The Two Stones by Oberlin

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 3, 1859

The Two Stones.

By Oberlin

I HAVE before me two stones, which are both perfectly alike in color; they are of the same water, clear, pure, and clean; yet there is a marked difference between them as to luster and brilliancy. One has a dazzling brightness, while the other is dull, so that the eye passes over it and derives no pleasure from the sight. What can be the reason of this difference? It is this: the one is cut in but a few facets: the other has ten times as many. These facets are produced by a very violent operation. It is requisite to cut, to smooth, and polish. Had these stones been endued with life, so as to have been capable of feeling what they underwent, the one which has received eighty facets would have thought itself very unhappy, and would have envied the fate of the other, which, having received but eight, had undergone but a tenth part of its sufferings. Nevertheless, the operation being over it is done forever; the difference between the two stones always remains strongly marked; that which has suffered but little is entirely eclipsed by the other, which alone is held on estimation and attracts attention. May not this serve to explain the saying of our Saviour, whose words have reference to eternity? "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted,"—blessed, whether we contemplate them apart, or in comparison with those who have not passed through so many trials. Oh! that we were always able to cast ourselves into his arms like little children; to draw near to him, like young lambs, and ever to ask of him patience, resignation, an entire surrender to his will, faith, trust, and heartfelt obedience to the commands which he gives to those who are willing to be his disciples. "The Lord will wipe away tears from off all faces."

— Oberlin.