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injured, but none critically.
In the first hospital to which they were taken, both men
refused any medical aid, relying on God. Dick was in deep shock,
but had gained semi-consciousness, and stoutly refused medical aid.
His blood pressure was down to 40, due to loss of much blood.
Below 60 is usually fatal. He was dying. The hospital refused to
keep him, unless he would give them free hand in medical treatment,
and hastened to transfer him to another hospital, where they
instantly gave him a blood transfusion. The accident occurred at
1:15 Wednesday afternoon. Mr. Norman Smith, another of our
ministers, and I picked up Dr. Ralph E. Merrill, our college
physician and member of our Board of Trustees, and drove to San
Luis Obispo. We found we could drive faster than we could get
here by plane, even chartering a special plane. We arrived at
7:30. By that time Dick's blood pressure was up to 105. Later
that night it was 110, and before we left the hospital after
midnight, 112. They were giving him oxygen, and he was breathing
heavily, but conscious, tho his mind was not entirely clear yet due
to extreme shock.
I think most of you know that we rely on God for healing,
not medicines. However, what Jesus healed, and the apostles, and
what God PROMISES, is sickness, disease, and infirmities. If you
have heard me speak on the subject you have heard me always say
that in case of a broken bone, man can and should set it, and leave
the HEALING to God. Dick was not afflicted with sickness, or
disease, or infirmities--but with broken and displaced organs that
need to be put back together. For such, as God's people, we should
have it done by the most expert specialists obtainable. That is
what I authorized immediately.
It so happens that in this little city there are more
top-flight specialists in these various fields, according to
population, than any other in California except Pasadena. There
are exceptionally competent specialists here--Dr. Merrill assures
me as good as any on the coast. In all, seven of these, including
Dr. Merrill, are collaborating in Dick's case. Dick could not
receive better care and help anywhere on earth. One specialist has
been flown by private plane from the U.C.L.A. Medical Center in Los
Angeles. These men are co-operating with us, respecting our
Biblical belief as to trusting God for HEALING, instead of
medicines, and on the other hand we are not in any way tying their
hands in anything vital to getting Dick back into perfect shape.
They fully realize that Dick occupies a very important and
essential position, and are giving every conscientious effort in
their power to get him back in shape.
Let me say that, WITH GOD'S POWER, on which we rely fully,
he can be put back in perfect shape, where he will be in as good
physical condition as before. And THAT depends on our prayers, and
the FAITH we let God give us.
Let me say, too, DO NOT BLAME THE OTHER HOSPITAL for
getting him off their hands. In this world there are LAWS
regulating doctors and hospitals. Had Dick died in their hospital
without their administering what they regard as proper medical