in_o he_o &_o devotion_n wherewith_o to_o confess_v praise_n &_o follow_v he_o upon_o which_o we_o may_v infer_v that_o they_o be_v already_o good_a man_n and_o in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o so_o this_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v that_o effect_n of_o sickness_n which_o we_o be_v now_o declaringe_v namely_o that_o it_o dispose_v such_o as_o be_v good_a to_o receive_v new_a gift_n from_o god_n and_o to_o better_v they_o and_o perfect_v they_o by_o their_o grow_v in_o virtue_n and_o by_o make_v they_o increase_v in_o merit_n both_o of_o grace_n and_o glory_n the_o bless_a euagrius_n bishop_n of_o antioch_n and_o disciple_n of_o saint_n macharius_fw-la relate_v that_o go_v one_o day_n in_o company_n of_o other_o servant_n of_o god_n to_o visit_v that_o most_o holy_a man_n john_n a_o monk_n of_o egypt_n and_o a_o great_a prophet_n and_o much_o reverence_v by_o the_o emperor_n theodosius_n as_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a saint_n of_o that_o time_n one_o of_o those_o consort_n of_o his_o fell_a sick_a of_o a_o violent_a burn_a fever_n and_o beseech_v the_o saint_n to_o cure_v he_o but_o the_o saint_n make_v he_o answer_v in_o these_o word_n thou_o desire_v to_o drive_v that_o from_o thou_o which_o it_o import_v thou_o for_o the_o good_a of_o thy_o soul_n to_o keep_v for_o know_v that_o as_o body_n be_v wash_v and_o cleanse_v with_o salt-peter_n and_o other_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o do_v so_o become_v more_o beautiful_a and_o more_o please_v to_o the_o eye_n so_o be_v soul_n more_o cleanse_v by_o corporal_a sickness_n &_o make_v more_o beautiful_a and_o acceptable_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n thus_o say_v this_o saint_n and_o this_o be_v the_o effect_n which_o be_v produce_v by_o sickness_n in_o good_a man_n namely_o that_o the_o soul_n grow_v thereby_o in_o purity_n and_o grace_n and_o in_o all_o those_o virtue_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o please_v and_o serve_v god_n and_o let_v we_o now_o cast_v our_o eye_n upon_o some_o other_o example_n which_o may_v declare_v to_o we_o how_o sickness_n make_v man_n become_v instrument_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o so_o his_o power_n and_o goodness_n may_v shine_v more_o in_o they_o when_o christ_n our_o lord_n be_v cure_v the_o man_n who_o be_v bear_v blind_a his_o disciple_n ask_v he_o 10.9_o what_o sin_n it_o be_v which_o have_v cause_v blindness_n in_o that_o man_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o he_o or_o of_o his_o parent_n christ_n our_o lord_n make_v they_o this_o answer_n that_o it_o be_v neither_o for_o he_o nor_o his_o parent_n sin_n but_o to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o work_n of_o god_n may_v be_v manifest_v in_o he_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o neither_o the_o actual_a sin_n of_o he_o nor_o of_o his_o parent_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o be_v bear_v blind_a nor_o be_v that_o blindness_n impose_v on_o he_o in_o punishment_n of_o any_o sin_n which_o either_o his_o parent_n or_o himself_o have_v commit_v but_o he_o be_v bear_v blind_a by_o the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n to_o the_o end_n that_o by_o give_v he_o sight_n the_o world_n may_v grow_v to_o see_v those_o work_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o divinity_n namely_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n by_o his_o proper_a virtue_n which_o may_v testify_v and_o declare_v that_o he_o who_o wrought_v they_o be_v true_a god_n by_o these_o word_n do_v christ_n our_o lord_n discover_v his_o unspeakable_a goodness_n and_o liberality_n and_o most_o sweet_a providence_n which_o sometime_o permit_v small_a inconvenience_n to_o arrive_v to_o the_o body_n thereby_o to_o bestow_v great_a benediction_n upon_o the_o soul_n and_o to_o honour_v his_o servant_n after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n make_v they_o admirable_a instrument_n of_o his_o glory_n as_o he_o proceed_v with_o this_o blind_a man_n who_o he_o make_v blind_a to_o the_o end_n that_o deliver_v he_o by_o this_o miracle_n it_o may_v grow_v public_a that_o himself_o be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o as_o such_o he_o may_v be_v believe_v and_o obey_v and_o glorify_v both_o by_o that_o blind_a man_n who_o receive_v the_o benefit_n and_o by_o all_o those_o other_o also_o who_o will_v profit_v by_o the_o notice_n thereof_o and_o so_o by_o impart_v a_o great_a blessing_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o that_o blind_a man_n by_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n &_o grace_n which_o he_o give_v he_o declare_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o divinity_n let_v we_o produce_v another_o example_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n when_o lazarus_n be_v fall_v sick_a his_o sister_n send_v a_o messenger_n to_o our_o lord_n 10.11_o who_o say_v look_v here_o o_o lord_n for_o he_o who_o thou_o love_v be_v sick_a now_o in_o that_o lazarus_n be_v sick_a be_v so_o good_a a_o man_n and_o so_o much_o belove_v by_o christ_n our_o lord_n we_o be_v teach_v that_o sickness_n be_v a_o great_a gift_n which_o god_n not_o only_o bestow_v upon_o sinner_n for_o their_o conversion_n but_o also_o upon_o just_a and_o holy_a man_n for_o the_o better_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o for_o their_o increase_n in_o grace_n and_o merit_n and_o therefore_o when_o god_n send_v sickness_n it_o shall_v be_v receive_v with_o a_o right_n good_a will_n saint_n augustine_n say_v he_o who_o love_v god_n love_v that_o which_o god_n love_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o he_o love_v corporal_a sickness_n which_o be_v the_o work_n and_o gift_n of_o god_n o_o how_o full_a it_o be_v of_o all_o reason_n that_o a_o man_n who_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n shall_v receive_v that_o sickness_n which_o god_n send_v he_o with_o a_o great_a good_a will_n and_o a_o cheerful_a heart_n if_o a_o man_n be_v sick_a god_n shall_v give_v he_o health_n he_o will_v receive_v it_o very_o ready_o and_o with_o much_o joy_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o yet_o certain_o ought_v he_o to_o receive_v that_o sickness_n wherewith_o god_n visit_v he_o with_o great_a affection_n and_o thanksgiving_n as_o be_v a_o most_o profitable_a gift_n of_o god_n this_o be_v deliver_v by_o saint_n augustine_n and_o although_o it_o be_v true_a that_o for_o the_o point_n of_o not_o sin_v through_o impatience_n it_o suffice_v to_o endure_v and_o bear_v the_o infirmity_n without_o desire_v to_o be_v quit_v of_o it_o by_o unlawful_a mean_n as_o we_o declare_v before_o yet_o to_o gain_v and_o merit_n much_o more_o thereby_o and_o to_o obtain_v great_a gift_n and_o grace_n from_o god_n a_o man_n as_o saint_n augustine_n faith_n must_v receive_v it_o with_o much_o contentment_n and_o with_o a_o very_a affectuous_a manner_n of_o thanksgiving_n and_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o we_o proceed_v after_o this_o manner_n in_o regard_n that_o sickness_n be_v of_o much_o great_a profit_n to_o many_o servant_n of_o god_n than_o health_n will_v be_v and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a gift_n of_o god_n towards_o all_o &_o give_v they_o mean_n of_o much_o spiritual_a good_a and_o for_o this_o reason_n do_v god_n give_v it_o to_o who_o he_o love_v as_o he_o do_v to_o lazarus_n who_o he_o love_v much_o our_o lord_n have_v receive_v this_o message_n from_o the_o two_o fister_n say_v to_o they_o who_o bring_v it_o this_o sickness_n be_v not_o to_o death_n but_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v by_o occasion_n thereof_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o that_o infirmity_n be_v not_o to_o end_v in_o death_n because_o though_o the_o man_n be_v to_o die_v yet_o he_o be_v not_o to_o continue_v dead_a but_o short_o to_o return_v to_o this_o present_a life_n and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o ordain_v for_o his_o death_n but_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o particular_a glory_n of_o god_n to_o which_o it_o be_v ordain_v be_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v by_o occasion_n of_o that_o sickness_n &_o death_n which_o follow_v thereupon_o he_o give_v life_n to_o the_o dead_a man_n &_o perfect_a health_n to_o he_o who_o at_o that_o time_n be_v sick_a &_o so_o he_o be_v know_v by_o mean_n of_o that_o work_n with_o faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n by_o these_o example_n do_v christ_n our_o lord_n discover_v to_o we_o how_o the_o sickness_n of_o his_o servant_n may_v turn_v to_o his_o glory_n which_o happen_v sometime_o by_o his_o free_v they_o from_o their_o infirmity_n and_o from_o the_o danger_n &_o pain_n thereof_o of_o by_o such_o particular_a and_o extraordinary_a mean_n of_o his_o divine_a providence_n as_o great_o serve_v to_o manifest_v the_o love_n and_o care_n which_o he_o have_v of_o they_o and_o invite_v all_o such_o as_o know_v thereof_o to_o praise_n and_o love_n &_o confide_v in_o his_o goodness_n more_o and_o more_o at_o other_o time_n
comfort_v in_o this_o kind_n of_o tribulation_n and_o be_v encourage_v to_o bear_v it_o with_o patience_n resolve_v to_o take_v it_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o resign_v themselves_o to_o his_o divine_a will_n to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v do_v and_o dispose_v of_o they_o as_o shall_v be_v most_o please_v to_o himself_o and_o let_v they_o remain_v firm_o persuade_v in_o their_o very_a heart_n that_o so_o long_o as_o they_o conserve_v a_o hatred_n against_o sin_n and_o a_o firm_a resolution_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o commaundment_n of_o god_n and_o that_o chief_o for_o the_o love_n of_o he_o and_o through_o a_o effectual_a desire_n and_o will_v to_o please_v god_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v ordain_v although_o they_o be_v much_o afflict_v withal_o and_o love_n without_o any_o comfort_n or_o sensible_a feel_n of_o devotion_n yet_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n they_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n they_o walk_v on_o towards_o salvation_n &_o eternal_a life_n they_o be_v please_v to_o god_n by_o their_o good_a work_n and_o he_o will_v never_o abandon_v or_o forsake_v they_o for_o thus_o have_v he_o promise_v to_o such_o as_o with_o love_n persevere_v in_o his_o service_n say_v to_o every_o one_o of_o they_o as_o he_o say_v josue_n 1._o and_o heb._n 13._o i_o will_v not_o forsake_v thou_o nor_o take_v my_o hand_n off_o from_o thy_o defence_n the_o xii_o chapter_n of_o the_o necessity_n and_o fruit_n of_o patience_n and_o how_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o elect_a and_o predestinate_v of_o god_n by_o many_o way_n do_v christ_n our_o lord_n declare_v the_o great_a fruit_n and_o merit_n of_o patience_n in_o his_o holy_a gospel_n first_o by_o have_v ordain_v that_o tribulation_n and_o adversity_n shall_v be_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n which_o can_v be_v well_o bear_v and_o without_o disaduamtage_n to_o the_o soul_n but_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o patience_n this_o ordination_n of_o his_o do_v he_o discover_v to_o we_o in_o that_o himself_o be_v come_v into_o this_o world_n to_o save_v it_o and_o to_o restore_v man_n to_o the_o grace_n &_o glory_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n which_o man_n have_v lose_v by_o sin_n he_o be_v please_v that_o his_o most_o holy_a life_n shall_v be_v assault_v and_o exercise_v from_o the_o first_o instant_n of_o his_o birth_n to_o the_o last_o when_o he_o expire_v upon_o the_o cross_n by_o many_o persecution_n &_o adversity_n of_o many_o kind_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o simeon_n luc._n 2._o when_o take_v the_o infant_n jesus_n into_o his_o arm_n he_o say_v to_o the_o virgin_n this_o infant_n shall_v be_v set_v up_o for_o a_o sign_n which_o shall_v be_v contradict_v christ_n our_o lord_n be_v the_o sign_n of_o man_n reconciliation_n to_o god_n and_o of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o eternal_a life_n for_o christ_n our_o lord_n wrought_v all_o this_o and_o as_o a_o cause_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o effect_n so_o christ_n our_o lord_n be_v the_o sign_n of_o all_o the_o good_a which_o come_v to_o man_n and_o of_o that_o mercy_n and_o love_n which_o god_n show_v he_o but_o yet_o withal_o he_o be_v a_o sign_n contradict_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o by_o the_o world_n a_o sign_n he_o be_v against_o which_o all_o the_o lover_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o malign_a spirit_n do_v by_o their_o mean_n dart_v forth_o the_o arrow_n of_o persecution_n of_o injury_n of_o torment_n and_o contradiction_n both_o in_o word_n &_o deed_n this_o be_v that_o way_n which_o christ_n our_o lord_n choose_v for_o himself_o in_o this_o world_n and_o since_o all_o the_o elect_a and_o predestinate_v of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v like_o christ_n our_o lord_n as_o saint_n paul_n ro._n 8._o declare_v say_v they_o who_o god_n elect_v and_o approve_v from_o all_o eternity_n he_o ordain_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v like_o his_o son_n who_o be_v the_o perfect_a image_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n it_o follow_v that_o they_o all_o must_v walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o tribulation_n and_o adversity_n as_o christ_n our_o lord_n do_v to_o the_o end_n that_o be_v partaker_n of_o his_o passion_n they_o may_v also_o partake_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n &_o the_o glory_n of_o be_v king_n in_o heaven_n this_o be_v explicate_v by_o saint_n gregory_n in_o these_o word_n he_o ask_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n afflict_v and_o abase_v they_o in_o this_o life_n impose_v contempt_n and_o pain_n upon_o they_o who_o he_o have_v elect_v from_o all_o eternity_n to_o become_v so_o very_o high_a and_o glorious_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o he_o answer_v his_o own_o question_n thus_o because_o god_n see_v that_o he_o be_v to_o recompense_v and_o reward_v man_n with_o such_o immense_a and_o eternal_a benediction_n in_o heaven_n for_o this_o very_a cause_n do_v he_o afflict_v they_o concern_v these_o inferior_a thing_n of_o the_o earth_n deprive_v they_o of_o thing_n of_o small_a value_n and_o inflict_a pain_n upon_o they_o which_o last_v not_o long_o since_o therefore_o it_o be_v so_o certain_o true_a that_o a_o man_n can_v not_o bear_v the_o adversity_n of_o this_o life_n to_o the_o profit_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o with_o the_o fruit_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o eternal_a glory_n but_o by_o fortify_v his_o heart_n through_o the_o the_o virtue_n of_o patience_n it_o follow_v that_o patience_n be_v that_o thing_n which_o carry_v man_n on_o with_o security_n and_o certainty_n through_o the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n which_o be_v that_o of_o tribulation_n and_o that_o consequent_o the_o same_o patience_n be_v the_o mark_n of_o such_o as_o be_v elect_v and_o predestinate_v by_o almighty_a god_n for_o all_o man_n both_o good_a and_o bad_a have_v adversity_n &_o tribulation_n in_o this_o lâ—…_n though_o some_o more_o than_o other_o and_o therefore_o the_o only_o have_v they_o be_v no_o sign_n of_o predestination_n but_o the_o suffer_v they_o with_o patience_n that_o indeed_o be_v the_o sign_n which_o distinguish_v they_o who_o be_v elect_v and_o predestinate_v from_o such_o other_o as_o be_v not_o so_o this_o do_v holy_a judith_n lib._n jud._n c._n â—_o confess_v say_v that_o all_o they_o who_o have_v be_v please_v to_o god_n have_v pass_v faithful_o through_o many_o tribulation_n he_o say_v not_o that_o they_o only_o have_v tribulation_n but_o that_o they_o persevere_v faithful_a therein_o to_o god_n and_o obedient_a to_o his_o divine_a will_n which_o signify_v that_o they_o exercise_v true_a patience_n in_o their_o tribulation_n this_o very_a ordination_n do_v our_o lord_n discover_v also_o in_o that_o be_v able_a to_o cast_v all_o those_o damn_a spirit_n into_o the_o bottomless_a abyss_n of_o hell_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o shut_v up_o there_o till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n without_o give_v then_o power_n to_o go_v once_o out_o from_o thence_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o so_o but_o allow_v they_o liberty_n to_o go_v forth_o &_o to_o remain_v in_o the_o air_n among_o man_n though_o yet_o withal_o for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v themselves_o they_o carry_v the_o very_a pain_n of_o hell_n about_o they_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o testimony_n in_o the_o gospel_n for_o christ_n our_o lord_n be_v in_o the_o company_n of_o the_o gerasen_n luc._n 8._o and_o have_v cast_v a_o legion_n of_o devil_n out_o of_o a_o certain_a man_n they_o beseech_v he_o not_o to_o cast_v they_o into_o hell_n which_o he_o grant_v &_o so_o he_o give_v they_o liberty_n to_o possess_v a_o hear_v of_o swine_n which_o they_o drown_v and_o that_o liberty_n which_o our_o lord_n give_v to_o those_o devil_n to_o remain_v here_o among_o man_n he_o allow_v to_o innumerable_a other_o &_o he_o do_v it_o to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v assault_v man_n with_o several_a temptation_n that_o so_o they_o may_v exercise_v patience_n and_o humility_n by_o suffer_v their_o attempt_n and_o by_o overcome_v the_o persecution_n of_o the_o devil_n so_o say_v saint_n chrysostome_n the_o devil_n desire_v of_o christ_n our_o lord_n that_o he_o will_v not_o cast_v they_o down_o into_o that_o bottom_n that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o world_n into_o that_o darkness_n and_o abyss_n of_o hell_n as_o the_o devil_n have_v deserve_v and_o our_o lord_n forbear_v to_o cast_v they_o down_o and_o suffer_v they_o to_o remain_v in_o this_o world_n to_o the_o end_n that_o virtuous_a man_n may_v not_o loose_v those_o crown_n of_o glory_n which_o they_o be_v to_o gain_v by_o resist_v those_o devil_n and_o by_o fight_v with_o they_o and_o overcome_v their_o temptation_n since_o therefore_o for_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o persecution_n &_o vexation_n of_o devil_n &_o resist_v their_o temptation_n and_o continue_v in_o combat_n against_o
from_o sin_n a_o admirable_a mercy_n of_o god_n iâ—_n this_o and_o a_o most_o singular_a testimony_n of_o his_o love_n and_o of_o the_o most_o ardent_a desire_n which_o he_o have_v of_o our_o salvation_n for_o man_n be_v forgetful_a of_o himself_o and_o careless_a of_o his_o salvation_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o virtue_n love_v vice_n &_o not_o walk_v on_o towards_o heaven_n but_o towards_o hell_n almighty_a god_n be_v please_v to_o visit_v he_o with_o sickness_n and_o tribulation_n against_o his_o will_n whereby_o he_o make_v he_o enter_v into_o himself_o and_o to_o abhor_v the_o sin_n which_o he_o love_v before_o and_o to_o forsake_v the_o way_n of_o hell_n wherein_o he_o be_v go_v and_o to_o pursue_v the_o way_n of_o heaven_n which_o he_o have_v leave_v and_o to_o fly_v from_o many_o sin_n into_o which_o former_o he_o have_v fall_v this_o be_v that_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o saint_n isidorus_n ponder_v say_v almighty_a god_n see_v that_o many_o man_n will_v not_o reform_v themselves_o upon_o the_o motion_n and_o at_o the_o instance_n of_o their_o own_o will_n send_v they_o adversity_n that_o be_v trouble_v &_o afflict_a they_o may_v be_v amend_v and_o so_o grow_v to_o love_v those_o thing_n which_o former_o they_o love_v not_o and_o find_v that_o some_o be_v so_o incline_v and_o prompt_v to_o sin_n he_o scourge_v they_o with_o infirmity_n of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v give_v it_o over_o and_o he_o leave_v they_o sick_a because_o it_o be_v better_a for_o they_o to_o be_v break_v by_o sickness_n and_o pain_n and_o so_o to_o obtain_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n then_o to_o live_v full_a of_o health_n and_o full_a of_o sin_n and_o so_o to_o walk_v on_o towards_o hell_n this_o be_v the_o say_n of_o saint_n isidorus_n and_o because_o sickness_n do_v not_o produce_v so_o excellent_a and_o divine_a effect_n in_o all_o christian_n to_o take_v away_o their_o former_a sin_n and_o to_o hinder_v such_o as_o be_v future_a but_o only_o in_o some_o who_o when_o they_o be_v sick_a do_v enter_v serious_o into_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o have_v contrition_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o change_v their_o life_n it_o be_v therefore_o necessary_a for_o all_o man_n upon_o observe_v that_o they_o be_v sick_a to_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o their_o soul_n &_o to_o examine_v their_o conscience_n well_o and_o to_o consider_v serious_o of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o may_v give_v impediment_n to_o their_o salvation_n and_o confess_v their_o sin_n with_o sorrow_n give_v a_o faithful_a account_n of_o all_o to_o their_o ghostly_a father_n &_o instant_o put_v all_o thing_n in_o order_n with_o great_a diligence_n which_o concern_v the_o amendment_n and_o reformation_n of_o their_o life_n lest_o otherwise_o that_o sickness_n which_o god_n do_v send_v a_o man_n with_o love_n and_o mercy_n and_o to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v be_v cleanse_v from_o sin_n and_o so_o be_v save_v do_v not_o grow_v to_o serve_v but_o as_o a_o preface_n and_o beginning_n of_o those_o endless_a torment_n which_o be_v to_o be_v suffeby_o he_o in_o the_o next_o life_n as_o it_o will_v be_v to_o all_o they_o who_o will_v not_o profit_v by_o the_o sickness_n which_o god_n send_v so_o say_v the_o same_o saint_n the_o scourge_n of_o adversity_n and_o tribulation_n do_v then_o cleanse_v the_o soul_n from_o sin_n when_o the_o man_n change_v his_o manner_n of_o life_n for_o unless_o he_o change_v his_o life_n his_o sin_n remain_v where_o they_o be_v so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n every_o scourge_n &_o adversity_n which_o god_n send_v a_o man_n in_o this_o life_n be_v either_o to_o be_v as_o a_o spiritual_a purgatory_n for_o his_o sin_n commit_v and_o of_o the_o penalty_n to_o which_o he_o be_v subject_a for_o the_o same_o or_o else_o it_o will_v serve_v for_o a_o beginning_n of_o that_o other_o pain_n which_o he_o be_v to_o suffer_v afterward_o for_o certain_o the_o pain_n and_o torment_n which_o be_v eternal_o to_o be_v suffer_v by_o some_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v be_v begin_v to_o be_v suffer_v some_o of_o they_o even_o in_o this_o life_n the_o truth_n which_o this_o holy_a doctor_n have_v draw_v out_o of_o holy_a scripture_n carry_v great_a force_n with_o it_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n therein_o do_v teach_v we_o and_o confirm_v by_o the_o example_n of_o many_o sinner_n that_o god_n do_v scourge_v they_o with_o great_a infirmity_n and_o because_o they_o profit_v not_o thereby_o they_o pass_v on_o from_o temporal_a pain_n and_o death_n to_o eternal_a and_o this_o aught_o to_o move_v we_o much_o to_o receive_v any_o sickness_n as_o a_o most_o precious_a gift_n of_o god_n and_o to_o give_v he_o great_a thanks_n for_o it_o and_o to_o profit_v by_o it_o make_v a_o change_n of_o our_o life_n to_o the_o better_a to_o the_o end_n that_o be_v clear_a both_o of_o guilt_n and_o pain_n we_o may_v make_v a_o short_a and_o certain_a entry_n into_o eternal_a life_n and_o so_o that_o may_v be_v fulfil_v in_o we_o which_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la chap._n 3_o say_v a_o great_a infirmity_n of_o the_o body_n make_v a_o man_n mind_n sober_a that_o be_v it_o clear_v it_o from_o sin_n and_o do_v moderate_a and_o justify_v it_o in_o all_o thing_n the_o viii_o chapter_n of_o other_o great_a benefit_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o corporal_a infirmity_n when_o they_o be_v bear_v with_o patience_n beside_o this_o so_o excellent_a effect_n of_o cleanse_v and_o free_v the_o soul_n from_o sin_n infirmity_n of_o the_o body_n use_v to_o produce_v diverse_a other_o which_o be_v very_o high_a &_o of_o incomparable_a benefit_n which_o dispose_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o end_n that_o it_o may_v receive_v gift_n from_o god_n &_o that_o it_o may_v better_o and_o perfect_v itself_o more_o in_o virtue_n and_o increase_v in_o merit_n and_o that_o it_o may_v praise_v and_o glorify_v almighty_a god_n more_o and_o that_o a_o man_n may_v so_o become_v a_o particular_a instrument_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o shine_v in_o he_o either_o by_o his_o free_v he_o from_o that_o sickness_n with_o particular_a providence_n and_o love_n or_o by_o give_v he_o admirable_a virtue_n and_o strength_n whereby_o to_o endure_v it_o with_o so_o great_a patience_n that_o it_o may_v be_v see_v how_o it_o be_v god_n who_o help_v he_o to_o endure_v so_o much_o and_o with_o so_o good_a a_o will_n in_o contemplation_n of_o eternal_a life_n those_o blind_a man_n to_o who_o christ_n our_o lord_n give_v their_o sight_n at_o his_o entry_n and_o issue_n out_o of_o the_o city_n of_o lericho_n luc._n 18_o mat._n 20._o have_v neither_o see_v his_o miracle_n nor_o hear_v his_o doctrine_n but_o have_v only_o meet_v with_o the_o fame_n of_o the_o wonderful_a thing_n which_o he_o do_v and_o of_o the_o mercy_n which_o he_o use_v towards_o all_o and_o thereby_o they_o grow_v to_o believe_v in_o he_o with_o so_o great_a faith_n and_o devotion_n that_o before_o all_o those_o troop_n which_o follow_v he_o they_o do_v with_o great_a cry_n confess_v he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n say_v jesus_n thou_o son_n of_o david_n have_v mercy_n on_o us._n and_o after_o when_o they_o receive_v their_o sight_n they_o follow_v our_o lord_n praise_v and_o glorify_v god_n many_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a man_n of_o the_o people_n have_v hear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n our_o lord_n and_o see_v his_o miracle_n with_o their_o own_o eye_n &_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o embrace_v his_o faith_n nor_o have_v they_o be_v move_v by_o his_o work_n to_o glorify_v almighty_a god_n while_o yet_o these_o blind_a man_n by_o the_o only_a fame_n of_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n our_o lord_n which_o have_v come_v to_o their_o ear_n receive_v his_o faith_n and_o glorify_v and_o confess_v our_o lord_n and_o the_o cause_n thereof_o be_v in_o regard_n that_o the_o blindenes_n and_o poverty_n of_o these_o man_n make_v they_o more_o capable_a and_o better_o dispose_v to_o consent_v to_o those_o divine_a inspiration_n wherewith_o christ_n our_o lord_n touch_v their_o heart_n and_o call_v they_o to_o receive_v the_o light_n of_o faith_n which_o christ_n our_o lord_n offer_v they_o as_o also_o to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o fire_n of_o divine_a love_n may_v more_o easy_o inflame_v their_o soul_n with_o true_a devotion_n and_o move_v they_o to_o glorify_v the_o divine_a majesty_n the_o gospel_n express_v not_o that_o christ_n our_o lord_n do_v pardon_v their_o sin_n or_o that_o he_o bid_v they_o sin_n no_o more_o as_o he_o have_v do_v to_o other_o sick_a person_n but_o that_o he_o give_v they_o light_n both_o in_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v see_v and_o believe_v
saint_n peter_n comfort_v we_o say_v 1._o pet._n 4._o do_v you_o great_o rejoice_v since_o you_o communicate_v with_o christ_n our_o lord_n in_o his_o affliction_n and_o pain_n by_o suffer_v in_o imitation_n of_o he_o to_o the_o end_n that_o when_o after_o this_o life_n the_o glory_n of_o christ_n our_o lord_n shall_v be_v manifest_v in_o heaven_n you_o may_v also_o be_v make_v partaker_n thereof_o and_o may_v exult_v in_o that_o supreme_a and_o everlasting_a joy_n become_v like_o he_o in_o glory_n as_o you_o have_v be_v in_o pain_n the_o xi_o chapter_n of_o the_o patience_n wherewith_o discomfort_n and_o spiritual_a desolation_n be_v to_o be_v endure_v and_o of_o the_o example_n which_o christ_n our_o lord_n give_v hereof_o these_o ordinary_a evil_n of_o pain_n of_o the_o remedy_n whereof_o we_o have_v already_o speak_v such_o as_o be_v loss_n of_o good_n and_o sickness_n be_v common_a both_o to_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a but_o there_o be_v another_o evil_n of_o pain_n which_o usual_o do_v only_o happen_v to_o such_o as_o be_v good_a and_o for_o the_o endure_v whereof_o they_o stand_v in_o great_a necessity_n to_o learn_v patience_n from_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n our_o lord_n this_o evil_a be_v those_o discomfort_n and_o dryness_n and_o spiritual_a affliction_n which_o god_n be_v wont_v sometime_o to_o impose_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o such_o as_o do_v most_o cordial_o serve_v he_o to_o the_o end_n that_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o patience_n and_o humility_n they_o may_v grow_v up_o in_o virtue_n and_o serve_v he_o better_o when_o a_o servant_n of_o god_n who_o love_v he_o much_o do_v treat_v and_o converse_v with_o he_o by_o mean_n of_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n and_o contemplation_n and_o gu_v much_o in_o that_o familiar_a communication_n &_o commerce_n with_o god_n he_o find_v by_o experience_n the_o unspeakable_a dear_a sweetness_n of_o his_o love_n he_o enjoy_v a_o most_o lively_a feel_n of_o his_o presence_n his_o goodness_n and_o his_o mercy_n &_o he_o possess_v a_o most_o evident_a and_o joyful_a hope_n and_o very_o entire_a promptitude_n of_o devotion_n now_o it_o happen_v sometime_o that_o this_o man_n remain_v in_o this_o spiritual_a paradise_n and_o pass_v there_o a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o pilgrimage_n in_o this_o life_n god_n do_v so_o ordain_v concern_v he_o not_o only_o sometime_o but_o very_o often_o and_o long_o together_o that_o enable_v he_o still_o to_o maintain_v and_o hold_v the_o substantial_a part_n of_o his_o love_n which_o consist_v in_o love_v that_o which_o he_o love_v above_o all_o thing_n and_o in_o take_v contentment_n therein_o and_o in_o yield_a obedience_n to_o his_o commaundment_n and_o in_o carry_v a_o hatred_n against_o all_o sin_n and_o in_o use_v diligence_n to_o avoid_v they_o &_o in_o be_v watchful_a and_o attentive_a in_o the_o perform_n of_o all_o good_a work_n enable_v a_o man_n i_o say_v to_o do_v all_o this_o god_n yet_o deprive_v he_o of_o the_o experimental_a knowledge_n &_o gust_n which_o he_o have_v of_o he_o and_o of_o his_o goodness_n and_o of_o the_o sweet_a feel_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o of_o the_o facility_n and_o ease_n which_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o find_v in_o treat_v and_o communicate_v with_o he_o and_o the_o readiness_n of_o his_o devotion_n and_o the_o joy_n which_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o take_v in_o his_o hope_n and_o though_o that_o soul_n remain_v still_o in_o grace_n and_o friendship_n with_o god_n and_o with_o a_o firm_a determination_n ever_o to_o serve_v he_o and_o never_o to_o offend_v he_o yet_o be_v it_o dry_v withal_o and_o sad_a and_o uncomfortable_a and_o full_a of_o fear_n and_o assault_v by_o dismay_v &_o doubt_n and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o this_o soul_n have_v lose_v nothing_o in_o point_n of_o virtue_n or_o of_o the_o merit_n which_o it_o have_v or_o of_o the_o love_n wherewith_o it_o love_v god_n and_o be_v belove_v by_o he_o yet_o in_o find_v itself_o so_o alter_v it_o fear_v least_o it_o shall_v be_v hate_v and_o abandon_v by_o almighty_a god_n this_o be_v the_o great_a tribulation_n and_o affliction_n to_o which_o good_a man_n be_v subject_a in_o this_o life_n &_o that_o which_o they_o apprehend_v most_o and_o christ_n our_o lord_n discover_v both_o the_o inconvenience_n and_o the_o remedy_n in_o the_o holy_a gospel_n the_o apostle_n be_v full_a of_o comfort_n in_o the_o society_n of_o christ_n our_o lord_n matt._n 14._o maro_n 6._o enjoy_v the_o suavity_n &_o regalo_n of_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o presence_n of_o the_o hear_n his_o doctrine_n and_o of_o the_o favour_n &_o privilege_v of_o his_o miracle_n and_o our_o lord_n have_v once_o wrought_v that_o miracle_n of_o the_o five_o loaf_n of_o bread_n whereby_o he_o have_v so_o particular_o give_v they_o comfort_n and_o do_v they_o honour_n he_o separate_v they_o from_o himself_o command_v they_o to_o embark_v themselves_o without_o he_o and_o that_o so_o they_o shall_v transport_v themselves_o to_o the_o other_o side_n of_o that_o sea_n the_o apostle_n find_v this_o to_o be_v a_o very_a untoward_a and_o unpleasing_a business_n and_o notwithstanding_o that_o they_o obey_v yet_o they_o do_v it_o with_o great_a repugnance_n the_o thing_n be_v much_o against_o their_o mind_n this_o be_v note_v by_o the_o evangelist_n say_v he_o compel_v and_o constrain_v his_o disciple_n that_o they_o shall_v enter_v upon_o the_o ship_n without_o he_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v he_o make_v they_o enter_v perforce_o and_o much_o against_o their_o will_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o repugnance_n in_o they_o be_v first_o because_o they_o will_v fain_o not_o have_v want_v that_o sweet_a presence_n of_o christ_n our_o lord_n which_o they_o do_v so_o deat_o love_v for_o so_o say_v saint_n chrisostome_n our_o lord_n constrain_v his_o disciple_n in_o regard_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o very_o hard_o for_o they_o to_o depart_v from_o he_o which_o grow_v without_o doubt_n from_o that_o great_a ardour_n of_o affection_n which_o they_o carry_v towards_o he_o another_o reason_n thereof_o may_v be_v the_o fear_n they_o have_v least_o want_v his_o presence_n and_o favour_n some_o trouble_n or_o danger_n may_v happen_v to_o they_o at_o sea_n and_o thus_o also_o say_v saint_n hierome_n the_o disciple_n have_v reason_n to_o depart_v unwilling_o &_o with_o much_o repugnance_n from_o our_o lord_n for_o fear_v least_o in_o his_o absence_n they_o may_v sustain_v some_o hurt_n or_o incur_v some_o hazard_n by_o sea_n the_o disciple_n be_v depart_v from_o our_o lord_n and_o be_v embark_v and_o already_o under_o sail_n there_o rise_v a_o stiff_a and_o contrary_a wind_n which_o make_v they_o a_o high_a sea_n and_o bring_v a_o great_a storm_n upon_o they_o the_o disciple_n row_v hard_a but_o can_v not_o advance_v their_o back_n a_o whit_n and_o so_o pass_v the_o rest_n of_o that_o day_n and_o all_o the_o night_n follow_v in_o great_a labour_n and_o hazard_n till_o at_o length_n towards_o the_o morning_n our_o lord_n do_v visit_v and_o comfort_v they_o &_o make_v the_o tempest_n cease_v by_o this_o difficulty_n the_o disciple_n know_v their_o own_o weakness_n &_o the_o great_a need_n which_o they_o have_v of_o our_o lord_n and_o so_o they_o desire_v his_o presence_n much_o the_o more_o and_o when_o he_o have_v visit_v they_o &_o free_v they_o from_o that_o danger_n they_o grow_v more_o in_o faith_n &_o hope_n and_o love_n of_o he_o and_o so_o cast_v themselves_o all_o prostrate_a at_o his_o foot_n they_o cry_v thus_o out_o with_o a_o more_o feruorous_a faith_n and_o with_o more_o entire_a devotion_n thou_o be_v certain_o the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o the_o departure_n which_o christ_n our_o lord_n cause_v his_o disciple_n to_o make_v from_o he_o against_o their_o will_n he_o teach_v we_o how_o sometime_o he_o will_v part_n his_o faithful_a &_o great_a friend_n who_o serve_v he_o and_o love_v he_o and_o have_v much_o gust_n in_o his_o presence_n from_o that_o dear_a company_n of_o he_o not_o for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o friendship_n which_o he_o bear_v they_o nor_o for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o state_n of_o grace_n wherein_o they_o live_v but_o only_o concern_v the_o sweet_a comunication_n which_o they_o have_v with_o he_o and_o the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n which_o they_o feel_v by_o his_o presence_n and_o this_o he_o do_v very_o much_o against_o their_o will_n but_o howsoever_o he_o do_v it_o yet_o for_o their_o good_a to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v grow_v to_o understand_v their_o weakness_n better_o and_o what_o poor_a thing_n they_o will_v be_v without_o god_n &_o may_v become_v more_o humble_a and_o distrustful_a of_o themselves_o and_o exercise_v themselves_o more_o in_o patience_n and_o have_v a_o great_a desire_n and_o make_v a_o great_a estimation_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o