Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches; But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.—Jeremiah, 9:23, 24.
Some years ago I read two stories, in a book of biographies, that made a deep impression upon my mind; but in the light of Christian Science, they seem to have a fuller and more significant meaning than ever before. The first was the life history of Wynne Stanley, the builder of the second of the three lighthouses erected on the Eddystone Rock, on the coast of Cornwall, in the English Channel. After the first lighthouse had been destroyed, he came forward with plans which he confidently submitted for approval. He declared that he could erect a building proof against the most extreme tests from wind and wave. Ultimately the contract was awarded to him. Operations were thereupon commenced at once, and with all possible speed the structure was brought to completion. To prove to the world his full confidence in his own work, Mr. Stanley volunteered to stay in the lighthouse for the first two weeks in October, during the equinoctial gales, which is considered the most severe season of the year. The proposal was agreed to, and Wynne Stanley was safely housed with ample stores, when the winds began to blow, and the waves rose higher and higher. Soon the night came on, the people on the shore saw the beacon light shining brightly out at sea, but it lasted only for a short season. In the morning they looked towards the rock for the lighthouse, but it was not there. Some wreckage on the shore told the tale,—beams and timbers were washed up upon the beach; but nothing was ever heard of the man whose work had been tested and found wanting. Wynne Stanley has been forgotten, except when cited as an example of the folly of boastfulness.
The second story is an account of the work of Thomas Telford, the builder and designer of the beautiful suspension bridge that crosses the Menai Straits in North Wales. At that time this great engineering achievement was looked upon as one of the seven wonders of the world. It was then by far the greatest span in existence. Mr. Telford, unlike our former acquaintance, was a man of retirement. His great industry, skill, and engineering ability were known by their results. After having met and overcome all the many problems incident to this vast undertaking, the work was ill last brought to a successful termination. A day was fixed for the opening ceremony, and representative this most of the countries Europe were present to witness this triumph of modern construction. At the banquet following the opening of the bridge a vote of congratulation was passed to the man whose untiring perseverance had broken down so many human limitations, and had risen above all precedent in the history of his profession. Mr. Telford, however, could not be found. A messenger was at last dispatched to his house. Receiving no answer he entered the half-open door, but seeing no one within, he went back to the rear of the house, and there found the hero of our store on his knees in prayer, thanking God from the fulness of his heart for the wisdom and strength that had been given to him during the accomplishment of his work.
