"NIL DESPERANDUM." NO, NEVER!
Every cloud has a silver lining; and He who wove it knows when to turn
it out. So, after every night, however long or dark, there shall yet
come a golden morning. Your noblest powers are never developed in
prosperity. Any bark may glide in smooth water, with a favoring gale;
but that is a brave, skilful oarsman who rows up stream, against the
current, with adverse winds, and no cheering voice to wish him "God
speed." Keep your head above the wave; let neither sullen despair nor
weak vacillation drag you under. Heed not the poisoned arrow of
sneaking treachery that whizzes past you from the shore. Judas sold
himself when he sold his Master; and for him there dawned no
resurrection morning! 'T is glorious to battle on with a brave heart,
while cowering pusillanimity turns trembling back. Dream not of the
word "surrender!" When one frail human reed after another breaks, or
bends beneath you, lean on the "Rock of Ages." The Great Architect
passes you through the furnace but to purify. The fire may scorch,
but it shall never consume you. He will yet label you "fine gold."
The narrow path may be thorny to your tender feet; but the "promised
land"
lies beyond! The clusters of Hope may be seen with the eye of faith; your hand shall yet grasp them; your eyes revel, from the mountain top, over the green pastures and still waters of peace. You shall yet unbuckle your dusty armor, while soft breezes shall fan your victor temples. Nil desperandum! |