The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1892-09-14
PREPARE FOR EMERGENCIES.

Aivays Live in Readiness for the Unseen
and Unexpected.
There are many things for which we
have no calendar. There are always
the unforeseen things known to be pos
siblc but not anticipated and provided
fo". There are also the things which
were not thought of as possible, the
emergencies in which the course to be
taken must be determined at the time,
without previous experience or train
ing For the former it is possible to
make preparation. The uncertain ele-
mCnt being the time, we may prepare
for what is possible at any moment.
Thus the commander of a vessel may
be always in readiness for the storm,
the contender OF an army keeps him
self prepared Tor the attack which may
be made without warning. But for the
latter there can be no direct prepare
ton, for the reason that the con
tingenCy has not even been considered,
it being SO out of the ordinary expert
ence that it has not been regarded as
possible. But there is preparation
that is effective in the cultivation of
broad views in extensive knowledge of
the experience of others, and in the
training of the mind to cool Judgment
and the ready command of all its
resources There may be an ac-
emulation of knowledge, from
There may be formed the habit of
not being surprised at anything that
comes to pass; there may be the rcso-
luteness of will that commands the i'm
mediate obedience of all the faculties
and energies, and especially there may
be preparation for the most remote con-
tingcncies and for the greatest emer-
gencies, in habitual faith in God and
dependence upon Him for guidance and
help.
Emergencies are q severe test of char
lctcr and qualification. Sometimes
they arc like the fash-light which re-
veals most wildly what in the ordinary
light is not seen. They show the re-
sources of the person, and the qualifica-
ton for delicate and difficult work
One who is dazed by lneX-
pected difficulties, who is unfruitful
of resource in emergencies. who is para
ly2ed in the presence of danger, is not
qualified for any great work, and can
not even pass through life with reason
able comfort. That which is called
greatness lies largely in the power to
meet emergencies, The usefulness of
life, especially depends upon the abili-
ty to adapt oneself TO circumstances,
and to do the best that is possible under
the conditions for which there was not
direct preparation. Emergencies are a
fixed part of life. We live in system
that is greater than ourselves, we have
to do with forces that are unknown to
us. we are in constant relation with
others as free as ourselves, and whose
lives are crossing ours ut every point,
or are woven into them. We there
fore can not know how we will
he affected by these relations The
unknown is the larger part of life,
as the unseen is greater than the
seen, Therefore the Saviour says
Watch. for in such an hour as We
think not the Son OF man comcth. =
Always live in readiness for the unseen
in preparation for the unexpected. The
watchful one is not taken by sur
prise Awakened out of sleep at mid
night, he is ready to enter with thC
bridegroom. In every line of work con
slider the possibilities that provide fol
them; remember that there you vii
he often confronted with issues ant
duties which you could not foresce, anc
reserve resources for them. Life is al
ways greater than yourself. Lay hole
on the Infinite. Rather, allow God al
Ways to have His hand upon you, tina
You may be ready to do that for which
You are apprehcnded of Him. Their,
are no emergencies to Him. and living
in Him we are prepared for that whicl
comes from Him. Presbyte
riaR.