The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1894-08-12
OUTOF THE AIR.
These are not natural events; they
strengthen
From strange TO stranger.


These are not natural events: they
From strange 10 stranger
The air that surrounds us is all fun
OF elements OF life for Us and for our
KIN the trees and plants and animals.
Who knows what active forms Of lie
and controlling powers occupy it. and
what Is coming out Of IL?
The prettlest and most delightful things
IN our lives are the impromptus: the
little natural meetings, occasions ana CO
incldences. that happen to MS all from
time 10 time: that seem TO come out OF
the air They are ike perfectly DELI
clcus fruit at its maturity. In its season
and lust when we want IT. colo waters
to a thirsty soul. We may plan them
prepare for them. spend money. time anu
labor 10 get them up, ana somehow or
other they get cranked. the min thing
Is missing. and the affair goes all awry
on the contrary. these that come about
IN a natural way, that gather their Gle
mems from the past and from the dis
lance that, entirely unexpected and
without design. fresh. beautiful. perfect
and happy. take their place in our com
mon history, these are the brightest
spots and occasions Of our lives. They
absolutely can not he put together ~
manufactured. And the most Iaborlous
efforts to accomplish them are but poor
limitations disgusts, vanities and vex-
ations: strained Jokes, and elaborate in
utilities.
But for these things that come out Of
the air. what would our lives be? Sup
pose we could arrange exactly, accord
ing to our ideas and plans. whole
year in advance, would things not fall
into the dull and stale and fat right
away? Would we not tire I'm looking as
them and lose our interest in them be
fore they happened? Almost sigh for
a disappointment? Change ana variety
make life cnduTabie. and troubles give
IL tone. But the unexpected is the i'm
portant matter that controls our affairs
and keeps alive our interest. It IS the
unexpected that turns our best laid plans
into failures and makes our indiscre-
lions and misfortunes blessings. Whose
life is not full Of these experiences?
Whose life is not full Of miracles that
have saved. that have taught, that have
determined the whole course Of his life,
that have bespoken the controlling hand
of Heaven?
1t is strange how idly or hsuessiy we
regard these things. We acknowledge
them We call them wonderful. special
proyidences, and fail or refuse 10 ac-
knowledge the hand of God in them.
Actions are said 10 speak louder than
words, and yet these things come out
Of the air. show long foresight marvel
lCus combination. adjustment Of matters,
bringing together Of persons, and beau
tiful consummations. successes and re-
suits. They testify 10 present wisdom
ana power and goodness-Ordering all
things In Heaven and earth--and we rec
ognize only an neutrality-suspicious..
Philosophers see evolution; scientific
aEnOstioism. How much more reason
able and handsome and agreeable to
adopt as a armament OF life. "Our
Father who art IN Heaven" IN whose
wisdom and power and goodness, we
i've and move and have our being?
''Who daily lcadeth us with blessings"
Why not take these things that come out
Of the air as warm intelligent loving
kindness, as shows as very present re
minders Of the ever present communion
with our Cod The order and grade Of be-
Ing does not rise into cold intellect, and
waste itself distractions and confound
itself In an external whirl. Mar Is atrue
suggestion OF Deity. and all his life
and being centre and proclaim one COM
mon Father from whom comes every
good and perfect gift-ln infinite majesty
and mecy-responding 10 our whole
hearts and minds-lnhnite Love.