The Pickens sentinel. [volume] (Pickens, S.C.) 1871-1903, 1882-11-16
Friction.


That machine will run the smoothest,
the fastest and the longest which has
the least friction. The farmer realizes
that his horses are wearied out and die
young, often, because of this extra
strain upon them which comes from
without. But this is not the only kind
OF friction with which they are familiar.
There is friction which is due to the
makeup OF the animal Some horses
are constantly fretting and tuning
and wearing themselves out, while
others go steadily along with their load
and never turn aside to fret themselves.
These last possess the staying qualities
which are valuable in horses or in men.
Now it is possible to decrease the
amount OF friction, both external and
internal. 1t is, and ever should be, the
aim OF the good farmer to buy machines
which have least friction. And the in
Ventor who does most in this line will
win both fortune and renown. Com
pairing the tools and machines now in
use with those used fifty years ago it
will be seen at once that great advance
has been made in this particular
But men are much like horses. They
are very largely in the harness and pull
ing heavy loads. And many of them
are breaking down in health, or COM
planning bitterly of their lot, when there
really is no need of it. Friction is kill
ing them or sourng their natures. And
thlSfriction comes often-timcs from with
out, and oft-timeS from within. One
man is being crushed between mill
stones which he cannot lift off or PIT
far down beneath his feet But this is
not often the case, and when it is the
best thing that man can do is to leave
that position at once at any sacrifice.
But much Of the friction OF life which
comes from without may, or might by
forethought and good Judgment, be
avoided. Many cruel words are re-
ce.Ted by, and unkind deeds done to,
those who havenot tact sufficient to leave
certain words unsaid or questions un-
asked. Some persons never know when
not to put q question, Some ether per-
sons never fail to put it exactly at
tho right time. One gets a curt,
cold or insulting reply. The 9TH
er receives courteous and full
answer. One wins respect, the other
contempt. Now this gals and frets the
tactless one, but if he only knew human
nature better, he-perhaps more often
she-might have avoided it. You may
be constantly in company with another
of greater slowness or quickncss. If
the LATTER one moments haste on your
part may make him pleasant all day. If
he is slower than YOU and YOU keen
steady step with him for brief time, it
may smooth your path. In other words,
tact to see and know the fitness of
things and willingness on your part to
make concessions to meet their de-
mands, will generally win the day. 1t
makes no difference who the other par
ty is; whether between parents and
children, husband and wife, teacher
and scholars, business partners, minis
ter5 and people, whoever the other par.
ty may be, tact, kindness and q wiling
ness TO bend will save n great deal of
the wear and tear of life. We do not
say all, but it is worth trying to see how
much.
But the fact remains that more friction
comes from within ourselves than from
without Ambition, envy, and the legion
OF foul spirits which attend these, unite to
wear away the heart. How often do
they succeed in squeezing out the juices
OF life, and leaving it but II dry, bitter
rind. And then the man looks out upon
the world aud thinks il nll as dry and
bitter Us his own heart What is this
beauteous world and the great loving
hearts in it to such q Soul? No wonder
he cannot comprehend them. What
we need, each one, is to cultivate fruit,
and by so doing kill out the weeds. Re-
joice i'll others prosperity, and then we
shall not envy their good fortune.
Think of our blessings. and then we
shall not revile our hard lot. Look for
flowers, and rainbows, and gorgeous
sunsets. not for clouds, and fog, and rain.
We need TO think more of our fellow
men and forget self. We need to live
in the sunlight of the presence OF God,
and our hearts shall sing new song Of
gladness, peace and love. Then shall
we have conquered the frictions of life,
and in this light and this spirit, we shall
ever do our best workers for
God, workers for man, and thereby
workers for our best selves. - Golden
Rale.