Testimonies for the Church Volume 1 - A New You Ministry

eing ensnared. The institution at—–, I then saw (in 1865), was the best in the UnitedStates. So far as the treatment of the sick is concerned, they have been doing agreat and good work; but they urge upon their patients dancing and card playing, andrecommend attendance at theaters and such places of worldly amusement, which is indirect opposition to the teachings of Christ and the apostles.Those connected with the Health Institute now located at Battle Creek shouldfeel that they are engaged in an important and solemn work, and in no way shouldthey pattern after the physicians at the institution at—–in matters of religion andamusements. Yet I saw that there would be danger of imitating them in many thingsand losing sight of the exalted character of this great work. And should those connectedwith this enterprise cease to look at their work from a high religious standpoint, anddescend from the exalted principles of present truth to imitate in theory and practicethose at the head of institutions where the sick are treated only for the recovery ofhealth, the special blessing of God would not rest upon our institution more than uponthose where corrupt theories are taught and practiced.I saw that a very extensive work could not be accomplished in a short time, as itwould not be an easy matter to find physicians whom God could approve and whowould work together harmoniously, disinterestedly, and zealously for the good ofsuffering humanity. It should ever be kept prominent that the great object to be attainedthrough this channel is not only health, but perfection, and the spirit of holiness, whichcannot be attained with diseased bodies and minds. This object cannot be secured byworking merely from the worldling’s standpoint. God will raise up men and qualifythem to engage in the work, not only as physicians of the body, but of the sin-sick soul,as spiritual fathers to the young and inexperienced.I was shown that the position of Dr. E in regard to amusements554