--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Relying on physical remedies alone was…" description: "\"“Relying on physical remedies alone was often seen as downright ungodly: in England, Puritan minister John Sym advised “caution” that people “dote not ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/db3/russell-shorto-32329_doctor_relying-on-physical-remedies-alone-was-o_1336712.jpg" --- # Relying on physical remedies alone was often seen as… ![“Relying on physical remedies alone was often seen as downright ungodly: in England, Puritan minister John Sym advised “caution” that people “dote not upon, nor trust, or ascribe too much to physical means; but that we carefully look and pray to God for a blessing by the warrantable use of them.”…” quote by Russell Shorto](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/db3/russell-shorto-32329_doctor_relying-on-physical-remedies-alone-was-o_1336712.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/db3/russell-shorto-32329_doctor_relying-on-physical-remedies-alone-was-o_1336712.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/db3/russell-shorto-32329_doctor_relying-on-physical-remedies-alone-was-o_1336712.jpg) > ““Relying on physical remedies alone was often seen as downright ungodly: in England, Puritan minister John Sym advised “caution” that people “dote not upon, nor trust, or ascribe too much to physical means; but that we carefully look and pray to God for a blessing by the warrantable use of them.” To do otherwise—to rely on a physic or powder alone—would be to put the material above the spiritual. That was why a strictly mechanical approach to medicine was considered dangerously atheistic.”” [Russell Shorto](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/russell-shorto/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. In 17th‑century England, reliance on medicine alone was seen as blasphemous; spiritual prayer was required alongside physical treatment. **In simple terms:** Medicine alone was considered sinful without prayer. Key Takeaway Blend faith and science responsibly. Themes religion medicine history Mood analytical historical Type explanatory critical When to use this quote - medical practice - religious counseling - historical analysis Key Concepts theology skepticism Questions to Reflect On - Should spiritual practices be integrated into healthcare? - What risks arise from rejecting either side? 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Murrow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-r-murrow/) [Browse all 3,922 Doctor quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/doctor/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“Relying on physical remedies alone was often seen as downright ungodly: in England, Puritan minister John Sym advised “caution” that people “dote not upon, nor trust, or ascribe too much to physical means; but that we carefully look and pray to God for a blessing by the warrantable use of them.” To do otherwise—to rely on a physic or powder alone—would be to put the material above the spiritual. 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