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Section 8—Counsels and Cautions
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up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace
that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as
obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former
lusts in your ignorance;” for you are to walk in the light, while you
have the light; “but as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye
holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy;
for I am holy.”—
Letter 6a, 1890
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An Appeal for More Sympathy
The Christian physician is a minister of the highest order. He is a
missionary. Those who through their skill and faithful, earnest effort,
by wisdom from God, can relieve bodily pain, place themselves in
such a relation to their patients that they can point them to the Soul
Healer, who can say, “Thy sins be forgiven thee.” ...
Obtaining the Confidence of Patients
You are too reticent. It is in your power to bind the sick to
your heart, and if you do not obtain the confidence of your patients,
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it is because you do not see the great need of tact, ingenuity, in
ministering to the soul as well as to the body. I do not justify anyone
in practicing deception upon the dying. In as mild a manner as
possible tell them the truth in regard to their case (as I believe you
do), and then point them to Jesus as their only hope.
You have no right to shut yourself up within yourself, and say
scarcely anything to the patients. You should not keep patients
waiting for your decision in their case. It is not right to cause them
suffering of mind by unnecessary delay. Every case should receive
prompt attention in its turn and according to its necessity. Negligence
in this respect has hurt you from the very first of your medical
practice. It need not and should not be.
I have been shown that this defect in your character has caused
men and women to curse you in their hearts, and almost to blaspheme
God. Now if I thought this could not be corrected, I would not write
as I do. It is your duty as a Christian physician to educate your
manners and your habits for the sickroom, to be cheerful and affable,
to manifest tender sympathy, to converse freely on the subjects