7. To these we may add, his charity to poor prisoners, whom he visited, comforted, and relieved, and when he found it expedient for them, (which he always first considered) used all means for their enlargement.
8. There was in Low-Normandy, one who had been a prisoner for several years, and tho’ innocent, was in great extremity. Many had endeavoured his release but without success, because of a powerful adversary. The thing being commended to M. de Renty, after a just information of the case, he committed the prosecution of it to his own advocate, made a report of it to the council, and went frequently in person to sollicit it.
9. But notwithstanding, perceiving the poor man’s cause to hang long, he changed his purpose, and writ to his adversary, offering, if the business might be referred to him, to take a journey into Normandy immediately. When he came to the town, he went directly to the prison, and after an exhortation to the prisoners, seconded by his alms, he told the poor man his design, and exhorted him to pray to God for a blessing on his endeavours, and to rest in hope that by some means or other he should shortly be delivered.
10. He then went to the other’s house; whence he returned to the prison for information on some difficulties that occurred. Finding all the prisoners together at their usual devotions, he waited till they had done. Having then received information, he went back to the other, with whom he came to such an agreement, that this poor man, after a world of misery, during nine years imprisonment, was at length set at liberty. He maintained him eight days at his own house, advising and exhorting him every evening: and at his departure persuaded him to go and see his (former) adversary; whom he now found as tractable and friendly, as before he had been severe.
SECTION III.
His charity to the sick.
1.IF his charity to the poor was thus great, it was still greater to such poor as were sick. He was not content to assist these in one or two ways; but they found in him, and often in one visit, a benefactor, a physician, apothecary, surgeon, a pastor, friend and servant.
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.