I am a doctor's wife. The other day my husband handed me a letter to read. It was from THE MINISTRY, asking physicians to write out some of their methods used in spiritual work with their patients, for publication in a special issue of the journal. I read the letter carefully, and later asked my husband if there were any particular experiences he intended to write up. He thought for a moment, and then remarked I thought a bit sadly "I just can't think of anything to tell."
Nothing to tell! And there rushed through my mind a picture long streams of people, men, women, and children, hundreds and hundreds of them, who had sought his help during his decades of service. I thought of the burden he had borne on his heart for them, and the countless prayers he had offered in their behalf. I thought how I had heard him daily at the family altar, pleading with God for his patients, sometimes mentioning them by name, one by one. I did not know who they were, but he knew and God knew. I thought of the innumerable times I had seen him on his knees be side his bed, wrestling in prayer with God that He would bring healing to some poor, struggling patient who lay at the point of death. And I thought of the many times I had seen him return home at the close of the day, radiant with courage and joy because God had heard and answered.
And I thought of other things so many patients who had written telling how much they had been helped, not only physically but spiritually as well. I thought of one letter in particular that I had treasured through the years. It had come from a noted physician who had been under his care. I doubt that my husband is even aware that I kept the letter. I am sure he has long ago forgotten it. But here is one paragraph:
"I have enjoyed the book [Christ's Object Lessons] you left with me, and must say that so much of it reminds me of the good life you lead. Whether you realize it or not, you have been a wonderful influence in my life. You never talk your religion, you never tell it to the world but you live it in your work and everything you undertake. It must be a joy to live as you do, leaving all to the Master, who knows best in all things. You always seem radiant and joyous, and you seem to have something others do not possess. How I wish I could have the faith and comfort that is yours! I have tried hard, but it seems that it is not so intended for me. While I want to live right, I am afraid I follow the Christ afar off. I think I am so busy I don't have time to study His Word, and do not use the means of grace as I should. These things begin to come to a man when he gets older and friends and worldly things seem to be fleeting. I feel that I have neglected my soul's salvation more than anything else. Lying on this bed today, I have been thinking of these things, and it is not the first time. Many times I have felt like going to see you and having a good spiritual talk with you in whom I have all confidence from a religious standpoint as well as many others. I hope you will offer up a little prayer for me to be a more useful man for good when I get back to the office again."
So today I wish to salute the scores of doctors who quietly and unselfishly live the Christ life before their patients. It seems that to some is committed the work of softening and mellowing hearts, and sowing seed. To others is committed the task of cultivating the crop and reaping the harvest. It is a wonderful plan each man in his place all working together to gather souls for the kingdom.
