The Story of our Health Message

Mrs. White’s Counsel

It is of interest to note that in this counsel there was nothing to indicate that there might not ultimately be developed a complete plant in connection with Loma Linda for the preparation of graduate physicians. Mrs. White had stated that physicians were to receive their education there. When such a time should come, however, it would be necessary for a united denominational endeavor. SHM 377.3

In this narration of counsel and events leading up to the final steps that resulted in the opening of the medical school, another communication from Mrs. White, sent from St. Helena, on March 24, 1908, should be included, in part. Note again the cautions against premature action and the several basic guiding principles set forth: SHM 377.4

“In the work of the school, maintain simplicity. No argument is so powerful as is success founded upon simplicity. And you may have success in the education of students as medical missionaries without a medical school that can qualify physicians to compete with the physicians of the world. SHM 378.1

“Let the students be given a practical education. And the less dependent you are upon worldly methods of education, the better it will be for the students. Special instruction should be given in the art of treating the sick without the use of poisonous drugs, and in harmony with the light that God has given. Students should come forth from the school without having sacrificed the principles of health reform. SHM 378.2

“We should not at this time seek to compete with worldly medical schools. Should we do this, our chances of success would be small. We are not now prepared to carry out successfully the work of establishing large medical institutions of learning. Moreover, should we follow the world’s methods of medical practice, exacting the large fees that worldly physicians demand for their services, we should work away from Christ’s plan for our ministry to the sick.”—E. G. White Letter 90, 1908. (Italics mine.) SHM 378.3