Spalding and Magan Collection

Physicians’ Charges

There are occupations in which it is impossible to work reform; for they are thoroughly bad, and all that can be said to those persons who persist in engaging in them is, “Depart ye, ye thieves.” But the profession of medicine is an elevated, noble calling, and there is a remedy for all the evils which have become attached to this branch of work. Christ may be represented in the character and action of every physician, and all who claim to expect to become physicians should expect to work unselfishly, as He worked, requiring a fair price for their services, and exacting no more, although they see that they could obtain more by following the selfish customs of the world. It is just as consistent for the minister of the gospel to demand an excessive salary for visiting the sick, comforting the desponding, bringing peace and joy to the oppressed, as for the physician to make large charges for his professional visits. SpM 82.1

The work of the Christian physician is to bear on its face the nature of self-denial, and not have even the appearance of fraud and extortion. It has become general among physicians who have not the fear of God before them, to hide that which is plain and simple in the guise of mystery. When dealing with humanity, Jesus made every dark thing plain to the understanding of men, and promised at His ascension to send the Comforter, whose office was to reveal truth. SpM 82.2

The character and destiny of a man is determined by the principles which control his actions. Selfishness is an attribute of Satan, and, if this governs his life, it will be manifested in any profession or occupation, however humble and philanthropic it might be represented to be. A multitude of sins have been covered under the profession of medicine, although there has been a witness to every unholy action, a just verdict rendered in the decision of every case. Many things that are thought lawful in this profession are unlawful, and need the small cords in the hand of Christ that they may be driven out. Many good and merciful acts have been done by practicing physicians, for they have a broad field in which to work, but I was shown that as a general thing the medical profession as a body has become a den of thieves. In connection with the cause of God the profession of medicine is to be beautified by the presence of Christ, for he would cooperate with the physician who professes His name, but when men become extortioners, all he can do is drive them from His courts. SpM 82.3

Those who enter the medical profession should be educated from a higher point of view than that found in the popular schools of the land. SpM 82.4