Ornithologists assure us that the eagle, the condor of the
Andes, the albatross of the Pacific, and even the swiftly-flying
little dove, like many other birds that are strong on the wing,
can fly more swiftly against a wind than in a gentle breeze. It
may be that this is because they are thus stimulated to exert
the muscular strength of their pinions. But, however this may
be, it is a fact that the fires of a steamship burn much more
fiercely under the boilers when the vessel is going against a
head-wind.
Christian effort of the right kind is at its best when opposition is
faced, for this very condition brings us into contact with the divine
resources which are ever on our side.
(2263)