As there is a silence that thunders, so there is a severity that
is the inflection of pity and love. That is not the kindest
surgeon who refuses to make the wounded soldier suffer. That
is not the truest mother who lets the child work its own will
and riot in selfish pleasures. It is not a little thing for
a pilgrim to make his way across a dark continent. Are there
serpents and wild beasts in the jungle? Then on either side of
the path through the forest let thorn-bushes be planted that
they may scourge the child back into the path. Is the chasm
deep? A veritable abyss? Then, when the bridge is strung across
the gulf, let a railing be placed on either side, with sharp
prongs of iron to hold the child back from the edge of the
bridge, lest in a careless mood he fall and be crusht upon the
cruel rocks beneath. It is a dangerous journey that man makes
through the wilderness. And God has planted on either side of
the way the Ten Commandments like ten thorn-bushes, buttresses
and guards, that the pilgrim may be confined to the path that
leads to prosperity, safety and peace--N. D. HILLIS.
(1323)
=Guest Surprized=--See TACT.
=Guidance=--See SAFETY FROM WATER-BROOKS; TRUST.