The Newtown bee., 1898-03-25


lack of consideration for trouble to tell
people in trouble that there is now
special danger of selffshness; but it is
the truth it is truth which we ought to
know, and remember and keep il reserve
for the time of our own trial. True as
it is that the hour of joy has it's special
true is it also that the
HOUR OF SADNESS HAS ITS SPECIAL TEMP
TATIONs;
and this is the first OF them that we turn
selfishly to ourselves, and think that be-
cause we are miserable everybody and
everything should give way to US, and
serve us; and that we can be wholly
self centred; above all we are apt to
think that it would be almost an insult
to ask US then in the time of our anxiety
or misery to watch out for chance to
help others. Indeed think of that aw-
full thing panic, frightened multitude
in fire, a shipwreck, or terrified city
how this vice, and the beautiful possible
virtue come out under such circum-
stances! A sudden Eterror comes on a
people; the first thought ia; save my.
self, the cry goes up "Save who can ="
Each man for himself'' how terrible
the result what mise rable deeds are
done! At the fire in the Paris bazaar
ing women ahead of him with heavy
stick, and with his fists, until they fell
and so he could force his way over them !:
All it ia when there is trouble and danger,
then the beast comes out; even the little
of ordinary courtesy is forgotten so often
at such times. In contrast with that,
how noble are the noble ones then those
who think Of others, those who still re-
member that it is no reason for forget
ting all right and ministry because there
Is terror and danger; Then comes
the true Christian, the man whose self
possession will perhaps save a multitude {;
the man whose self sacrifice will make
way by his own life for many lives; like
the young girl at that same Paris fire,
who instead of rushing by known way
to her own safety guided one and another
and so saved half a dozen or more by self
control and self forg etfulness. Like that
French barber in the Alps, little while
ago, who at fearful risk and great exer-
ton carried the means of safety to great
hotel surrounded by food; he
was refused, or rather those whom
he had saved were refused the
privilege of giving him one of
the medals of the French legion of honor
which they asked, it was supposed the
refusal came because he was of lowly
rank, barber instead of q dignitary or
merchant prince. He got something,
however, better than ribbons of the Le-
gion. He had the praise of the brave,
and the lovers of bravery, all over the
world; tell you that is the true Chris
| tian spirit, the one which finds even the
burden and the danger, and the pain and
the grief no reason for forgetting unself-
lsh ministry, but rather place of renew
ed and enlarged service. Blessed be those
who help others, ''even weeping" DR.
Stewart of the Christian commission tells
how mere boy from the ranks came in
during the battle with one arm badly
lacerated by bullet. It was fixed up,
as best they were able. in the field hos
pital. When the bandaging was done
the lad said, SNOW, doctor, what can |
do?v "Do?n said he, sswell, I should
think you had about enough for one
day." "Oh, no. said the boy, tive a
good arm left" They set him at carry
| ing water TO the wounded; il man was
willing TO work, it was not time when
his assistance could be refused.
Indeed, this faithful, unselfish spirit,
think, is often more apt to be remember
ed In the great crises, and fearful trou-
bles than in pettier things. With the
little worries it Is harder to overcome