Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1877-02-14
OF SELF-SACRIFlCE.

-
PERHAPS there never existed q time
when the spirit Of self-sacritice was so
little amongst us ~ ut present. 1t is a
virtue not understood of mel; so
sparely practiced that it seems like
many of the good old customs and
fashions of our forefathers-to be
dying out. Each for himself. Thus
men argue; thus they act.
In seeking q reason, it may possibly
be found--it, as some think, we have
reached the beginning Of the enl--in
the fultillment OF that prophecy which
says that in the last few days men
shall increase and iniquity shall
abound. Or it may be the result of
the progress of the age, an evil of
which the food that nourishcs 1t is
daily gaining strength and growth.
The world is so oyer-populated--a at
least the world of our small island
that men are jostling each other; read
ing upon each others heels; wrestling
for place and power; for wealth and
the grandeur wealth brings. No matter
what the cost to homer to integrity
what the increasing honor Of mind and
body; still they wrestle
al must climb the social ladder. |
must increase III riches and importance.
My neighbor just now fills the lofty
goal | eovet. II l cannot attain to il
unless he come down, let him fall
SO man soliloqui2es, and proceeds to
work accordingly.
Presently he gains his object. A,
from his lofty height, with complacen-
cy and elfconiidence. has looked
down upon the struggling humanity
below him. Suddenly, his very self
reliance assisting his downfall, he
.overbalances, and b reigns in his stead
The latter in turn becomes self-con-
gratulatory; he has gained his end; he
cares little for the ruin he has effected
lie goes forth to the high places OF the
word with songs triumphant.
This is no mere ideal picture. 1t is
\ truth and "A fact, happening every
day in greater or less degree. All
may witness for themselves who do
rot 60 through life with their eyes
closed. The motto of the present hour
is: Every man for himself. II cannot
he too often or too emphatically reit-
Grated. "What can | do? How shall
| increase in importance. in riches, in
the honor and glory of the world? In
what manner can further my happi-
ness, my comfort and welfare. crafty
my senses The question. What
can do to help on Others in world
laborlng in care and misery ~ is
passed over. Self-sacritce is not to
'be thought of, or mentioned. Il have
mo time for it, says the worldly man !:
might he not add mo inclination 2"
My whole days and nights are occu-
pied in the furtherance of my own
work. schemes, pleasures.
This is quite true. He has no time
for anything but himself. He feels
that we are living nj rapid rate. Ii
he halts 4 moment on the way. some
one else passes him swiftly, and he is
lost. His place is gone. He cannot
recover it. so he goes onward in
selishness and self-absorption. till
time crceps and creeps; leaving with
the rich and luxurious few traces of
burrows or gray hairs; until at last the
eyes close IN their last sleep: one more
life is over, for whose soul a world
would be no ransom: and The body, SO
restless hitherto. in the tomb has rest.
Not for this We're We brought into
the world. Each life has a distinct
and separate purpose of its own. Each
soul is created, not only to accomplish
some great work-for even the hum
blest career earnestly fulfilled will,
when the life is laid aside. leave be-
hind it an impression of completeness
but also to help ON other souls
through their pilgrimage of pain and
travail. This cannot be done without
an amount, more or less, of self-Sac-
rlice.
Ii is terrible 10 contemplate the
dearth of this spirit. arising in part
from lack of sympathy in the
human heart "a want, mark you. that
may be cultivated. Take, reader. a
little of your own experience. I'M
agjne yourself in great trouble. in sore
need; be il that of pity. of disburden-
, ing your soul, or the strait OF poverty.