Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1876-01-22
Undereurrent Existeuces.

There are some people who seem TO lead
very humdrum lives. They say and no noth-
home-staying. They are quiet, unpretending
ana unattracttve. To sit In the presence OF
such persons, after leaving the hustle, hurry
out into pasture In autumn, and contem-
plating the brown turf and gray rocks, after
dwelling in the luxuriance OF a well kept
garden. They seem SO dull In the emotional
quality. The intensities of life are lost TO
them. They are serenely domestic,-gently
useful, quietly existent. Such people are
generally passed by and left out. In the gay
procession OF change and circumstance they
seem TO have no place. In the scenes OF life
where laughs out comedy, or stalks dark
tragedy, they are the supeInumeraries, VINO
only stand by and say nothing. They are
not objects OF charity, either mentally or
physically, for they always seem very COM
Portable; ar the same time they appear So in
the very lack OF desire for what is ardent
vigorous and active, which TO us seems the
pith of existence.
To the careless and unthinking. such indi-
viduals are targets for scorn. Satire, of that
kind which is half pitiful, follows them
They are the recipient of treatment most dis
tinctly favored with indifference; the In
dlnerence which is not cautious. aud which
speaks out frankly in every gesture. No ex-
pectation of resentment ever troubles any
Dody Not one in twenty ever dreams that
their feelings may be hurt. They are, In
fact, not supposed 10 have any sensibility
at all. Yet these very people who seem OF
so little consequence are an Indispensable
portion of humanity. Like the background
OF q sOmbre shading throws the colors of the
countenance into border relief, and heightens
the effect by force OF contrast, so in the Gro yd
of energetic, intelligent earnest workers,
these unObtrusive beings mingle the dull
neutrals OF their characters, and render the
world finished by their shade. They bear ia
silence great portion OF all burdens that
are borne. They pick up what others drop.
Ihey put In place what Others overturn.
They mend what others break. They
nnd what others lose: They accept what
others reject. They do what others leave
undone. While others tell OF what they
have accomplished, they rise and go about
some necessary work. While others laugh
and chat about a thousand trifies, they are
steadily pu rSuiDg some homely duty, True
to the conditions of their natures, they fuliI
an essential part in the worlds work and
carry into effect much which more splendid
intellects conceive. Happiness and comfort
are shed around them; for ease and freedom
from petty cares, means, TO many who have
no time TO spend on them, enjoyment and en-
couragement. In the under-currentS of these
calm existences frequently lies the Joy of
whole families and many friends These
people are, without doubt, in Just the right
place, and doing the right thing. They are
happy In 1t, as they know nothing OF the
richness and flavor of more extended obSer-
walton In the quiet, domestic atmosphere
which they breathe, their homely Influence
may be just the element needed To curb the
vices OF those who 60 out from them. The
very innocence of their ways, the unsophis-
ucism of their thoughts, may be the pale but
steady light to guide some erring heart that
loves them. In the day when the Father
shall make up his Jewels, the almost color
less but beautiful pearl may occupy a place
nearer his heart than the most brilliant
diamond; and when the record OF our lives is
placed In the Judgment before us, we may
whom we had thought little of. are those
whom God with his finer discrimination.
most approves.-Ihe Golden Rule.