Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1849-10-31
THE PALLADIUM.
"WEDNESDAY. OCTOBER 81. 1870.
For the Palladium.
ReSpece due from the Community
to Medical Men.
Read ut the close Of the Summer Session Of tn
Union County Seminary, 29th Of 9M mo-,
ny I.sss Hsssssss.

Union OOuHty " @0t" " S"' "'O''
~ Lee Hssssss..
! In looking over the list Of professional men,
we find none to whom the community IN gener-
al turn with so much confidence, and at the
same time so readiIy. in the hour Of danger and
distress a. 10 the physician; and few indeed are
the professions 30 we'll deserving the trust, SO
we'll mer;ting the respect of society as this
With high souled courage and dauntless reso-
luton, he goes wherever aud whenever he may
be called, through winters piercing cold and
summers suIiry heat; through storm and sun
shine: through nOontide glare and midnight
gloom; through falling torrent and driving snow;
whether it be to the abode Of the rich, or to the
dwelling Of the poor and miserable Behold
him, always ready to obey the call Of suffering
humanity. no matter how stepped in wretched-
ness and woe, no matter how infectious ma
lignant the disease. or how dreadful the pes,i-
lence; no matter whether the glittering gold
waits to reward him for his toll, or whether he
knows that the child Of poverty can never repay
him 70, his services; still, always ready and very
frequently at the risk Of his life, he repairs
to the of DISTRESS to alleviate. if possible,
those Ills to which humanity is heir. We un-
hesitatngiy place the lives Of those nearest and
dearest to our hearts in his hands; and when
with anguish we 10 ok upon the sufferiDgs Of the
loved one, with what interest do turn to the
tried and trusted physician, to know whether
vet there is hope: and when mortal aid
proves Of avail when the wasted frame,
dimmej eye. and palid cheek, all attest that the
Pickering lamp of life is nearly extinguished,
that the sands Of life well nigh run, even
then, with overlooking arts, we watch his ef-
forts to mitigate the last agony. and smooth the
bed Of death. And when, by the blessing OF
God, he has brought life to the ebbing pulse
glowing health to the cheek, and lustre TO the
eye, who, that has u heart, would not inv oke the
blessing Of Heaven upon the head of him. who
under God, has been the means of preserving
our happiness, and the friend in whom that hap
piness centercd.
With a self denial which few have considered
ant! which fewer still can apprec ate that young
, man entered upon the study of the medical pro
fcssion; he has consecrated himself, as it were
/. a priest to minister at the altar of nature; he
has made a solemn vow to sacrifice personal
, ease and social comfort; to devote the talents
with which his Heavenly Father has endowed
him; the educational advantages which fortune,
OF MS own perseverance mas thrown around MN
and the strength Of youth and health to the du-
ties and calls Of his profession-and nothing
can now exonerate him from those obligations
which he has solemnly avowe ed to fulfi, though
cold eglect and scorn shall be his re ward still
with eye fixed on Heaven, and an aim set
high. he must push on, regardless of all save his
own pure integrity Of character, and his firm re-
solve to do right. And how frequently is it the
case, that after years of study, toll. and priva-
ton; days Of WEAKNESS and poverty, that the
physician has obtained moderate competency,
neglect is his reward, and personal abuse, the
thanks received from those who have not mag
nanimity OF soul sufficient to comprehend his
exalted merits, or the imneasurable distance,
which his noble, self sacrificing spirit has placed
him above them. If such as these would, lor
perhaps should say coud.) consider the ben
ehts conferred upon the world by the medical
profession. the physician would longer be
permitted to toll on in discouragemen mt and dark
ness. but the voice of encouragement would be
sounded in his ear, and helping hand would be
put forth to sustain him in the hour of trial
by his skill, the smallpox. that scourge Of ma
tons, Ito use the words of 4 certain writer
has become fanglcss serpent;'' the poor vic
tim Of insanity is no longer considered as SUI
fering the penalty of his own crimes. but la
boring under a dispensation of Providence and
instead of the ,orturing lash to enforce obedi-
rEcc, mild and gentle means are employed to
alleviate his sutferngs, re-seat reason on her
throne. and render him useful member Of
community. Turn where we may, 60 to what
dwelling we please, and few indeed the fam
lilies which would be found, that not indebt-
ed to this profession for the life Of some near
Iation; that have not cause TO thank God and the
physician that those whom they love are yet
spared to them. Under such conside ratious
what is due from the community to the medical
man. OF what is HE deserving who leaves a
sick bed, when he is obliged to be supported to
his carriage, to minister to those, who perhcp.
not more suffering than himself. Surely not
abuse, insult. and contumely, but rather honor.
trust, and confidence, from that community
which he SO willingly serves, and which should
evince their respect by that course Of conduct,
which common polteness demands, which a
feeling heart knows so we'll how TO give, and
which sensitive soul so readily appreciates -
And you physicians. let your recompense be
what it may. though adversely darke n your path ,
though neglect, like a blightng mildew, crush
all your sanguine hopes, though migrate full
debtors Gefraud You Of your due, though perso-
nal enmity thwart your plans let no, our he rts
grow sick-faint not at your task; but rattle r
toll on. grid on the armor Of intellectual might;
turn. with mistaken faith TO the anchor of rel-
gion: remember the value Of your profession;
and then will you defy the scorn of frowning
world Forget not the aim and end Of earthly
existence. Manfully fulfil your duties to God
and your fellow men, and then. when the silver
cord is loose will the Ply sician Of souls
descen nd to be with You in that hour. and open
to your view that brighter, better world on high,
where the golden harp-s,ring- Of an unnumber r
ed multitude Of seraphs. angels, and archangel..
unendingIy strke in anthems. joyous, glad, and
free. TO the praise Of the Lord God, and the
Lamb