166
Testimonies for the Church Volume 3
This has been very discouraging to physicians and helpers; but they
should remember Christ, their great Pattern, and not become weary in
well-doing. If one among a large number is grateful and exerts a right
influence, they should thank God and take courage. That one may
be a stranger, and the inquiry may arise: Where are the nine? Why
do not all Sabbathkeepers give their interest and support in favor of
the Health Institute? Some Sabbathkeepers have so little interest that,
while receiving attention at the Institute free of charge, they will speak
disparagingly to patients of the means employed for the recovery of the
sick. I wish such to consider their course. The Lord regards them as
He did the nine lepers who returned not to give Him glory. Strangers
do their duty and appreciate the efforts made for their recovery, while
these cast an influence against those who have tried to do them good.
Dr. B needs to cultivate courtesy and kindness lest he shall unnec-
essarily injure the feelings of the patients. He is frank and openhearted,
conscientious, sincere, and ardent. He has a good understanding of
disease, but he should have a more thorough knowledge of how to
treat the sick. With this knowledge he needs self-culture, refinement
of manners, and to be more select in his words and illustrations in his
parlor talks.
Dr. B is highly sensitive and naturally of a quick, impulsive temper.
He moves too much upon the spur of the moment. He has made efforts
to correct his hasty spirit and to overcome his deficiencies, but he has
a still greater effort to make. If he sees things moving wrong he is in
too great haste to tell the ones in error what he thinks, and he does not
always use the most appropriate words for the occasion. He sometimes
so offends patients that they hate him and leave the Institute with hard
feelings, to the detriment of both themselves and the Institute. It
seldom does any good to talk in a censuring manner to patients who
are diseased in body and mind. But few who have moved in the society
[182]
of the world, and who view things from a worldling’s standpoint, are
prepared to have a statement of facts in regard to themselves presented
before them. The truth even is not to be spoken at all times. There
is a fit time and opportunity to speak when words will not offend.
The physicians should not be overworked and their nervous systems
prostrated, for this condition of body will not be favorable to calm
minds, steady nerves, and a cheerful, happy spirit. Dr. B has been
confined too steadily to the Institute. He should have had change.