“Fortunately we succeed in effecting a cure in almost every case. We can only deal with those who voluntarily come to our medical staff. Many, in sad need of our help, pass by all our special offices without ever seeking advice.”
“Are your patients foolish enough, after having been treated, to go back to that jolting road, and thus again invite their ills?”
“Most of our patients go hence on the more delightful way which you see, and on which you have come hither.”
“What diseases most commonly affect those who come to your physicians and hospitals for help?”
“Let me answer your question by taking you down to those offices. You may there observe for yourself.”
I saw Mr. World and his escort enter a physician’s office which stood as near the King’s Highway as Satan could build it.
The doctor was examining a church deacon who, by reason of his disease, found it hard to travel on a way so narrow and rugged. He was given a vial of medicine with specific directions.
After the patient had left, the doctor smiled derisively and pocketed his fee with ghoulish delight.
“What ailed that man asked?” Mr. World. “Can you tell me the cause of his malady?” “He has been eating and eating sermons, exhortations, and pious literature, and has done scarcely any work for his so-called Master. Eating much and working little generally results in gout or rheumatic diseases. There are large numbers in the church coming here for treatment who are similarly affected. I suppose such Christians enjoy eating better than they enjoy working.”
“Do you prepare them for better service on the King’s Highway?”