The Faith Which Fueled the Success of the Incision
Please listen to this 1895 version of Amazing Grace to set the mood for this page.
Mrs. Crawford sang hymns and recited psalms in lieu of anesthesia, which was unknown at the time. |
Christmas Day, Sunday, 1809.
McDowell began his day by going to his church, where he asked for prayers from the congregation and wrote out a prayer to keep in his pocket while he made the incision on Mrs. Crawford’s abdomen.
McDowell began his day by going to his church, where he asked for prayers from the congregation and wrote out a prayer to keep in his pocket while he made the incision on Mrs. Crawford’s abdomen.
“Direct me, Oh! God, in performing this operation, for I am but an instrument in Thy hands, and am but They servant, and if it is Thy will, Oh! Spare this poor afflicted woman.” ~Excerpt from McDowell's prayer, at right, which he kept in his pocket while he performed this surgery |