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Call for Gospel Medical Missionaries
379
to stand alone, the subject of Satan’s fiercest temptations, feeling
himself misunderstood, betrayed by his friends.
Many, knowing how trying are the duties of the physician and
how few opportunities physicians have for release from care, even
upon the Sabbath, will not choose this for their lifework. But the
great enemy is constantly seeking to destroy the workmanship of
God’s hands, and men of culture and intelligence are called for to
combat his cruel power. More of the right kind of men are needed
to devote themselves to this profession. Painstaking effort should
be made to induce suitable men to qualify themselves for this work.
They should be men whose characters are based upon the broad
principles of the word of God—men who possess a natural energy,
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force, and perseverance that will enable them to reach a high standard
of excellence.
It is not everyone who can make a successful physician. Many
have entered upon the duties of this profession in every way unpre-
pared. They have not the requisite knowledge; neither have they the
skill and tact, the carefulness and intelligence, necessary to ensure
success. A physician can do much better if he has physical strength.
If he is feeble, he cannot endure the wearing labor incident to his
calling. A man who has a weak constitution, who is a dyspeptic, or
who is lacking in self-control cannot become qualified to deal with
all classes of disease. Great care should be taken not to encourage
persons who might be useful in some less responsible position, to
study medicine at a great outlay of time and means, when there is
no reasonable hope that they will succeed.
I have been instructed that in view of the trying nature of medical
missionary work, those who desire to take up this line should first be
thoroughly examined by competent physicians to ascertain whether
or not they have the strength necessary to endure the course of study
through which they must pass in the training school.
* * * * *
We have a work to do in securing the best talent and in placing
these workers in positions where they can educate other workers.
Then when our sanitariums and mission fields call for physicians,