most earnest seeking after God for personal godliness. Such an experience on the part of all our medical group would place them in a position to more effectively teach our people a better way, inspiring in them a confidence and an adherence to sound principles of healthful living that would bring new life and rich blessing into many churches, homes, and schools.
H. M. W.
