dise. It will be discussed more fully in the Instructor of the Sick and Dying, which, with the blessing of God, shall be presented to the good reader. We shall merely content ourselves, at this time, with a summary discussion of it.
If there is any time that calls more than another for the exercise of Christian charity on the part of one who has it at heart, it is when he is in attendance on the sick and the dying. Then it is that the cause of a whole eternity is to be advocated, and that the issue of life is at stake. Is that a moment to leave the sick man destitute of all seasonable aid, to advance, in a crisis so full of hazard, single-handed to the combat f
Away, then, with all idle and curious lookers-on; but let such good people be present as, by their counsel, their encouragement, and their prayers, may aid the dying person in that arduous conflict, and direct him to a happy departure.
Their principal care, however, should be to secure the exercise of contrition, faith, hope,, charity, and resignation; that is, that the dying person should conceive an earnest sorrow for his sins, and make lively and effectual acts of faith, hope, and love towards God and his neighbour; resign and conform himself wholly to the divine Will; place his fixed reliance on the infinite mercy of God, &c.
There is scattered throughout the Paradise much that will furnish suggestions proper for this object; of which we will note down those portions which occur to us for the good reader's convenience.
Remember, however, that as in sickness the head is weak, arid the reason confused in proportion to the violence of the disease, so ought such suggestions not to be crowded hurriedly together on the mind, but made gradually, gently, and at intervals, that time also may be given for such reflection upon what is said as may turn it to the account of the hearer. Oil poured into a lamp too copiously and impetuously does not feed, but extinguish it. Heavy rain ploughs up or washes away fallow ground; but when it falls gently, by penetrating softly, it moistens and fertilises the soil.
It may easily be seen how much mischief is done to the sick in this particular, when, by reading or talking to them too much, the mind is disturbed by the introduction of matter that is beside, or little to the purpose.
Whoever, then, would employ the Paradise for the benefit of the sick and dying, in addition to what is contained in the seventh Part, may use what fellows:
