The Story of our Health Message

A Medical Council

In the latter part of October, 1907, a few weeks after the opening of the second school year, there was held at Loma Linda a council attended by physicians and others interested in the medical work. The General Conference was represented by the president, Elder A. G. Daniells; the vice-president, Elder G. A. Irwin; and also Dr. W. A. Ruble, secretary of the Medical Department. Others present swelled the attendance to about one hundred. Among the twenty-four subjects listed for discussion, it is interesting to note such as “Medical Missionary Training for the Foreign Field,” “A Plea for the First Principles in Our Medical Missionary Work,” and “Who Should Study Medicine, and What Counsel Do They Need?” SHM 374.1

Speaking to those present at this important gathering, Mrs. White said of the work to be done at Loma Linda: “I have been instructed that here we should have a school, conducted on the principles of the ancient schools of the prophets. It may not be carried on, in every respect, as are the schools of the world, but it is to be especially adapted for those who desire to devote their lives, not to commercial pursuits, but to unselfish service for the Master. SHM 374.2

“We want a school of the highest order—a school where the Word of God will be regarded as essential, and where obedience to its teachings will be taught. For the carrying forward of such a school, we must have carefully selected educators. Our young people are not to be wholly dependent on the schools where they are told, ‘If you wish to complete our course of instruction, you must take this study, or some other study’—studies that perhaps would be of no practical benefit to those whose only desire is to give to the world God’s message of health and peace. ... We should endeavor to give instruction that will prepare students quickly for service to their fellow men. SHM 374.3

“We are to seek for students who will plow deep into the Word of God, and who will conform the life practice to the truths of the Word. Let the education given be such as will qualify consecrated young men and young women to go forth in harmony with the great commission.”—E. G. White Manuscript 151, 1907. SHM 374.4

At the conclusion of Mrs. White’s remarks, Elder J. A. Burden again brought to the front the problem confronting present and prospective students. He asked her directly whether the school that she had spoken of was “simply to qualify nurses,” or whether it should “embrace also the qualification for physicians.” The reply—one to be kept in the heart and pondered—was: “Physicians are to receive their education here.” (Ibid.) (Italics mine.) SHM 375.1