Preface HE writer of this book has herself been tried ΤΗ by long years of sickness, and has asked a friend who has had the privilege of ministering to her, to certify his belief, as a clergyman, that these pages are not inconsistent with the teaching of the Church of England, directing her obedient children to the Holy Scriptures-the fountain of true consolation, and showing how to apply them. It was a careful study of the Service for the Visitation of the Sick that first taught her the meaning and the blessings of sickness; and her desire has been, if it may please God, to be instrumental in pointing out to others the same sources of consolation. It only remains. to say, that it is not intended that every part of this book should apply to every case; but it is hoped that something may be gained by many sufferers, in a great variety of cases, from the experience of one who has been called to pass through various stages of trial. Something too of consolation may be found from the discovery that others have felt the same; and something perhaps of additional sympathy obtained for the sick, by the more particular acquaintance of those around them with the nature of their trials. 66 It is chiefly through the instrumentality of these trials that the Lord's people are made like unto Himself. And they are never so truly happy," as when they are learning in that which one of our martyred Reformers called "Christ's Own Sweet School." The name of an individual clergyman can give no authority, scarcely any recommendation, to this book; but it is added at the request of the writer, in token of assent to all that she has written. F. C. MASSINGBERD. S. LEONARD'S-On-Sea, March 20, 185c. |