Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1897-12-05
The Golden Rule.

The Golden Rule.
C.. S. Vedder, D.. D.. in New York Herald.
Let US consider one another."-Hebrews.
x:2i.
Here is the golden rule. expressed in the
terms of familiar speech and practical ac-
uon-the way in which the to do
unto others as we would that others should
do unto us may be made efectually opera
tive. Here is the sursum corda of all dis
content with the inequality of human con-
ditions: the proclamation of peace in all
strife Of human opinions: the solution of the
problem of capital and labor: the condition
of harmony in all human relations. The
two noble brothers of the Hebrew tradition.
secretly sharing the sheaves of their barley
harvest with each other to make up what
each conceived that the other lacked OF
the elements of happiness. exempiified it.
Sir Philip Sydney did no more when,
wounded to the death. he gave the draught
OF water hardly obtained for his own con-
Stunning thirst to a stricken private soldier.
saying. Thy necessity is greater than
mine"
The words Of the text were spoken by one
OF the great teachers of the world to those
VINO mad associated themselves for wor-
ship and work. and whom he would fain in
cite TO the highest and purest and kindliest
lie. Let us consider one another We
would better receive the fun meaning of
the appeal should We use the similar. ia
miliar and expressive word "considerate''-
Let us be considerable of one another"
Among the potential agencies Of the
world are those which are directly addressed
in the text and those akin to them in spirit
and purpose-organiZations which seek to
promote human welfare, whether they be
called churches. charities or by whatever
name else. In all of these there are posi-
bilities of difference and division which will
defeat or retard their usefulness and value.
If we would know how these possibilities
may be met and overcome We need but con-
ceive of one of these instrumentalities for
good in which each member is consider
ate" of every other.
Then we should see the strong bearing
with the infirmities of the weak; the weak
not stumbled with the larger liberty of the
strong: the rich sympathizing with the man
ifold trials of the poor: the poor considerate
of the crowding cares and calls of the rich
and jealous that both may be poorer in
spirit and richer in the graces of character.
We should see the old mindful of the en-
thusiasm of their own youth and, remem-
bering its errors. gently guiding and temper
ing-not frowning upon and r~ebuking-the
ardor of the younger; the young would be
seen sitting at the feet of the old to learn
and rising from them to do. not rejecting
the counsels of the hoary head as fossil
theories of a buried generation. but acknowl
edging that days should speak and the
of years teach wisdom" If with
of age infirmity had come. its very
decrepitude would be honored as the wound
of an earlier warfare. Parents would be
then not forgetful that they were once chill
dren: children that duty to parents is duty
to God and that they one day may need a
o~nrtB~ w. l~,1
wise gentle to the ignorance Of the ignorant
and patient to instruct it; the unlearned. If
need be. tolerant Of the irritability of in
cessant thought and exacting study and
eager to share the fruit of such toll, and
all esteeming 1t more blessed to give than
to receive forbearance and e~xtenuation.
Had n fallen" all would think how
adapted was the temptation to the weak
ness it conquered. and how improbable. If
thus beset, that any would have remained
steadfast. Repentance before God would
men. save to kindl a deeper sympathy for
the frailty that had yielded. There would
be the constant summoning of that char
ity which "seeketh not her own. thinketh
no evil. hopeth all things. endureth all
things
If reproof seemed duty. the fact would
not be overlooked that
Some hearts there are so perilously fash
toned
Gods touch alone hath tenderness enough
To waken, and not break. the thrilling
strings.
Let us be considerate of one another"
How %benignant a law this for social in
tercourse! How happy would be the COM
munity in which it reigned! We learn very
early in this life that the secret of peace
full and pleasant living is a generous rec
q 80 ~
others and a full allowance of the right
to differ. In different ages and climes DIFF
ferent definitions lave obtained as to what
constitutes refinement" There is one ele.
nent in which all ages and chimes agree:
A true good breeding Is that which Is con-
siderate of the feelings Of others. Of what
ever class or condition.
Why is it that sometimes even the sacred
circle of home is darkened with the cloud
of painful differences, but that some with
in 1t lack thoughtfulness of the feelings
and even the failings of others? Rigid In
their own ways. they are intolerant of the
different ways of others. Why Is 1t that
In the same circle of society variance5
which grow to settled alterations, |
but that in some ~thoughtless moment a
word. look or act has wounded the sensi-
bilities of another. or even sighted his
prejudices. and when regret came some
word forbade acknowledgment?
Employer and employed Are they always
to be at odds? Yes. until each "consid-
ers" the other and not himself alone.
What is there which would Danish from
the intercourse and rlvalries of business
the personal antagonism which is often
engendered. like tearing down the CHASTITY
legend from the marts Of trade. Every |
for himself" and writing there in
stead the kindly motto. Let us be con-
siderate of one another"
Still. still in mutual sufferance lies
The secret of true living;
Love scarce is love that never knows
The sweetness of forgiving!
How They Settled the Question.
From the Boston Evening Transcript.
A cort,{p ,nrarpar IF pbole Island whO |