The Morristown gazette. [volume] (Morristown, Tenn.) 1867-1920, 1879-04-02
s.Be Resigned. -

To the Editor Of the Morristown Gazette:
MANY and various are the disaP'
pointments we must meet with IN
this life; but if We are stronger than
adverse fortunes. the consciousness
of having won great victory
through resignation, will inspire us
with feelings of a truer respect Tor
ourselves, and nobler courage for
encountering the chances in the bat
tie of life. The peace of a spirit
that through sharp conflict has learn
ed to rule itself-a knowledge hard
indeed to acquire, but very precious
in possession-can be better felt
than described. Reading life back
ward we find that those who have
long since passed away to the pos
session of immortal riches, had many
bitter experiences-Adam in Para
disc, Noah in his vineyard, Job in
the bosom of his family, Paul in the
full career of his ministry, all had
their trials. AS many as the Lord
loves, He rebukes and chasteas."
To exercise calm resignation, aud
patient fortitude, is not task that
can be thoroughly mastered in one
or two trials. This, like most great
life-lessons. is taught by line upon
line, and preoept upon precept'
Life is an unfathomable mystery,
and not unfrequently the appearance
of rest, and security, is only the thin
veil which hides approaching calami-
ties; therefore, we should stand at
the doors of our hearts, resignation
and patience, as guards, to keep out
bitter murmuriugs and secret re-
pinings.
Often we are called upon in an
unexpected moment to drink deep
from the cup of woe, an astrlngent
gall. At such times We find language
inadequate to express the thousandth
part of Whist we suffer. But in these
terrible moments the low voice of
the sweet angel, Patience, gently
whispers Be Resigned-'tis the
Fathers will"
Our life tenure is too brief and too
momentous, in its labors and issues,
to be squandered upon trifes or to
indulge in vain babblings. The des'
TIMES allotted to US are too severely
distinct before as to loiter on the
path and play with the butterflies,
or to mediate upon the vexing ru-
mors of gossiping tongues or to
heed the malignant whisperings Of
vile slanderers. If we bind the silk
en- cord of duty more closely round
our hearts, and fondly cling to resig-
nation, when cruel fate leads US
through fiery trials, then are we pre-
o ared to battle with them as they
crowd upon us. "The crown is only
for the hero in the fight"
At times the very sanctuary of
our beings are penetrated by infu-
snces we cannot comprehend. The
mysterious ways of God seem to our
eeble and perverted visions most
lark when we are called upon to T
Ass through deep water floods of
orrow and gloom" which drift their +
urging pillows over US, sinking for /
while our poor spirits, full-charged
18th inward grief, beneath their
,ighty waves. Why the children OF a
n Applying Father are made to
ndure soul-crushing sorrows are Sc
iysteries that are woven into chain g,
lat will never be broken save by hs
lie Hand that will open. the gates of Il
crafty. Then will the chain be AZ
ted above the stream and every ~
ak be made luminous, and we will
convinced that we received not tn
lie stripe too many, endured not ca
e pang too severe, and that we are No
t subjected to one visitation that de
not essential to our ultimate hdppi- ar,
IS. Therefore, while in this short int
2, should we not indeed-"Be Re- i kr
ned p Ri
has also taught US that Lii
IRE is no place in this world where all
Christian can harbor safely-no sto
ce or condition where they can 1
secured from the invasion of Sa.
8 evil ones. Even when the
stening rods of affiiction are laid 4
Willy upon christian bodies, and "
y are chained to their pillows by
.ase; when fever has robbed the
n OF coherent thought and the
1OGs system has been shaken by nc