And he actually set out with a Bible and 'Pilgrim's Progress' in
his bundle, and only a few shillings in his purse. He even
succeeded in reaching the West Indies, doubtless very much at a
loss how to set about his proposed work; but in the meantime his
distressed parents, having discovered whither he had gone, had him
speedily brought back, yet with his enthusiasm unabated; and from
that time forward he unceasingly devoted himself to the truly
philanthropic work of educating the destitute poor. (2)
There needs all the force that enthusiasm can give to enable a man
to succeed in any great enterprise of life. Without it, the
obstruction and difficulty he has to encounter on every side might
compel him to succumb; but with courage and perseverance, inspired
by enthusiasm, a man feels strong enough to face any danger, to
grapple with any difficulty. What an enthusiasm was that of
Columbus, who, believing in the existence of a new world, braved
the dangers of unknown seas; and when those about him despaired
and rose up against him, threatening to cast him into the sea,
still stood firm upon his hope and courage until the great new
world at length rose upon the horizon!
The brave man will not be baffled, but tries and tries again until
he succeeds. The tree does not fall at the first stroke, but only
by repeated strokes and after great labour. We may see the
visible success at which a man has arrived, but forget the toil
and suffering and peril through which it has been achieved.
Pages:
431
432
433
434
435
436
437
438
439
440
441
442
443
444
445
446
447
448
449
450
451
452
453
454
455