Coherence in Character
Bp. Boyd Carpenter. Nehemiah 7:2-3 That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man… : — What is the cause which makes one life so full to us while another has no meaning? What is it that constitutes the articulateness or the inarticulateness, the significance or the insignificance, of human lives? One very simple thing — coherence, that is all. The reason why these letters spell something is because they cohere together according to a certain law, and express something. The reason why these notes are sweet and inspiring to your ear is because they blend together according to the codes of harmony. And so are human lives bound together by something which brings coherence and signifiestion, harmony and force. Look at the lives which strike us; look at the imperious and imperial personalities amongst us. What made Bismarck such as he was? Coherence — one purpose! The difference between a life which is insignificant lies precisely in the word "coherence." Why was Newton great? Why, because Newton, like all great men, said, "This one thing I do," and he forgot his food in the earnest contemplation and pursuit of science. It is coherence which makes greatness in life. (Bp. Boyd Carpenter.) Parallel Verses KJV: That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many. WEB: that I put my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the governor of the castle, in charge of Jerusalem; for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many.