| Strength and Beauty |
Chapter 16 |
Page 5 |
We naturally pity those whom we see thrust out into the world to bear burdens too heavy for their frail shoulders, and to face circumstances of hardship and peril; but our pity is changed to admiration as we watch them and see with what quiet courage they pass through it all. What, it had seemed to us, must destroy all that was lovely in them has really made nobler women of them.
A thoughtful writer has said: ¹
“The great question whether we shall live to any purpose or not, whether we shall grow strong in mind and heart, or be weak and pitiable, depends on nothing so much as our use of adverse circumstances. Outward evils are designed to school our passions and to rouse our faculties and virtues into intense action. Sometimes they seem even to create new powers. Difficulty is the element and resistance the true work of man. Self culture never goes on so fast as when embarrassed circumstances, the opposition of men or the elements, unexpected changes of the times, or other forms of suffering, instead of disheartening, throw us on our inward resources, turn us for strength to God, clear up to us the great purpose of life, and inspire calm resolution.”
We are always at school in this world. God is teaching us the things we need to learn. He wants us to make all we can of our life. The lessons are not easy – sometimes they are very hard. But the hardest lessons are the best, for they bring out in us the finest qualities, if only we learn them well. Those, therefore, who find themselves in what may seem adverse conditions, compelled to face hardship, endure opposition, and pass through struggle, should quietly accept the responsibility, and, trusting in Christ for guidance and strength, go firmly and courageously forward, conscious that they have now a chance to grow strong and develop in themselves the qualities of worthy and noble character.
1: William Ellery Channing (1780 to 1842) “Self-Culture” (1838)
The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition
Page 5
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