The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1896-10-08
PLAIN PHILOSOPHY.

1t is easier going down hill than up.
We desire the smooth path, the un-
troubled way, but no one can carry
burden and not feel it, and when not
in trouble we should consider that we
are empty handed, and should speedily
hunt up something that will give us
trouble again, that we may know again
that we are doing something.
Every person has more trouble than
anyone else supposes, because other
peoples trouble do not trouble them.
Trouble is COMPRISING process in
nature to keep us from getting too big,
and feeling too big. 1t makes us strong
in construction to contend vigorously
against obstruction. 1t is always worth
the trouble, to get out of trouble, to
keep out Of trouble, and the Creator
has kindly arranged that we have more
or less of it in all our undertakings that
we may know that he is constantly
present to stay us from ruinous ex-
tremes. We would pursue impetuously
our ambitions. but he throws about us
the beneficence of trouble that we may
not follow them to destruction.
Trouble is as powerful to save as to
destroy; and it is permitted to encoun-
ter us as warning that the farther we
may go that way, the more we may ex-
pect Of it. When we allow things to
trouble us unduly or pursue things in
to the depths thereof, we are lacking in
prudence.
A man may be known by the trouble
he can bear. 1t is the measuring stick
of his ability. Bear all of it you can
and when it comes too thick fall to the
rear We, ourselves, have had so much
trouble that we think things are not
going right when it is absent. Although
considerably bent with it we have
never. yet, let it break us, and all its
play upon us, has only tended to i'm
prove our elasticity.
Blind to existing opportunities but
led on by hope that there is still some
thing in store for them. dissatisfied
people are always thinking that othe
places are better than their own: an(
in the search therefor, are continual!
encountering dissatisfied people like
themselves, who are anxious to prof
by their restlessness. in making then
believe that they know just where th'
blessed oasis is. This latter creatur
sows the seed of dissatisfaction upOl
the soil of dissatisfaction, which eaSil
| takes root. Let me say to all such tina
all places have their advantages, and
person is about as we'll off in one plac
} as another. If there be any differenc
it is more in the man than in the place
Every place affords its opportunitie:
7 which is simply superiority of judg
. ment, plus tact and energy and becaus
3 you don't possess these, and can't Sc
t opportunities where you are, don't III
f wisely conclude that you can see ther
/ better abroad. Don't forget that 20
r take the same eyes with you, and ths
r change of place does not improve acute
t ness of vision. When tOrmented wit
o the demon of restlessness, you shoul
S consider that the place longed for, an
: which you think contains the object {
j. your desire, will finally lose its newne:
l. when if not very much engaged, an
), possessed with great wisdom the dissa
y isied thought that other places are sti
e better, will return and you will agai
n desire to be on the move in quest of
?, balm for your discomfort which instes
IS of being found in places, resides in tt
l. temple of wisdom within you.-Minn
J. apolis Free Baptist.