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Mind Cure
169
produced by his indifference will often counteract the good effect of
the remedies he may prescribe.
[245]
If physicians could put themselves in the place of the one whose
spirit is humbled and whose will is weakened by suffering, and who
longs for words of sympathy and assurance, they would be better
prepared to appreciate his feelings. When the love and sympathy
that Christ manifested for the sick is combined with the physician’s
knowledge, his very presence will be a blessing.
Frankness in dealing with a patient inspires him with confidence,
and thus proves an important aid to recovery. There are physicians
who consider it wise policy to conceal from the patient the nature
and cause of the disease from which he is suffering. Many, fearing to
excite or discourage a patient by stating the truth, will hold out false
hopes of recovery, and even allow a patient to go down to the grave
without warning him of his danger. All this is unwise. It may not
always be safe or best to explain to the patient the full extent of his
danger. This might alarm him and retard or even prevent recovery.
Nor can the whole truth always be told to those whose ailments are
largely imaginary. Many of these persons are unreasonable, and
have not accustomed themselves to exercise self-control. They have
peculiar fancies, and imagine many things that are false in regard
to themselves and to others. To them these things are real, and
those who care for them need to manifest constant kindness and
unwearied patience and tact. If these patients were told the truth in
regard to themselves, some would be offended, others discouraged.
Christ said to His disciples, “I have yet many things to say unto
you, but ye cannot bear them now.”
John 16:12
. But though the
truth may not all be spoken on all occasions, it is never necessary
or justifiable to deceive. Never should the physician or the nurse
stoop to prevarication. He who does this places himself where God
cannot co-operate with him, and in forfeiting the confidence of his
patients he is casting away one of the most effective human aids to
their restoration.
[246]
The power of the will is not valued as it should be. Let the will
be kept awake and rightly directed, and it will impart energy to the
whole being and will be a wonderful aid in the maintenance of health.
It is a power also in dealing with disease. Exercised in the right
direction, it would control the imagination and be a potent means