In certain states of disease, in which high excitement, or extreme debility prevails, it may sometimes be expedient to address a passing hint to a relative or friend who may be present rather than to the patient himself, thus leaving to the option of the latter, whether or not to reply to the observation.
Yet should the hints be faithful. Any approach to temporizing would be cruel in itself, and might prove fatally delusive in its consequences. It would be, in effect, to administer a moral opiate, from which the helpless victim might awake—only in Eternity.
Permit me also to remark that, whenever the circumstances of the case will permit, our allusions to spiritual subjects should be attractive and encouraging. Doubtless, the torpid insensibility of the sinner may require to be roused by an alarming representation of the direful consequences of transgression and unbelief; nor can we reasonably expect that mercy will be sought until it be felt to be needed. In general, however, I apprehend, that a cheering exhibition of the Almighty Saviour, as “full of grace and truth,” as “ready to forgive,” and “plenteous in mercy to all who call upon Him,” will be found most effectual in softening the heart, and in exciting those earnest desires for pardon and acceptance, which are emphatically described, in our Lord’s own test of sincerity, in the case of Saul,—“Behold, he prayeth.” Let us, my friend, never forget that “he who winneth souls is wise.” The promises of the gospel are, indeed, peculiarly adapted to meet the exigencies of the afflicted and distressed. The blessed Redeemer was pleased to described himself as having come purposely “to seek and to save that which was lost.” Were we even restricted to the use of a single sentence, as a scriptural vade-mecum in the sick chamber, we should still have a volume of encouragement and consolation in our Lord’s assurance,—“Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out.”
Upon the whole, my dear friend, the best preparation for speaking “a word in season” will be found in carefully studying the example, and seeking to imbibe the spirit, of the incarnate Saviour, that all-perfect Physician of the soul and of the body. What a lovely union of simplicity and sincerity, of faithfulness and tenderness, pervaded His addresses to the sick and afflicted! How much is comprised in that short sentence, “The gentleness of Christ!” He did “not break the bruised reed nor quench the smoking flax; but came to bind up the broken-hearted,” and heal their every wound. May we be enabled by grace from on high, though necessarily in a very humble measure, to tread in His steps!
In truth, the Christian-like deportment of the physician comprises within itself a sphere of very important usefulness, affording ample scope for the development of those graces and affections which characterise the sincere follower of the meek and forbearing, the benevolent and sympathizing Saviour. And even should my friend find it sometimes difficult or impracticable to offer a word of spiritual counsel as he could wish, he may yet, in his habitual demeanor, present to the patient and the surrounding relatives, a living “epistle” which they can read and understand, and which, by directing them to the source of every good gift, may issue in the attainment of true and saving wisdom.
In concluding this letter, I must not altogether omit to refer to the season of convalescence, as peculiarly favorable to religious impression. If ever the mind and the heart be open to the feelings of gratitude, love and praise, it is under the circumstances of returning ease and health, and in the hope of being again permitted to enter on the duties and enjoyments of life. It is then that the physician, in my humble opinion, is more especially bound to avail himself of the grateful attachment of his patient by referring any skill or care he may have evinced to the God of all grace, and thus endeavor to give a right direction to those kind and gladsome emotions, which are bursting from a full heart. It is then, I conceive, that the rescue from the grave should be held out as a signal warning, and as a powerful incentive. Then, also, by adroitly following out the convalescent’s own suggestions, a powerful appeal may be made to his best feelings, and an affectionate plea presented for an immediate and entire surrender of himself, “body, soul, and spirit,” unto an Almighty and most merciful Father, who “hath redeemed his life from destruction, and crowned him with loving kindness and tender mercies.”
At such a period, too, we may often recommend, with great advantage, some interesting volume adapted to our patient’s state. Biography and easy letters, as being both interesting and not requiring much effort of attention, will often be found peculiarly acceptable. Indeed, the judicious recommendation of books and tracts may be regarded as an important mode of employing our influence during every period of illness, but particularly during the season of convalescence.
Such, my dear friend, are the few imperfect hints which have occurred to me. I might, indeed, have availed myself of the assistance of some valuable writers on the subject of affliction, particularly of the highly interesting work of my pious and intellectual friend, Mr. Sheppard, “On Christian Encouragement and Consolation;” and the excellent “Thoughts in Affliction,” by another able friend, the Rev. A. S. Thelwall. I might also have enriched these humble letters by a reference to the “Essays to do Good,” of the eminent Dr. Cotton Mather, which contain some admirable suggestions on the same subject. From these several works I have formerly derived much instruction and pleasure, but was unwilling to have recourse to them on the present occasion, as well as from the wish of not unnecessarily extending these letters, as in compliance with your particular desire that I would send you the result of my own observation and experience.
With every kind wish,
Believe me, my dear Friend,