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Charles G. Finney

(29/08/1792 - 16/8/1875)




CHARLES G. FINNEY'S
PASTORAL THEOLOGY


IX
VISITING THE SICK


 

1. If very ill, go about 10 A.M.

2. Be calm, and speak in a low voice.

3. Sit quietly down and be compassionate.

4. Observe the pulse to see if the mind is agitated.

5. Inquire what treatment they are under.

6. Speak slowly, and don't fatigue them with many words.

7. Dispense with their talking as far as you can.

8. Ascertain, if you can, the location of disease.

9. Whether they suffer much and what organs.

10. Their state of mind will be modified by the location, intensity, and treatment of the disease.

11. Satisfy yourself of their entire sanity, or the contrary.

12. Beware of being deceived by anodynes, stimulants.

13. Inquire into the Holy Spirit's showing.

14. Be careful not to oppose His teaching.

15. Remember it is God that is working in and by disease.

16. And His inward working corresponds with providence.

17. Be short.

18. Don't conceal danger, if it is great.

19. If death is inevitable, carefully reveal it.

20. Aim to secure committal to Christ, and trust in Him.

21. If their strength will admit, search them.

22. Say all in love and compassion, they are sore.

23. If you find them blind and self-righteous, search.

24. Don't be deceived by their willingness to die.

25. If despairing, ask if their sins are greater than God's mercy in Christ. Lead to trust.

26. Leave no sin covered or concealed.

27. See that they are at peace with all men.

28. That they freely and fully forgive all men.

29. That they are thoroughly honest with all men.

30. Are willing to confess and make restitution.

31. That they do this if possible at once.

32. If not very sick you can take more time, but the same result should be secured.

33. Leave them under no delusion.

34. See whether they have true peace with God.

35. Don't encourage false peace. (Sears of New York).

36. If not true peace, search for the reason.

37. If not given up of God, you will find them anxious.

38. If Christians, they may be greatly searched.

39. But you will find the sins they most deplore, their unprofitable lives.

40. Their convictions will show whether they have been truly converted or not.

41. See whether they have ever known Jesus.

42. Consider whether their anxiety is the natural result of their danger, or of conviction of sin.

43. Sometimes it is better to remain with them as long as you can, and speak as they can bear it.

44. See that the room is well ventilated. (Uncle Starr).

45. Also, that the nursing is right, cleanly.

46. Call as often as necessary, follow up impressions.

47. Be sure that all disease is more or less contagious.

48. When you leave, inhale and expel by deep breathings.

49. If need be, change and air your apparel.

50. Disease and treatment will often deceive you and the patient.

51. After recovery, they may remember nothing. (Dodridge and Neil, M.D.).

52. If dying, don't say too much, let them think. (Comstock).

53. See whether the disease accounts for their state of mind.

54. Consumptives manifest an insane hope of life.

55. Diseases located below the diaphragm are apt to beget despondency.

56. You will encounter despondency owing to the nature of the disease.

57. Also elevation and hope inspired by drugs.

58. You will often meet Satan at the death bed.

59. D. Nelson's experience. See his "Cause and cure of infidelity."

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