These times of ours are serious and full of calamity, but all times are essentially alike

The universe does not jest with us, but is in earnest

These times of ours are serious and full of calamity, but all times are essentially alike. As soon as there is life there is danger.

The compensations of calamity are made apparent to the understanding also, after long intervals of time.

There is no calamity that right words will not begin to redress

Every calamity is a spur and valuable hint