by William Perkins
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
a discourse detailing the nature, variations, and types of death; as well as the appropriate way to meet death
Updated to Modern English
In A Salve for a Sick Man, the eminent Puritan divine William Perkins offers one of the most profound and tender meditations on mortality ever penned. First printed in 1611, this timeless treatise serves as a balm for those confronting the reality of death, whether through sickness, danger, or the weariness of life itself. Rooted in the solid framework of Scripture, Perkins explores the nature, varieties, and spiritual meaning of death, carefully distinguishing between bodily and spiritual death, and unveiling how, through Christ, the grave is transformed from a terror into a gateway to eternal joy.
Perkins writes not merely to instruct, but to shepherd souls. He provides pastoral counsel for the healthy and the sick alike, urging all to live in daily preparation for death. With piercing clarity, he reminds the reader that repentance and faith must be cultivated now, not delayed until the hour of death. For the Christian, death is not a final defeat, but the final victory—the laying down of burdens, the end of sin, and the entrance into the perfect presence of God. Perkins’ words also offer comfort to those facing sudden death, grievous illnesses, or the temptations of despair, showing how Christ's victory conquers every fear.
A Salve for a Sick Man is not only a manual for dying well; it is a handbook for living wisely. Whether read in the quietness of personal reflection, shared with those in the twilight of life, or used by pastors at the bedside of the suffering, Perkins' work remains a bracing yet hope-filled companion, leading believers to view death through the eyes of faith and Christ's finished work. With a pastor’s heart and a theologian’s mind, Perkins calls us to anchor our lives in the promises of God, so that when the final hour comes, we may pass from death into everlasting life with comfort, assurance, and joy.
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Table of Contents
To the Esteemed and virtuous Lady
A Salve for a Sick Man
Final Thoughts