The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1915-12-09
TAF ATTRIBUTES OF PATIENCE
HOW PATIENCE, FoRBEARANGE AND SELF
SUBJUCATION ENRICH THE SOUL AND
STRENGTHEN CHARACTER
c. r. s..

possess his soul; and the more perfect
our patience, the more perfectly do
we posses shem. We must work out
our salval by sufferlngs and af-
flictions; during injuries and af-
fiictions " all possible meekness.
Do not nit your patience to such
or such nd of injuries, and af-
fiictions, 1t extend it to all such as
are sent or permitted to befall you.
Some are unwilling to suffer any
other tribulations but such as are
honorable; as for example, to be
wounded in battle, to be prisoners of
war. to be persecuted for religion,
or to be impoverished by some law
suit determined in their favor. These
people do not love the tlibulation.
but the honor wherewith it is ac-
companied; whereas he that is truly
patient. suffers indifferently tribu-
lations accompanied by ignominy or
by honor. To be despised, ,reprehen-
ded, or accursed by wicked men, is
only pleasant to man of good heart;
but to be blamed, accursed, and ILL
treated by the good or bad friends
and relatives, herein true patience
may be shown. Just as the sting
ing of bees is far more painful than
that of flies, so the evils we suffer
from good men and their contra
dictions are much more insupport-
able than that we suffer from others;
and yet it often happens that two
rood men. having each of them the
best intentions, through a diversity
of opinions, torment great perse-
cutions and contradictions against
each other.
Be patti ent, not only with respect
to the Affections which may befall
you, but also with respect to their
&C cessories or accidental circum-
sta noes. Many could be content to
encounter evils, provided they might
not be incommoded by them. I
should not be vexed," says one, al
being poor, were it not that it dis
ables me from serving my friends,
from giving my children a proper
education, and from living as re-
specially as l could wish" 1t would
give me no concern" says another
were it not that the world will think
it happened through my own fault. u
Another would be content to be
slandered, and would bear it quite
patiently, provided no one would
believe the Getractor.
Others are willing to suffer some
part of the inconvenience of evil,
but not the whole; they do not fret
on account of their sickness, but for
the want of money to get themselves
cured, or because they are so trouble
some to those about them. Now |
say, We must not only have patience
to be, sick, but be content to be sick
uf whatever disorder, in whatever
place, amongst such persons and
with such incoveniences, and so OF
other tribulations. When any evil
befalls you apply such remedies as
may be in your power.
Whenever you are justly accused
of a fault, humble yourself very
heartily, and candidly confess that
you deserve the accusation that If
brought against you; but if the
charge be false, excuse yourself
meekly, denying your guilt; for you
owe this respect to the truth. and tt
the edificat ion of your neighbor
But if, after your true and Lawful
excuse. they continue to accuse
YOU. do not at all trouble yourself
and do not strive to get your ex
cuse admitted; for having disc harged
your duty TO truth, you must also
do the same TO humanity; by which