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Wesley, John - Sermon 98 - On Visiting the Sick
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024686
Type of Spiritual Experience
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A description of the experience
The Sermons of John Wesley - Sermon 98 - On Visiting the Sick
"I was sick, and ye visited me." Matt. 25:36.
One great reason why the rich, in general, have so little sympathy for the poor, is, because they so seldom visit them. Hence it is, that, according to the common observation, one part of the world does not know what the other suffers.
Many of them do not know, because they do not care to know: they keep out of the way of knowing it; and then plead their voluntary ignorances an excuse for their hardness of heart.
"Indeed, Sir," said person of large substance, "I am a very compassionate man. But, to tell you the truth, I do not know anybody in the world that is in want."
How did this come to pass Why, he took good care to keep out of their way; and if he fell upon any of them unawares "he passed over on the other side."
4. How contrary to this is both the spirit and behaviour of even people of the highest rank in a neighbouring nation!
In Paris, ladies of the first quality, yea, Princesses of the blood, of the Royal Family, constantly visit the sick, particularly the patients in the Grand Hospital. And they not only take care to relieve their wants, (if they need anything more than is provided for them,) but attend on their sick beds, dress their sores, and perform the meanest offices for them.
Here is a pattern for the English, poor or rich, mean or honourable! For many years we have abundantly copied after the follies of the French; let us for once copy after their wisdom and virtue, worthy the imitation of the whole Christian world. Let not the gentlewomen, or even the countesses in England, be ashamed to imitate those Princesses of the blood! Here is a fashion that does honour to human nature. It began in France; but God forbid it should end there!"