"Honor a physician with the honor due unto him, for the uses which ye
may have of him: for the Lord hath created him; for of the Most High
cometh healing, and he shall receive honor of the king. The skill of
the physician shall lift up his head: and in the sight of great men he
shall be in admiration."--_Ecclesiasticus_ xxxviii.
If there is one class of men in the world who deserves the gratitude of
their fellow-creatures above another, it is the physicians. By physician I
mean not him who alone can theorize garrulously upon anatomy and
physiology, chemistry and therapeutics, but who can render assistance, in
time of need, to the sick and distressed. In ancient days physicians were
reckoned "as the gods." I much wonder, as I turn the leaves of the
Testament, at the abuse heaped upon the Saviour; for he went about healing
the sick, and casting out devils (evil diseases). Surely society was at a
very low ebb in those times.
Who has greater, firmer friends than the physician! The good physician is
sure to prosper. Certainly "envy increases in exact proportion with fame;
the man who is successful in his undertakings, and builds up a character,
makes enemies, and calls forth swarms of stinging, peevish, biting
insects, just as the sunshine awakens the world of flies;" but the true
physician, having the desire at heart to benefit his fellow-creatures, is
strong, is beloved, is blessed! He calls forth hosts of friends on every
side, just as the pure morning air calls fragrance from every lovely
flower. Would you have the prayers and blessing of the good? then
"Go to the pillow of disease,
Where night gives no repose,
And on the cheek where sickness preys
Bid health to plant the rose.
Go where the sufferer ready lies
To perish in his doom,
Snatch from the grave his closing eyes,
And bring a blessing home."