The Practice of the Presence of God the Best Rule of a Holy Life by Herman Nicholas
page 36 of 42 (85%)
page 36 of 42 (85%)
|
I wish you could convince yourself that GOD is often (in some sense) nearer to us, and more effectually present with us, in sickness than in health. Rely upon no other Physician; for, according to my apprehension, He reserves your cure to Himself. Put, then, all your trust in Him, and you will soon find the effects of it in your recovery, which we often retard by putting greater confidence in physic than in GOD. Whatever remedies you make use of, they will succeed only so far as He permits. When pains come from GOD, He only can cure them. He often sends diseases of the body to cure those of the soul. Comfort yourself with the sovereign Physician both of the soul and body. Be satisfied with the condition in which GOD places you: however happy you may think me, I envy you. Pains and sufferings would be a paradise to me while I should suffer with my GOD; and the greatest pleasures would be hell to me if I could relish them without Him. All my consolation would be to suffer something for His sake. I must, in a little time, go to GOD. What comforts me in this life is, that I now see Him _by faith_; and I see Him in such a manner as might make me say sometimes, _I believe no more, but I see_. I feel what faith teaches us, and in that assurance and that practice of faith, I will live and die with Him. Continue then always with GOD: it is the only support and comfort for your affliction. I shall beseech Him to be with you. I present my service. |
|