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How Suffering Shapes the Soul

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Nov 16, 1905

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 82, No. 46.

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How Suffering Shapes the Soul

By John White Chadwick

As the insect from the rock Takes the color of its wing; As the boulder from the shock Of the ocean’s rhythmic swing Makes itself a perfect form, Learns a calmer front to raise; As the shell, enameled warm With the prism’s mystic rays, Praises wind and wave that make All its chambers fair and strong; As the mighty poets take Grief and pain to build their song — Even so for every soul, Whatsoe’er its lot may be, Building as the heavens roll, Something large and strong and free. Things that hurt and things that mar Shape the man for perfect praise: Shock and strain and ruin are Friendlier than the smiling days.
— John White Chadwick.