1. By the sick I do not mean only those that keep their bed, or that are sick in the strictest sense. Rather I would include all such as are in a state of affliction, whether of mind or body; and that whether they are good or bad, whether they fear God or not.

II.1. . . . How are we to visit them? . . . How may we do this most to the glory of God, and the benefit of our neighbour? But before ever you enter upon the work you should be deeply convinced that you are by no means sufficient for it; . . . Whenever therefore you are about to enter upon the work, seek [the Lord's] help by earnest prayer. Cry to him for the whole spirit of humility, . . . Before and through the work, from the beginning to the end, let your heart wait upon him for a continual supply of meekness and gentleness, of patience and long-suffering, that you may never be angry or discouraged, at whatever treatment, rough or smooth, kind or unkind, you may meet with.

II. 4. These little labours of love will pave your way to things of greater importance. Having shown that you have a regard for their bodies you may proceed to inquire concerning their souls. And here you have a large field before you; you have scope for exercising all the talents which God has given you.

III.1. . . . By whom is this duty to be performed? The answer is ready: . . .

2. All therefore who desire to escape everlasting fire and to inherit the everlasting kingdom are equally concerned, according to their power, to practise this important duty. It is equally incumbent on young and old, rich and poor, men and women, according to their ability.

III. 9. Seeing then this is a duty to which we are called, rich and poor, young and old, male and female (and it would be well if parents would train up their children herein, as well as in saying their prayers and going to church), let the time past suffice that almost all of us have neglected it, as by general consent. O what need has every one of us to say, 'Lord, forgive me my sins of omission!' Well, in the name of God let us now from this day set about it with general consent. And, I pray, let it never go out of your mind that this is a duty which you cannot perform by proxy; unless in one only case — unless you are disabled by your own pain or weakness. In that only case it suffices to send the relief which you would otherwise give. Begin, my dear brethren, begin now: else the impression which you now feel will wear off; and possibly it may never return! What then will be the consequence? Instead of hearing that word, 'Come, ye blessed. . . . For I was sick and ye visited me,' you must hear that awful sentence, 'Depart, ye cursed! . . . For I was sick, and ye visited me not' (Matthew 25:34, 36, 41, 43)!

Covenant Discipleship Brochure Available A new Covenant Discipleship Group information brochure is now available free from the General Board of Discipleship. It makes a great bulletin insert. Place some in your church's ministry display. Distribute them to Disciple Bible study classes, Walk to Emmaus pilgrims, Companions in Christ groups, Sunday school classes, youth groups, church committees, councils, and ministry teams. Order as many as you can use free from Lisa Walker at lwalker@gbod.org or call toll-free at 877-899-2780, ext. 7059. Please include the quantity you need, your name, church name, church mailing address, and telephone number. Click here for the Covenant Discipleship Group brochure in pdf format