THE SPHERE OF USE

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Mar 4, 1880

THE SPHERE OF USE.

In all useful employments there is, for the mind, a sustaining power.

"How were you able to live through that great affliction?" was asked of a gentleman, who had, some years before, lost his only son, a promising young man, just as he had finished his education, and was about taking his place on the stage of active, professional life.

"It was the severest blow I had ever felt," replied the gentleman; "a blow that caused every fiber in my heart to quiver. But I was able to bear it."

"I give you credit for possessing great fortitude. Such a blow would have carried me to the earth."

"No; I do not possess more fortitude than other men," was replied. "I did not stand up in my own strength."

"But put your trust in Heaven."

"I did."

"You had strong confidence. How many look up and pray for strength in affliction, and yet find none."

"I did not ask strength as a gift from Heaven," replied the gentleman.

"No!" The friend spoke in a tone of surprise. "For the power to bear affliction cannot be conferred upon the mind."

"I do not comprehend your meaning, said the friend.

"A man might pray forever that God would sustain him in affliction, and yet find no comfort, if he did not put himself in the way of consolation."

"How is he to put himself in the way?"

"By engaging in useful employments. But for this resource, I should have sunk down into gloomy despondency, and been wretched beyond description. While my boy lay sick and my heart was trembling in fear of his loss, I did not omit a single professional duty. I went regularly to my office, and transacted every item of business with scrupulous exactness, specially regarding as I did so, the good of those who had called upon me for service. And when death removed my son, I did not sit down in my affliction and pray for sustaining grace. That would have been worse than idle. But, I went daily to my office, and devoted as much time and attention to my professional duties as before. Thus, the sphere of use sustained me. Had I neglected a single case in my hands; had I sought relief in a cessation of work, and tried to divert my mind from its sorrow by visiting new scenes, I would have sunk into the deepest gloom. As it was, however, I was kept in a state of resignation that occasionally approached cheerfulness. Sometimes I wonder at the fortitude with which I went through the fiery trial; but when I reflect upon it, I see clearly wherein lay the strength by which I kept my head above the waters."

Yes, strength to bear affliction with becoming patience is only given in the degree that the sufferer engages in useful work. Then thought turns itself away from sorrow, and becomes interested in the well-being and well-doing of others; and into such a state of mind there is an influx of healing from Heaven.

This is a secret of life that all would do well to lay up in their hearts; if not for present, yet for future use. Few pass far on their journey without the need of comfort, and here is a source of true consolation to which all may go in sorrow.