The Wrong Physician
Hosea 5:13
When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound, then went Ephraim to the Assyrian, and sent to king Jareb…


— A poor fisherman in the town of Nairn, on the Moray Firth, had for some years been afflicted with a troublesome cough, and, having consulted many doctors, was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse. He had heard, however, that there were very skilful men in Edinburgh, and he decided to go. During the voyage, he told some of the sailors his object in going to Edinburgh, and they advised him to see Sir James Simpson. It was often a very difficult matter to get an interview with Sir James, but, to his surprise, he was at once admitted to the consulting-room, stated his case, and after a short examination Sir James said, "You've applied to many doctors already, you said?" "Yes, sir, a good many." "Have you gone to the Great Physician?" The man was silent. "Well, my good man," resumed Sir James, "I advise you to go to Him; I am sorry I can do you little good. You had better go home, and just take as good care of yourself as you can." The man was very much affected, for he now understood that his case appeared hopeless. Putting his hand in his pocket and taking out a few coins, he said, "What have I to pay you, doctor?" "My friend," said Sir James, putting his hand kindly on his shoulder, "I don't want any money from you. I ask only an interest in your prayers. Good-bye. Don't forget to go to the Great Physician." After thanking the doctor, he returned home, sought and found Christ as his spiritual Physician and Saviour, and soon afterwards died.



Parallel Verses
KJV: 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.

WEB: "When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah his wound, Then Ephraim went to Assyria, and sent to king Jareb: but he is not able to heal you, neither will he cure you of your wound.




The Folly of Creature-Confidence
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