p. 79 | Light and Shade

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Feb 1, 1910

Light and Shade

Perhaps as you look back over the past years there are some bits of experience which seem very dark to you, tho they were even darker when you passed through them. You have only to reach the right perspective to see that the shadows were not the least important part of your life.

Rev. Hugh S. Johnson tells a story of a queen sitting for her portrait, who commanded that it be painted without shades. “Without shadows!” exclaimed the astonished artist; “I’m afraid your majesty is not acquainted with the laws of light. There can be no good portrait without shading.”

No more can there be developed Christian character without sorrow; and to the pure in heart the vision brightens through all the clouds, so that with fondest aspirations smitten, the dearest plans blighted, alone and comfortless, the soul is still able to say, like Mrs. Sigourney, the poetess, when bereft of her only son, “God’s time and will are beautiful, and through blinding tears I would fain give Him praise.”—The Outlook.