The works of George Swinnock, M.A

Next to thy endeavours for the good of thy sick Neighbours spiritual estate, it will be fit to advise him about his temporal estate, that he may dispose of his worldly affairs, and his wealth (if God have given him any) with wisdom, and settle things so firmly, that his Relations may not be wrangling for his goods, when his body is at rest in his grave.

Secondly, The exercising our selves to Godliness in visiting the sick, consisteth in getting good to our own souls by it. ¹Though it be forbidden us to enquire of the dead, and ask their counsel, yet its commanded us to enquire of the dying, and to learn of them. Sick men may teach them that are in health many excellent lessons. Some say, that ground covered with Ashes, is made thereby the more fruitful. The Dust of the dead, falling upon a right soil, an honest heart, will make it ⟨p. 585⟩the more abundant in holiness. A Christian findeth walking in Hospitals or Church-yards among the sick or dying, much conducing to the health and life of his soul. He that was cast dead into his Grave, by touching the bones of dead Elisha, he was ravished to life; That which Elijah said to Elisha, when he begged a double portion of his spirit; If thou seest me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee, may fitly be alluded to in this place. The sight of others sickness and death, and their departures from us, is a great means to increase the spirit in us, and to double our care and diligence in preparing for such an hour.

Secondly, The exercising our selves to Godliness in visiting the sick, consisteth in getting good to our own souls by it. ¹Though it be forbidden us to enquire of the dead, and ask their counsel, yet its commanded us to enquire of the dying, and to learn of them. Sick men may teach them that are in health many excellent lessons. Some say, that ground covered with Ashes, is made thereby the more fruitful. The Dust of the dead, falling upon a right soil, an honest heart, will make it