Australian Tales - Setis

have upon the soils of some parts of our globe, in destroying noxious
weeds and vermin; and may not such seasons of depression as the present
have a salutary influence on our commercial and social systems.
Uninterrupted prosperity would not be good for us, in a moral, or in any
other sense, and occasional reverses may be regarded as wholesome
correctives. After cool consideration, I have arrived at the firm
conclusion — which is strengthened by many years' colonial
experience — that there is no need for an honest, industrious, healthy
man to despond in Australia; so to all to whom it may apply, I repeat the
old sailor's injunction, “don't lie down, you'll be in the way.” Try to smile
away the gloom from your faces, and the effort will lighten your hearts,
and shed a cheering influence around you.
It would seem like trifling with the misfortune of those, who from
bodily infirmity, or overwhelming distresses, are incapable of getting up
to offer them advice suitable only for the strong and healthy. To such
poor sufferers I would say, lie still, friends, and try to bear with patience
the trials which you cannot avert; while you take comfort in the belief,
“that all things work together for good.” Remember that precious gems
have to be rubbed and ground a good deal before they are fitted to grace
the crown of a monarch. There is doubtless a “needs be” for all your
afflictions, which by and bye you will joyfully acknowledge. There will
be an end to them all — perhaps very speedily — and like the polished
gems, you will shine brighter for the hard rubs and severe grinding under
which you now writhe and groan.