contrition : If a very contrite man ofFereth himself gladly to all manner afflictions of sickness and punishing of his sins, that he may thereby satisfy God worthily for his offences, much more then every sick man should suffer patiently and gladly his own sickness alone, that is lighter without comparison than many sicknesses that other men suffer; namely[1] that sickness before a man's death is as a purgatory to him, when it is suffered as it ought; that is to understand, if it be suffered patiently, gladly, and with a free and a kind will of heart. For the same clerk Albert saith: We have need to have a free, kind will to God, not only in such things as be to our consolation, but also in such things as be to our affliction. And Saint Gregory saith : Divina dispensatione agitur, ut prolixiori VICIO PROLIXIOR EGRITUDO ADHIBEATUR. It is done by the disposition and rightful ordinance of God that to the longer sin is ordained the longer sickness. And therefore let every sick man, and namely he that shall die, say as Saint Justin said to God : Hic seca, HIS URE, UT IN ETERNAM MICHI PARCAS. Here cut, here burn, so that Thou spare me everlastingly. And Saint Gregory saith : Misericors deus temporalem ADHIBET SEVERITATEM, NE ETERNAM INFERAT ULTIONEM. God that is merciful giveth His chosen children temporal punition here, lest He give them everlasting vengeance elsewhere.
This temptation of impatience fighteth against charity, and without charity may no men be saved. And therefore, as Saint Paul saith : Caritas paciens [1 Cor 13:4]
- ↑ 1 The other MSS. have' sithen.'
