Gold Hill daily news. [volume] (Gold Hill, N.T. [Nev.]) 1863-1882, 1869-10-16
-D1vERa1Na PATHS.

Every one who has travelled through
unfrsquented parts Of the country
knows how frequently the road that has
hitherto seemed u~nmistakabls, parts
into distant paths, each Of which d.
yergss from the other. II is well for
tho traveller who can at such points
learn where they lead, and which will
conduct him to his desired haven. In
the journey Of life, which each one is
treading, many such partings Of the road
occur. Hitherto the path may have
been clearly marked, and followed with
out anxiety, perhaps without thought,
when suddenly we are brought to a halt
by its divergence into two roads, and
are compelled to bring such powers as
we possess to bear upon the decision
between them. The youth who has
hitherto walked in the quiet and plain
path of home life, sheltered by parents
care, and knowing no need OF RESPONSE
BILE decisions, comes at length to the
spot where his path divides. He must
choose perhaps between many various
ways, the ends fall of which are hidden
from view. Each has its attractions
and allurements, each is rich in tie
fairest promises. On his decision, per-
haps, may hang moro Of the future veal
or woe of himself and Of others than is
in his power to estimate, yet it mpst be
made and speedily. Ayrrsrf
Not only in this great crisis of life,
but at many other seasons, do we find
our path d%iverging, and the necessity
laid upon US to choose one way and
refuse all others. Sometimes by out
outward circumstances, sometimes by
inward experience; now BY great and
sudden changes, and again by the
smaller and less noticeable crises Of life,
are We constantly compelled to select
and to refuse. Although innumsrable
circumstances may influence these de-
c~isions, and some may suffer them
selves to drift along with the current of
events, yet all who seriously bring their
energies and faculties to bear upon
these choices will find that they ulti-
mately become narrowed down to two
chief cousiderations-Jueeess and char
aeter. That both of these are essential
none will deny, but which is to be para
mount is tho grand question, which
each must answer for himself. They
are not opposite in their nature; indeed,
the fuller aud richer our experience Of
life, the more plainly we see that ulti-
mstely they coincide; yet, while he who
| follows success at all hazards, and as
his first object, is not sure Of gaining it,
though certain Of losing character, he
who upholds character at all risks and
as a primary need will be most sure Of
securing both. For wo have no sure
aud unsrriug guide to success. Wealth,
distinction or enjoyment may fee from
their most jealous p%ursuers; but tho
resolute endearor to preserve an un-
! blemished character is never unsuccsss-
full; the earnest strife to rise to higher
points Of excellence ia disap-
pointed.
It may appear, at first sight, that
many of these decisions of life contain
nothing of q moral nature in them. It
may often seem equally right to pursue
either Of two paths that divergs. Yet,
the best must ever be the most truly
right, and, of all courses, but n can
be the best for us. To discover this, in
the many instances that call for imme.
date choice, may well tax our powers.
It will DO the most surely revealed to
those who, while bringing every energy,
to bear upon the success Of their right
full undertakings, yet hold even this in
subserviencs to character. When sue
cess and character appear a%ntagoni,tic,
as they often will when the possession
of any advantage involves the violation
| Of principle (; when, to secure u own
self-rsspsct, we must forfeit. some eov-
eted desire, then he who places right
above qualification, approaches a step
nearer to that wisdom which alone can
guide Alright all his decisions.
Especially, in every temptation to
wrong, are we placed where two paths
diverge. And here the separation is
rapid and wide. At first it is easy to
pass from ono to the other, yet the road
oucs followed, how far apart will they
sooa become! Both the power and the
disposition to take tho other course is
lessened at every step. Resistance to
wrong strengthens the power to resist,
while yielding weakens the ability Of
choice. We cannot halt. All life is
urging US on, and one or the other must
be our chosen path. The anxious trav-
eler may have NO guide book to direct
him, and he may be lost through NO
fault of his. But this cannot be the
case in the journey through life. We
have an unerring guide. Our con-
science, or as some one has beautifully
expressed it, "ths voice Of God in the
soul of man." is ever gently directing
our course. II we listen to its teach.
ings and follow its counsel,, we shall
learn the wisdom by which to choose
the path that leads to the highest char
acter and the best success.
The funeral, yesterday, was attended
by many friends-men and women-who