At one time in a battle between the English and French, the
Prince of Wales became the center of the enemies’ attacks. As
the Germans, men of Savoy, and other fierce foreigners broke
through the royal division, a messenger was despatched in haste
to the King, entreating his aid. The British ruler had taken his
stand on a hill to watch the battle at a safe distance.
The King replied, “Return to him and to them that sent you
hither and tell them from me that they do not send to me again
or look for my coming so long as my son shall live. Suffer him
this day ‘to win his spurs.’”
At the time of evening vespers, the prince had wrought a
victory. The King, followed by his entire battalion, left the
hill and advanced to meet the Prince of Wales. He embraced him
and kissed him, saying, “Sweet son, God give you grace. You have
acquitted yourself well.”
Does not God often appear to withhold aid only that we may have
the joy of winning victories by our own powers? (Text.)
(2874)
* * * * *
That self-help is the best help is illustrated by the statements of a
writer in _Health_, who says of the muscles:
It is dangerous to assist any muscle of the body. The more a
muscle is assisted, the weaker it gets and the less it responds
to the motor nerves. If any part of the body is deformed or
has become weakened as the result of certain muscles failing
to perform their duty, the muscles should be strengthened, not
helped. If the abdomen protrudes as the result of the abdominal
muscles having become weak, do not support the abdomen with
a bandage, thus making the abdominal muscles still weaker.
Strengthen the abdominal muscles, thus making a natural bandage.
The same is true in reference to other braces and bandages.
Never help a muscle, for you only weaken it. Exercise the
muscle; it will then help itself.
(2875)