Dangers and Opportunities
[
Letters from Ellen G. White to Sanitarium Workers, 11-15
(1907).]
Sanitarium, California, June 3, 1907. The physician stands in
a difficult place. Strong temptations will come to him, and unless
kept by the power of God, that which he hears and sees in his work
will discourage his heart and pollute his soul. His thoughts should be
constantly uplifted to God. This is his only safety.
Countless are the opportunities that a physician has for winning
souls to God, for cheering the discouraged and relieving the despair
that comes to the soul when the body is tortured with pain.
But some who have chosen the medical profession are too easily
led away from the duties resting upon the physician. Some by misuse
enfeeble their powers, so that they cannot render to God perfect service.
They place themselves where they cannot act with vigor, tact, and skill,
and they do not realize that by disregard to physical laws they bring
upon themselves inefficiency, and thus they rob and dishonor God.
Physicians should not allow their attention to be diverted from their
work; neither should they confine themselves so closely to professional
work that health will be injured. In the fear of God they should be
wise in the use of strength that God has given them. Never should
they disregard the means that God has provided for the preservation of
health. It is their duty to bring under the control of reason every power
that God has given them.
Value of Rest, Study, and Prayer
Of all men, the physician should, as far as possible, take regular
hours for rest. This will give him power of endurance to bear the taxing
burdens of his work. In his busy life the physician will find that the
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searching of the Scriptures and earnest prayer will give vigor of mind
and stability of character.
Seek to meet the expectations of Jesus Christ. He will help in
every effort in the right direction. Remember that there is not an action
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