p. 63 | Self-Culture

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 8, 1858

Self-Culture.

THE following may be read with benefit a dozen times.

There is one circumstance attending all conditions of life, which may and ought to be turned to the use of self-culture. Every condition, be what it may, has hardships, hazards, pains. We try to escape them; we pine for a sheltered lot, for a smooth path, cheering friends, and unbroken success. But providence orders storms, disasters, hostilities, sufferings; and the great question whether we shall grow strong in mind and heart, or be weak and pitiable, depends on nothing so much as on our use of these adverse circumstances. Outward evils are designed to school our passions, and to rouse our faculties and virtues into intense action. Sometimes they seem to create new powers. Difficulty is the element, and resistance the true work of men. Self-culture never goes on so fast as when embarrassed circumstances, the opposition of men, or the elements, unexpected changes of the times, or other forms of suffering, instead of disheartening, throw us on our universal resources, turn us for strength to God, clear up to us the great purpose of life, and inspire calm resolution. No greatness or goodness is worth much unless tried in these fires. Hardships are not, on this account, to be sought for. They come fast enough of themselves, and we are in more danger of sinking under than needing them. But when God sends them, they are noble means of self-culture, and as such let us meet and bear them cheerfully. Thus all parts of our condition may be pressed into the service of self-improvement.—Sel.