Bradford opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1874-1881, 1875-01-09
Published by rsquest,l
An Essay on Life.
Read before the Adelphi Society Of Newbur,
W., Doe. 26th, 1874, by A. Allyn Olmstead

Read before the Adephi Society Of Newbury,
w., Dee. a6th, 1874, by A. Allyn Olmstcad,
The meanest moss 10 q living be.
ing; the fruit tree or the valuable
oak and pine are no more, but what
difference! The zoophyte Is an an.
imal, and the intelligent dog Is no
more, but there is great difference
in their capabiIity Of enjoyment. A
man is an animal-a living being
~ human being. Noah Webster
was u human being--a man an i'd
lot claims the same. Whence their
difference The anatomist says in
the size and quality of the brain and
conditions of the body. We are
not all men, therefore the Grecian
sage with u lighted candle in the
street at midday. Then for the
basis OF our reasoning: 1t is evident
that whatever u mans aims may be,
the attainment of them depends
more upon what he is than upon
any agency that he can employ.
If his aim be extended influence,
his words and acts have simply the
force which his character gives
them. If his object he usefulness,
his own personality measures the
value OF his gifts, and determines
exactly the value OF his services. II
his aim be happinass, the more of a
man he is, the more capable he will
be OF enjoyment. Christ knew the
difference between men, and illus
trated it in the parable of the sower.
Take a Simi-idiot and do the most
for him that can be done; educate,
chris.ianize him; it would do the
cause little good, for where there
is little given there is little or
nothing expected or required. 1t is
the mind that acts, and it puts into
it's action all that it has, and nc
more. Are yOu largely endowed
Then you will make circumstances,
The same outward act means more
or less, in proportion to the depth
and vigor Of feeling that the man is
capable Of possessing. Perhaps il
we had wortled our proposition diff.
ferently, say, ''mOre upon himself
than upon what he u.s." it could be
more plainly illustrated. Suppose
that one of you should put up at Il
hotel "a villain is there, and he puts
a wallet in which is money into
the pocket of your overcoat, and
awaits your departure. When You
are away he makes known that he
has been robbed. With officers
they pursue you, make search and
find that you have the money. Your
aim would be to get clear of the
crime. An unQuestioned character
at home would be your only plea ;
and our proposition would be veriti-
cd. Another illustration We
knew of a man that proposed to
peddle medicine and publish reli-
gious newspaper, and give all the
proceeds to the Lord. except enough
to pay his expenses. Gentlemen,
there was not enough to him. One
more illustration We knew the
man he was all the Lords. He
proposed to invent a perpetual mo-
tcn. What vast snm of money
such a patent would bring! And
for success he was going to give the
whole proceeds to the cause Of
Christ. All the heather were going
to be enlightened. That man died
crazy on the poor-farm. Where is
the perpetual motion7 And, TO-,
where is the heather 4?
Shall | tell you that it depends
more upon what man is, than up.
on any agency that he can employ I?
The more of a man any one is, the
greater is his power. Let it reach
on to God. There is a chance for
us to improve, if there is enough to
us-a will to SUMMONS a try. We
must sink or swim. Then let us try
and whatever our hands find to do,
do it with all our might-put it
through! Let us summons all that
in us is but let us not be too i'm.
patient. 1t is the will, the momen-
tum instead of velocity, that we
need. To move mountains you
must let the rain run into the crew.
ices, freeze, and throw it off. Or if
it is mountains Of sin, it is life
long work to fit ourselves for the
Masters work over there. If you
are too impatient and there is but
little to you, you will get discour-
aged and prove our proposition.