Life of Ahmad — Page 47
as EARLY LIFE 47 in such circumstances. Ahmad as was happy in so far as he had done his duty to his father to the best of his ability, and more so because, as he said, he would now have more time at his disposal to devote to the service of God. Mirza Ghulam Murtaza then thought of securing a government post for his son and in 1863 got him appointed as reader in a Sialkot court. Though Ahmad as did not like the work yet it was necessary that he should have the experience. To be worth anything, character must be capable of standing firm upon its feet in the world of daily work, temptation and trial; and able to bear the wear-and-tear of actual life. Cloistered virtues do not count for much. The life that rejoices in solitude may be rejoicing only in selfishness. Seclusion may indicate contempt for others; though more usually it means indolence, cowardice or self-indulgence. To every human being belongs his fair share of manly toil and human duty; and it cannot be shirked without loss to the individual himself, as well as to the community to which he belongs. It is only by mixing in daily life of the world and taking part in its affairs that practical knowledge can be acquired and wisdom learnt. It is there that we find our chief sphere of duty, that we learn the discipline of work, and that we educate ourselves in that patience, diligence and endurance which shape and consolidate character. There we encounter the difficulties, trials and temptations which, according as we deal with them, give colour to our entire afterlife;