A charge delivered to the graduating class of the Columbian College, D.C., at the medical commencement, March 22d, 1827 / by Thomas Sewall.

  • Sewall, Thomas, 1786 or 1787-1845.
Date:
[1827?]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A charge delivered to the graduating class of the Columbian College, D.C., at the medical commencement, March 22d, 1827 / by Thomas Sewall. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    vine agency. But the sentiment is as unfounded as it is unphilosophi- cal. Both the study, and the practice of medicine, are alike calculated to impress the candid mind with a conviction of the existence of the Supreme Being, and to excite the highest admiration of his power, wisdom, and beneficence. Whatever may have been the moral and religious state of the pro- fession in other times, and in other countries, its present condition., and particularly in the United States, shows us that there is no neces- sary connexion between the science of medicine and scepticism; and it must be gratifying to the profession to recognise the fact, that all the most eminent physicians of our country openly espouse the Christian religion, defend its doctrines, and give the whole weight of their influ- ence in support of moral and religious institutions. Remember, that the way of Infidelity is downward, and that when you once enter it, every succeeding step will urge you onward with in- creasing celerity. Few have trod this dark and fearful path, and re- turned to warn others of its fatal termination. Flee, gentlemen, that chilling system of philosophy, which sees in the universe no design, in adversity no tendency to good, in futurity no gleams of hope, and in heaven no Creator, Benefactor, Father, or Judge. Study daily the oracles of divine truth; and, while you examine the pages of the sacred volume, open your minds to the conviction of its evidences, and be guided by its precepts. 6. Observe strict temperance in the use of ardent spirit. There is no subject, gentlemen, on which I would entreat you with more earnestness than upon this. It is a rock on which many of our profession have foundered; a whirlpool into which many of them have been drawn. The habits and the occupation of the physician expose him peculiar- ly to the vice of intemperance. The arduousness and the irregularity of his ousiness, his exposure to the vicissitudes and inclemencies of the season, the interruption to his hours of repose, all seem to call for refresh- ment, and furnish his friends with an apology for constantly urging upon him the use of ardent spirit. But, gentlemen, beware how you yield to such solicitations. Though there may seem to be no danger at first—when it is known that you can join your friends in a social glass, you will be surrounded by many com- panions, and solicited to drink at every house and upon every occasion. Recollect that no person ever became a drunkard at once. In almost every case the progress is slow and imperceptible, and probably no one ever felt the least apprehension of danger when he began to fall. But he advances by degrees, and at every step his path becomes more steep, and every day adds a new and a stronger link to the chain that binds him beyond the hope of deliverance. How many an unwary traveller in our profession has thus fallen; and how affecting to see a cultivated mind lose its polish and its dignity, brilliant talents clouded, and strong powers enervated; to see the no- blest work of the Deity shattered and laid in ruins, by the terrible ngency of ardent spirit!