MH page 114

When a physician sees a patient suffering from disease caused by improper eating and drinking or other wrong habits, yet neglects to tell him of this, he is doing his fellow being an injury. Drunkards, maniacs, those who are given over to licentiousness, all appeal to the physician to declare clearly and distinctly that suffering results from sin. Those who understand the principles of life should be in earnest in striving to counteract the causes of disease. Seeing the continual conflict with pain, laboring constantly to alleviate suffering, how can the physician hold his peace? Is he benevolent and merciful if he does not teach strict temperance as a remedy for disease?

Physicians and caregivers have a duty to clearly instruct patients regarding how improper habits and intemperance cause disease. This paragraph focuses on the ethical and professional duty of medical practitioners to educate patients on the lifestyle causes of their illnesses.

Let it be made plain that the way of God's commandments is the way of life. God has established the laws of nature, but His laws are not arbitrary exactions. Every “Thou shalt not,” whether in physical or in moral law, implies a promise. If we obey it, blessing will attend our steps. God never forces us to do right, but He seeks to save us from the evil and lead us to the good.

God's commandments and the laws of nature are designed for human blessing and protection rather than being arbitrary rules. This paragraph is primarily spiritual and theological, discussing the benevolent character of divine and natural law.

Let attention be called to the laws that were taught to Israel. God gave them definite instruction in regard to their habits of life. He made known to them the laws relating to both physical and spiritual well-being; and on condition of obedience He assured them, “The Lord will take away from thee all sickness.” Deuteronomy 7:15 . “Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day.” “For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.” Deuteronomy 32:46 ; Proverbs 4:22 .

Adherence to scriptural health and lifestyle instructions promotes physical well-being and freedom from sickness. The text connects historical biblical health regulations with promises of physical health and absence of disease.

God desires us to reach the standard of perfection made possible for us by the gift of Christ. He calls upon us to make our choice on the right side, to connect with heavenly agencies, to adopt principles that will restore in us the divine image. In His written word and in the great book of nature He has revealed the principles of life. It is our work to obtain a knowledge of these principles, and by obedience to co-operate with Him in restoring health to the body as well as to the soul.

Obtaining knowledge of the principles of life revealed in scripture and nature allows humans to co-operate with God in restoring health. This paragraph emphasizes the spiritual duty of learning and applying divine principles found in nature and scripture.