The times., 1886-06-25
WHOLE NO. 3ls


the unequal distribution of gifts by the
Almighty. Intellectual weakness, in those
who have had the opportunities for inn
provement, is more frequently fault than
an infirmlty. Is it not true that the intel
lectual status of our Republic, our State,
and even this city, is below what it ought
to be? Where is the difficulty? | has
two sources First; in the intellectual in
dolencc common to man. Second; in the
sad fact that parents allow their children
to abandon school life before graduating.
In some cases it may be necessary, but in
the many it is not So Children are too
anxious to begin life without an adequate
preparation, and parents give their consent.
Years enough are not given to laying
good foundation for lfe's momentuous
structure. This is sad, and in many
instances. fatal mistake. Life is robbed
of its grandest possibilities, because mind
power has not been sufficiently developed
and disciplined Young people say very
often, and parents give their assent: 1--WE
want to be doing something for ourselves
Such forget that the best thing they can do
for themselves is, not to leave school Ito
earn little money" but to learn how to
think, how to restrain themselves, and
thus learn how to make the best of their
powers. There is too much of what is
called "cramming." in our schools, and
too little time given for digestion, appro.
priation and thoroughncss, not because the
methods of the teacher are defective and
''rutty," but because parents arc in hurry
to rush their children through school. The
result is, an abnormal mental growth,
tenderness, and dyspepsia. A pupil who
has to spread himself over too large field
of thought, will find himself doing as inn
perfect work as an ambitious hen, who
spreads herself over thirty eggs, when she
only possesses power enough to incubate
| fifteen. This is one of the reasons why
so few of those who enter the High School,
graduate. More is put into the mind than
1t can digest and appropriate, and the re.
suit is, it becomes glutted, cloyed, satiated
and asks that the process be stopped. And
fond parents say: "Our children don't like
to study; can't endure study" and so school
life is abandoned, and the children are de.
prived of much needed culture and dis
cipine for the solemn responsibilities of
life. And the main reason for this sad
phase of youthful life is, the clustering
American haste, to rush children through
school so they can begin money.malxlng.
No wonder that SO many of our scholars
lack strong thought, manliness, strong
character, and fail to rise to positions of
.eminence in the world of intellect What
is needed?
First: Every child should be taught as
soon as possible, to form plan of life.
Some might ask: "What is the use; is not
every life plan of God? And if so, will
He not execute His plan in spite of ours?
Is there not divinity that shapes our
ends, rough hew them as we wilY"
These are pertinent and important questions
and candid, and. if possible, correct
answer should be given. Let me say, then,
that God has no plan of anyone's life that
is in conflict with the best possibilities of
being and doing, wrapt up in his intellect
ual and moral natures. In fact, you may
read His intentions-His plan. as it is
written, on those possibilities. Study
your powers, capabilities, tastes, circum-
stances and opportunities, in conjunction
with the Bible. prayerfully, earnestly,
continuously, then you will find out Gods
plan of life The knowledge may come
to you gradually, or it may come as rev.
elation; never mind, it will be sure to come,
it will not tarry when it is needed. 1t al
ways comes TO those who look, and wait.
There need here be no conflict between
your plan and Gods. Bear in mind that
If Divinity shapes your life, you furnish
the materials. Then, by plan of life. is
not meant program, gotten up to be car.
ried out in detail, as If life was a concert
or convention; but simply this, the for
nation OF a noble purpose 10 be, and do,
what is worthy Of a man, and nothing
more. Surely, here is plan of life that
Is in exact agreement with Gods. BE a
man and act the man. Such life cannot
be loose. purposeless, life. Yondcr is a
majestic ship, her timbers are solid, they
are solidly, skillfully, and artistically put
together. She is loaded with joyous
company that is reckless of sun, winds
and waves. Ask the captain, "whither
bound?" Nowhere in particular" he
replies. What think you of such an an.
swer? There are neat sails. compass and
helm, all fitted to sail TO some fair haven,
but there is no definite purpose on board
Possibly, fair winds may drift them tc
some beautiful, golden shore, but there is
a terrible risk. a fearful uncertainty Yet
this is but faint representation of many
young men, who are now on life's rough
sea. They have no intelligent, noble pur
pose, nothing toward which their might,