OLD it for certain that all bodily sicknesses, without one exception, are sent to us by GOD as precious gifts and salutary remedies to heal the infirmities of our soul. If He deprives thee of health, it is that He sees sickness to be infinitely more beneficial to thy salvation. Therefore cherish it, as coming to thee from the hand of a tender Father, a faithful Friend, a charitable Physician. In the midst of thy pains, repeat frequently these words of the high priest Eli: "It is the LORD; let Him do what seemeth Him good." In whatever way He dispose of my health and my life, I will acknowledge it to be right.

When GoD sends thee sicknesses, He does it for several wise and paternal reasons, which I will put before thee. First: GOD sends thee sicknesses to punish thee for thy sins, which are very numerous, and for which thou hast scarcely been penitent. Therefore, thou shouldst accept them with all resignation. Second: GOD sends thee sicknesses to bring thee back to Himself. When thou art enjoying perfect health, thou attachest thyself little by little to earth; thou thinkest less of the blessings of eternity; thou art more neglectful of thy duties to GOD. But thy merciful Father, Who watches over thee, strikes thee in His compassion, and by pain of body reforms thee, draws thee into the

right path, and compels thee to cast thyself again into His arms. Third: GOD sends thee sicknesses to humble thee. It is very difficult to be healthy of body, and withal humble of soul; prosperity blinds, and health takes away the remembrance of death. But if sickness comes to visit thee, then thou realisest all thy weakness; thou rememberest the shortness of life; and at the sight of the temple of thy body, which is falling into decay, thou art no longer tempted to think thyself immortal, or to fix thy hopes here below. Fourth: GOD sends thee sicknesses to try thee. Think not that He treats thee as an enemy because He afflicts thee with sufferings; rather it is a certain mark of His love. He wills first to purify thee by pain from the stains which thy soul has contracted in thy attachments to creatures. Moreover, He intends to assure Himself of thy faithfulness; for the LORD is pleased to make His servants pass through the fire of tribulation, and to try them as gold is tried. Of all the trials wherewith GOD tries men, there is no greater, or a more certain one, than bodily infirmity; because in depriving us of health, it takes away the foundation of all earthly blessings and enjoyments. Rejoice, then, when the LORD sends thee sicknesses; it is a proof He loves thee, and wills to render thee more pure and pleasing in His eyes. Yes, rejoice; for it is then chiefly

thou canst practise humility, gentleness, patience, resignation, faithfulness, submission to the decrees of Heaven, detachment from life, and a multitude of other virtues. It is then that thou canst prove to GOD that thou art really His servant and His child. If thy body groan when it is weighed down by the burden of sickness, turn and struggle restlessly-it is no sin; but thy soul must remain quiet and submissive. Be then ever patient; for after a few days of suffering thou wilt be abundantly comforted, and shalt be found worthy of GOD. . Lastly, GOD sends thee sicknesses to conform thee to the likeness of His Son JESUS CHRIST Our SAVIOUR. St. Paul tells us we shall be saved only inasmuch as we become like unto our Divine LORD. But His

whole life was continual suffering. He lived poor and destitute of everything. He died on the cross. All this, as St. Peter tells us, was to teach us to suffer patiently. Regard it then as a great blessing to be stretched on a bed of pain. Think of JESUS on the cross: see His body exhausted with loss of blood, consumed with burning thirst, covered with agonising wounds; and let this thought encourage thee to resignation and patience. If thou suffer with JESUS, and in His likeness, it is certain thou wilt one day share His glory. Take courage, therefore, and never faint; thy pain, thy sickness, thy infirmities will come to an end; thy reward will last for ever. (Nourishment of the Christian Soul.)

edly?

1. The Sick Person must be
Penitent and Contrite.

O you acknowledge your-
self not to have lived as
well as you ought; but
to have sinned, done
amiss, and dealt wick-

Do you call to mind the years of your life spent amiss, in the bitterness of your soul?

Do you desire to have your mind illuminated by GOD, touching those sins you [never knew; or which you once knew and] have forgotten; that you may repent of them?

Do you desire to feel greater sorrow in your soul for your sins committed, than you do? And are you grieved that you feel it not; that you are not more grieved?

Is there any special sin that lieth heavy on your conscience, for which you need the benefit of private absolution?

And to inflict upon yourself punishment for committing them, according as you shall be directed? 2 Cor. vii. 11.

Are you resolved, if GOD send you life hereafter, to amend and live more carefully; and to avoid those means and occasions that may provoke you to sin again?

Do you solemnly promise this in the presence of GOD, His grace assisting you?

Do you desire, if God send you health again, to be speedily put in mind thereof?

say;

Turn us then, O GOD our SAVIOUR, and let Thine anger cease Psalm lxxxv. 4. from us.

3. The Sick Person must hold the True Faith.

BELIEVE you the Christian

Creed, or confession of our most Holy Faith, once delivered to the saints?

Is there in your mind any scruple touching any matter of your faith or religion?

say;

LORD, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief. St. Mark ix. 24.