Deep Convictions ~ William E. Channing

"We have arrived a period of civilization when man's mastery over outward forces begins to be understood. This knowledge of the laws of the material world has received mighty impulses and practical applications never conceived of before. Consequently, the prospect of physical comfort and enjoyment, once confined to the few, is thrown open to all. Unfortunately, no proportionate new light has been cast upon the capacities and energies of the spirit. The true doctrine seems to be dying out, -- that man's happiness and elevation consist and can be found only in strength of soul, in clear conceptions and deep convictions of everlasting truth, in calm reliance upon God and duty, in stern resolve of cleaving to the right, in self-possession under every change, in self conquest amidst all temptation, in energy to do or suffer whatever may be imposed by conscience, in disinterred and fearless self-consecration to whatever good work we may be appointed by Providence."

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