The young man had such a reverence
for his master's skill that he shrank from the task. The old artist,
however, would not accept any excuse, but persisted in his command,
saying simply, "Do your best."
Da Vinci at last tremblingly seized the brush and kneeling before the
easel prayed: "It is for the sake of my beloved master that I implore
skill and power for this undertaking." As he proceeded, his hand grew
steady, his eye awoke with slumbering genius. He forgot himself and
was filled with enthusiasm for his work. When the painting was
finished, the old master was carried into the studio to pass judgment
on the result. His eye rested on a triumph of art. Throwing his arms
about the young artist, he exclaimed, "My son, I paint no more."
There are some who shrink from undertaking the work which the Master
gives them to do. They are not worthy; they have no skill or power for
the delicate duty. But to all their timid shrinking and withdrawing,
the Master's gentle yet urgent word is, "Do your best." They have only
to kneel in lowly reverence and pray, for the beloved Master's sake,
for skill and strength for the task assigned, and they will be inspired
and helped to do it well. The power of Christ will rest upon them and
the love of Christ will be in their heart. And all work done under
this blessed inspiration will be acceptable unto God. We have but
truly to lay the living sacrifice on the altar; then God will send the
fire.
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