We enlarge our field of observation through their eyes,
profit by their experience, and learn not only from what they have
enjoyed, but--which is still more instructive--from what they
have suffered. If they are stronger than ourselves, we become
participators in their strength. Hence companionship with the
wise and energetic never fails to have a most valuable influence
on the formation of character--increasing our resources,
strengthening our resolves, elevating our aims, and enabling us to
exercise greater dexterity and ability in our own affairs, as well
as more effective helpfulness of others.
"I have often deeply regretted in myself," says Mrs.
Schimmelpenninck, "the great loss I have experienced from the
solitude of my early habits. We need no worse companion than our
unregenerate selves, and, by living alone, a person not only
becomes wholly ignorant of the means of helping his fellow-
creatures, but is without the perception of those wants which most
need help. Association with others, when not on so large a scale
as to make hours of retirement impossible, may be considered as
furnishing to an individual a rich multiplied experience; and
sympathy so drawn forth, though, unlike charity, it begins abroad,
never fails to bring back rich treasures home. Association with
others is useful also in strengthening the character, and in
enabling us, while we never lose sight of our main object, to
thread our way wisely and well.
Pages:
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102