The works of George Swinnock, M.A

SECT. IV.

2. Apply thy self to him suitably to his condition; As the conditions of men are several, so must the Application be; that which cures one, may kill another; One medicine will as soon cure all diseased bodies, as one way all sick souls; Indeed the Physic to be prescribed every Patient, is the same for substance; The blood of Christ; By his stripes we are healed; but there are several ways of tendering this to sinners, that they may be prepared for it, and give it all acceptation; that Physic which is given to one in a Potion, is given to another in a powder, to a third in an electuary, to a fourth in a pill, according as it will be most profitable and most acceptable to them. Its not easy so to write the bill, that the sick may receive, what is prescribed to his greatest content and advantage; For as many perish error medici as vi morbi, by the error of the Physician, as by the power of the disease. Though I judge it next to impossible, for me to set down exactly and fully, directions answerable to the difference of sick persons condition, disposition, education, calling, guilt, &c. yet I shall speak to the most ordinary cases, and be careful not to omit the main work, namely, that which concerneth the conversion of graceless and Christless persons, if on a sick bed, God peradventure will give them repentance.

2. APply thy self to him sutably to his condition; As the conditions of men are several, so must the Application be; that which cures one, may kill another; One medicine will as soon cure all diseased bodies, as one way all sick souls; Indeed the Physick to be prescribed every Patient, is the same for substance; The blood of Christ; By his stripes we are healed; but there are several ways of tendering this to sinners, that they may be prepared for it, and give it all acceptation; that Physick which is given to one in a Potion, is given to another in a powder, to a third in an electuary, to a fourth in a pill, according as it will be most prositable and most acceptable to them. Its not easie so to write the bill, that the sick may receive, what is prescribed to his greatest content and advantage; For as many perish errore medici as vi morbi, by the error of the Physitian, as by the power of the disease. Though I judge it next to impossible, for me to set down exactly and fully, directions answerable to the difference of sick persons condition, disposition, education, calling, guilt, &c. yet I shall speak to the most ordinary cases, and be careful not to omit the main work, namely, that which concerneth the conversion of graceless and Christless persons, if on a sick bed, God peradventure will give them repentance.