Spirit of Prophecy Counsels Relating To Church-State Relationships

Complying With Laws Establishing Requirements In Medical Training

(1909)

“Some questions have been asked me regarding our relation to the laws governing medical practitioners. We need to move understandingly, for the enemy would be pleased to hedge up our work so that our physicians would have only a limited influence. Some men do not act in the fear of God, and they may seek to bring us into trouble by placing on our necks yokes that we could not consent to bear. We cannot submit to regulations if the sacrifice of principle is involved; for this would imperil the soul’s salvation. SPCCSR 184.1

“But whenever we can comply with the law of the land without putting ourselves in a false position, we should do so. Wise laws have been framed in order to safeguard the people against the imposition of unqualified physicians. These laws we should respect, for we are ourselves by them protected from presumptuous pretenders. Should we manifest opposition to these requirements, it would tend to restrict the influence of our medical missionaries. SPCCSR 184.2

“We must carefully consider what is involved in these matters. If there are conditions to which we could not subscribe, we should endeavor to have these matters adjusted, so that there would not be strong opposition against our physicians. The Saviour bids us be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. SPCCSR 184.3

“The Lord is our Leader and Teacher. He charges us not to connect with those who do not acknowledge God. ‘Verily my Sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations.’ Connect with those who honor God by keeping His commandments. If the recommendation goes forth from our people that our workers are to seek for success by acknowledging as essential the education which the world gives, we are virtually saying that the influence the world gives is superior to that which God gives. God will be dishonored by such a course. God has full knowledge of the faith and trust and confidence that His professed people have in His providence. SPCCSR 185.1

“Our workers are to become intelligent in regard to Christ’s life and manner of working. The Lord will help those who desire to cooperate with Him as physicians, if they will become learners of Him how to work for the suffering. He will exercise His power through them for the healing of the sick.”—Medical Ministry, 84., 85. (Portion of a letter to J. A. Burden of Loma Linda, written Nov. 5, 1909.) SPCCSR 185.2