HOW TO TAKE LIFE | AdventAI

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 28, 1861

HOW TO TAKE LIFE.

TAKE it just as though it was—as it is—an earnest, vital, important affair. Take it as though you were born to the task of performing a part in it—as though the world had waited for your coming. Take it as though it was a grand opportunity to do and to achieve, to carry forward great and good schemes; to help and cheer a suffering, weary, it may be, broken-hearted brother.

The fact is, life is undervalued by a great majority of mankind. It is not made half so much of as should be the case. Where is the man or woman who accomplishes one tithe of what might be done? Who cannot look back upon opportunities lost, plans unachieved, thoughts crushed, aspirations unfulfilled, and all caused by the lack of the necessary and possible effort? If we knew better how to do and make the most of life, it would be far greater than it is. Now and then a man stands aside from the crowd, labors earnestly, steadfastly, confidently, and straightway becomes famous for wisdom, intellect, skill, greatness of some sort. The world wonders, admires, idolizes, and it only illustrates what others may do if they take hold of life with a purpose. The miracle, or the power that elevates the few, is to be sought in their industry, application, and perseverance, under the promptings of a brave, determined spirit.