36 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT. 



stances of declining strength, of long continued or oft returning 

 pain, and isolation from all the habits and excitements of 

 accustomed duties. The nervous depression which chronic 

 illness naturally induces, often leads an invalid to take a 

 more gloomy view of his condition than the facts will justify. 

 Of course there are cases where a reasonable hope of 

 recovery can no longer be entertained ; and in all cases of 

 protracted illness it is the duty of a Christian to prepare for 

 the most solemn issue, that it may be also the most welcome 

 and most blessed. But there are special reasons, derived 

 from the inherent powers of the system, and amply confirmed 

 by experience, which afford sufficient ground for a chastened 

 hope, even in circumstances of undoubted gravity. The 

 chief illustrations of this are found in connection with one 

 of the most formidable complaints which afflict humanity 

 Consumption. Pathological facts show that recovery from 

 consumption may take place, and there is conclusive evidence 

 that tubercle does occasionally become absorbed. 



These evidences of the fact of recovery in consumption, 

 are found in cases where death has occurred from other 

 diseases ; but we have equally valid testimony during the life 

 of some who have been its subjects. There are many who 

 have presented all the rational signs or symptoms of con- 

 sumptive disease, and every year adds to the number. Many 

 have recovered from the first stage, and, doubtless, more 

 such cases would be recorded if the nature of the complaint 

 were better appreciated by the public, and earlier attention 

 paid to declining health, previous to the appearance of special 

 chest symptoms. A large number of instances of the arrest of 

 this disease have been made known. 



