Medical References in Sermons 24

In a sermon on 1 Timothy 1:8 he says

It is implied however in our text that the divine law, though good in itself, is liable to abuse by being improperly applied, as the same medicine may either be efficacious or pernicious by being skilfully or unskilfully administered. 

Medical References in Sermons 23

This is from Volume 6, Sermon 3 on Proverbs 28:13

But let it be remembered, that excuses for sin necessarily imply the love of sin, which is actually inconsistent with the love of God. The wound is not less dangerous because it is covered over or the disease less fatal because it is concealed. Neither is the evil of sin lessened, but aggravated, by the pains taken to extenuate it; for these are only so many proofs of impenitence and unbelief and have a disposition to persevere in an evil course.

Medical References in Sermons 22

This one is in Volume 6 Sermon 19 on Psam 38:5

David felt the danger of his disease, as well as the loathsomeness attending it. Wounds are generally dangerous, especially where they become malignant through neglect; and such also are mortified corruptions, when they have long been suffered to prevail. Nothing endangers the soul like sin, indeed nothing but sin. A continually running sore, like a consumptive habit of body, gradually impairs the strength of the whole frame, till at length we sink into the arms of death. Sin is called the plague of the heart, to denote that it is as dreadful and as fatal as the disease with which it is compared. Where it is repented of and subdued it shall not destroy the soul; nevertheless it will destroy its comforts ...

Medical References in Sermons 21

Volume 6 Sermon 2 Luke 17:17

... it became an emblem of the moral defilement of our nature, which is total and universal. No representation can teach us more effectually the necessity, of casting ourselves at the Redeemer's feet, and crying, 'Lord if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.' Nothing short of a divine power could heal the leprosy, and nothing but this can heal the leprosy of sin. No medicine was available; the disease was hereditary and incurable. Hence when Benhadad sent his servant Naaman to the king of Israel to be healed, of his leprosy, the latter considered it as an intended insult, and indignantly replied, 'Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man doth send unto me to recover a man of his leprosy?' So it belongs to God only to heal the malady of the soul, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

The leprosy being contagious as well as loathsome, it was necessary to exclude the infected party from all society. The lepers were accordingly shut out from the camp, from the city and temple of Jerusalem; they could neither taste the sweets of friendship, nor enjoy the privileges of public worship. They had to lament and say with David, 'My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore, and my kinsmen stand afar off.' The lepers which met Jesus as he passed through the midst of Samaria, not being suffered to approach, 'stood afar off,' and cried to him for mercy; and being withheld from general society, they herded together among themselves to the number of ten persons; and in this miserable and hopeless situation, Jesus found them. In like manner, being wholly defiled with a moral leprosy, are we as sinners shut out from the camp of God, ecluded from the society of holy and happy beings ...

Medical References in Sermons 20

Sermons Volume 6 Sermon 14 John 3:14

...

'And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, and much people of Israel died.' Num xxi. 5, 6. In the midst of this calamity, they confess their sin, bewail their condition, and entreat Moses to intercede for them. Similar to this is the situation of an awakened sinner, under the accusations of a guilty conscience, when the terrors of the Almighty set themselves in array against him. He cannot support himself under his load, much less remove it; his wounds stink and are corrupt, but he is a stranger to the true method of healing. He can neither satisfy the claims of the law, nor endure its penalties. He would do something, but he knows not what. He is taken in a snare: and by striving to break it, he only entangles himself the more. Being wounded and poisoned by sin, whose sting is worse than that of the adder, he must inevitably die, if a sovereign remedy be not speedily applied. The sickness is unto death, and no human, hand can heal. ...

For 'it came to pass that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.' This speedy and effective cure was a lively emblem of the effects arising from faith in Christ. Though from the crown of the head to the soles of the feet there is no soundness in us, and nothing but wounds and bruises and putrifying sores, yet one look to Jesus, accompanied with a look from him, will correct every vicious humour, and spread life and health and vigour throughout the whole man, let the disease be ever so inveterate, an immediate check will be given to its progress, and a foundation laid for its entire removal.

… while the glorious antitype is infinitely superior to the type, there is at the same time a considerable resemblance between them. The poor as well as the rich might look to the brazen serpent and be healed, and it cost them nothing; and in the same way the most miserable sinner may look to Jesus, however contemptible he may appear in the eyes of the world, or however destitute himself of any recommendatory qualifications. Amongst those who viewed the emblem in the wilderness, some might be situated in the extremities of the camp, so that they had only a distant view of the object. Others had their eyes nearly closed in the shades of death, when the disease had arrived at its latest stages. Some, being once healed, were probably wounded afresh with fiery serpents; and by looking again to the serpent on the pole, were once more healed.

All this was emblematical of our moral sickness, and of the means by which the cure is to be effected. The sinner, however enfeebled or diseased, however distressed by the malignity or prevalence of his corruptions may still obtain a speedy and effectual cure, if the eye of faith be but directed to the Saviour.

...

The serpent was erected only in the wilderness; there only are we liable to be stung and there it is the remedy is provided. If we carry the moral disease with us out of this world, it will not be healed in the next. There he that is unjust 'will be unjust still, and he that is filthy will be filth's, still. There is no physician for lost souls on the other side the grave, nor any deliverance there. Eccles ix:10, Rev xxii.11.

1. How strange is it, that amongst the thousands and tens of thousands who are envenomed by him, so many should be utterly insensible of their disease: and while labouring under the symptoms of eternal death, should still appear to be unconcerned. Every pious mind pities them, but they have no pity for themselves. This can arise only from the nature of the disease, which throws them into a deep sleep, from which nothing but the voice of the Son of God can effectually awaken them.

2. It is equally surprising, that many who appear to be sensible of their danger, should nevertheless be found to neglect the only remedy; a remedy which so demonstrates the riches of divine grace, and is so evidently calculated for our advantage. …

Medical References in Sermons 19

Volume 6 Sermon 9 Hosea 4:7

Woebe to them whose sins go unpunished. God spares in wrath, and corrects in mercy. When a physician ceases to administer his bitter potions, or a surgeon to search the wound, it is a sign they look upon the case as desperate. As God does not spare his people here; in order that he may spare them hereafter; so he often forbears to punish the wicked in this world, and suffers them to enjoy uninterrupted prosperity, that he may punish them more severely in the next. Amos iii.2; Luke xvi. 22-25; Heb xii.6

Medical References in Sermons 18

In Volume 5 and Sermon 13 on Acts 16:31

By faith we receive the atonement and are led to acquiesce in that way of acceptance with God as full of wisdom, suited to our helpless and sinful condition. It is not enough that Christ died for us; we must receive his death, appropriate its benefits to ourselves and make an interest in it our own personal concern. It is not the medicine prepared, but applied that effects it.

Medical References in Sermons 17

Volume 8, Sermon 6 on Galatians 6:2

Bodily infirmities and diseases are in themselves a burden, however providence may intend them for our good, and finally overrule them for our spiritual advantage. Health is a great mercy, without which many of the enjoyments of life would lose much of their sweetness; and sickness cannot but be considered in itself as a great affliction. Music cannot delight the ear, the most pleasing objects the eye, nor the richest viands the taste of a sick man. He finds but little pleasure in the company of his dearest friends; and while he is shut out from public ordinances, he is often unfitted for the devotions of the closet, how much soever he delighted in them before. Job complained that wearisome nights were appointed to him; and the apostle Paul^ wishes for his beloved Gaius, that he might prosper and be in health, even as his soul prospered. It is the lot however of some pious people to endure heavy loads of sickness and distress, and some here are who scarcely know what it is to enjoy a singl day of health. They have been afflicted from their youth up, and are laid on beds of languishing, until the graves are ready for them.

*This should be John

Medical References in Sermons 16

In a sermon on 1 Thessalonians 5:20 Despise not prophesyings he says

It becomes us to guard against a sickly stomach which rejects the most wholesome food and is like the full soul which loatheth the honey comb.

Medical References in Sermons 15

In a sermon on Isaiah 65:20 The aged sinner he says

Many plunge themselves into the pleasures and pursuits of life so as not seriously to think of death or what is needful in order to it but they must die, whether they expect it or not and whether they be prepared for it or not. We may recover from many diseases and escape from many dangers but death is inevitable: the sentence is passed and life whether it be short or long is only a reprieve. Let then the worldling increase his wealth, the voluptuous his pleasures and the ambitious rise to honour and preferment, yet death will soon reduce them to a level with the common herd of mankind.

Medical References in Sermons 14

In a sermon on Psalm 81:10 Motives to enlarged prayer he says

This is strongly and beautifully expressed in Psalm cxix 131 I opened my mouth and panted for I longed for thy commandments This may allude to children when hungry, to persons in a burning fever or to dry and parched land in hot and sultry weather and expresses vehement and passionate desires, vigorous and forcible motions of the soul after God, as if it were so stretched out that it was ready to break; so indeed it is expressed in another part of this psalm My soul breaketh for the longing it hath to thy judgments at all times Of all desires those after spiritual blessings should be the strongest as being the most satisfying and lasting.

and

The groanings of a sick man are often the presages of death but those of the Christian are a sign that he is alive and shall live for ever The Spirit of God not only excites praying graces but also furnishes with praying expressions, not only inclines to prayer but gives liberty in prayer and when that is enjoyed the mouth may be said not only to be opened but opened wide.

Medical References in Sermons 13

It is said that Beddome would often turn to the world of medicine for an apt illustration in his preaching.

Example 13

Consider what I say 2 Tim 2:3

We hearken to a physician when he prescribes for our health, and to a counsellor when he is to plead our cause; and shall we not much more hearken to the servants of the most high God, who shew unto us the way of salvation?

Medical References in Sermons 12

Sermon on Romans 8:28

All second causes are under the direction of the great first Cause, That which in itself might be pernicious when mixed with other ingredients becomes medicinal and salutary.

Medical References in Sermons 11

The Important Question John 9:29

Persons do not step immediately out of a state of quietness in sin into a state of salvation. They must have a fearful apprehension of wrath before they will fly from it a painful sense of their disease before they will apply to the physician and none will seek after life and righteousness from another till they have seen themselves in a state of guilt and condemnation. Nothing but absolute necessity will drive a soul to Christ.

Medical References in Sermons 10

The Impotent Man Acts 3:8

2. His poverty added to his distress. If help was to be obtained by medicine he had not the wherewithal to procure it. We read of a woman who had spent her whole substance upon physicians but it is probable that this man never had any substance to spend. It is evident that at this time he lived upon charity and perhaps had to beg his bread. And thus it is with sinners they are wretchedly poor yet very proud. So poor that like this man they are ready to starve yet so proud that they will not beg.

Also later in the sermon

2 It was speedy and instantaneous. Peter does not put him upon a long course of medicine giving him to hope that after trying this or the other method he might obtain relief but takes him by the hand and lifts him up when suddenly the disorder be it what it will left him and his limbs were restored to their proper use ....

And

Heal thou me says the prophet and I shall be healed. The cure will be wrought if thou undertake it, All others are mere empirics* they may skin over the wound but thou wilt heal it. They may palliate the disorder but thou wilt remove it. Oh bring your sick and polluted souls to Christ and say as the centurion of his servant Speak but the word and I shall be healed or as the leper concerning himself Lord if thou wilt thou canst make me clean.

*Persons who, in medicine or other sciences, rely solely on observation and experiment. Quack doctors.

Medical References in Sermons 09

Zechariah 9:12

1 Consider the relief provided by a stronghold. However, not any stronghold which we may fancy or prepare for ourselves though the imagination of man is very fruitful in inventions of this kind. When conscience is alarmed any thing is sought to that will afford a little present ease and lying vanities are as common now as lying wonders were in the dark days of popery. The physician of souls is neglected and physicians of no value are applied to. When Ephraim saw his sickness and Judah saw his wound then went Ephraim to the Assyrian and sent to king Jareb yet could he not heal you nor cure you of your wound. Such has been and still is the conduct of sinful men. They make any thing their refuge rather than Him who is as a hiding place from the wind and a covert from the tempest and as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. Some overwhelmed with a sense of guilt and terrified with apprehensions of future wrath fly to the absolute and uncovenanted mercy of God. Some to their church privileges and others to their good works and religious performances. Some hope to conciliate the divine favour by their prayers and tears their amendments and reformations and ....

Medical References in Sermons 08

Self-examination Psalm 139:23

THIS excellent Psalm so descriptive of the greatness and majesty glory and excellency of God concludes with a pathetic address to him Search me oh God. Do it thoroughly, search into my actions and all their springs, into the temper of my mind and every crevice of my soul. Take full cognizance of me, examine me as an artist does his work to see whether there be any flaw or defect in it, as a physician does the pulse or a surgeon the wounds of his patient, as a merchant his book of accompts or a shopkeeper his stock in trade. Try me as we try gold in a balance or by the touchstone or as candidates for honour and preferment to see whether their talents be equal to the station they are designed to occupy.

Medical References in Sermons 07

The imperceptible diffusion of error and truth Luke 13:21

Where the word leaven is understood in a bad sense it seems to have more immediate reference to error, false doctrine Beware, says Christ, of the leaven the Pharisees and Sadducees, the former of whom depended upon their own imperfect services for justification in the sight of God and the latter denied the being of angels, spirits, a resurrection and future state of rewards and punishments. Now as it was then it is at present. The greatest errors have many advocates, the most erroneous teachers many followers and there will be Pharisees and Sadducees to the end of the world. Leaven is not only sour and disgusting but penetrating and diffusive and so is false doctrine. It eats, says the apostle, as doth a canker or, as the word might be rendered, a gangrene, which beginning in the extremities soon reaches the vitals carrying with it inevitable disorganization and destruction. Now had not this gangrene, this leaven hid by Antichrist and disguised by plausible appearances or mingled with some important truths at one time infected and corrupted the whole visible church till God raised up Huss, Jerome, Wickliffe, Luther, Calvin and the other reformers. Thus the apostle Peter speaks of persons bringing in damnable heresies and adds, many shall follow their pernicious ways. Thus some apply the words of my text to a general defection from the way of truth and righteousness.

Medical References in Sermons 06

In the case of the sermon Christ the physician of souls on Matthew 9:21, the whole sermon is marked by illustrations drawn from Beddome's medical background. The sermon begins

The Son of Man came not to be ministered to but to minister and as he travelled from place to place various were the applications made to him for relief and none of them unsuccessful. The woman spoken of in my text had been afflicted with a severe disease for twelve years which wasted her strength and exhausted her spirits. The person concerning whom she speaks was the blessed Jesus who had in innumerable instances displayed his wisdom grace and power in the case of the most obstinate and inveterate maladies with which mankind could be afflicted and he does so still, his agency should be no less acknowledged in the blessing a medicine to the restoration of health than in the working a miracle for that purpose and to him the relieved should ever ascribe the praise. Who healeth all my diseases says the Psalmist. Art thou in health, give the glory to him to whom it is due; art thou sick, apply to him who hath healed those whom other physicians have been unable to relieve. In another place it is said of this same woman that she had spent all her substance in seeking relief but could not obtain it. ....

Medical References in Sermons 05

It is said that Beddome would often turn to the world of medicine for an apt illustration in his preaching.

Example 5

God the supreme disposer of human affairs Psalm 31:15

Any singular appearances of God either in a way of wrath or mercy.

There is a time to wound and a time to heal a time to cast down and a time to build up. Thus David pleading with God for Zion's deliverance says, The time to favour her even the set time is come. As there is a decree goes forth for the sinner's destruction so also for the saint's deliverance and the one can no more be resisted than the other. The purpose promise and fulfilment exactly answer each other. Our times are in God's hand, our times of sickness and recovery, whether the one be short or long, moderate or severe or the other be sudden or gradual. Of this we have a remarkable instance in the case of Hezekiah.