. But I have sufficiently
illustrated its mission. I have shown its use, even its beauty, in
the Christian view. I have shown why Christianity, as the universal
religion, is rightly styled the "religion of sorrow," and why Christ, as
the perfect teacher and example, was "a man of sorrows, and acquainted
with grief."

Let us all, then, recognize the fact that life itself is a discipline.
That for each of us sorrow is mingled with joy in order that this
discipline may be accomplished. No one reaches the noon of life without
some grief, some disappointment, some sharp trial, which assures him, if
he will but heed it, that life is already declining, and that his
spirit should train itself for a higher and more permanent state. In the
failure of mortal excellence let him recognize the proof of an immortal
good, and from the bitterness that mingles with these earthly waters,
turn to drink of the celestial fountain. Of all things, let us not
receive sorrow indifferently, or without reflection. Its mission is
for discipline, but we feel it to be discipline only by recognizing
its source and its meaning; "it yieldeth the peaceable fruits of
righteousness" only "to them that are exercised thereby." Otherwise,
it may come and go as the storm that rends the oak, or the drenching
tempest that glides off as it falls. It may startle us for a moment,--it
may hurt us with a sense of pain and loss,--it may awe us with its
mystery; but unless it rouses us to solemn thought upon the meaning
of life, to self-communion and prayer, to higher and holier action, it
availeth little. It should not smite the heart's chords to wring from
them a mere shriek of distress, but to inspire it with a deeper and more
elevated tone, and by the element of sadness which it infuses make a
more liquid and exquisite melody.

But while we are thus taught to chasten our views of life, and to hold
even our joys with seriousness, and with wise forethought, let us not
look upon things with any morbid vision, or cast over them a monotonous
hue. Let us not live in gloom and bitterness. The Christian, of all
others, is the best fitted for a cheerful and proper enjoyment of
life, because he wisely recognizes the use of things, understands their
evanescent nature, and sees the infinite goodness that has so ordained
it. He is not surprised by sudden terrors. He is prepared for sorrow,
and thus can rest in peace with the good that he has; while those who
bury heart and so