SICK VISITOR'S ASSISTANT;

OR,

A GUIDE TO THE AFFLICTED.

CHAPTER I.

Address to the Sick.

AFFLICTED FRIEND,

The

Although the consideration of those things which relate to the spiritual and eternal welfare of the soul is at all times essentially important, yet it seems more particularly so in the season of affliction. "In the day of adversity consider." care of the soul is the "one thing needful;" and if your immortal interests have hitherto been neglected amidst the occupations or follies of the world, or if they have not engaged so much of your attentions and affections as they ought to have done, it is high time to awake out of sleep. By this dispensation, the Almighty loudly and solemnly calls upon you

B

to examine your soul, as to its fitness to leave this world and enter upon an eternal one. Let then your serious and undivided attention be given (as far as the pains, the sickness, or weakness of your body may allow,) to the all-important subject of religion. Be anxious to use the means within your reach. It is more than probable that you have a Bible in your possession, and other serious books which you can either read yourself, or get some one to read to you. Nothing can save your soul or satisfy your mind, but those blessed truths which the gospel reveals and which are contained in the Scriptures. If you are ignorant, they are able, by the assistance of God's Spirit, to make you wise unto salvation. If distressed, they will afford you suitable and substantial consolation. They reveal an allsufficient and willing Saviour: they contain promises admirably adapted to your case. In this book both the afflicted saint and sinner will find that which will yield them inconceivable benefit in the season of retirement from the world.* This word is

"The best relief that mourners have

It makes their sorrows blest."

More than twelve months ago, says one, I went, pursuant to the request of a poor benevolent woman, to visit an indigent man deeply afflicted. On entering the cottage, I found him alone, his wife having gone to procure him milk from a neighbour. I was startled by the sight of a pale emaciated man, a living image of death, fastened upright in his chair by cords and belts