But, lastly, remember what I told you before, that the cholera being
a visitation means that God, by it, has been visiting our hearts,
knocking loudly at them that He may awaken us, and teach us a lesson.
And be sure that in the cholera, and this our own parish fever, there
is a lesson for each and every one of us if we will learn it. To the
simple poor man, first and foremost, God means by the cholera to
teach the simple lesson of cleanliness; to the house-owner He means
to teach that each man is his brother's keeper, and responsible for
his property not being a nest of disease; to rulers it is intended to
teach the lesson that God's laws cannot be put off to suit their
laziness, cowardice, or party squabbles. But beside that, to each
person, be sure such a visitation as this brings some private lesson.
Perhaps it has taught many a widow that she has a Friend stronger and
more loving than even the husband whom she has lost by the
pestilence--the God of the widow and the fatherless. Perhaps it has
taught many a strong man not to trust in his strength and his youth,
but in the God who gave them to him. Perhaps it has taught many a
man, too, who has expected public authorities to do everything for
him, "not to put his trust in princes, nor in any child of man, for
there is no help in them," but to hear God's advice, "Help thyself
and God will help thee.
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