Thomas Sydenham, the 17th century physician,
had it just about right when he penned the following words:
"It becomes every man who purposes to give himself
to the care of others, seriously to consider the four following things:
First, that he must one day give an account to the
Supreme Judge of all the lives entrusted to his care.
Secondly, that all his skill, and knowledge, and energy
as they have been given him by God, so they should be exercised for his glory,
and the good of mankind, and not for mere gain or ambition.
Thirdly, and not
more beautifully than truly, let him reflect that he has undertaken the care of
no mean creature, for, in order that he may estimate the value, the greatness
of the human race, the only begotten Son of God became himself a man, and thus
ennobled it with his divine dignity, and far more than this, died to redeem it.
And fourthly, that the doctor being himself a mortal man,
should be diligent and tender in relieving his suffering patients, inasmuch as
he himself must one day be a like sufferer."
As a pastoral counselor I have long since discovered
the inestimable value of this great man’s theory. Other counselors, physicians, lawyers, ministers and miscellaneous helping professionals would do well to heed the advice of this ancient philosopher.
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