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Article ON FORTITUDE. Page 1 of 4 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
On Fortitude.
ON FORTITUDE .
: fBY MISS BOWDLER . ] WITH AN ENGRAVING .
TRUE fortitude is a strength of mind which cannot be overcome by any trials or any sufferings . It consists not in being insensible of them , for there is no real fortitude in bearing what we do not feel ; but it renders us superior to them , and enables us to act as we ought to'do in every different situation in life , in every change that can affect our outward circumstances or our inward feelings .
There is a kind of fortitude which proceeds from natural constitution ; some are less affected by trials than others ; and some , from strong health and spirits , are able to go through a great deal without sinking- under it . But this can only extend to a certain degree . Afflictions may come to such a height that the most insensible must feel them ; and then their apparent fortitude is overcome , and the
strongest health and spirits can only resist a little longer ' than the weakest ; they must give way to a sufficient force , and therefore can never be the source of true and constant fortitude . There is also a kind of fortitude which is called forth into action on particular occasions , and for a time appears superior to the trial ; aiid this may sometimes be inspired even by motives which are in themselves highly blameable . A point in view which is eagerly pursued , will enable a person to go through what at other times mi ght appear insupportable ; but this can only-last while . the motive remains in force ; and thosti .
who by this have been rendered equal to what appear to be the greatest trials , have often at other times sunk under the smallest . True fbr-- titude must spring from some principle which is constant arid-unchangeable , and can support it . at all times , and ^ against every'attack ; It cannot , therefore , be derived from any thing in this world . Na' tural-strength must yield to pain and sorrow ; earthly considerations . can support us no farther than their immediate influence extends ;
pride cannot enable us to bear humiliations , or even those little mortifications which daily occur , when there is no credit to be gained by doing so ; and phi . osophy must at last be reduced to nothing more than suppressing complaints , and making the best of what it cannot cure . ' These may inspire- a strength which will last for a time— - ' a strength which may serve for certain occasions , but will fail oil others ;
' or an appearance of strength to conceal our weakness . But none of these can inspire that fortitude which is a constant invariable disposition of mind ,. prepared for every trial , and superior to them alb This can only be derived from a confidence in that assistance which can never fail ; from a motive for action which . is sufficient to carry us through every trial ; and from hopes which noting in this world can take avvav . ¦ -VOL , III . - - R . -
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
On Fortitude.
ON FORTITUDE .
: fBY MISS BOWDLER . ] WITH AN ENGRAVING .
TRUE fortitude is a strength of mind which cannot be overcome by any trials or any sufferings . It consists not in being insensible of them , for there is no real fortitude in bearing what we do not feel ; but it renders us superior to them , and enables us to act as we ought to'do in every different situation in life , in every change that can affect our outward circumstances or our inward feelings .
There is a kind of fortitude which proceeds from natural constitution ; some are less affected by trials than others ; and some , from strong health and spirits , are able to go through a great deal without sinking- under it . But this can only extend to a certain degree . Afflictions may come to such a height that the most insensible must feel them ; and then their apparent fortitude is overcome , and the
strongest health and spirits can only resist a little longer ' than the weakest ; they must give way to a sufficient force , and therefore can never be the source of true and constant fortitude . There is also a kind of fortitude which is called forth into action on particular occasions , and for a time appears superior to the trial ; aiid this may sometimes be inspired even by motives which are in themselves highly blameable . A point in view which is eagerly pursued , will enable a person to go through what at other times mi ght appear insupportable ; but this can only-last while . the motive remains in force ; and thosti .
who by this have been rendered equal to what appear to be the greatest trials , have often at other times sunk under the smallest . True fbr-- titude must spring from some principle which is constant arid-unchangeable , and can support it . at all times , and ^ against every'attack ; It cannot , therefore , be derived from any thing in this world . Na' tural-strength must yield to pain and sorrow ; earthly considerations . can support us no farther than their immediate influence extends ;
pride cannot enable us to bear humiliations , or even those little mortifications which daily occur , when there is no credit to be gained by doing so ; and phi . osophy must at last be reduced to nothing more than suppressing complaints , and making the best of what it cannot cure . ' These may inspire- a strength which will last for a time— - ' a strength which may serve for certain occasions , but will fail oil others ;
' or an appearance of strength to conceal our weakness . But none of these can inspire that fortitude which is a constant invariable disposition of mind ,. prepared for every trial , and superior to them alb This can only be derived from a confidence in that assistance which can never fail ; from a motive for action which . is sufficient to carry us through every trial ; and from hopes which noting in this world can take avvav . ¦ -VOL , III . - - R . -