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Heine, the well-known
physician of Berlin, lost once very heavily by the bankruptcy of a
mercantile house. Hufeland met him a few days after, and expressed his
sympathy. "I had rather you had not reminded me of it," he replied; "thank
God, I have got over it." "How have you managed that?" "Well, I was unable
to forget it; thought upon it night and day. All the money, won so
painfully, and lost in a moment! Even my poor, innocent patients suffered,
for my thoughts were wandering. My home-pleasures vanished; my good wife,
otherwise so cheerful, hung her head; we sat opposite each other at table
dumb and sad; our children, that had been so full of joy, looked on with
timid fear. I felt that this could not and dare not continue. The money
was gone, and with it we had lost our peace. I, poor worm of the earth,
unable to come out of this distress, took refuge with the Almighty. I
hurried to my bed-room, closed the door behind, and fell on my knees to
pray with my whole heart, that strength, and courage, and joy, and rest
would be restored to me. Then I felt as if God appeared and said, ' Thou
art a poor minister's son, and I have blessed thee in thy calling, so that
thou art now a famous man. For years I have suffered thee to sport with
the money thou hast lost. Now, Heine, be not like a fool; cease to
whimper. I have the keys of all treasuries, and can far more than replace
thy loss. Be again of good courage, and promise that thou wilt go joyfully
back to thy calling.' And I promised ; and wife and children were again
cheerful, and I forgot the heaviness. I have got over it, and am once more
happy with my God. And prayer has done, and can do that, if it is
earnest." |
