Physician’s Influence
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suffering. And you will not only point the way to heaven, but will
walk in that way yourselves.
Be not satisfied with superficial knowledge. Be not elated by
flattery nor depressed by faultfinding. Satan will tempt you to pursue
such a course that you may be admired and flattered; but you should
turn away from his devices. You are servants of the living God.
Your intercourse with the sick is an exhausting process and would
gradually dry up the very springs of life if there were no change, no
opportunity for recreation, and if angels of God did not guard and
protect you. If you could see the many perils through which you are
conducted safely every day by these messengers of Heaven, gratitude
would spring up in your hearts and find expression from your lips. If
you make God your strength, you may, under the most discouraging
circumstances, attain a height and breadth of Christian perfection
which you hardly think it possible to reach. Your thoughts may be
elevated, you may have noble aspirations, clear perceptions of truth,
and purposes of action which shall raise you above all sordid motives.
Both thought and action will be necessary if you would attain
to perfection of character. While brought in contact with the world
you should be on your guard that you do not seek too ardently for
the applause of men and live for their opinion. Walk carefully, if
you would walk safely; cultivate the grace of humility and hang your
helpless souls upon Christ. You may be, in every sense, men of God.
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In the midst of confusion and temptation in the worldly crowd you
may, with perfect sweetness, keep the independence of the soul.
Daily Communion With God
If you are in daily communion with God, you will learn to place
His estimate upon men, and the obligations resting upon you to bless
suffering humanity will meet with a willing response. You are not
your own; your Lord has sacred claims upon your supreme affections
and the very highest services of your life. He has a right to use you in
your body and in your spirit, to the fullest extent of your capabilities,
for His own honor and glory. Whatever crosses you may be required
to bear, whatever labors or sufferings are imposed upon you by His
hand, you are to accept without a murmur.