The Making of The Beautiful

Then the Sorrowful Angel vanished, and in his place stood one whose
face was cheerful. and he said, "Come! let us be up and doing; I am the
Angel of Work.”
And I went with him-at first with lagging steps and a sore heart: but as
my sight became clearer, I beheld many sick and discouraged, many
who had fallen by the way. Then I heard the Voice again saying. "The
laborers are few. Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these, ye
have done it unto me.”
So I began to help those around me, and as my hands grew busy, my
heart lightened, and I forgot to look behind me and mourn for the lost
joys of the past, and at times there was even a song upon my lips. But
the road was rough and often dark, and whiles my courage failed me
and my soul was disquieted within me. For there were sorrows I could
not comfort, and hunger I could not satisfy, and· burdens I could not
help to lift: and I could only stretch out my hands, and cry, "Oh, Thou
who hast helped me, help these, for I cannot.”
Then the Voice said, "Be not weary in well-doing. Thou art coming
toward me. I will send one who will bring thee still nearer.”
Then I saw beside me an angel with a veil before his face, who said in a
grave voice, "Canst thou walk with me. I am the Angel of Sacrifice."
But I shrank back, murmuring, "What wilt thou take from me?" And he
answered, "I will take nothing. Thou must thyself give it of thine own
free will. It is thy Dearest Wish.”
"Then I hid my face in my hands, and cried, "I cannot. I cannot. Ask me
something else! Give me some task to do! Have I not labored faithfully
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