The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1882-06-29

for man to die contented, no mat.
ter from what source he derives the
consolation. Most men do not die
contented, nor live contented, either.
Those who have grasped at the most
life affords, judged from a worldly
standpoint and seemingly secured
much, rarely quit the field satisfied.
There is always something more
which they think they should have
gained, and yet probably failed to
reach. Probably if they had gain
ed everything to which they aspired,
they would have desired to tarry
awhile longer to enjoy it. Human
ambition, whether for gold, fame or
power, is usually Unsuitable. 1t be-
comes species of disease that grows
upon what it feeds npon-like the
drunkard's rage for liquor, or the
fever victims thirst for natures
cooling beverage. Every man has,
or should have, definite purpose in
life, in order that his thoughts and
energies should steadily tend toward
success. 1t is wise, therefore, to in.
dulge in reasonable expectations
and to aim at moderate goals. The
man who sets out to have good
time, has just as much of fixed OBJ
ject in view, as the one who wears
himself out and kills millions of
other people, in founding an Empire
that passes away as soon as he dies.
Il may be objected that no man has
q right to consecrate his existence
to his own personal enjoyment; that
higher objects present themselves,
and that the voice of duty is more
Imperative than the sluggard's de.
sire for repose. This plunges us at
once into a labyrinth of problems
around us float the clouds of philo.
ply, and the mysteries of life, and
q hundred startling questions pro
pound themselves. What does q
man live for Z This will be answered
much according to the early or sub
sequent severe training each re.
spondent has undergone. A careful
investigation will disclose the fact
that a great many men do not really
know what they live for, and have
never been able to find ont. Those
who believe they know what other
men live for, will be found to dis.
agree on 30 many essential points,
that unanimous conclusion on the
part Of listeners will be impossible.
The investigation will end precise
" where it begun, unless with the
eye OF Faith, We look above and be-
yond mere tangible things, and an.
less Hope lends the guidance of it's
glittcring star. At the end of the
inquiry the logician may step in and
assert that the end Of all human
endeavors is to have a good time,
and he will be perfectly correct in
SO doing. What constitutes "good
times for one man, would prove a
very bad and distasteful time for
another. Animal or social enioy.
ment may be the chief aspiration of
one nature, while nobler and nigh
tier pursuits engross another. A
Caligula or a Caesar, each follow the
bent of his ruling passion aud is
simply intent on having good time.
The business man Informs you that
shines are good,n when he is making
money, and when he is losing money
shines are bad" The religious
devotee, with an elevation of soul
that scorns sordid or sensual de.
lights, dreams of happiness in a
brighter and more beautiful world
than this. View it as we may, it is
evident that most, like the celebrat-
ed comedian, are striving to have a
.good time,n and each in his own
particular way.
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