If I suffer the petty pang of Death while a great purpose is being
wrought out, I have no more reason to complain than if I were a child
sharply pushed out of the way to let a fireengine pass. The great
Purpose is everything, and I am but an instrument--just as this
hurricane is an instrument. I shall be humble and do the work next my
hand, and I will never question God any more. If a man can reckon his
own individuality as anything after seeing this sight, he is a human
failure; he is an abortion that should be wiped out. And now I'll try to
pray."
So in sharp, short steps the scholar's thought strode on, and the sombre
storming of the gale made an awful accompaniment to the pigmy's
strenuous musings. Ferrier's destiny was being settled in that
cataclysm, had he only known it; his pride was smitten, and he was ready
to "receive the kingdom of God as a little child," to begin to learn on
a level with the darkened fishermen whom he had gently patronized. As
soon as he had resolved that night on Self-abnegation, as soon as the
lightning conviction of his own insignificance had flashed through him,
he humbly but "boldly" came "to the Throne of Grace." Like every one
else who thus draws near to God through the Saviour's merit, he learned
what it is to "obtain mercy"; a brooding calm took possession of his
purified soul, and he was born again into a world where pride, egotism,
angry revolt, and despair are unknown.
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