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No. VI.
BY
S. S.
Self-Denial
As
sloth is, of all habits, perhaps the most injurious
in its results, not the less powerful, though of
opposite tendency, is the chain thrown over the mind
(if there fixed at an early age), by self-denial. By
this we mean that predisposition of the
understanding which causes its possessors to make a
proper estimate of the duties of their own position,
the rights of others, and the respect due thereto,
and to feel at all times, and in all places, their
dependence upon, and the fealty they owe to the
Supreme Ruler of all; and to sacrifice pleasure,
profit, and fame, when these become antagonistical
to those great principles.
Not that we mean to assert that the exercise of
self-denial at all militates against the possession
of happiness, riches, or honour; on the contrary,
those who have early acquired this habit, have
placed their happiness on a sure foundation, and
though fortune may not in all cases overwhelm them
with her favours, the love of the good, and the
respect of the worthy are sure to be theirs.
For them earth yields her choicest stores. The dews
of the morning invigorate them, and the toil of the
day is rendered easy. Their own hearts are reflected
in the evening’s calm, as gentle and soft as their
own repose. To-day they can enjoy “a dinner of
acorns,” though, to-morrow the may feed upon “a
stalled ox.” What is ambition to them? Shall they
sacrifice in its attainment the glorious perspective
that opens beyond the gates of light?
And riches? if they deal out the stores to them
entrusted by the Most High, according to his wishes,
who can do more? And fame ?—has not the wise king
said, that a good name was beyond all earthly
possessions, far exceeding all earthly rewards? For
them the joys arising from the influence of family
affections are <<287>>meted old with an unsparing
hand; for they who sacrifice their desires to the
happiness of others, are sure to meet with a
ten-fold reward. Nor does this influence alone
pervade the family circle. Society gladly opens her
doors to those whose suavity of manners and strict
moral habits create confidence and give pleasure,
and into whose hands they can place the emblems of
power, certain that the opportunity thus given of
doing good to their fellow-creatures will not be
abused.
And at last, when the grain becomes ripe for the
sickle, it will be found sound and acceptable, not
having been blighted by the mildew of the passions,
or its kernel destroyed by the entrance of sin,
“that worm which never dies!” |
