Mississippi leader. (Jackson, Miss.) 1892-1895, 1894-07-24
HOW ARE WE TO WORK?
BIZ MRS. ETHIE LEHMAN.

Many suggestions have been made
as to how we shall spend our energies,
so many indeed that we can scarcely
hope to say anything new upon the
subject; but, if we are to write On that
along the line of which our thoughts
have been running, regardless of
whether it be new or old, we certain
ly can not expect to handle a theme
wholly foreign, no matter how much
our restless minds may be craving
some thing new. This is the age of
steam and electricity, a time when men
live rapidly and seem impatient at any
thing slow or old; but, after all, hui
man nature is much the same as it
was in the days of the ox-cart and tai
low candle; and lessons of practicable
ity have to be oft repeated to be re-
membered.
The more our hearts become Chris
tianized, the more eager we become
to further the cause of our Master by
doing some work that shall add to the
sum of human happiness: that is, some
work that shall help to break the
bonds of iniquity by which men are
enthralled and bring them into that
state of righteous liberty in which
alone there is peace and happiness.
We sometimes feel that, if only our
physical exertion were necessary, oar
arm should be one of the last to fail
in the mighty effort to overthrow the
bulwarks of wickedness. But, alas!
while physical strength and endurance
are always required, in the great con-
fict now going on, there is a much
larger demand made upon us. We
must think, think hard. Correct think
ing is not an easy matter, especially
when SO many different opinions are
each striving for the supremacy as at
present.
A long time ago a quiet but very biz
ter enemy made his appearance among
us. Seeming likely to modest no one
who left him unmolested, we for many
years paid little attention, to him; but,
at last, we have awakened to the fact
that stealthily, constantly he has been
making great acquisitions, so great and
so numerous that even the homes of
our most innocent and loving
citizens are endangered by their prox-
unity to so deadly foe. Without the
sound of hammer to warn us of his
encroachments, he has erected citadels
in our midst; and how best to assail
their strong walls is question almost
too great for those who would now
over throw them.
An anxious but much divided ar
my we stand in front of these defenses
One leader says, let the forces arrange
themselves according to my dictates
and the strongholds of the enemy will
soon be taken. Just as we are about
to follow his directions another, of
equal authority, steps forward and
counter mands the orders. There is a
break! The greater number of the sol
diers stand still! only few in the
front ranks, less willing to be turned
from their purpose than the rest going
on with the assault.
What are we to do? With no gener-
al-in- chief but with score or more of
of would-be leaders, each exhorting us
to follow, what can we do? At one
time we are told that the women
must take the equal rank with the men
in the engagement; at another that it
would be altogether unwise for them
to do SO; that they had far better stay
in the rear, cheering their stronger
brothers, ministering to their comfort,
and caring, "as only woman can," for
those who may chance to fall in the
strife. Oh, that some undoubtful and
infallible fairy would inform us what
position is best to assume! We must
not long stand still, for, while the ar
my of which we are, nominally, part
Is only family battering at the front,
the enemy is sending out detachments
from the rear gates to conquer and
take possession of new territory. Vice
has no trouble in getting his forces to
act. Almost any plan will do if only
the desired end can be gained thereby.
With us it is different. The reason we
hesitate so much is, that we wish to
Keep on the side of right and we do
lot always know which that is. Truly,
s we said before, this time to think
ard. Not only the leaders but the
ommon soldiers must think. If we
o not think, we will probably do moth
q. II we do nothing, we count moth
lg, perhaps, as our influence may
light the worthy zeal of some other.
We are in duty bound to act. But,
VS. one, humun judgment is weak;
,rhaps after all our thinking we shall !
me day find that the position which