admirable consolation, though difficult, not to understand, but to receive well; for it invites us to delight in afflictions.
Saint James observed this rule, with the other Apostles. “Count it,” says he, “all joy when ye fall into divers temptations, knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience; but let patience have her perfect work.” (St James, chap. i.) Truly it is difficult to rejoice thus with an unshaken heart, and to consider all trials as subjects for rejoicing: it is easy to say, but difficult to do it. He who was the most patient and the most intrepid, who knew that he should rise again the third day, should vanquish his enemies by his death, and redeem his elect from condemnation, was, nevertheless, troubled in mind after the Last Supper, and cried, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death.” The Gospel informs us that he groaned and trembled; that an angel comforted him in his agony; and that his sweat was, as it were, great drops of blood falling down to the ground. But, in his agony, he said to his disciples: “Let not your heart be troubled; for I shall be with you to the end of the world.”
And his valiant soldiers, their eyes fixed upon their Chief, the King of Glory, have endured a great combat. They have passed through fire and water, and have not perished; and have received from the Lord that crown, alluded to by St James, when he says, “Blessed is the
