The record-union., 1897-05-23
some RAMBLING THOUGHTS.
Copyriphted by Memo.

To the Envious: How do you better
yourself by coveting the prosperity OIL
others9 Do YOU not rather let loose in
vour heart rayening wolves whose teeth
are whetted to tear down those who
run we'll? Many untoward things nave
happened to you doubtless, and you
feel sick at failures, but envy only leaos
you further aStray. Concentration upon
your own affairs Zone of the ways 10
success) is impossible if your maleVolent
mind spends it's strength in estimating
the seemingly unfair distribution OF
worldly goods. The brighter the sun
shine, the darker the shadow, and your
heart would almost stand still with
dread could YOU see the gloom along
some of the ways you think SO brlght
and happy. Tread serenely once more
your own way, holding life to be a
proving place of merit, and at the end
there shall be peace.
To Bewildered Ones: Buffeted by i'll
winds, with faith shaken by miSerles
that seem undeserved you sometimes
are tempted TO cry out that life is
naught but chance and mischance. But
every analogy of nature is against you.
There land with you, too), everything
is concluded to be the result of cause
and effect. There is a reason for all
that is happening to you, difficult
though it may be to discover it. Learn
from the scientist. In number OF
sciences; for instance, the study of the
stars or the study of life. there is a
point reached beyond which the light of
reason fails and all becomes impene-
trable darkness. The scientist must
choose one of two ways, either con-
clude that the origin of things comes
by chance. or that all is ordered and
directed by a power beyond his ken.
Which seems to you the more reason
able? I need hardly inquire! Then let
your reason lead you to the same con-
clusion in relation to your own prob
lens.
To Friendly Souls: In ancient myth
ology the world was believed to be held
on the shoulders of Atlas. This man
of mighty frame has his counterpart
in these later years, and the fancy of
the ancients does not seem SO very re-
mote, for / see this grand old age
marked world rolling quietly along and
the most sustaining influence in it is
friendship. The unselfishness of those
who wish us we'll, out of pure goodness
of heart, keeps many toiler cheerful
~ in his place. Gods vicegerents on
earth are the friends we have. When
tempted and tried, even before we turn
to God for guidance, our thought is
almost invariably, What would dear
-, my friend, think?' You magnan-
imous ones whose eyes are blinded to
our outer faults but keen-visioned for
the ideals and grandeur we are capa-
BILE of, still exert your power unspar-
ingly. The ways are hard and weary;
stay not the precious influences that
help us to believe in good and in effort
and in ourselves.
To Ministers: Let no man deprive you
of your right to take active part in our
country's affairs. You have the right
and responsibility as well. Bear with
me for few lines in order to see
whether we agree.
The highest civilization is undoubted-
ly that in which there is the readiest
interchange of advantages and opportu-
mites among the members of the ma
ton. We not only boast of a high CIV
ilization but we even dare to call our
selves Christian" What Is Christian