Thus, with respect to sickness, we think we can, in addition to quoting passages from prophets and evangelists, show its benefit by living, tangible proofs.

It is something, though we would not lay very great stress on it, that sickness alone enables us to appreciate the blessing of health. When the bodily functions proceed uninterruptedly for a great length of time, the natural result, as we must all feel, is a tendency to forget how highly favored we are. We know that we have a heart, as a fact in anatomy, but we are ignorant of the vast difference between tumultuous throbbings, and a gentle and equal, yet vigorous circulation; we are aware of the existence of a stomach, but, being never troubled with weight, and pain, and nausea, we scarcely ever think of its complicated structure, and its indispensable uses; and so we fall insensibly into a habit of eating, drinking and breathing, and lying down and rising upall as a matter of course, as if we had no particular privileges. How different, however, is it with us, when we have just re

covered from a severe attack of illness. Laying aside our weakness and ailments, we are new beings; going forth from our dreary chamber, we seem to be entering a world grown brighter and happier since we last left it; a keener relish attends our appetite than we had ever before experienced; our hushed and tranquil slumbers form a most delightful contrast to our tedious, wakeful nights; and then, more than all, the first day of our entering among the beauties of nature! never shall we forget the thrill and the glow that have penetrated our whole frame at such a time; the bright and warm sun shining, how cheering and animating is its light! every breath of air (and we seemed to taste it) laden with energy; unnumbered cheerful voices, as it were, welcoming us from hill, and dale, and wood; the pleasant sound of business and of labor greeting us on every side; in a word, every thing touching a cord of sympathy that vibrates through our system, think that we express ourselves too strongly, when we affirm that it is on such occasions

we cannot

that we learn what health is. Many an one in the fullness of his enjoyment has made the confession, and has declared himself to be amply repaid for all that he has endured. What we lay far more stress on, however, is, that as we exclaim, What a glorious world is earth! how genial and invigorating the air! how delicious the products of the soil! how magnificent the clear blue firmament! a thought of our Creator mingles with and hallows our admiration, a fire of devotion is kindled within our bosoms, and the incense of gratitude rises up to Heaven!

From the world without, we now hasten to that world within, where we doubt not we shall be able to point out still deeper and more spiritual manifestations. How are our hearts, minds and consciences affected by sickness? for that, after all, is the main thing.

Our burden of pain and anguish appears too great for us to bear, our hearts sink, we need succor; to whom shall we Christians go but to Jesus, who hath said, "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy

laden, and I will give you rest;" and to whom will he lead us but unto the Father? Thus one unspeakable advantage is that of being drawn near to God. If the blessing of health after recovery raise man's soul towards God, there is something that incites us to far more frequent, and earnest and holy communion we mean want or suffering. It ought not so to be, but so it is,

when most is withheld from us, and not when we are most bountifully supplied, are we most given to thanksgiving. Accordingly, were we asked to point out one in whom the fire of devotion burns most brightly, we should answer, There, in the bosom of that invalid, who praises God more for the fraction of health he is permitted to retain, than yonder robust man, who cannot tell you what indisposition is. If, then, the pale thin face be most frequently turned towards the skies; if the trembling hands be most fervently lifted up; if the weak voice be most tuned to prayer, are the visitations of disease so unnecessary as we are sometimes wont to imagine?

Not only, however, is there the weight of what we endure, there is also a consequent operation of our minds, the apprehension of death, which is likewise very salutary. "It is appointed unto men once to die," is a sentence with which we have been acquainted from our childhood; but to die, to lie down in the quiet grave, are words which we do not realize, till the silver thread of our own lives becomes loosened. What a mighty change is then brought about, as regards our estimation of temporal and eternal interests! Houses, lands, titles, rank, wealth, on which we lay so much stress, all seem bubbles, that may at any moment burst, and for ever; life itself, which appeared all in all, assumes the aspect of a thin vapor, which a ray of the sun, or a breath of wind, may disperse; earth, in which were centered all our plans and operations, is regarded as a simple place of sojourn, a mere land of pilgrimage; and now, upon the ruins of all that we had before deemed great, and solid, and valuable, rise before us in their true loveliness and gran