The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1883-05-12
Cropping in the Dark.


We have seldom seen more pathetic
sight than that witnessed the other day.
IL was blind man cropping for chair,
n table or anything which might re-
veal TO his touch a certainty which his
eyesight could never more discover.
Rejecting upon the sad picture, the
thought suggested itself that mentally
we are all very much in the same con
dition of the blind man. In different
ways we are all cropping in the dark for
certainties, which we sometimes sue
ceed in grasping, but which more often
eude our touch. We long so be sure,
TO be settled. TO be certain; instead OF
which we are ever doubling, fearing,
hoping wondering. With the former
state of mind we associate ideas OF
restfuness, calmness, peacei with the
latter those of disquiet, uneasiness, con-
fusion.
Now. this desire for certainties is le
ultimate because it is natural to the HUI
man mind. 1t is useful because it in
duces effect But 1t is a mistake to
suppose it is necessary TO insure
the qualification of peace of mind.
It is true that in our daily employ
ments we dislike uncertainties. To
fear of loss or change, tc know that our
ventures viii be successful, and our
efforts will reach their aims, seems to
many of us the pinnacle of all enjoy
ment Instead of this, however, uncer-
tainties attend every step. Hope and
fear alternate within us; our enterprise
may succeed, but it may fail; our efforts
may be valuable and appreciated, but
no uGplpgS
Some constantly chafe under these I'M
certainties. They let fear subdue hope,
and suspicion conquer trust; they fret
and fume over possible mishaps, thus
uniting themselves for present duties
and coming emergencies. Others have
obtained the power of being calm and
peaceful in the midst of these uncer-
tainties They are not torpid or unin-
terested; on the contrary. they are often
the most energetic and enthusiastic of
workers; they spare no effort to perfect
and carry out their plans, yet they re-
main unperturbed and quiet in view OF
possible defeat. Without wasting needed
strength in vain wonderings, or enervat-
ing fears, they put it forth in well-con-
sidered action and calmly await results.
The same difference is seen in other
phases of life. One traveller is full of
nervous anXieties about the uncertain
ties of the journey. He broods over the
chances of q collision, an explosion, a
fire, or some other disaster which may
overtake him. Another, by his side,
admitting the same uncertainties, is
calm and unrullled. His thoughts do
not dwell upon such possibilities, since
no help is to be thus gained, but are
busy in other channels One mother
is overwhelmed with the uncertainties
that cluster around her children. They
may sicken, they may die, they may
fall under evil influences, form bad
habits, and prove disgrace instead OF
Joy and honor. If she could only bC
sure of their safety, their health, theii
happiness, their welfare, she would bC
at peace, but now she can not rest
Another, not less faithful and loving
recognizes the same dangers, but pre-
serves her spirit sweet and calm in theil
midst. She will do her best to aver
them; she will labor unwearyingly tC
counteract Them, but having done that
she will be at peace.
Much of these differences are doubt
less due to temperament One person
is naturally nervous, restless. anxious
another as naturally calm, quiet, peace
full. Yet something of this Tranquil
power may be cultivated in those wh'
lack it. Life is full of uncertainties
and it is of vital Importance that W,
should learn to meet them wisely ant
bravely. Happily, however, there ar
also certain great certainties to whicl
we may cling, and upon which we ma.
safely rest The eventual power of in
tegrity, fidelity and energy in work, tn
ultimate triumph of truth over error
the strong influence of love and sympa
thy to promote the welfare and happi
ness of our fellow-men, the undeviatin,
effect of character upon life--these ar
certaintieS which win never fail us, AM
the more thoroughly we realize them
believe in them and trust them, th
more easily and patiently we shall b
able to endure the many uncertaintie
which surround us.-C0Iumbns (Ga.
Enquirer.
A "PersOnal Z" Parade.