Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-07-11
PrOfessinna.
CThe Observations OF a Philosophical
Friend OF Ours)

CIne observations OF a fhucsopnlcdf
Friend OF Ours)
II IS a manly thing to treat whatever
we have to do In an honorable way, and
make tire very most Of 1t. No man ever
yet made much OF business of which
he was ashamed. The zeal, intelligence,
and character that we throw into our
work give it grace and beauty, and
ensure 1t success; or make its failure to
be full Of praise. Our country and all
history is full OF enterprises whose be
ginnings were small, but whose latter
ends have greatly increased. The Babe
Of Bethlehem grew into name at
which every knee shall bow. And thai
was Tie grand type of all conceptions
that come OF the God OF Truth.
The disposition of our age is to turn
all things to their best account and make
the very most Of every thing. And so We
gather up fragments, make wholesome
medicines from weeds, derive beautiful
coors from unsghtly waste. perfumes
from offensive things, and realize grand
proits from offal. 1t is not mere uppish-
ness and idle ambition that give high
names to plain and common pursuits.
Ii is the instinct OF honor and innate
energy and Intelligence pressing them
selves into life. Respectable apparel cul-
tlyates se!f-respect: and the most worthy
view " our occupation OF calling
animates Us TO the most honorable ex-
ercise OF It. 1t is In the way of the ideal:
it contemplates perfection. Our age has
no place for Indifference. The mere sup
port OF life encounters fierce competition.
And on the lowest level the warning is
met: Root. pig. or die AS the level
rises more exacting are the demands for
all the life and power that IS in US, and
for the fullest use Of every faculty and
energy OF our being. Every man is put
to his best and highest effort: and every
thing must DC the very best of its kind.
The good, old days when anything
would do. and good, easy men full surely
would be satisfied with any sort Of
thing, and convenience ruled, have
passed away: moss-backs belong to a
past generation. The order of the Mas
ter is: Let your loins be girded about
and your lights burning: and. Be ye,
therefore, perfect as your Father in
Heaven Is perfect: He, whom we wor-
ship, IS wonderful in counsel and excel
lent in working. He slumbers not, nor
is weary. And the whole face OF the
world bespeaks such orders and influence.
The age does not allow OF things COM
mon and unclean. All this spirit is in
the air: The times glow with It, And
humanity hardly stands the strain.
In the past, professions have NEEDN'T
the highest and most honorable occupa-
lions. Now we apply the high term to
commoner pursuits. But every business
-. tf.r,t, L.
teligence, by honorable labor. The first
principles and Wtalities Of things, the
causes that move, the laws that govern,
the whole philosophy and purpose are
studied. Every man in every calling
must store within himself knowledge and
power. light and life: If he hopes
TO succeed. Arts have passed up into
sciences; and trades are becoming pro-
LESSONS. Every branch of business has
its literature. And the necessities OF life
compel the concentration OF light and
force. Labor and responsibility are di-
vided: And the enectual working in the
measure OF every part, the perfection
Of details is being accomplished. Our
business is the image of God. and the
manner of His work In the infinite and
the in1nitesimal.
The old professions are complaining
that the lower ranks are pressing on and
displacing them. And the common man
is getting 20 know a little about every
thing, and. as far as possible. all about
something which Is his speciality. The
words OF the prophet are showing
themselves true: The pots in the
Lords House shall be as vessels before
the altar And the time approaches,
when every man shall have praise OF
God
The democracy and republicanlsm that
IL just before US is the highest dream
OF the patriot. We are leveling: but we
are not levelling downwards. We are
establishing standards OF excellence not
to put passing fraudulent value on
things. but after essential. true. and eter
nal measures that we may judge right
eously and be assured of what we have
The first and greatest demand Of the
day Is Truth and sterling character: In
telligence and reliability: fidelity and en-
durance. High and large manhood is
taking hold Of everything, and dignity
ing and enlightenlng every interest,
every occupation, every duty. And pro-
LESSONS and pursuits are measured By
the way they are followed, and not by
their assumptions: or antique prejudIces.
The rank Is but the guinea's stamp and
mans the gold for that. Moreover, as
the learned professions have grown
and fourished on the sins and follies o.
mankind the people who knew not the
law and were accused. SO now. as
men are coming to their senses and mag
nifying temperance, hygiene, justice. and
good sense. and Individual piety. the
chances and mysteries OF the Scribes
and Pharisees and Priests are less pro-
missing: For In these latter days privi-
leges cease to save the unworthy from
the scaffold or whipplng-post. They are
general: and all good, honest, and faith
full men are kings and priests-a royal
generation. And the knavish and ignO-
rant gravitate TO their place.
Then let us pray that come II may
AS come II will TO a. that:
That sense and worth Ger all the earth