38. The Patient appreciates the Utility of Disease

EXHORTATION.

"Sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby."

The natural man refuses to believe that sickness is of great utility, for not only, says he, does it weaken the body and endanger life, but the vital powers are diminished, to say nothing of other difficulties and expenses brought on by sickness. But in spite of all this, diseases are useful, sometimes even to the body, in consuming the impurities of nature, and leading to a sounder state of health than was enjoyed before. But it is especially beneficial to the soul. 1. It is often the means of reclaiming a man from the ways of sin. How many a wanton sinner neglects God and his Holy Word, and heaps sin upon sin, until God draws him away by force, as it were, by sickness, pain, or suffering, recals him to his senses, and snatches him from the clutch of Satan. 2. It is, however, no less useful to the pious, in making them acquainted with the omnipotence, goodness, wisdom, love, and mercy of God, in which they had believed before, but

THE PATIENT APPRECIATES THE without having practically experienced them. They learn to resign themselves to God, to meditate upon death, to prepare for their final departure, to think diligently of heaven, and to commit their souls into the Lord's holy keeping. The patient who gives proper weight to these reflections will be well satisfied with God even in sickness. Beloved Lord and Father! I perceive that it is thy holy counsel with me, to make this my time of suffering, to let the sun of my prosperity be obscured for a while, my health impaired, and my vital powers diminished. I thank thee, my Lord and God, for having first given me to understand, that the way of the cross is the way to heaven, and that in sickness thou doest great good unto our souls. I see that thou wilt draw me off from the world; thou wilt make the world bitter to me, and heaven sweet; thou wilt induce me to renounce all ungodliness and wordly desires, and to lead an honest, righteous, and godly life, to examine my past career, and to turn to thee in heartfelt penitence. Alas! it is but too true, that while we are all well and know nothing of trouble, we are apt to suppose that all our business in this world is to amass UTILITY OF DISEASE.

earthly treasures, or to share in the amusements of the world, seek its company, and acquire its habits, manners and customs; but as that would end in the perdition of our souls and eternal damnation, thou in thy goodness dost at times lead us apart, and speak with us alone. Thus, it seems, thou wouldst now speak with me alone, and warn me against the world and its sins, seductions, malice, and evil practices. Thou wilt exhort me to repent of my past sins, no longer to associate with the world, and with an altered mind to understand what is the true and perfect will of God. Well, my God! I will do so, if thou wilt restore me to health. I will become more pious, pray more diligently, avoid all evil, renounce my bad habits, eschew the places and the people where and with whom I have sinned, and become a new man. Whoso loveth the world, the love of the father is not in him. If then, O Lord, thou hast found me negligent in religion, and slow in prayer, but willing to sin and ready to enjoy the pleasures of the world, it is thy design in this sickness to rouse me, to make me concerned for my salvation, and awake from the sleep of sin. Wake up, thou who sleepest, thou sayest to me, I will cleanse thee of thine impurities. I see that thou dost intend to remind me of death, so that, when health returns I may acknowledge thy power, THE PATIENT APPRECIATES THE love, and goodness, which I should not have done, hadst thou not thus visited me. Lord! Perfect the good work thou hast begun within me; make my spirit whole with this bitter medicine. By this strong surgery remove the sore boils of sin; with this sharp infusion, wash out mine iniquities, and grant that I may humble myself in true penitence before thee, and may find counsel, comfort, consolation, and forgiveness of sins in the wounds of Jesus. Ever make heaven luscious to my thought, and the world bitter as gall, so that in the turmoil of this world, eternity may be constantly before my eyes. In the name of the blood of Jesus, I beseech thee, Lord, to give me a peaceful end. Amen. 1. Sickness, pain, disease, and trouble,

And whatever ills I prove,

Never darken the remembrance

Of my God and of his love.

Though it be his sovereign pleasure

To distress me beyond measure,

I will love him none the less,

He is mine through all distress.

2. By this cross he would withdraw me

From the world and all its toil,

So that sin may not destroy me,

And I may not risk to spoil

UTILITY OF DISEASE.

My immortal soul's salvation

By obedience to temptation.

He would have my heart to be

His domain eternally.

3. In thy open wounds, my Jesus,

Hold, and lock my feeble soul;

Let them be my dearest shelter

When the clouds around me roll;

All my wishes, hopes, and yearnings,

Are thy dearly purchased earnings;

Strengthen, guard, and comfort me,

In my sufferings graciously.

4. With thy Spirit's heavenly patience

Dearest Lord, my mind endow;

Into thy most faithful keeping,

Jesus, I commend it now.

Spread before my sight the azure

Golden fields of heavenly pleasure,

When the toil and strife are done

Let the victory be won.

THE PATIENT RELIES UPON