True Manliness by Rev. F. X. Lasance

Manliness implies self-control, conscientiousness, moral courage, fearless discharge of duty in the face of obloquy and prejudice, firm determination to do what is right because it is right and pleasing to God, without regard to human respect, expediency or popularity, a steadfast adherence to one’s religious principles and convictions – in a word, an upright Christian character. “Do ye manfully, and let your heart be strengthened – all ye that hope in the Lord”(Ps. xxx; 25). “He that feareth man shall fall quickly, he that trusteth in the Lord, shall be set on high”(Prov. xxix; 25). 

Vacillation of mind, feebleness of will, unsteadiness of purpose, want of courage, energy, and perseverance – these militate against success in the battle of life, and impede a man’s purpose in the way of virtue and perfection. A firm will underlies every good character, and the lack of it must be attributed much unhappiness and misery in the world. Strength of character includes both firmness of will and the power of self-restraint. A man, for instance, who yields to anger, and whose bursts of fury make his subjects tremble, may appear to be strong, as he ruthlessly bears all before him, but he is really weak – pitiably weak. He has not conquered himself; he is mastered by his passions. He lacks self-control, and therefore he is not strong. That man is great, that man is strong, who subdues his feelings, suppresses his evil inclinations, and bridles his passions.

“The patient man is better than the valiant; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh cities.” (Prov. xvi;32)

“He is most powerful who has himself in his power.” – SENECA

“He who reigns within himself and rules passions, desires and fears, is more than a king.” – Milton