Page:Elizabeth Elstob - An English-Saxon homily on the birth-day of St. Gregory.djvu/90



him that was under the Lash by the Stripes which I feel my self.

So far was the Holy Father from thinking bodily Infirmities a just occasion for excluding Men from ministring in Divine Offices, that he judged it a great Qualification for disposing Men to that Composedness and Seriousness of Temper, that is fittest for Men employ'd in Sacred Things: but those were Times, when a loud Voice, and airy Conversation, and that Easiness and Indifference which is equally concerned for all things or for nothing, were not received and admitted amongst Men for the only Standard of Good Humour and Christian Charity. Studious Men, who macerated their Bodies and impair'd their Health, by Mortification, and Watchings, and Labours, for the Good of the Church, were looked upon as venerable, and to be admir'd by all good Men: and their Prayers and Administrations, who had so little Interest in the World, were thought to have so much greater efficacy in procuring Heavenly Blessings. It is very remarkable that some of the greatest Saints and Men of the most celebrated Virtue and Learning have not always enjoy'd the greatest share of Health. God Almighty intermingling his Blessings and Corrections so as is most for his Glory and our Good. Ill Health is many times a natural Consequence of hard Study, and by an extraordinary Application and Intention of the Mind, the bodily Strength is much enfeebled: And the Goodness of God, which knows always what is best: for Men, when he blesses them with any signal Improvements in Virtue or Learning, is apt to cast in such Interruptions, as may make them remember they are but Men. For this reason St. Paul tells us he had given him a Thorn in the Flesh; such bodily Afflictions, as he knew were the Messengers of Satan to buffet him, lest he should be exalted above measure: But he did not from hence conclude himself unfit for the Ministry; but was resolv'd the more to acquit himself worthy of it, in that he was thought worthy of such a Conflict for the sake of Christ.