And here a word of caution must be inserted against allowing enthusiasm for one pursuit to lead to the neglect of other duties. "There is the story of a friar who set to work to illuminate the pages of the Apocalypse in his zeal and love for God. He became so absorbed in this work that he neglected the poor and sick, who were suffering and dying in the plague. He came at last to the painting of the face of his Lord, but his hand lost its skill. He wondered why, and realised that it was because, in his eagerness to paint his pictures, he had neglected his poor. Humiliated by this discovery, he laid aside his brushes and went down to minister to the sick and dying. He wrought on untiringly till he himself was smitten down. Then he tottered back to his cell to finish his loved work before he died. He knelt in prayer to ask help, when lo! he saw that an angel's hand had completed the picture of the Lord in a manner far surpassing human skill." It is only a legend, but its lesson is well worthy your serious thought. Again, contemplate the effect your enthusiasm will have on those around you. One great and vital element in enthusiasm is hope--hope which endures under rebuffs, derision, and in spite of apparent failure. Now hope is most infectious, and when others, whose spirits are perchance drooping, and hearts failing for the heaviness of their duties and the weight of their troubles, see that you always maintain an ardent determination to accomplish your purpose, a cheerful spirit, and a smiling, hopeful face, they will feel their courage renewed and will resume their burden with re-invigorated strength. This idea is beautifully expressed by Mrs. Browning in the lines on "Work"-- "Then others shall Take patience, labour to their heart and hand, From thy heart and thy hand and thy brave cheer."