How often do we hear people say, "Oh, it's only ten minutes, or twenty minutes, till dinner time; there's no use doing anything," or use other expressions of a like effect? Why, it is just in these little spare bits of time, these odd moments, which most people throw away, that men who have risen have gained their education, written their books, and made themselves immortal.
Small things become great when a great soul sees them. The noble or heroic act of one man has sometimes elevated a nation. Many an honorable career has resulted from a kind word spoken in season or the warm grasp of a friendly hand.
It is the little rift within the lute,
That by and by will make the music mute,
And, ever widening, slowly silence all.
TENNYSON.
"It was only a glad 'good-morning,'
As she passed along the way,
But it spread the morning's glory
Over the livelong day."
"Only a thought in passing—a smile, or encouraging word,
Has lifted many a burden no other gift could have stirred.
Only!—But then the onlys
Make up the mighty all."
CHAPTER XVI.
SELF-MASTERY.
Give me that man
That is not passion's slave, and I will wear him
In my heart's core, ay, in my heart of heart.
SHAKESPEARE.
Strength of character consists of two things,—power of will and power of self-restraint. It requires two things, therefore, for its existence,—strong feelings and strong command over them.—F. W. ROBERTSON.