关于医疗布道工作的特别证言
我对医疗布道工作和男男女女为这项工作受教育的问题深感兴趣。我希望在有一个护士受训的地方，能有一百个人受训。应该这样。男人和女人作为医疗布道士都能比没有受过医学教育的布道士更有效用。我越来越多地感受到要就这个问题作更明确的见证，必须作出更加直接的努力去关心适当的人，向他们说明每一个布道士若是了解如何治疗身体的疾病，如何照顾患罪病的心灵，就会得到的益处。这种双重的服务会使与上帝同工的人进入人的家庭，接触社会各阶层的人。聪明地了解如何依据卫生原则治疗疾病，会获得许多人的信任，否则这些人就不会接触真理。许多人在痛苦中才降卑自己的心灵，而一个正设法减轻他们身体痛苦的人向他们所说赞同真理的话，也就能感动他们的心了。简短的、满载最温柔的同情、凭着信心将受苦的人呈现给那大医师的祷告，会使他们心中产生信任、安息和倚靠，往往会使身心都恢复健康。{PH082 1.1}
我很惊讶，医师们竟问我是否认为他们若是放弃自己的医疗实践而去参加传道工作，上帝就会更喜悦。我准备好回答这样询问的人：你若是一名基督徒且是一位有能力的医师，你就有资格作为一个传道士为上帝做十倍于你仅仅作一个传道人所做的工作。我希望劝告青年男女注意这个问题。危险的时期就在我们前面。全世界都将陷入困惑混乱和痛苦危难之中，各种疾病会临到人类家庭，而现今流行的这种对健康律的无知会导致极大的痛苦，使许多原可得救的人丧命。{PH082 2.1}
撒但在不断极力利用人们的无知，藉着不适当治疗身体来给疾病打下基础，然而自称上帝儿女的人要趁机获得对人体系统的认识，了解如何保持身体健康。我们要利用上帝所赐给我们的每一项心智的才能。主不会行神迹保持任何不愿努力认识上帝所赐这个奇妙居所之人处于健康状态。我们要藉着研究人体组织来学会纠正我们的错误习惯，这些错误习惯若得不到纠正，就必带来疾病和痛苦，使人生成为重担。我们祈祷的真诚只能藉着我们努力顺从上帝诫命的活力来证明。{PH082 2.2}
邪恶的习惯和行为正在给人类带来各种疾病。要通过教育使人们确信滥用和降格上帝所赐各种能力是有罪的。心智要变得聪明起来，意志要置于主的一边，身体的健康就会有奇妙的改善。但仅靠人力是决不能完成此事的。靠着基督的恩典奋发努力，弃绝一切有害的做法和交往，并且在凡事上实行节制，就必须持久坚信要靠着基督的赎罪牺牲悔改以往的罪，并求上帝赦免。这些事必须进入每日的经验中;必有严格警醒和不倦的恳求，以便基督将所有的思想都掳来归于祂自己;祂必将革新的能力赐给人，以便我们作为负责任的人，可以将我们的身体当作活祭献给上帝，是圣洁的，是祂所喜悦的，我们这样侍奉是理所当然的。{PH082 3.1}
那些自称相信严肃神圣现代真理的人，愿意振作他们懒散的精神，置身于可以收集照在他们路径上一切光线的渠道中吗?上帝要求凡自称相信现代真理的人都尽力运用每一能力去获得知识。在我们奉召前往的各国中，我们若要提高道德的标准，就必须先从改良他们的身体习惯着手。人的品德，全赖乎适宜的运用身心的能力。{PH082 4.1}
我们这班拥有许多亮光的人是有罪的，因为我们没有赏识或善用关于健康改革所赐的亮光。许多人因误会和曲解的观念而受骗。那些教导别人真理和应该作群羊牧人的人，要对他们的甘愿无知和漠视自然律负责任。这不是可以轻忽、可以一笑置之的小事。当我们接近这世界历史的结束，自私自利、暴力和罪行像挪亚的日子一样盛行，那时古代的世界便在大洪水中灭亡了。我们作为相信圣经的人，需要采取支持公义和真理的立场。{PH082 4.2}
当宗教逼迫威胁我们国家的自由时，凡坚持良心自由的人都会处在不利的地位。他们为自己的缘故，趁着还有机会，应当学习医疗知识，了解疾病的原因、预防和治疗。凡是这样做的人将会到处找到工作的园地。有许多受苦的人需要帮助，不仅在与我们信仰相同的人中，而且主要在那些不认识真理的人中间作工。{PH082 4.3}
因为时间急迫，凡自称相信现代真理的人应当行动起来。需要有个人的信仰，个人的悔改，个人的信心和爱心。我恳求在我们这班人中有一场普遍的觉醒。靠着基督所赐的力量，我们应该也能够教导他人如何与那些天上的亮光已显明必须予以克服的情欲较力。我们要不断警醒，不倦祈求圣灵的帮助，也要利用上帝所赐的一切帮助和亮光。{PH082 5.1}
几乎在每一个教会都有青年可以接受教育成为医师或护士。他们决不会拥有比现在更有利的机会了。我奉劝大家怀着祈祷的精神考虑这个问题。要作出特别的努力，挑选那些显示出效用和道德力量的青年，让他们在巴特尔克里克疗养院接受一种教育，作传道士到主可能召他们去作工的任何地方去。应当使他们始终谨记：他们的工作不仅要解除人们身体的痛苦，而且要照顾将要灭亡的心灵。重要的是每一个担任医疗布道士的人都要能够熟练地照顾人的心灵和身体。他要做一个效法基督的人，向病人和受苦的人介绍纯洁没有玷污的虔诚的宝贵。他在尽力解救身体的疾病和保留这个凡人的性命时，应当指出大医师耶稣的爱与仁慈，祂降世以便“凡信祂的，不至灭亡，反得永生”(约3:16)。{PH082 5.2}
现在需要工人。我们作为一班子民在做的工作，不及作为积极主动的传道士应该做成的五十分之一。只要我们被圣灵激发起来，在如今只有一个传道士的地方，就会有一百个传道士。{PH082 6.1}
然而传道士们在哪里呢?现代真理岂没有能力激动那些自称相信它之人的心吗?当有呼召要人做工时，为何要有那么多的声音说：“请你准我辞了”(路14:18)呢?要在这个国家树立和高举真理的旗帜。极其需要工人，且有许多可以作工的方式。处在高位和低位的人都有工作要做。但我们不需要任何没有充分意识到传道意义的人进入这块园地。人人都需个别地下一番内心的工夫。单凭人力是做不成一项善工的。因为必须与上帝有至关重要的联络、与至高的活动之源有交通，才能充分发展理智和属灵的能力，使之有功效。这样，我们的心灵既为主十分火热，便能造福他人。耶稣说过：“人若喝我所赐的水就永远不渴。我所赐的水要在他里头成为泉源，直涌到永生”(约4:14)。品尝基督恩典的人要把别人带到活水的江河那里。{PH082 6.2}
这样与耶稣合作岂不是一个特权吗?参加救灵的伟大工作，起到救主所指派给我们的作用，岂不是一种尊荣吗?人自己若没有领受恩惠，就不能造福别人。“滋润人的，必得滋润”(箴11:25)。{PH082 7.1}
怀爱伦
1892年9月16日写于澳大利亚墨尔本
*****
必须艰苦奋斗，将健康改良的原则保持在崇高的平台上，呈现在我们这班拥有大光的人面前。……在疗养院里要成就大工。……愿主在各教会运行!愿来自上帝活泼圣言的声音，天意的惊人运行，以清晰的语言对教会讲话：“要为我分派保罗和巴拿巴”(徒13:2)。{PH082 7.2}
现在需要圣洁虔诚的人将自己的智力、体力和虔诚培养到极致，并且要受任命，作为男女医疗布道士前去作工。应该作出一切努力好派出聪明的工人。来自耶稣基督的恩典曾赐给保罗和亚波罗，使他们因属灵的美德而出众，同样的恩典也能在许多忠诚献身的宣教士身上重现并且进入工作状态。不要让大批人抱着手说：“不错，让某某去尚未开垦的园地吧，”而他们自己却一点也不付出热心献身舍己的辛劳，竟指望主所交给他们的工作由别人代劳。有些人若肯克己背起十字架，就会发现上帝愿意与他们交往，正如与保罗和巴拿巴交往一样。他们代表着很多人应该成为的样子。“经上说：‘凡信祂的人必不至于羞愧’。犹太人和希腊人，并没有分别。因为众人同有一位主，祂也厚待一切求告祂的人”(罗10:11-12)。{PH082 8.1}
怀爱伦
1893年2月19日写于新西兰奥克兰
PH082 - Special Testimonies Relating to Medical Missionary Work
【Special Testimonies Relating to Medical Missionary Work】
I am deeply interested in the subject of medical missionary work and the education of men and women for that work.?I could wish that there were one hundred nurses in training where there is one. It ought to be thus. Both men and women can be so much more useful as medical missionaries than as missionaries without the medical education.?I am more and more impressed with the fact that a more decided testimony must be borne upon this subject, that more direct efforts must be made to interest the proper persons, setting before them the advantages that every missionary will have in understanding how to treat those who are diseased in body, as well as to minister to sin-sick souls. This double ministration will give the laborer together with God, access to homes, and will enable him to reach all classes of society. An intelligent knowledge of how to treat disease upon hygienic principles will gain the confidence of many who otherwise would not be reached with the truth. In affliction, many are humbled in spirit, and words in favor of the truth spoken to them in tenderness by one who is seeking to alleviate physical suffering, may touch the heart. Prayer, short, weighted with tenderest sympathy, presenting?the suffering ones in faith to the great Physician, will inspire in them a confidence, a rest and trust, that will tend to the health of both soul and body.?{PH082 1.1}[1]
I have been surprised at being asked by physicians if I did not think it would be more pleasing to God for them to give up their medical practice and enter the ministry. I am prepared to answer such an inquirer: If you are a Christian and a competent physician, you are qualified to do tenfold more good as a missionary for God than if you were to go forth merely as a preacher of the word. I would advise young men and women to give heed to this matter. Perilous times are before us. The whole world will be involved in perplexity and distress, disease of every kind will be upon the human family, and such ignorance as now prevails concerning the laws of health would result in great suffering and the loss of many lives that might be saved.?{PH082 2.1}[2]
While Satan is doing his utmost to take advantage of men’s ignorance, and to lay the foundation of disease by improper treatment of the body, it is best for those who claim to be the sons and daughters of God to avail themselves, while they can, of the opportunities now presented to gain a knowledge of the human system, and how it may be preserved in health. We are to use every faculty of mind which God has given us. The Lord will not work a miracle to preserve any one in health who will not make an effort to obtain knowledge?within his reach concerning this wonderful habitation that God has given. By study of the human organism, we are to learn to correct what may be wrong in our habits, and which, if left uncorrected, would bring the sure result, disease and suffering, that make life a burden. The sincerity of our prayers can be proved only by the vigor of our endeavor to obey God’s commandments.?{PH082 2.2}[3]
Evil habits and practices are bringing upon men disease of every kind. Let the understanding be convinced by education as to the sinfulness of abusing and degrading the powers that God has given. Let the mind become intelligent, and the will be placed on the Lord’s side, and there will be a wonderful improvement in the physical health. But this can never be accomplished in mere human strength. With strenuous efforts through the grace of Christ to renounce all evil practices and associations, and to observe temperance in all things, there must be an abiding persuasion that repentance for the past, as well as forgiveness, is to be sought to God through the atoning sacrifice of Christ. These things must be brought into the daily experience; there must be strict watchfulness and unwearied entreaty that Christ will bring every thought into captivity to himself; his renovating power must be given to the soul, that as accountable beings we may present to God our bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto him, which is our reasonable service.?{PH082 3.1}[4]
Will those who claim to believe the solemn, sacred truth for this time, arouse their sluggish energies and place themselves in the channel where they can gather to themselves every ray of light that shines upon their pathway? God calls upon all who claim to believe advanced truth, to exert every power to the utmost in gaining knowledge.?If we would elevate the moral standard in any country where we may be called to go, we must begin by correcting their physical habits. Virtue of character depends upon the right action of the powers of the mind and body.?{PH082 4.1}[5]
Guilt rests upon us as a people who have had much light, because we have not appreciated or improved the light given upon health reform. Through misunderstanding and perverted ideas many souls are deceived. Those who teach the truth to others and who should be shepherds to the flock, will be held accountable for their willing ignorance and disregard of nature’s laws. This is not a matter to be trifled with, to be passed off with a jest. As we approach the close of this earth’s history, selfishness and violence and crime prevail as in the days of Noah, when the Old World perished in the waters of the flood. As Bible believers, we need to take our position for righteousness and truth.?{PH082 4.2}[6]
As religious aggression subverts the liberties of our nation, those who would stand for freedom of conscience will be placed in unfavorable positions. For their own sake, they?should, while they have opportunity, become intelligent in regard to disease, its causes, prevention, and cure. And those who do this will find a field of labor anywhere. There will be suffering ones, plenty of them, who will need help, not only among those of our own faith, but largely among those who know not the truth.{PH082 4.3}[7]
The shortness of time demands an energy that has not been aroused among those who claim to believe the present truth. There is need of personal religion, of repentance, of faith and love. I plead that there be a general awakening among us as a people. In the strength that Christ imparts, we should be able to teach others also how to wrestle with those passions which the light of heaven shows them must be mortified. Let there be constant watchfulness and unwearied prayer for the assistance of the Holy Spirit, and let us avail ourselves of all the help and light that God has given.?{PH082 5.1}[8]
In almost every church there are young men and women who might receive education either as nurses or physicians. They will never have a more favorable opportunity than now.?I would urge that this subject be considered prayerfully, that special effort be made to select those youth who give promise of usefulness and moral strength. Let these receive an education at our Sanitarium at Battle Creek, to go out as missionaries wherever the Lord may call them to labor. It should ever be kept before?them that their work is not only to relieve physical suffering, but to minister to souls that are ready to perish. It is important that every one who is to act as a medical missionary be skilled in ministering to the soul as well as to the body. He is to be an imitator of Christ, presenting to the sick and suffering the preciousness of pure and undefiled religion. While doing all in his power to relieve physical distress and to preserve this mortal life, he should point to the mercy and love of Jesus, the great Physician, who came that “whosoever believeth in him might not perish, but have everlasting life.”?{PH082 5.2}[9]
Workers are needed now. As a people, we are not doing one fiftieth of what we might do as active missionaries. If we were only vitalized by the Holy Spirit, there would be a hundred missionaries where there is now one.?{PH082 6.1}[10]
But where are the missionaries? Has not the truth for this time power to stir the souls of those who claim to believe it? When there is a call to labor, why should there be so many voices to say, “I pray thee have me excused”? In this country [Australia] the standard of truth is to be established and exalted. There is great need of workers, and there are many ways in which they can labor. There is work for those in the higher, as well as in the more humble positions. But we want none to come out to this field who have not a high sense of what it means to be a missionary. Individually, all need a heart work. A good work?cannot be done by the human agent alone. For the full development and efficiency of the intellectual as well as the spiritual powers, there is, there must be, a vital connection with God, a communion with the highest source of activity. Then, with the soul all aglow with zeal for the Master, we can be a blessing to others. Jesus said, “Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst, for the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” Those who become partakers of the grace of Christ will guide others also to the living stream.?{PH082 6.2}[11]
Is it not a privilege to be thus co-partners with Jesus? Is it not an honor to be connected with the grand work of saving souls, acting the part assigned us by our Saviour? And none can impart a blessing to others without receiving benefit himself. “He that watereth shall be watered also himself.”?{PH082 7.1}[12]
---Ellen G. White?Melbourne, Australia,September 16, 1892.[13]
Hard battles have had to be fought to keep the principles of health reform upon a high and elevated platform, where they should have stood before our people who have had great light.... A great work is to be done in the Sanitarium.... The Lord move upon the churches! May the voice from the living oracles of God, the startling movements of Providence,?speak in clear language to the church, “Separate unto me Paul and Barnabas.”?{PH082 7.2}[14]
Holy and devout persons, both men and women, are wanted now to go forth as medical missionaries. Let them cultivate their physical and mental powers and their piety to the uttermost. Every effort should be made to send forth intelligent workers. The same grace that came from Jesus Christ to Paul and Apollos, which caused them to be distinguished for their spiritual excellencies, can be received now, and will bring into working order many devoted missionaries. Let not a large number fold their hands, saying, “O yes, let such and such ones go into untried fields,” while they themselves put forth no interested, devoted, self-denying labor, and expect the work the Lord has committed to them, to be done by proxy. There are those who, if they will deny self and lift the cross, will find that God will communicate with them as verily as he did with Paul and Barnabas. These are representatives of what very many should be. “The Scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call on him.”?{PH082 8.1}[15]
Ellen G. White?Auckland, New Zealand,Febuary 19, 1893.[16]
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