Chapter 14—In the Footsteps of the Master
Christ’s Pattern of Medical Ministry—For three years the dis-
ciples had before them the wonderful example of Christ. Day by day
they walked and talked with Him, hearing His words of cheer to the
weary and heavy laden and seeing the manifestations of His power in
behalf of the sick and afflicted. When the time came for Him to leave
them, He gave them power to work as He had worked. He bestowed on
them His grace, saying, “Freely ye have received, freely give.” They
were to go forth into the world to shed abroad the light of His gospel
of love and healing. The work He had done they were to do.
And this is the work we also are to do in the world. In sympathy
and compassion we are to minister to those in need of help, seeking
with unselfish earnestness to lighten the woe of suffering humanity.
As we engage in this work we shall be greatly blessed. Its influence
is irresistible. By it souls are won to the Redeemer. The practical
carrying out of the Saviour’s commission demonstrates the power of
the gospel. This work calls for laborious effort, but it pays; for by it
perishing souls are saved. Through its influence men and women of
talent are to be brought to the cross of Christ.
Man has a body as well as a soul to save. Both are to be restored
to health by God’s simple but efficacious methods, which appeal to
men and women of intelligence. Through a belief in the truth souls are
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awakened to a need of a preparation for life’s duties. As the health of
the body is restored the powers of the mind are put forth to grasp the
great truths of the gospel.—
Letter 152, 1901
.
First Meet the Temporal Necessities—The suffering and desti-
tute of all classes are our neighbors, and when their wants are brought
to our knowledge it is our duty to relieve them as far as possible. A
principle is brought out in this parable [of the good Samaritan] that
it would be well for the followers of Christ to adopt. First meet the
temporal necessities of the needy and relieve their physical wants and
sufferings, and you will then find an open avenue to the heart, where
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