The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-04-15


monotonv. before we fairly get into them
they lose their freshness their leaves 'helf
blossoms and flowers and the passion with
which we follow them soon turns 20 disgust
and hate. A part Of the record OF times
glory is;
To ruinate proud bindings with her hours.
And smear with dust her gittering golden tow
ers.
and show man at his best estate altogether
vanity.
The plainest and most unambitious man.
most DESTROYS to lead only an honest and good
life, soon falls into mere drudgery The days
and years of his pilgrimage, few as they are
seem to drag heavily. and he spends his time
as a hirelng, looking for the setting sun. lie
is only living and working. plodding his tread
mill for those who are dependent on him. he
would like to leave them comfortable-thats
all.
The background of every life. and of the
whole life, is sombre, at its best estate, dark,
and from the beginning 10 the close, pains,
disappointments, bereayements. sorrows con-
tinually sadden its hue: it springs from night
one. is the signing autobiography that each
one thinks his own peculiar hard lot, until lie
finds that it is general thing. His own
moan is re-echoed in pitiful minor tones.
But though this may be the solemn fact,
and though the wholesomest truth We may
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS with is that it is "A sol
emn thing TO live. still we may thank the
Almighty for our creation and preservation.
1t is not only solemn thing. but 1t Is glorl-
GUS privilege to live. Life IS no comedy 1t
is most dignifed and honorable pageant.
And its dark background IS the only color
suited 10 its immense importance
grandeur of the issue. The story 10 Man on
His Way to Eternal Life. Then where IS
the place Tor laughter in the swelling scene:
But life will hardly stand this solemn
strain. The great Creator has made the
earth we tread on dark. but he has made
many a greensward, many long reach OF
grave but pleasant pathway. And lie has put
1t into our power to make not only railways
and macadamized roads. but ingenious and
industrious piety alive to the teachings Of
wisdom and virtue. jealous OF the honor OF
the great Designer, can transmute the
toughest experiences OF our soJourn into
quiet and sweet style and be honorable IN
doing 80. Passing through the Vale of
Misery it can find wells and brooks in the
way, rear affairs and monuments OF faith to
cheer fellow or later pilgrims, and seem al
most to make the oyerhangng heaven glow
with a genial smile, and brighten the darkest
clouds.
But it is not the light fantastic toe the
gay and festive" humOr. the heart set upon
having gay and giddy time, that is going to
turn life 70 the best account. The ground
work of life is sad; the music of the march
through it is solemn. The condition of its
appreciation and the keynote that is to put
us in accord with its harmonies is good sense
and devotion to duty.
The worlds most honorable heroes have in
every nation and tongue. trod Affections
path-far above them all, the man of sor-
rows and acquainted with grief"
An old heather gives the world its hand
soonest lesson:
lon path of greensward
Windsround by sparry grot and gay pavilion.
There is no fllnt 70 nurt thy tehder IoOt
There's ready shelter from each breeze and
shower.
But duty lies not that way; SEQ her stand
With wand enliyened with amaranth near yon
cliff.
Oft where she leads thy head must bear the
Oft where she leads thy blood must mar, thy
footsteps.
And thy shrunk form endure heat, cold aud
hunger;
But she VIII guide thee MP to nobler heights.
Which he who gains seems native OF the skies,
And earthly JOYS lie stretched beneath thy feet,
Diminished. shrunk and yalueless
The Stations of the Cross" are the way to
the highest, truest manhood as well as 10 the
Kingdom of Heaven.