p. 233 | HAVE YOU A DIPLOMA?

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Feb 13, 1893

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 19, No. 15.

HAVE YOU A DIPLOMA?

THAT the treatment of souls is no easy or light task, but one that needs divine wisdom and untold care, is apparent when we consider that things spiritual are far more vital and momentous than things corporeal, and that it is easier to combat tangible and visible difficulties than those things which are unseen and immaterial. The disastrous effects of injudicious and bungling efforts can be seen around us plentifully, and daily souls are making shipwreck through conflicting lights that lure them onto the sand banks or rock reefs of despair, though with the avowed intention and desire of guiding them safe to the harbor.

Realizing the great and important responsibility that rests upon the dealer with souls, and accepting the truth that "the fearful and often irremediable consequences of a first false step should be always present in our minds," let us honestly view the subject, asking wherein the dangers lie, and how we can best avoid or remedy them.

Have you your diploma? is a question we should ask of all who step forth to this work, for in this, as in all other responsible matters, it is utterly useless to attempt work unless qualified. The man who dares to practice surgery or prescribe medicine without being thoroughly authorized and qualified for so doing, is not only liable to punishment by law, but, even if not detected and so punished, is pretty sure to make a bungle of his work, and by fatal errors prove his unfitness and ignorance. I truly believe there are many just in this relation to the great spiritual field of operation. I do not mean that they are practicing without a man-given degree, or the laying on of hands, or theological training, or correct adherence to creed and ritual. These are but minor considerations, for the great vital issue is, Are they called, commissioned, and qualified of God? If not, they can be but blind leaders of the blind.

No one has a right to deliver a message unless the message is given him of God, to go on a mission unless sent by him, or to attempt work that is chosen and cut out by themselves irrespective of his will and commands. Those who have not received a baptism of his Spirit, who do not possess his heavenly seal upon their diploma, had better step back, for them to tamper and meddle with the spiritual welfare of others will only mean failure to themselves and disaster and ruin to the patients they try to help.—The Curse of Septic Soul Treatment.