Preparation for Death.— II. For the Sick.
I. Sickness is the usual warning of death. Every one should therefore most carefully foresee what will be most expedient for him, in that state, to make a secure and a happy exit from this world. He must first acknowledge that sickness and pain are sent by a most loving Father, to expiate his sin or to increase and try his virtue. Because thou wast acceptable to God," said the angel to Tobias, " it was necessary that temptation should prove thee." (Tob. xii. 13.) Let him therefore give God thanks for his sickness, since by it he is warned of his approaching death, and has time to prepare for it.
II. What ought a sick man to do by way of immediate preparation for death: 1. He must purify his soul from all sin, by a sincere confession (a general confession in such a case is very advantageous). 2. He must resign himself entirely to God in regard to life or death. 3. He must foresee the occasions in which he may have to suffer, either in consequence of the violence of his disease or the negligence of his attendants, and arm his mind against temptations to impatience in these cases. 4. He must procure the reading of good books. 5. He must make frequent ejaculations to Heaven. 6. He must often call to mind the sufferings of Christ. 7. He must recommend himself to the Blessed Virgin and his patron Saints. 8. He must frequently make acts of faith, hope, love, and contrition.
III. When his danger increases he must call in time for the last helps of the Church, in order that he may receive them with more devotion. After this he must dilate his heart, and long for the meeting of his heavenly spouse. " Behold the bridegroom cometh : go ye forth
