The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1882-09-15
OTHERS FIRST.


OTHERS FIRST.
How few practice this advice. A
very large number of men-and some
women-proceed on the principle of
self first. They have acted on this
principle so long that it has become
second nature to them. They may read
in the Bible that 1.-THE last shall be
first" but it has no meaning to them.
Whatever they do concerns themselves;
their property, their ease, their
pleasure. They have no heart for
others troubles. Their pity is never
better than contempt. Their gifts never
come FROM the heart. Their aims are al
ways low because they do not take in
the welfare of others. Personal gain,
this is the great object of life. To die
worth SO much, say 100000 or pos
sibly 100000 this is the goal and
they press on to reach it. And, in
many cases. they are measurably sue
cessful. For what man sets his heart
on he is likely to attain; and what he
seeks to be that he is likely to become
And so, to gain his end, he labors hard
and makes all about him labor hard,
year after year, till death calls and he
has to obey. A slave to his idea of
success! This is true of more people
than one would naturally think until he
examines into the case.
And another class are forever looking
out for their own comfort. If they are
travelling in the cars, two of them will
monopolize four seats with no thought
of others who are anxiously looking for
seats. Or they will open window
to get little air and let the
smoke and dust and cinders
drive in on the occupants of the seats
behind them, perfecly indifferent
to their comfort. Or they are thinking
of their food; happy if they get just
what they wish, cross and peevish if
they do not. Or they are taken up with
dress and make all their friends miser-
able till they get what they want. And
so we might continue. for the list of
their wants is endless.
Now these various classes of people
are not only disagreeable. but they are
making failure of life. Life should
reach higher than self; should be more
than attempts, successful or unsuccess-
full, to crafty personal ends. A true
life may be measured by the greatest
good done to the greatest number. To
accomplish personal ends, in so far as
they do not conflict with the rightful
interests of others, may be noble and
right, and in the highest sense wise.
Shall we not then seek wealth? Yes.
Shall we not enjoy our life? Yes. Shall
we not indulge in fine clothing and
beautiful furniture? Yes. Do all these
things, provided that they do not con-
flict with others rights and interests.
But, instead of asking why not, rise
to higher plane and live for others and
with their interests in view. Begin at
home. Tighten the burdens of wife and
mother. Instead of keeping them run
ming to wait upon you, try to save their
steps and do what you can to sweeten
and brighten their lives. Make your
wife's interests of equal importance
with your own. Enter heartily into the
thoughts of your boys and girls. You
have it in you, doubt not, to make a
loving husband and kind father; to be a
great deal better than you are; to be
more like what you thought you would
be when married life was a future
dream.
1t you are wife and have been too
much wrapped up in self, stop and
think what you can do at home. All
good things begin, or should begin, at
home. Fill the house with sweetness
and light by your presence. 1t rests a
man wonderfully to return home and
meet a genial, happy wife, who is
thoughtful of his comfort. And then,
fathers and mothers, husbands and
wives. let your affections and your kind
ly interest take in wider circle. Think
not only OF each other, not only of the
culture and training of your children,
but take kindly interest in your neigh
Dor and in his well-being. In business,
in society, in the church, there is room
enough for thought and word and act.
You will not be the loser in the long
run. Cast your bread upon the waters.
Always be ready to lend a helping hand.
Stand by the truth, by all that makes
for Righteousness. Wear as kindly and
as hopeful face as you can, and do all
the good possible. This policy pays.
1t pays a man in his own soul. Such a
man may sing songs in the night and re-
joice in the day. He gives help and
comfort on every side. He will be
loved. He will get help when himself
in trouble. He will be remembered
when he is dead. Dear reader, we can
wish you no better thing in this life
than to belong to this class. Love God
and help make the world better.-Gold-
en- Rule.