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Medical Ministry
lax, loose way that some of our physicians have of working brings
into disrepute the work that should be kept on an elevated platform
before the world. When a physician does a weak, inefficient work,
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his fellow physicians are injured.—
Manuscript 105, 1902
Give Heed to Character Building
If ever there were those who need to give their character building
careful examination, it is our physicians. There has been on the part
of many of them a gradual relaxation of piety, of self-control, of
purity, of holiness, of watchfulness. An entire change of mind and
spirit is needed before they can claim to be acceptable workers....
That man only who daily and hourly lives a Christian life can
perform aright the duties of a physician. Let our physicians seek
to understand the solemn responsibilities of their profession, and to
realize how much is involved in dealing with those who are sick in
body and mind. Often the life of the patient is in the hands of the
physician. One false movement of the instrument in an operation,
and the life would be sacrificed. How solemn the thought!
How important that the physician shall be ever under the control
of the divine Physician! Let the one who is trying to prolong life look
to Him to direct his every movement. If the physician knows that by
his side is One who is life itself, One who can accomplish that which
human beings cannot attempt, what confidence this knowledge will
inspire! And what a blessing the physician can be in a sickroom if
he has learned to trust constantly in Him to whom belong the souls
of those to whom he ministers. The Saviour will give him tact and
skill in dealing with difficult cases.—
Letter 61, 1904
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The Physician’s Influence
Physicians who cultivate a sense of the presence of God will
impress their patients with the influence of truth. As they show that
they truly believe the words, “I know that my Redeemer liveth, to
make intercession for me, and that because He lives, I shall live
also,” the influence of this is felt. Physicians little know the power
they will have in the sickroom if they recognize the presence of God.