The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1896-03-19
FROM OTHERS EYES.

If we could only observe ourselves as
others see us; if we could analyze our
own minds and correct our faults and
failings and Alright them, prior to ex-
animation by others, as we glide along
the tranquil stream of life, how much
more pleasant matters would be for the
vast assemblage gathered together on
this mundane sphere. Every individ-
ual has his share in earthly doings or,
as Shakespeare said, "All the worlds a
stage and all the men and women
merely players" The trouble is that
many of us have yet to make our own
acquaintance.
To know ourselves is very estima-
BILE quality. If we are aware as to
what we are morally and physically
capable of doing, and do it with a will
and vigor, there would be fewer sighs
and less heartbreaking. Calm. quiet,
relentless self f-examination, however,
is the most irksome task to which we
ever set ourselves, and we gladly make
use of every excuse to avoid it. The
simple truth is that we have a lurking
suspicion that we are not as large, or
as faithful, strong and noble, as we
like to believe, and we rather fear to
look into the matter lest our suspicious
should be corroborated. We listen to
the praises of impulsive friends and
try to persuade ourselves that the
hattery is deserved. Fatal mistake.
Commune with yourself and see if you
really deserve such commentator.
Deep down in your heart instinct infers
that you do not. If others are bound
to applaud and you have performed an
act that is deemed noteworthy, and
should they desire to impress you with
this fact, take it all mOdestly; try to
persuade yourself that you only did
what was your duty to do and under no
consideration mingle with your ad-
mirers in admiring yourself. A very
simple rule will unfold great secret.
ACQUIRE the habit of self-communiOn,
and everything will follow. Spend a
short period of time every day in your
room, talking to your soul about the
great concerns of life. Quiet, restful
contemplation is more magical than
magic itself. Look over your purposes
and motives critically and impartially
and unfold yourself to yourself. Elk
anime your hopes and fears, coming to
a deliberate judgment concerning thei1
value and you will find sooner or later
that invisible beings who walk the
earth both when we wake and sleeI
are your welcome companions. There
is nothing so nearly Omnipotent, 81
transfguring, nothing that can 81
quickly bring you self-control, content
ment and the consciousness of Cod
presence in your life as quiet self-ex
animation in solitude.
When a builder undertakes to erec
3 house the first thing he does is t.
: find out if the necessary materials
: such as timber, stone, etc., are With
J, reach that the contract may be fulfilled
4 He already has the plan of construt
4 ton in his mind. His laborers ar
s supposed to have the necessary too
J. to work with and also know how
j. use them, and should anyone apply fo
d work and not be familiar with tn
l. tools, he would be treated with col
t tempt. In practical life, when on
e wishes to earn his living, he mu
O know his trade and have at hand tt
is instruments which alone can mai
Y. him all available artisan. Nothir
g would be more absurd than for ma
e, to apply for work as carpenter wi
ID is ignorant of the principles OF Il
ID work he is paid wages for doing. III
p same rule applies in building cha
at acter. The wise man is a study. t
it, knows what elements go to make
ne character, and whether he is in pc