conceived, it bringeth forth sin, but sin, when it is completed, begetteth death." (James i. 15.) The infirmity of our nature is an incentive to sin, but injures no one but those who willingly yield to it. In regard to those who resist and fight manfully, this infirmity will increase their merit. " Gladly, therefore," writes St. Paul, " will I glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may dwell in me." (2 Cor. xii. 9.)
II. " His sisters therefore sent to Him saying, Lord, behold he whom Thou lovest is sick." (John xi. 3.) They do not prescribe to Him what they wish Him to do; to a loving friend it is sufficient to intimate our necessities. Such ought to be the nature of our prayers, particularly in regard to health and other temporal blessings, for we do not know in such cases what is expedient for our salvation. Christ did not immediately go, but delayed two whole days, to exercise their faith and patience, and to render the miracle more notable. So He often acts with you; " the labor of the combat," says St. Gregory, " is prolonged, in order that the crown may be greater."
III. Some attempted to dissuade Christ from returning into Judea, to cure Lazarus, because the Jews had sought for him to stone him to death. "Then, Thomas said to his fellow disciples, let us also go, that we may die with him." Such ought to be the zeal and courage of apostolical men: they ought to contemn every danger, and even life itself, when the good of souls and the glory of God are in question. You ought often to make such fervent acts as these, in order that if persecution rise against you, you may be able " to stand in the day of battle" (Ps. cxxxii. 9), and to say with St. Paul, " Neither do I count my life more precious than myself." (Acts xx. 24.)
