On Consideration

The spiritual effects of prosperity and adversity

21. And I would not have you disguise the manner of man you have found yourself in tribulations. If you have found yourself steadfast in your own, sympathetic in other men's, rejoice. Here you have evidence of an upright heart. On the contrary, if perchance you are found to be impatient in your own trials, and are nevertheless seen to be by no means compassionate in other men's, this is a mark of a heart full of perversity. How has it been with you in prosperity? Is there nothing to call for consideration ? Of course there is, if you carefully observe how seldom you find a man who does not, at least to some extent, in time of prosperity relax his vigilance and self-discipline. As regards discipline, when was not prosperity to the unwary what fire is to wax, or the rays of the sun to snow and ice ? David was wise, Solomon wiser; but, flattered by unlooked-for success, the one in part and the other altogether acted foolishly. He is a great man, who, when he falls into adversity, does not fall away at least a little from his wisdom ; and he is as great who has been favoured with the smiles of Fortune without becoming the butt of her ridicule. And yet it is easier to find men who have kept their wisdom when fortune was against them, than it is to find men who have not lost it when fortune was on their side. He deserves our choice, and he

Booh //, Chapter .v/V 63

is a great man, who in the days of prosperity has at all events withstood the stealthy approaches of unbecoming laughter, or rudeness of speech ; who has not bestowed too much attention upon dress, or pampered the body.