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and encouragement would have quieted a thousand fears, and given
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peace and assurance in the place of disquietude and distress. You
appeared to dread to speak to the patients. You did not enter into their
feelings, but held yourself aloof, when you should have manifested
more familiarity. You were too distant and unapproachable. They look
to you as children to a parent, and have a right to expect and receive
attentions from you which they do not obtain. “Me and mine” comes
between you and the labor your position requires you to perform. The
patients and helpers need your advice frequently; but they feel an
unwillingness to go to you, and do not feel free to speak with you.
You have sought to maintain an undue dignity. In the effort you
have not attained the object, but have lost the confidence and love
which you might have gained had you been unassuming, possessing
meekness and humility of mind. True devotion and consecration to
God will find a place for you in the hearts of all, and will clothe you
with a dignity not assumed but genuine. You have been exalted by
the words of approval which you have received. The life of Christ
must be your pattern, teaching you to do good in every place that you
occupy. While caring for others, God will care for you. The Majesty
of heaven did not avoid weariness. He traveled on foot from place to
place to benefit the suffering and needy. Although you possess some
knowledge, may have some understanding of the human system, and
can trace disease to its cause,—although you may have the tongue of
men and of angels,—there are yet qualifications necessary or all your
gifts will be of no special value. You must have a power from God
which can only be realized by those who make Him their trust and
who consecrate themselves to the work that He has given them to do.
Christ must be a portion of your knowledge. His wisdom instead of
yours should be considered. Then you will understand how to be a
light in the rooms of the sick. You lack freedom of spirit, power, and
faith. Your faith is feeble for want of exercise; it cannot be vigorous
and healthful. Your efforts for those who are sick in heart and body
will not be as successful as they might be, the patients will not gain
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in physical and spiritual strength as they might, if you do not carry
Jesus with you in your visits. His words and works should accompany
you. Then you will feel that those whom your prayers and words of
sympathy have blessed will bless you in return.