Lexington gazette. [volume] (Lexington, Va.) 1871-1962, 1898-09-21
CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR.
Young Peoples Weekly. ]

Topic, Sept. g. What is True Sue
cess Matt. 16: 21-27.
There is no question which has been
discussed more frequently Or more full
Iy than that which is of such practical
importance to every young man and
Fwoman-"How to succeed" Every
periodical which goes into the hands Of
young people tieats OF the subject in
one form or another Men who have
achieved success are sought out, and
their opinions are asked as guide to
to those who wish to follow in their
steps. A distinguished artist has de-
clared that the secret of success is hard
work, and wealthy manufacturer COM
pressed the wisdom gained from his
experience into the brief maxim, "Never
have an idle moment, nor an idle dol
lar"
But before we are in a position to
weigh these various opinions, there is
another question which we must an
swer, and that is the topic of our con
sideration. What is true SUGGEST In
matter that concerns us so vitality it
is important that we should accept no
definition but the truo one.
FALSE ESTIMATES.
In nine cases out OF ten, when we
speak OF a successful man, We mean one
who has become.prosperous in financial
matters. Yet the most superficial re-
Election shows the folly of such an esii-
mate. DIR. johnson aud friend were
once passing a beautiful estate when
the latter observed, at seems as If the
possessor OF all this must be happy"
"No," answered johnson. "This ex-
cludes but one evil--poverty." When
we sc the calamities which befall rich
men, with that sadest misfortune of all,
the wasting and decline of the spiritual
nature, we are forced to admit that the
gaining Of money does not in itself con-
stitute success.
- Grati6ed ambition satisfies us only |
f.. n 1;t.lo NVorl11, boror =, tbo
weakest thread by which human beings |
ever tried to draw themselves up to the
heights of conteniment. Education
produces very one-sided sort of man
hood and womanhood, unless the heart
is developed as well as the brain. Aud
SO, one after another, the prizes for
which we strive so eagerly are weighed
in the balance and found wanting.
They seldom sa'i,fy us even for the
few brief years ct our earthly career.
And the case of Dives illustrates the
folly of esteeming that life successful
which lays upno treasure for the future.
THE CHRISTIANS ANSWER.
Christianity simpliies the problem
and puts and end to all discussion.
Success is not gaining material things;
It does not consist in accomplishing |
much or little. 1t is il living as God
would have us, near to tie heart Of
Ctrist--so near that our living reflects
his glory. God often uses consecrated
business ability and wealth to bless the
world, yet his Son was numbered among
the poor. Vigorous health and strength
are talents heWan employ, but patient
may contribute equally to his
glory. And so the man who mast use
The most careful economy to make
ends meet" or the invalid who seldom
lifts her head from the pillow, the boy
who stays on the farm, doing his work
and trying to forget his
dream of different future-these may
count their lives success. Far re-
moved as they are from the conyen-
Lional type of successful people, unlike
y as it is that any reporter will ever
them to find out the secret If
their attainment, they bWe accomplish
ed LIES great end because they live in
Christ.
Good lien and wise have given us
many excellent hints ON how to succeed, |,
put the Lest rule of all is found on the |
pages of certain Old Book: "Seek We
irst the kingdom of God and bis
righteousness, and all these things
shall be added unto you"