When the toper lies dead over his cups there is an invisible
line that runs back from his death to the first dram. When the
aged saint lies triumphant in his last sleep that victory is
related to his mother’s lullaby and to his own first prayer.
The broad estuary where the fleets of a nation float may be
traced back to its fountain among the green hills in which a
little child may wade or a robin rustle its feathers without
fear. The faith that overcomes the world is the consummation of
the faith when, in fear and trembling, the young convert first
placed his hand in the hand of God. The first step on the stair
is a prophecy of the landing. When we start right we have only
to keep on in that direction and the end will be more than we
longed for.
(205)
=Beginnings of Great Men=--See GREAT MEN’S BEGINNINGS.