The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1898-11-10
DUTY AND DESTINY,
II we Cannot Predict the Future, we
Can Make the Present Such That
Only Good Can Come From it.

No man can foretcll the future. vet
when we observe accomplished events
we can usually trace the causes that
gave rise to them. Conversely we
should be able to predict the future
by following out from cause to effect
But the difficulty is in recognizing
the cause before its effect has been
wrought and Of calculating with the
nicely of astronomers the effect of
disturbing causes. 1t is possible,
however, to do something quite as
good as predicting the future; we
can make the present such that only
good can grow from it. The Presi-
dent in one of his recent speeches
said: duty determines destiny.
Destiny which results from duty per-
formed may bring anxiety and perils,
but never failure and dishonor.
Pursuing duty may not always lead
by smooth paths. Another course
may look easier and more attractive,
but pursuing duty for duty's sake is
always safe and sure and honcra bic. y
This thought-though capable as
are many other good ideas of misap-
plication by politicians-should be a
controlling one with young men.
They cannot fathom their destiny,
but they can determine it to some
extent and in its general character by
dlscharging their duty fearlesslv and
faithfully. This discharge of duty
for duty's sake not only establishes a
frnnI 1tot
establishes a good character, which
is of more Importance. He who re-
slsts temptations to idle dallance
and thinks only Of the discharge of
duty IS strengthened in virtue by
its practice and fitted for higher
things. His reputation may open
the door Of advancement for him: his
character will enable him to worthilv
sustain himself under new trials.
1t may seem to the Young and mex
perienced that it will be an easv
thing to follow rule of life so SIM
pie as that here set forth: that there
Will be little difficulty about the SIM
pie discharge of duty.
But they will find many tempta-
tions to neglect duty when they have
entered upon their life work. and if
they yield the temptations will null
tiply until they forget duty alto
gether. The temptations of life of
pleasure will probably first present
themselves. The hours of toll are
long. and after a hard DAYS work
one is indisposed to do anything but
rest : few hours snatched from
business yield rest and recreation.
The temptation is strong to neglect
duty for a little while for the sake of
the pleasures of life. But amuse-
ments are as eNacting as business
they lead to late hours. and after a
time the pleasure-loving youth is
too tired in the mornings to exert
himself and duty is diSregarded at
the beginning as we'll as at the end
Of the day. Neglect of duty brinos
in its train other evils: there are
compIalnings. then loss of situation
oaneful idleness and woes unnum-
pered. The paths Of pleasure very
often lead downward in this fashion.
The paths Of duty may be roucher in
places. but it, too. is decked with
modest flowers and it ALWAYS leads
upward. Whittier no one can tell
Inc future Is sealed book to us.
but we know in a general way that
the discharge OF duty for duty's sake
builds up character. establishes rep-
utation and thus prepares Us for
higher things. 1t is always sure.
safe and honorable"