The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1896-10-17
Selections.
A NEW PROPHET.

There is good deal of humdrum daily
living, a good deal of dead level, life in
the ruts, good deal of dry custom and
dusty monotony of habit settled over or
binary existence. Why is there not an
opportunity for renaissance in living,
for new gospel of being? Why is there
not a certain welcome for new kind of
prophet,-not prophet of the tongue, a
proclaimer of ideal truths to be or to
hope for, but prophet in conduct. in
behavior. in the affairs of daily xistence.
prophet in the art of living? A good
example of aspiring life set in any COM
munity might at least arouse a hope in
many hearts that muchof the WEAKNESS
and fret of the accepted method is not
inevitable.
A real prophet in the art of living
would show without any spoken word,
but by the smoothness, steadiness, and
progressive Joy of his own existence,
that it is possible to be at spiritual
peace even in the very midst of all the
worlds alarms; that deep beneath the
Pickering surface lights and shades are
permanent resources of nourishment to
the soul, whence may easily be drawn
daily strength for daily needs; that
great gifts or great fortune or high DO
sition are not necessary to profound en-
joyment; that the harmonious satisfac-
tod of the senses in natural and prudent
development, the exercise of the COM
mon human faculties of intelligence and
reason, the beauty of the changing emo
tions, the glow of activity, the residence
of spirit,-these in themselves, rightly
treated, observed, and obeyed. are crea-
tive of Joy greater far than that of any
external fortune.
ITO breathe is beatitude." Amiel has
said; and the prophet of living should
prove this, and express his proof in life.
For thousands and thousands of human
beings regard humble, uneventful, quiet
modest life as curse rather than
blessing; yet they are compelled to en-
dure it. Oh for the new prophet to
show us that no life need run on a dead
level, that the humblest and most ordin.
airy existence wears splendid jewels up
on its bosom, did we but know it, as in
the holy hours of the night we may see
the brilliant stars of heaven down
there in the shallow water of the village
pond.
The new prophet must let us see these
stars in his calm, reposeful soul. We
must be compelled to know that joy,
peace and blessedness lie within.
1t seems essential that he should some.
how reproduce, in expression, manner,
voice. just what we have gathered an
idea of from our reading of the Sermon
on the Mount. Instead of the usual
piquancy, harshness, and stirringness of
conversation. his soothes. Modesty of
demeanor, pesceableness. simplicity. and
purity seem really fortunate in him.
Blessings follow his footsteps. Though
he has nothing yet he gives more than
he receives. Others may pass judg-
ments, but he prefers rather to forgive.
Others refrain from murder, remem ber-
ing "Thou shall not kill" though they
pierce with angry words their enemies,
and SANDER with evil communications
absent friends. But the new prophet
sweetens the common stream of life by
expelling every evil thought.
Justice certainly may be practised to
a moderate extent even in this unideal,
unprophetic, relapsed age. But our
prophet will not measure others by his
own rule,-"Blessed are the merciful."
Honesty is good, but this prophet will
be generous. Forbearance Is admirable;
but, when we are shown the real art Of
living as we imagine it can be shown,
love will outrun all calculation.-Chris-
tian Register.