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proof that we shall not immediately rejoice therefor; and if we survive them, there are always considerations which make us not sorry to have suffered. Who so proud as he that has suffered? The least complaint of another provokes his self-conceit. No soldier was ever ashamed of his scars. No athlete was ever sorry for the care and exertion which his high condition cost him. And so the exercise of pain and care and sorrow, which develop the intellectual gladiator and make him strong by experience and insight, is never remembered but with pride and pleasure, A thousand years of suffering are but as yesterday when it is past: but the present pride of a lofty soul sends light and glory over all the future.

Another good thought in regard to all pain is that the silent forces of nature hate it, and react against it. Much of the healing art consists in removing the hindrances to nature's generous wish, to heal, to get well, and to grow. In nature lies all skill and safety. Find out her methods, and we shall seldom go amiss. How often we hear courses recommended as the most natural,—as though nature were wholly reliable.

It will be well for us also to observe how many of these evils are within the voluntary power of the race,—or what portion of them the race may blame itself for.

All hereditary evils are of course unavoidable as such by posterity ; but if they came of human volition primarily, they may be classed as in one sense avoidable. And these may, for the most part, be mitigated by us, and if not eradicated, at least sent to the next posterity with less virulence than they came to this.

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