The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 11 (of 32)Wesley, John
Religion
The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 11 (of 32)
Wesley, John
Methodist Church; Theology -- Early works to 1800; Theology -- History -- 18th century
2. In the year 1641, he learned to let blood, and several parts of
surgery. He acquainted himself likewise with the manner of making up
most sorts of medicines; and he consulted with a physician, by whom he
was instructed in the principal parts of the art of physic. Whenever he
went abroad, he had with him a surgeon’s box, and powders for the cure
of most ordinary diseases; which he used with great dexterity, and with
equal prudence, never advancing beyond his knowledge.
3. In his visits to the sick, he never ♦shunned any service necessary
for them, and in his power to perform; as making their beds, helping
them to bed, making their fire, setting in order their little
houshold-stuff; hoping thereby to win upon their affections, and draw
them to God with more facility.
♦ “shuned” replaced with “shunned”
4. In every family he took an opportunity to enquire whether God was
served there? And whether any quarrels or differences were among them,
which he took care to make up without delay. And he never left any
without providing for all their necessities, which he took notice of
with incredible diligence, sweetness, and respect; dispensing with
other business, that he might have time to hear all their complaints.
5. Neither did he only visit the sick, but they also sought him, and
would find him out wheresoever he came, if they were able to go abroad.
The sick, the weak, the lame, or otherwise infirm, flocked to him
from all quarters: he might often be seen encompassed with them; some
requesting his medicines, some his alms, some his counsel. He treated
all, as a true disciple of his great master, with the like diffusive
charity; and stood in the midst of them with the like goodness and
patience, endeavouring to do good, and to minister comfort to all.
6. Nor did his charity decline the care of those diseases which nature
cannot behold without horror and aversion. During his stay at _Dijon_,
he was informed of one, who having been among a company of soldiers,
was left by them in so noisome a condition, that none would come near
her, and the person where she lodged was going to turn her out of doors.
He went instantly to the house, perswaded them to keep her there, and
hired a woman to attend her. Then he provided her proper physic and
nourishment, which he brought her with his own hands: in the mean time,
reading to her every day, instructing and comforting her. By this means
he at length not only retrieved her from the jaws of death, but induced
her to spend the rest of her life in a virtuous and Christian manner.
SECTION IV.
_His zeal for the salvation of his neighbour._
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account