He examined and sent out preachers , began aid charities , prescribed for the sick , helped the use of electric shock for the treatment of illness . He formed societies , opened chapels , examined and commissioned preachers , administered aid charities , prescribed for the sick , helped to pioneer the use of electric shock for the treatment of illness , superintended schools and orphanages , and received at least Â # 20,000 for his publications but used little of it for himself .