Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1883-12-14
The Power and Influence Of Little
Things.

Whosoever despises the worth and
influence of little things fails to under
stand the Divine method. of working in
nature, history and character. In the
search for the hiding places of life the
microscope discloses the bioplasts, the
builders of all organic tissues, working
within cells so minute that their diane
ter is from six to three times less than
the edge of a razor's blade. And yet
these almost infinitesimal life-forces
construct the entire fabric of the vege-
table and animal kingdom. Endowed
and guided by the power of their Gre
ator, they erect the monarch of the for
est trees, fabricate the most exquisite
forms of beauty in flower and leaf, or
weave the brain of Shakespeare. One
of the most impressive lessons that his
tory teaches is the part that compare
lively trivial circumstances have played
in directing and changing the course OF
events that have eliminated in epochs
that are the tide marks that distinguish
the worlds progress in civilization as
represented in government, art, litera-
ture and religion. Failure in the dis
charge of little duties has often ruined
the best laid plans of the wisest states
men and bravcst Generals. Attention
to the smallest details is found to be
characteristic of those whose uniform
success has been the puzzle and admira-
ton of the world.
1t is, however, in the realm of personal
experience and character that the in
tluence of little things is most potent
for good or evil. This truth is impress
lively illustrated by the Apostle James,
who, in writing of certain rich men,
says their garments arc moth-eaten.
This pest among insects is diminutive
in size, but its capacity for destruction
is dreaded by every careful housekeeper.
The costly furs that were laid away in
the spring, when taken from their place
for use again, seem at first glance in
tact, but, under the light, the first Wig
orous shake to remove the dust discloses
innumerable rents, and the once valua-
bic garment is found to be worthless.
Stcalthily and in the dark the tiny in
sects have accomplished their work of
destruction.
How often it happens that the COM
munity is startled by some story of
crime, and the surprise is expressed
Tat such an act should have been COM
mitted by one whose outward action
had heretofore been decent and respect
able. 1t is only the true character come
to light. In manner concealed from
the eyes of the world moth-like sins
have been eating into the wool and
warp of character, and when an overt
act has brought it into the light of truth
the real worthlessness is made known.
Little sins, or rather, sins often re-
peated, are the strands that form the
chains of habit that enthrall the soul in
bondage worse than death.
On the other hand, noble character
! and the fruit of its service is the result
of faithfulness in little things. There il
no realm in experience or period in life
where the most trivial circumstances
may not prove of vast Importance, OF
where little things do not make up the
sum and product OF the nobest achieve
ments. Our acts from moment to mo-
ment are the shuttle that carries the
threads that are weaving the pattern of
an immortal life. Care and thought i'm
the little details of the present duty is
the true test of character, In the light
of this truth every position and service
in life is recognized as full of gracious
opportunity. Trivial circumstances
prove to be turning points in experience.
The faithful discharge of little duties
leads to the highest promotion, and
those who are faithful in the use of their
one talent often prove that the "last
shall be first. Req. f. b. Sanford, On
Christian at Work.