It is said that a lobster, when left high and dry among the rocks, has
not instinct and energy enough to work his way back to the sea, but
waits for the sea to come to him. If it does not come, he remains
where he is and dies, although the slightest effort would enable him to
reach the waves. The world is full of human lobsters,--men stranded on
the rocks of business, who, instead of putting forth their energy, are
waiting for some grand billow of good fortune to set them afloat.

There are many young men, who, instead of carrying their own burdens,
are always dreaming of some Hercules, in the shape of a rich uncle, or
some other benevolent relative, coming to give them a "lift." In
ninety-nine cases out of a hundred, pecuniary help to a beginner is not
a blessing, but a calamity. Under the appearance of aiding, it weakens
its victims, and keeps them in perpetual slavery and degradation.

Let every young man have faith in himself, and take an earnest hold of
life, scorning all props and buttresses, all crutches and
life-preservers. Instead of wielding the rusted swords of valorous
forefathers, let him forge his own weapons; and, mindful of the
Providence over him, let him fight his own battles with his own good
lance.




SELECTION XIII

PRAYER IN BATTLE