These, indeed, are visions such as the gifts that perfect the intelligence evoke in the mind. However, it is our business to see that they do not remain barren visions. Just as faith is allowed us that it may lead to life, and as we shall be the more straightly condemned if we do not carry into practice what faith reveals, so also will our judgment be the more severe if with all the light that is vouchsafed to us we yet prefer to walk unheeding in the midst of this wonderful world.
Many find life dull and religion altogether a thing that bores them. Perhaps the reason is that they neglect the vision. It is there before their eyes if they would only look. For me, the world must become transfigured. Life then will be easier, less vexatious, and will lose the dreary outlook that is the most depressing of all temptations and that makes me consider it not worth living. I shall at least understand that there is a purpose in existence. Evil and suffering are seen to be parts that require careful handling that their places in the design may not be overlooked and not ignored, but acknowledged. They are found to be the stepping-stones to greatness. Success and failure have no separate meaning, for the need is for them both.
So, in all, patience is discovered to be the most perfect virtue to have achieved—patience with others, with oneself, with life, and with God. This state of soul is not due to a disregard of the circumstances that attend our time on earth but is due to a more thorough appreciation of the terms of existence.
I see life fuller and enjoy it more. It is the patience not of the wearied voluptuary but of the enraptured lover, who is so sure of his love that he can afford to wait through all time for eternity.
