An early fourscore years ago the fathers of our faith received their first counsels on health. Common diseases were to be treated and practical instruction given in a health center which was yet to be established. For this purpose the pioneers purchased and renovated an old Battle Creek farmhouse—a truly inconspicuous ancestor to the vast medical program to which we as a people are committed. Comparison of those times and our own is interesting and enlightening.
The counsel to the church which emphasizes the importance of healthful living and the need of integrating the medical phase of the message with the gospel ministry came at a time when there was a relative dearth of knowledge regarding disease prevention and treatment of disease by physical agencies rather than by the empirical use of drugs.
During this period, however, there was abroad in the land an awakening of interest in respect to a more accurate knowledge of the cause of disease, with a notable stir in certain quarters relative to reforms in diet habits and the methods of treating the sick. It was in these times that Adventists began their health program. Pioneers in every sense, they braved the ridicule, built their little institution, and began to use rational therapeutics in the treatment of disease. Where the old massive drug administration failed, the use of natural methods succeeded.
Many of the common ailments were found to respond favorably to physical means. It is to their credit that they appropriated in their work the great scientific discoveries of the following decades. But through the counsel and light given, they were often far ahead of their times. Take the drug calomel as an illustration. In the middle of the last century it was prevalently used as a cure-all. Modern medical men prescribe it no more for internal use because of its destructive powers upon body tissues. Yet long before the turn of the century Adventists were specifically instructed to omit this and many other substances since abandoned because of their harmful effects. The counsel that was given has stood the test of time.
Battle Creek Sanitarium grew rapidly in size and importance. Influential men of science were impressed by its simple and sensible means of treatment. Eventually public opinion began to favor the new ideas. Within a few years similar institutions were to rise in many States and countries. The diet of the Western World was to radically change, no doubt to some extent because of the witness so fully given. In many instances experimental science endorsed what our own leaders had long proved by practical experience.
Perhaps their greatest venture of faith was the establishment of a medical school. Sanitariums and hospitals needed physicians who were not only highly qualified in scientific studies, but also devoted to the principles of the ministry of healing. To meet this need the American Medical Missionary College at Battle Creek was inaugurated. Physicians from that center manned the new institutions and spread the gospel of preventive medicine across the seven seas. It is a great story, and we can only mention it here.
Loma Linda, the next great venture, was established amid floods of difficulty. When scores of other medical schools were closing their doors, its brave founders dared to follow the divine instruction. With patient faith and great personal sacrifice they laid its foundations. Small and then larger buildings were erected, clinics were opened, and a mighty medical ministry was set in motion. From those early days until now the progress of the College of Medical Evangelists has been an onward march with a definite purpose.
"We thank God for the earnest men,
Of sturdy faith, of purpose true,
Who builded in the early days,
And builded better than they knew."
Loma Linda has forgotten neither its humble origin nor the ideals for which it was established. Medical evangelism was the keystone of its creation and the only reason for its existence. Faithful men today are training undergraduates not only to heal the body, but to restore the image of God in the soul.
Graduates from C.M.E. are rendering service on many a foreign shore, and giving valued support to all missionary enterprises at home. In many places they are building schools, raising churches, winning men. Far-seeing conference leaders are encouraging them to settle where their influence and training can do the most good.
Phases of Medical Work Illustrated
Several months ago the Board of Trustees of the Medical College gave consideration to the production of a book illustrating the various phases of our medical work from an educational standpoint. They authorized the Student-Faculty Association, headed by the dean of the Los Angeles Division, Dr. W. E. Macpherson, to proceed with this publication. As a result, a beautiful book has been produced, which many think is a work of art. This book contains one hundred and ninety-two pages of fine large pictures, which show our early pioneers and the beginnings of our medical work. There is included a review of the medical course from the day a student enters Loma Linda until he is graduated. A large section is devoted to our alumni in the mission field and in private practice. There are finely illustrated sections that depict the Loma Linda and White Memorial Nursing Schools, also the Schools of Dietetics and Laboratory Technicians.
This book is entitled, "The March of C.1VI.E." The photography is excellent, and the descriptive reading matter sets forth the principles on which we as a people take our stand. Missionary ideals are well expressed, several pages being devoted to those who have laid down their lives in service for God.*
