The name of the eldest was Passion and of the
other Patience. Passion seemed to be much discontent, but Patience was
very quiet. Then Christian asked, What is the reason of the discontent
of Passion? The interpreter answered, The governor of them would have
him stay for his best things till the beginning of the next year; but he
will have all now. But Patience is willing to wait.'
Passion and Patience, like Esau and Jacob, are twin-brothers. And their
names, like their natures, spring up from the same root. 'Patience,'
says Crabb in his _English Synonyms_, 'comes from the active participle
to suffer; while passion comes from the passive participle of the same
verb; and hence the difference between the two names. Patience signifies
suffering from an active principle, a determination to suffer; while
passion signifies what is suffered from want of power to prevent the
suffering. Patience, therefore, is always taken in a good sense, and
Passion always in a bad sense.' So far this excellent etymologist. This
is, therefore, another case of blessing and cursing proceeding out of the
same mouth, and of the same fountain sending forth at the same place both
sweet water and bitter.
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