IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) L ^ // // A f/. 1.0 I.I 1.25 ■- IIIM |50 '""^^ ^ US, 12.0 IM 2.2 1.4 1.8 1.6 Photographic Sciences Corporation ^J%> %^ 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 '■A''"S^S?-?-*'-H^'^-S"!5!S3i'W»S?*ii'!!rVi i: I I CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHM/ICMH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques Technical and Bibliographic Notes/Notes techniques et bibliographiques The Institute has attempted to obtain the best original copy available for filming. Features of this copy which may be bibliographically unique, which may alter any of the images in the reproduction, or which may significantly change the usual method of filming, are checked below. L'Institut a microfilm* le meilleur exemplaire qu'il lui a 6X6 possible de se procurer. Les details de cet exemplaire qui sont peut-dtre uniques du point de vue bibliographique, qui peuvent modifier une image reproduite, ou qui peuvent exiger une modification dans la m6thode normale de filmage sont indiquds ci-dessous. |r~:^* Coloured covers/ l/^l Couverture de couleur r~7| Covers damaged/ \L_J Couverture ondommag6e □ Covers restored and/or laminated/ Couverture restaur^e et/ou pelliculde □ Cover title missing/ Le titre de couverture manque □ Coloured maps/ Cartes gdographiques en couleur □ Coloured ink (i.e. other than blue or black)/ Encre de couleur (i.e. autre que bleue ou noire) D D D D Coloured plates and/or illustrations/ Planches et/ou illustrations en couleur Bound with other material/ Reli6 avec d'autres documents Tight binding may cause shadows or distortion along interior margin/ La reliure serree peut causer de I'ombre ou de la distortion le long de la marge intdrieure Blank leaves added during restoration may appear within the text. Whenever possible, these have been omitted from filming/ II se peut que certaines pages blanches ajout^es lors d'une restauration apparaissent dans le texte, mais, lorsque cela 6tait possible, ces pages n'ont pas 6X6 filmdes. □ Coloured pages/ Pages de couleur □ Pages damaged/ Pages endommag6es □ Pages restored and/or laminated/ Pages restaur6es et/ou pelliculdes I — I Pages discoloured, stained or foxed/ Pages d^colordes, tachetdes ou piqu6es Pages detached/ Pages d^tach^es I I Showthrough/ Transparence □ Quality of print varies/ Quality in6gale de I'impression I — I Includes supplementary material/ D Comprend du materiel supplementaire Only edition available/ Seule Edition disponible Pages wholly or partially obscured by errata slips, tissues, etc., have been refllmed to ensure the best possible image/ Les pages totalement ou partiellement obscurcies par un feuillet d'errata, une pelure, etc., ont 6t6 filmdes 6 nouveau de fapon 6 obtenir la meilleure image possible. D Additional comments:/ Commentaires suppl^mentaires: This item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/ Ce document est film6 au taux de r6duction indiqu6 cl-dessous. 10X 14X 18X 22X 26X 30X I ^■"^ hai^^a IPX 16X 20X 24X 28X 32X ire details es du modifier er une filmage The copy filmed here has been reproduced thanks to the generosity of: Library of Congress Photoduplication Service The images appearing here are the best quality possible considering the condition and legibility of the original copy and in keeping with the filming contract specifications. L'exemplaire filmA fut reproduit grdce d la gAnArositA de: Library of Congress Photoduplication Service Les images suivantes ont 6t6 reproduites avec le plus grand soin, compte tenu de la condition et de la nettetd de l'exemplaire film6, et en conformity avec les conditions du contrat de filmage. 6es re Original copies in printed paper covers are filmed beginning with the front cover and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, or the back cover when appropriate. All other original copies are filmed beginning on the first page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated impression. The last recorded frame on each microfiche shall contain the symbol -h^ (meaning "CON- TINUED "), or the symbol V (meaning "END"), whichever applies. Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les exemplaires originaux dont la couverture en papier est imprimAe sont film^s en commenpant par le premier plat et en terminant soit par la dernidre page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration, soit par le second plat, selon le cas. Tous les autres exemplaires originaux sont film^s en commenqant par la premidre page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par la dernidre page qui comporte une telle empreinte. Un des symboles suivants apparaitra sur la derniftre image de cheque microfiche, selon le cas: le symbole -^-signifie "A SUIVRE", le symbole V signifie "FIN". Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre fiim6s d des taux de reduction diffdrents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seul clich6, il est film6 d partir de Tangle sup6rieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut en bas. en prenant le nombre d'images n6cessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la m6thode. ly errata Bd to nt ne pelure, ipon d 1 2 3 32X 1 2 3 4 5 6 4^0N\F0RT FOR THE SICK Comfort ye, comfort ve my people, saith your God.-i.sAiAn xl, i. BY / WIL JAM E.^CLENNAN f CINCr.\NATI: CRASSTON df Ci'RTS :^'EIV YORK: HV.\T & BATON tS<)2 -K- 15 V^ i, ■••' b . Mi c> CO]' y RIGHT JIY CRAy.STOX c- CL'RT.S, tSpl. 4 ij '•' i3 ^6 5 CTS, I- PREFATORY NOTE. "g^OMFORT for the Sick" is not a 1 plea in behalf of some new nos- ' trnm for the ills of the flesh. It I is a message of-consolation to the sonl. That it may, in . ome slight measure, prepare the way for Him whose touch gives " infinite calm," is the sin- cere wish of — 3 — THK WRITHK. low a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) Therefore his sisters sent unto him, say- ing. Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of 'God might be glorified thereby. (John xi, 1-4.) ■>l-»-K' Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (i Cor. X, 3I.) — 4 — s sick, named • town of Mary (It was that the Lord with 1 feet with her arus was sick.) t unto him, say- loni thou lovcst heard that, he lot unto death, d, that the Son irified thereby. e eat, or drink, all to the glory (oMFORT FOR THE SiCK. iv THE desire for comfort," says Phillips Brooks, "may be a very high or a very low, a noble or a most ignoble wish." Whether i it shall be the one or the other is determined by the object for which comfort is sought. If it means cessa- tion from pain and nothing more, the desire for it is no higher than the crav- ing for an opiate. On the other hand, if one seeks comfort so that he may be stronger to bear, not only his own ills, but those of others also, his desire for it is most commendable. — 5 — ilJCvSvSKD are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. (Matt, v, 4.) The Sjjirit of the Lord Clod is upon me; because the I;,s, in IjritiKiiiK many sons unto aUny. to make the captain of their salvation lurlVct throuKh sufllrinj^s. (Hebrews ii, lo.) ■>l'fl<- For verily he took not on him the natnre of anjrels; hut hr took on him the .seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all thin^.s it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be .1 merciful and faithful hijrh priest in thintjs pertainiufjf to (lod, to make rec- onciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he him.self hath .sufTered beiiifr tempted, he is al)!e to succor them that are tempted. (Hebrews ii, 16-18.) — 8 — T COMIOIM I "I' nil SICK. whom arc all e all things, in I lihny. to make Ivatioii pirlVct (lews ii, lo.) ot on him the n took on him I'horcfori.' in all lo he madu like he mijfhl he a liKh priest in 1, lo make rcc- of the people, hath sufTered ihle to succor (Hehrews ii. fort! In the Scriptures the fact of Christ's sufTerinj; is never referred to as of itself a source of comfort. The Captain of our salvation was made like unto his l)rethren in order that he might understand the ills of our hu- manity, and, girded with that knowl- edge, he comes to the bedside of the sick, saying, " I have sufT»;red," . . . " I am able to succor." He does not come repeating the trite philosophy concerning the universality of pain, but invites us to come unto him and find rest. "]My peace I give unto you. Not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." O, beloved, let us not think of the Master other U\\S thf even was come, they l)r()uj!;lit unto him many that were possessed with devils; and he cast (mt the spirits with his word, and heah.-d all that were sick : that it niijrht be fulfdled which was s])()ken l)y Ivsaias the jnoijlict, say in^. Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknes.ses. (Matt, viii, i6, 17.) But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compas.siou on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. (Matt. i.\. .^/i.) When jesus therefore saw her weep- in<;-, and the Jews also weei)in}? which came with her, he groaned iu the spirit, and was troubled, and said. Where have « ye laid him? They say unto him. Lord, come and .see. Je.sus wept, (John xi, ,VV.i,S-) Comfort for the sick. L-, they brought were possessed ; out tlie spirits <;d all that were fulfilled which he i)roi)het, say- inliruiities, and latt. viii, 1 6, 17.) le multitudes, he assiou on them, (1 were scattered ij; no shejiherd. e saw her weep- » weejjing which ned in the spirit, said. Where have • unto him. Lord, Acpt, (John xi. than as the divine sympathizer with man's weaknesses! That he conld censnre when necessary, his words to the Pharisees and scribes plainly wit- ness. But he had only tenderness in dealing with the weak, the sorrowing, and the sick. Wherever he walked there sprung up flowers whose heavenly perfume brought cheer and succor to the faint and fallen. And he is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever. His promise is, "I will not leave you coiTifortless; I will come to you "—to YOU. To be a perfect Savior, Jesus ran the whole gauntlet of human suffering. He calls upon us to follow his steps. We are commissioned to minister to — II |0R even hereunto were ye called ; be- cause Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps, (i Peter ii, 21.) Bles.sed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort, who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. (2 Cor. i, ■>,, 4.) — 12 — Comfort for the Sick. e called ; be- or us, leaving uld follow his the Father of lie F'ather of all comfort, Lir tribulation, :onifort them )}' the comfort ire comforted all; to cheer and uplift and comfort the suffering everywhere. But this we can not do unless we he prepared for it as was our Lord. To be sons of consolation we must know the fellow- ship of our Lord's suffering. We must drink of his cup and be baptized with his baptism. Sickness, then, we may accept as a part of our schooling for the higher life of service. But sickness has another mission quite as in.portant as that of preparing us to comfort others. Surrounded by a material world, we are in constant danger of becoming materialists un- consciously. Think of the time spent in providing merely for food and cloth- ing. And when these are gained, what - 13- ?(1 MAN can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and de- spise the other. Ye can not serve (iod and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for j-our life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink ; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than tlicy? (Matt, vi, 24-26.) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteou,sness ; and all these things shall be* added unto you. (Matt, vi, 33.) — 14 — CDMFORT FOR THH SlC.K. :rs: for either ive the other ; one, and de- ot serve Ciod I say unto our life, what ill drink; nor ; shall put on. meat, and the old the fowls ot, neither do Lo barns; yet eedeth them, r than tlicy? : kingdom of less; and all led unto you. a struggle there is fur the nuiterial- ities! Observe with what pride, ahiiost veneration, the athlete regards his body. That money-getter worships his pile of gold. The agriculturist looks at his fields of grain and his immense stretches of wood and pasture-land with something more than reverence. These men, whether they admit it or not, are materialists, and of the very worst sort. Suddenly they are pros- trated by a fever. The strong man loses his faith in the flesh, the miser sees no help in his gold, while the earth earthy has no enchantment for the greedy getter of the soil. Though not all worshipers, we are all subject to the influence, of mammon, and the — 15- jffllF, judgments of the Lord arc true and f^ righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the / honeyconil). Moreover by them is thy i servant warned. (I'salnis .\ix, 9-1 1.) niessed is the man whom thou chasten- e.st, () Lord, and teachest him out of thy law. (I'sahns xeiv, 12.) In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider. (l';ccles. vii, 14.) I know, Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness * hast afflicted me. (Psalms cxix, 75.) — 16 — ii COMFOUT roK THR SiCK. are true and to be desired an much fine ancy and the them is tliy :ix, 9-11.) thoii chasten- im out of thv ity be joyful, sity consider. hy judgments n faith fuhiess cxix, 75.) good Father, who knoweth our frame, shatters our idols, so that, losing faith in them, we may at last find all our satisfaction in those things which make for righteousness and everlasting life. It is well to learn also that sickness is God's method of teaching us how to care for these bodies of ours. The child learns to keep away from fire because a burn causes pain. If it were not for the pain, the mortality of children, due to accidents from fire, would be increased a hundred-fold. But fire is only one of many agencies of death, which, together, would soon destroy the whole race were it not for the suffering they cause. From this stand-point, pain, instead of being -17- (? fOK wliich i"Uise vvc faint not; hut though our outward man perish, yet tlie inward man is renewed day hy (Uiy, I'or our lij^ht aflliclion, whicli is hut for a mo- ment, worketh for us a far more exceed- ing and eternal weight of K'^ry; while we look not at the things which are seen. but at the thmtjs which are not seen : for the things which are seen arc tem- poral; but the things which are not seen arc eternal. (2 Cor. iv, 16-1S.) Furthermore, we have had fathers of our (Icsh which corrected us, and we jjave them reverence : shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the I'ather of Spirits, and live? I'or they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for^the present .seem- eth to be joyous, but grietous: neverthe- less, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exerci.sed thereby. (Heb. xii, 9-11.) - 18 — L; hut lhouj,'h ct tlic inwiinl lay. I'or our )Ut for a nio- uiorc cxcct'd- jjlory; whik' ,hich are sccu. arc uot seen . seen are tem- h are not seen had fathers of IS, and we jjave ot much rather the l'"ather of ey verily for a fter their own profit, that we his holiness. .■ present seeni- 'ous: neverthe- 1 the peaceable to them which Heb. xii, 9-11.) COMFORT FOR THE SiCK. looked upon as an evidence of ('.od's anger, may be regarded as a token of his love. Every disease is eloquent in warning. The typhus voices imperfect ventilation and nncleanncss, cholera, impure water, and a polluted atmos- phere. Though regarded as enemies, these and similar diseases are really angels in disguise. The vScriptures, however, clearly re- veal that God uses sickness for higher ends than to teach us merely the laws of nature. I say merely the laws of nature; for, however great may be our obligation to know God's will concern- ing the body, that obligation is small in comparison to that of learning his will with respect to the soul. We — 19— K;NI) one of the ciders answered, saying »uUo nie, What arc these which arc ar- rayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto liim, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to nic. These arc they which came out of K^eat tribula- tion, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore arc they before the throne of (iod, and serve him day and ni^ht in his temple ; and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell anions them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more ; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and (iod shall wipe avvay all tears from their eyes. (Rev. vii, 13-17) — 20 — vered, saying which are ar- whencc came lim, Sir, thou me, These arc i^reat tribula- .•ir robes, and blood of the ;y before the him day and le that sitteth among thenv. more, neither shall the sun leat. For the midst of the nd shall lead ns of waters; all tears from 17) CdMFOKT ti)R TMK SICK. may be sure, therefore, that while God would teach us, through sickuess, les- sons for the body, he is much more concerned in teaching ns lessons which shall help ns to be more and more like those who, coming up through great tribulation, have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Even the machinations of Satan are used o<"ttimes of God for our good. The Adversary smote Job with boils " from the sole of his foot unto his crown." But contrary to the ex- pectation of the Tormentor, that which he supposed would work the overthrow of the servant of God, became the means of bringing him nearer his Creator. " I have heard of thee," said — 21 — I IIAVIv Itarnucl, in whatsoever state I am, 9> therewith to be content. (I'hil. iv, n.) Be content with sucl: things as ye ■ have: for he hatli said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (Heb. xiii, 5.) But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment, let us be therewith content. (I Tim. vi, 6-8.) Bles'.sed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matt. V.3.) — 22 — (,(),\\l iilM I t>l< nil. SICK. cr stutc I am, I'hil. iv, II.) things as ye I will never thte. (Hcb. antentment is It nothing into 1 we can carry ng food and jwith content. in spirit; for leavcn. (Matt. Job, "!)>• the- hearing of the ear, but ,io\v"— now that he had pas.sed through the season of physical sulTering— " mine eye seelh thee." " And the Lord turned the captivity of Job. . Also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his begin- ning." We often wonder why he who loves us so, and who has all power, does not heal us just when we ask him to. That questioning is answered iu the experience of St. Paul. He speaks of a " thorn in the flesh," and though he besought the Lord three times that it might be removed, his prayer was unanswered. But he was -- 2.^ — jND when he was in affliction, he be- sought the Lord his Cod, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers. And prayed unto him : and he was entreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the I.ord he was God. (2 Chron. x.viii, 12, i,v) Before I was afflicted T went astray: but now have I kept thy word. It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. (I'salms cxix, 67, 71.) My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; know- ing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (James i, 2-4.) — 24 — COMFORT FOR THE SlCK. ctioii, liu be- aiul humbled e God of his him : and he lid heard his him aS'iiii t<> fdom. Then I^ord he was went astray: ,' word. It is jeen afflicted; utes. (I'sahiis all joy when itions; know- of your faith let patience lat ye may be ting nothing. assured that grace sufficient would be given him to withstand the trial. " ^lost gladly, therefore," exclaims the apostle, "will I glory in my infirmi- ties, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in neces- sities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake; for whkx I am wkak, THKX a:\t I STRONG. " Tliose who be- lieve the Christian need never be sick forget that sickness is one of the means God employs for purifying his people, and for leading the sinner to re- pentance. Countless saints will testify that through the weakness of the flesh they obtained divine strength, and found resting upon them the power of Christ. — 25- \s any sick among you? let him call for 5 the elders of the church; and let thcni pray over him, anointing hii" with oil in the name of the Lord : and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord .shall raise him uj) ; and if he have com- mitted .sins, they shall be forgiven him. (James v, 14, 15.) ■>!• ■•••«• Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you I'*pai)hroditus, my brother, and com- panion in labor, and fellow soldier, but your mes.seiiger, and he that mini.stered to my wants. I"or he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. l<*or indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but Cod had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, le.st I should have .sorrow upon .sorrow. (Phil, ii, 25-27.) Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the cap- tain of my people. Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee. (2 Kings xx, 5.) -26 — COMFORT FOR THE SICK. him call for and let thcin m with oil in the prayer of md the Lord lie have coni- forgiven him. ary to send to her, and com- ,v soldier, hnt lat ministered ged after you iness, because had been sick. ;h unto death: 11 ; and not on lest I should Phil, ii, 25-27.) ;ekiah the cap- aith the Lord, ather, I have een thy tears: 2 Kings XX, 5.) That we may pray for the removal of disease, the Word plainly teaches. "The prayer of faith shall heal the sick." But the "prayer of faith" is characterized by resignation to the will of God. He who said, "Not as I will, but as thou wilt," has by his example taught us to qualify all our asking by humble submission. Our petitions cease to be prayers when they demand an answer other than our Lord chooses to give. So, when we pray for phys- ical healing, we are to ask in faith that it will be done if that is best. When the thorn in the flesh is not removed, we may be sure that his grace will be all-sufficient to bear it. Christ's prayer in the garden was not answered. The — 27 — :MKRRY heart doctli Rood like a medi- ciiK". but a broken spirit drieth the hones. (I'rov. xvii, 22.) But a certain vSaniarilan, as he jour- nej-ed, came where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, . and went to him, and Ijonnd up his wounds, pouriuR in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and broight him to an inn, and took cakk oi' him. (Luke X, 33, .u) But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them. They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. (Matt, ix, 12.) Luke, the beloved physician. (Col. iv, 1 4-) — 28 — COMFORT FOR THH SICK. ; like a medi- it drieth the in, as he jour- as; and when ission on him, )onnd up his md wine, and ., and 1)ronght CAKK OI" IIIM. 1 that, he said vholc need not ;hat are sick. y.sician. (Col. cup of suffering was not taken away; but there appeared angels from heaven strengthening him. Another charac- teristic of the " prayer of faith " is a willingness on the part of him who offers it to do what he can to render extraordinary and miraculous means unnecessary. The Christian prays, "Thy kingdom come," and does all he can to cause it to come, through the means God has already put into his hands. The saint who in poverty says, "Give us this day our daily bread," believes he ought to use every power with which he is endowed to earn his bread. And when, prostrated with dis- ease, we cry to God for help, we still shall not forget to use what has al- — 29- [hOU wilt shew mc the path of life: in ' thy presence is fnllness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for ever- more. (Psalms xvi, ii.) They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy liglit shall we see ligbt. (P.salms xxxvi, 8, 9.) Blessed are ye that hunger now : for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. (Luke vi, 21.) — 30 — 'I v.,- COMFORT FOR THE SiCK. of life : in joy; at thy res for ever- tly satisfied e; and thou the river of thee is the ;ht shall we 9) a^er now: for are ye that ugh. (Luke ready been put within our reach. We shall not despise the ministrations of him who, as a type of the Good Phy- sician, comes to our bedside, a messen- ger of healing. And when the ordi- nary means shall fail, then we may ask, in full assurance of faith, the use of the extraordinary, assured that he who made us will re-make us, if thereby we may glorify him better. O, believe, thou suffering one, that he who knoweth what is best, the best will give. His presence is pledged for evermore. He giveth himself, and, in giving himself, he giveth all. Be patient awhile. The cloud will break in blessings. Remember that it was a cloud which received the Master after -31- Comfort for the Sick. his parting with the disciples. In clouds he hides himself still. Pres- ently they will break, and the Lord will be revealed. Submit your anxious heart and that tired, pain-racked body wholly to him. Out of the furnace-fire of affliction he will bring the pure gold of the kingdom. One day our pains will end. These bodies, subject now to so many limitations, will be sanctified and glorified. "And God shall wipe away all tears; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall THERE BE ANY MORE PAIN." - 32- .-^As.^r^i^^-^ir.'if.X:-'^ :k. :iples. In till. Pres- . the Lord our anxious acked body furnace-fire g the pure ne day our dies, subject )ns, will be "And God ; and there ither sorrow, h THERE BE