Should those connected with this enterprise [the Health Institute at Battle Creek] cease to look at
their work from a high religious standpoint, and descend from the exalted principles of present truth
to imitate in theory and practice those at the head of institutions where the sick are treated only for
the recovery of health, the special blessing of God would not rest upon our institution more than
upon those where corrupt theories are taught and practiced.
I saw that a very extensive work could not be accomplished in a short time, as it would not be an
easy matter to find physicians whom God could approve and who would work together
harmoniously, disinterestedly, and zealously for the good of suffering humanity. It should ever be
kept prominent that the great object to be attained through this channel is not only health, but
perfection, and the spirit of holiness, which cannot be attained with diseased bodies and minds. This
object cannot be secured by working merely from the worldling’s standpoint. God will raise up men
and women and qualify them to engage in the work, not only as physicians of the body, but of the
sin-sick soul, as spiritual parents to the young and inexperienced….
The view that those who have abused both their physical and mental powers, or who have broken
down in either mind or body, must suspend activity in order to regain health is a great error. In a
very few cases entire rest for a short period may be necessary, but these instances are very rare. In
most cases the change would be too great.
Those who have broken down by intense mental labor should have rest from wearing thought, yet to
teach them that it is wrong and even dangerous for them to exercise their mental powers to a degree
leads them to view their condition as worse than it really is….