The answer, of course, in the mouth of a Christian teacher is

Mary Augusta Ward, the novelist and thinker, once declared with clarity and conviction: “The answer, of course, in the mouth of a Christian teacher is that in Christianity alone is there both present joy and future hope.” These words are more than a profession of faith; they are a reflection upon the nature of teaching itself, upon the message that a guide imparts to students not only for today, but for tomorrow, not only for the mind, but for the soul. For in her view, Christianity stood as the unique source where joy could be tasted now, and hope secured for eternity.

The meaning of this quote rests upon the union of two promises: the experience of present joy and the assurance of future hope. Many philosophies offer wisdom for daily life, but neglect the horizon of eternity. Others offer promises of salvation or escape beyond this world, yet leave the heart empty in the present hour. But in Christianity, Ward argued, both streams flow together: the believer is given joy in this life through communion with God and love of neighbor, and hope in the life to come through the promise of resurrection and redemption. The Christian teacher, therefore, holds a message that embraces both time and eternity.

The origin of Ward’s reflection lies in her own life at the crossroads of doubt and faith. Though she wrestled with the tensions between science, progress, and religion in her writings, she understood the immense cultural and spiritual influence of Christianity in shaping lives. The voice of the Christian teacher, in her view, carried not only moral instruction but the assurance of something greater—that life was not a random tale of dust and sorrow, but a journey lit by meaning, crowned with joy, and sealed with hope.

History provides examples that illustrate this truth. Consider the early Christians under Roman persecution. Though surrounded by danger and death, they gathered in catacombs and secret homes, singing hymns with radiant courage. In their present, they carried joy—the joy of fellowship, forgiveness, and the love of Christ. For their future, they bore hope—the hope of eternal life that no empire could crush. Their teachers, from Paul to the humble elders of the church, instilled both truths: joy for the moment, hope for the end. This union gave them a strength that astonished the world and ultimately transformed it.

Ward’s words also echo through the lives of great figures like Florence Nightingale, who endured hardship and suffering in her work, yet was sustained by her Christian conviction. She found joy in serving the sick and the poor, and hope in believing her labor had eternal meaning. Her teaching, though often through example rather than formal words, reflected precisely what Ward described: the living witness that Christianity offers strength for today and hope for tomorrow.

The lesson here is clear: the truest teaching is not limited to the intellect but extends to the heart and spirit. A teacher, especially one shaped by faith, imparts more than facts—they impart vision, courage, and assurance. For students young and old, the words and life of such a teacher become a living testimony that joy is possible even in struggle, and that hope endures even in uncertainty.

Practically, this means we must seek and honor those who not only instruct us in knowledge but also inspire us with hope. If you are a teacher yourself, ask not only, What am I teaching? but also, What vision of life am I imparting? If you are a student, listen for more than lessons—listen for the truth that strengthens your spirit. And in daily life, practice both sides of Ward’s teaching: seek joy in the present by gratitude and service, and hold fast to hope in the future by faith and perseverance.

So let Mary Augusta Ward’s words be remembered: in Christianity lies the union of what mankind longs for most deeply—joy for today and hope for tomorrow. And when such words are spoken by a teacher, they become not only doctrine but life itself, handed down as an inheritance to every generation. For joy is the strength of the present, and hope is the anchor of the future, and together they are the pillars of a soul that cannot be shaken.