Thus feels he no pain,
but esteems all such things as friends, that desire to file off
his fetters, and help him out of prison." (11)
Energy of will--self-originating force--is the soul of every
great character. Where it is, there is life; where it is not,
there is faintness, helplessness, and despondency. "The strong
man and the waterfall," says the proverb, "channel their own
path." The energetic leader of noble spirit not only wins a way
for himself, but carries others with him. His every act has a
personal significance, indicating vigour, independence, and self-
reliance, and unconsciously commands respect, admiration, and
homage. Such intrepidity of character characterised Luther,
Cromwell, Washington, Pitt, Wellington, and all great leaders
of men.
"I am convinced," said Mr. Gladstone, in describing the qualities
of the late Lord Palmerston in the House of Commons, shortly after
his death--"I am convinced that it was the force of will, a sense
of duty, and a determination not to give in, that enabled him to
make himself a model for all of us who yet remain and follow him,
with feeble and unequal steps, in the discharge of our duties; it
was that force of will that in point of fact did not so much
struggle against the infirmities of old age, but actually repelled
them and kept them at a distance. And one other quality there is,
at least, that may be noticed without the smallest risk of
stirring in any breast a painful emotion.
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