The Ministry of Suffering
By MRS. C. C. L.
PERHAPS many who read these lines are afflicted. They are bowed down under the burden of pain, and feel that life is hardly worth living. They long to go forth as others do, and engage in the work of the world. One such dear little mother was heard to say: “O, I am only a burden to my husband! I might as well give up the struggle.” Such forget it is not what we do so much as what we are that counts. The one who has always been well and strong has great reason for thankfulness. He has many opportunities for usefulness. But even he has his limitations. The Outlook of June 20 has this little story:— “A man who knew and loved Phillips Brooks and Dr. Munger declared that he was helped more by the latter than by the former. ‘Bishop Brooks has a glorious nature,’ he said, ‘but he has never known sickness and the weariness and discouragement that come from it. Dr. Munger has been a semi-invalid. He knows what it is to pull against the current, to fight physical weakness half his life, and Dr. Munger’s victory over the conditions which cripple men has helped me more than Phillips Brooks’s splendid health.” The editor adds the following appropriate words: “The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong. No victories are more inspiring than those won against heavy odds. They who have won the race on crutches have won the hearts of those who saw the struggle.” The president of a college was traveling over his territory looking for students. In one home he found a young woman who was eager to improve her mind, but she was an invalid confined to a wheel chair. It was useless for her to think of leaving her home and going15among strangers. But the president saw in her a rare character, and he sympathized with her in her desire for a broader education. He encouraged her to make the effort, and assured her of all necessary assistance. In due time she arrived at the school, and was carried from room to room by the willing hands of students. She was an inspiration to the whole school, and a perfect sunbeam in the school home. Cheer up, suffering one. Get better acquainted with the Man of Sorrows, who was himself made perfect through suffering, and let your light shine for him even if it must be from a bed of pain. MRS. C. C. L.