Article August 7, 1909 Issue

THE PATH WE ALL MUST TREAD

HARRY FRANKLIN PORTER

LIGHT was never found by searching for it in the gloom; nor was the bashful bud ever coaxed from its cloistered shelter by the lure of darkness. To putter and poke in the atmosphere of mortal mind, seeking the golden fleece of health and happiness, is to while away time in vain endeavor, it is to wander aimlessly in the land of Nod. One must come out into the open, into the warm light of Truth and Love, into the sunshine of God. Good thoughts bud and blossom only in the genial atmosphere of joyful activity; then it is that God speaks to us in tones that spiritual sense cannot mistake nor mortal sense deny.

It is quite necessary for one to be watchful and to pray without ceasing; but so doing in no wise releases one from the necessity of endeavor, patient and perpetual. What seems one's manifest duty to perform, that one must do with cheerfulness and resignation. Jesus paused not on that memorable journey from Jerusalem to Calvary, although none had ever been more heavily laden. Heartsick, footsore, weary, deserted by his earthly friends, suffering grievously in body and in mind, he yielded not a tittle to the clamors of the flesh; he gave not up under his burden,—no, not this man of men,—nor sought to lay aside his cross. He thus taught us not to falter or stumble under the burden of our cross, or in reckless, vain abandon to balk at carrying it.

Let us not be proud and fretful, neither pause disheartened because our tasks are irksome and the present seems devoid of joy and promise. God doeth all things perfectly—thoroughly; so must we. We must finish each task, our manifest duty, well—our very best—before we can hope to rise above the humdrum into that higher and holier work, the very contemplation of which makes our hearts beat their budding wings against their prison-chambers in eagerness to fly.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
In the nineteen centuries which have elapsed since the...
August 7, 1909
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit