How often do we hear the complaint, “I could do so well if it were not for my circumstances.”  How many people are held down for a lifetime by the habitual belief in circumstances as limitations, and by ignoring the opportunities which they afford.

“So long as I must live with these people I can never amount to anything.”  If this complaint could be changed to the resolve:  “I will live with these people until I have so adjusted myself to them as to be contented,” a source of weakness would be changed into a source of strength.  The quiet activity of mind required to adjust ourselves to difficult surroundings gives a zest and interest to life which we can find in no other way, and adds a certain strength to the character which cannot be found elsewhere.  It is interesting to observe, too, how often it happens that, when we have adjusted ourselves to difficult circumstances, we are removed to other circumstances which are more in sympathy with our own, thoughts and ways:  and sometimes to circumstances which are more difficult still, and require all the strength and wisdom which our previous discipline has taught us.

If we are alive to our own true freedom, we should have an active interest in the necessary warfare of life.  For life is a warfare—­not of persons, but of principles—­and every man who loves his freedom loves to be in the midst of the battle.  Our tendencies to selfish discontent are constantly warring against our love of usefulness and service, and he who wishes to enjoy the full activity of freedom must learn to fight and to destroy the tendencies within himself which stand in the way of his own obedience to law.  But he needs, for this, the truthful and open spirit which leads to wise self-knowledge; a quiet and a willing spirit, to make the necessary sacrifice of selfish pride.  His quiet earnestness will give him the strength to carry out what his clear vision will reveal to him in the light of truth He will keep his head lifted up above his enemies round about him, so that he may steadily watch and clearly see how best to act.  After periods of hard fighting the intervals of rest will be full of refreshment, and will always bring new strength for further activity.  If, in the battle with difficult circumstances, we are thrown down, we must pick ourselves up with quick decision, and not waste a moment in complaint or discouragement.  We should emphasize to ourselves the necessity for picking ourselves up immediately, and going directly on, over and over again,—­both for our own benefit, and the benefit of those whom we have the privilege of helping