The dark days of perplexity and trial, when we are environed by care and adversity, are the days when the true character is brought out and the real strength of the soul fully developed. No man knows what he may accomplish until his endurance has been proved by the ordeal of adversity. Were there nothing to try his stamina, he would never become aware of his ability. People may deplore the vexations of life as much as they please, yet when serious reflection is employed upon the subject they will be forced to admit that trial is as necessary to the acquirement of full mental strength as severe training is to the development of the physical frame. As a general rule, people are apt to underrate their powers of endurance; and were it not that hardships were sent upon them, and the path of life made rough occasionally, they would degenerate into imbeciles.