Part 23 (1/2)
When the sermon came, instead of the old minister who had read the prayers, Frank was astonished to see a young man, who, directly he stepped into the pulpit, impressed him most favourably. He had a very intelligent face and a cheerful countenance.
He took for his text the words of St. Paul: ”Rejoice evermore.”
He began: ”There is a cla.s.s of people, the followers of Schopenhauer, who declare that life is not worth living.
”They say this world is almost the worst possible place we could live in, and that, if it were a shade worse, it would be impossible to live in it, and people would willingly end their existence. This doctrine is called 'pessimism.'”
Frank felt very interested. Every word which the preacher said, seemed directly addressed to him.
The young minister continued: ”There is another cla.s.s of pessimists who have never thought of following this Schopenhauer, but who, nevertheless, find life a burden and this world almost an inferno.”
”This cla.s.s of people (the pessimists) pull long faces and go about their work sighing. They see everything turned upside down but it is they who are cross. 'Life is not worth living,' they say, 'this world is a miserable dwelling place;' but it is they who cause their lives to be not worth living, who make themselves miserable.”
”Some of them who profess to be good, do a great deal of harm to Christianity; more than is perhaps generally imagined. People examine them and nod their heads. 'Christianity is a failure,' they say.”
”Help to put down Schopenhauer's wretched doctrines. Look at the bright side of life.”
”You will meet with difficulties, but do not despond; to every cloud, there is a silver lining.”
He declared he was an optimist. He invited his hearers, one and all to adopt the optimistic view of life, and help to bring the kingdom of G.o.d upon earth. He pointed out the causes which should help to make us cheerful, beautiful nature, healthy mental and physical occupations and distractions....
He told them to remember that time would be followed by eternity; to hopefully prepare for the life to come, and to help others to do the same.
Once out of the church, Frank felt very much puzzled. Both the discourse and the manner in which it had been delivered, had impressed him. What would he do? It certainly was a matter for consideration. Was there a silver lining to the cloud that was floating around him? Would he hope? Would he, in spite of everything, try and be cheerful?
When he came home, he had formed a decision. He would try. He would answer the invitation of this young clergyman, who seemed so full of hope and joy.
The preacher had said: If you feel--as you will feel--that you are unable to fight unaided; pray. Frank prayed. It was not a request in which the lips took a very active part, but he poured forth his whole soul through his heart, to Him who could and would help those who were unable to help themselves.
When he had finished, he felt quite equipped for the fight. For he would have to battle.
”I must try to be cheerful, I must set aside all my gloomy thoughts,” he said to himself. ”I must endeavour to change my whole former view of the world. I feel strong. Welcome optimism. Three cheers for optimism.”
Young man, thou art a new convert, and, like every new convert, thou art enthusiastic.
CHAPTER XVIII.
SUCCESS AFTER SUCCESS.
Having adopted the optimistic view of life, Frank found that it was not easy to eradicate his dismal turn of mind.
He fought bravely. It was not his first fight. He had been, when younger, pa.s.sionate and a trifle ill-tempered, but he had, while still in his teens, successfully overcome these defects.
He often thought of Adele. He dared not go near ”Les Marches.” He knew full well that the sight of the house in which he had first known love, would arouse in him sentiments of jealousy and grief; so he satisfied himself with continuing to work at the reformation of his character. Each victory which he achieved made him feel stronger and wiser, and every day added to his success.
Let us return to Adele Rougeant. Six out of the twelve months' truce had now elapsed.