nly been well flogged when a boy; but he is
spoiled by the ease with which he composes."

We do our best while fighting desperately to attain what the heart
covets.

Waters says that the struggle to obtain knowledge and to advance one's
self in the world strengthens the mind, disciplines the faculties,
matures the judgment, promotes self-reliance, and gives one
independence of thought and force of character.

Kossuth called himself "a tempest-tossed soul, whose eyes have been
sharpened by affliction."

As soon as young eagles can fly the old birds tumble them out and tear
the down and feathers from their nest. The rude and rough experience
of the eaglet fits him to become the bold king of birds, fierce and
expert in pursuing his prey.

Boys who are bound out, crowded out, kicked out, usually "turn out,"
while those who do not have these disadvantages frequently fail to
"come out."

"It was not the victories but the defeats of my life which have
strengthened me," said the aged Sidenham Poyntz.

Almost from the dawn of history, oppression has been the lot of the
Hebrews, yet they have given the world its noblest songs, its wisest
proverbs, its sweetest music. With them persecution seems to bring
prosperity. They thrive where others would starve. They hold the
purse-strings of many nations. To them hardship has been "like spring
mornings, frosty but kindly, the cold of which will kill the vermin,
but will let the plant live."

In one of the battles of the Crimea a cannon-ball struck inside the
fort, crashing through a beautiful garden. But from the ugly chasm
there burst forth a spring of water which ever afterward flowed a
living fountain. From the ugly gashes which misfortunes and sorrows
make in our hearts, perennial fountains of rich experience and new joys
often spring.

Don't lament and grieve over lost wealth. The Creator may see
something grand and mighty which even He can not bring out as long as
your wealth stands in the way. You must throw away the crutches of
riches and stand upon your own feet, and develop the long unused
muscles of manhood. God may see a rough diamond in you which only the
hard hits of poverty can polish.

God knows where the richest melodies of our lives are, and what drill
and what discipline are necessary to bring them out. The frost, the
snows, the tempests, the lightnings are the rough teachers that bring
the tiny acorn to the sturdy oak. Fierce winters are as n