The works of George Swinnock, M.A

SECT. I.

¹First, It is a duty commanded thee by God. Men are apt to think the visitation of the sick to be only an act of Courtesy and Civility, which they may omit or perform at their pleasure; when it is an act of Charity and Christianity, which every Christian is bound to by a divine Precept. The Ministers of Christ are especially enjoined this task; but every member of Christ also, when God gives him opportunity, oweth this debt to his Neighbour, Jam. 5. 14, 15. If any be sick, let him send for the Elders of the Church, and let them pray over him. The same word which commandeth the sick man to send, commandeth the Elder to ⟨p. 557⟩go. Indeed its a gross fault in many sick persons (and therein they are exceedingly their own enemies) that they either send not at all for the Minister, or if they do, not till they have done with the Physician; when their bodies are past all hope, then they look after some hope for their souls. But without question it is a duty for the Elder sometimes to go uncalled; Its good manners to be an unbidden guest at a house of mourning. Our Master was found of them that asked not for him, and so should his servants. There are those that can invite themselves to their Neighbours Tables, who withdraw themselves from their Chambers. Some are drunk so often with their Parishioners whilst they are in health, that they are afraid or ashamed to discourse seriously with them when they are sick. God may speak to many, as to the Shepherds of Israel; Woe be to the Shepherds of England that do feed themselves; should not the Shepherds feed the Flock? ye eat the fat, and ye cloth you with the Wool, ye kill them that are fed, but ye feed not the Flock; The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them, Ezek. 34. 3, 4. None are more cruel to the Flock, then those that are most covetous of the Fleece.