Page 394 - Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students (1913)

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390
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
your integrity in the strength of the grace of Christ, and He will
fulfill His word to you.
The medical student, however young, has access to the God
of Daniel. Through divine grace and power he may become as
efficient in his calling as Daniel was in his exalted position. But
it is a mistake to make a scientific preparation the all-important
thing, while religious principles which lie at the very foundation of
a successful practice are neglected. Many are lauded as skillful men
in their profession who scorn the thought that they need to rely upon
Christ for wisdom in their work. But if these men who trust in their
knowledge of science were illuminated by the light of heaven, to
how much greater excellence might they attain! How much stronger
would be their powers! with how much greater confidence could
they undertake difficult cases! The man who is closely connected
with the Great Physician has the resources of heaven and earth at his
command, and he can work with a wisdom, an unerring precision,
that the godless man cannot possess.
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Like Enoch, the physician should be a man who walks with God.
This will be to him a safeguard against all the delusive, pernicious
sentiments which make so many infidels and skeptics. The truth of
God, practiced in the life and constantly guiding in all that concerns
the interest of others, will barricade the soul with heavenly principles.
God will not be unmindful of our struggles to maintain the truth.
When we place every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God
above worldly policy, above all the assertions of erring, failing man,
we shall be guided into every good and holy way.
The Christian physician, in his acceptance of the truth by his
baptismal vows, has pledged himself to represent Christ, the Physi-
cian in chief. But if he does not keep strict guard over himself, if
he allows the barriers against sin to be broken down, Satan will
overcome him with specious temptations. There will be a blemish
in his character that by its evil influence will mold other minds. The
moral palsy of sin will not only destroy the soul of the one who
departs from strict principles, but will have the power to reproduce
in others the same evil.
It is not safe to be occasional Christians. We must be Christlike
in our actions all the time. Then, through grace, we are safe for
time and for eternity. The experimental knowledge of the power of