Oh! I do think that the necessity for exertion, for some kind of action
(bodily or mental) in time of distress, is a most infinite blessing,
although the first efforts at such seasons are painful. Something
to be done implies that there is yet hope of some good thing to be
accomplished, or some additional evil that may be avoided; and by degrees
the hope absorbs much of the sorrow.
It is the woes that cannot in any earthly way be escaped that admit
least earthly comforting. Of all trite, worn-out, hollow mockeries of
comfort that were ever uttered by people who will not take the trouble of
sympathising with others, the one I dislike the most is the exhortation
not to grieve over an event, “for it cannot be helped.” Do you think if I
could help it, I would sit still with folded hands, content to mourn? Do
you not believe that as long as hope remained I would be up and doing? I
mourn because what has occurred cannot be helped. The reason you give me
for not grieving is the very and sole reason of my grief. Give me nobler
and higher reasons for enduring meekly what my Father sees fit to send,
and I will try earnestly and faithfully to be patient; but mock me not,
or any other mourner, with the speech: “Do not grieve, for it cannot be
helped. It is past remedy.”