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Counsels on Health
Those for whom you labor are your brethren in distress, suffering
from physical disorders and the spiritual leprosy of sin. If you are any
better than they, it is to be credited to the cross of Christ. Many are
without God and without hope in the world. They are guilty, corrupt,
and degraded, enslaved by Satan’s devices. Yet these are the ones
whom Christ came from heaven to redeem. They are subjects for
tenderest pity, sympathy, and tireless effort, for they are on the verge
of ruin. They suffer from ungratified desires, disordered passions,
and the condemnation of their own consciences; they are miserable in
every sense of the word, for they are losing their hold on this life and
have no prospect for the life to come.
Be Active and Vigilant
You have an important field of labor, and you should be active and
vigilant, rendering cheerful and unqualified obedience to the Master’s
calls. Ever bear in mind that your efforts to reform others should be
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made in the spirit of unwavering kindness. Nothing is ever gained
by holding yourselves aloof from those whom you would help. You
should keep before the minds of patients the fact that in suggesting
reforms of their habits and customs you are presenting before them
that which is not to ruin but to save them; that, while yielding up what
they have hitherto esteemed and loved, they are to build on a more
secure foundation. While reform must be advocated with firmness and
resolution, all appearance of bigotry or an overbearing spirit should be
carefully shunned. Christ has given us precious lessons of patience,
forbearance, and love. Rudeness is not energy; nor is domineering,
heroism. The Son of God was persuasive. He was manifested to draw
all men unto Him. His followers must study His life more closely and
walk in the light of His example, at whatever sacrifice to self. Reform,
continual reform, must be kept before the people, and your example
should enforce your teachings.