New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-01-08
FINDS HIS TEXT IN RUBBER.
THE REV Mr.. ROBERTS TELLS ABOUT
ELASTICITY OF CHARACTER.

plsRAE1I HE SAYS. WAS A MAN OF PLANT oIlN-
IONS. But CERTAINLY NOT wEAKLING
To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: There Is no more surprising fact in the cen
Jury now closing than the Introduction. improve
ment and widespread use Of india-rubber 1t Is
employed as a cushion 20 save thousand joits on
rail and road. IT protects against the rain and de-
tends from electric shocks; It grasses mistaken
w IS and wherever fexibility is required. It
reisns king Goodrich mentions distinct
properties belonging to this wonderful substance
on each OF which essay could be written; put
with It's first and foremost characteristic elasuc-
itv We are now concerned. This is quailtN so
we'll known emphasize Itself in every possible
practical way so that the marvel is that we do
learn what Il can do for US by implication il
there not in It suggestion for the Introduction OF
some pliable elements into the makeup OF human
character that shall save us from wear and tear
from far and shock. from fog and mist. ana make
lis more agreeable 10 ourselves and to others
II IS hard world for most people. full OF pres
sures blows collisions. dsa ppointments, surprises
Ought there not TO he some provision for re-
hound so that endurance should be easier ana re-
eovery from conclusion more speedy ana compete
Nature does this for the body cushioning every
Joint so that walking. running. jumping, ana even
falling are attended with no unpleasant results
We can receive the impact Of hard strokes with
,nnun,tv and the toll Of lifetime is powerless 10
kin the elasticity of the human frame. Reason
and faith should combine to bring about some sucn
conditions for the temper and disposition, with
view TO accommodate ting ourselves more readily 10
VARYING circumstances adjusting ourselves more
nsrfectlv 70 the problems and more TRANQUILITY 10
the mysteries OF life. while reducing 10 the mini
mum the friction necessarily arising from contact
with people.
Rightly Is important to some things An IRON ,
pillar Is useless unless 1t possesses this property
The discipline OF the law requires exactly this
ie he OLE OF
bridge construction II belongs also to our prln-
cples which should be inheXibe. and TO our Wits.
which are all the better If their determinations
have N them rigorous stuff. 1t has place In our
response to the calls OF duty In regard TO when
we should be strict with ourselves Sternness in
the hour OF temptation. austerty toward wicked
ness: these are praseworthy unchanging pur-
pose. But there is a whole realm OF our natures
where rigdlty Is not only unbecoming, but posi-
lively subversive OF best interests and an
enemy TO peace.
An elastic spirit Is the Joy OF childhood and the
benson OF youth II money could purchase a sup i
ply 10 be carried into maturer years rich men
would empty their Golfers at this gate: for It's !
possession solves the problem Of happiness and /
makes living a feast of delight while on the con |
trary when the spirit has grown severe winter has
in upon the soul. and IL sometimes comes very |
early ~,
A flexible temper is of the charms possible |
10 the being made little lower man tne anss a
temper that can STAND assaut anu tsSl d SLY.
that can go through the hurricane without being |
ruffed
ANNOYANCE without being soured 1t IS he temper .
Of the steel that gives its value 10 me Damascus I
ing: but a beauty of higher polish. and an eXecu-
ton OF keener thrust belongs 10 the man OF piabe
temper-a fiery temper, but under perfect control.
nature sensitive 10 the whip as an AraD steed, Dut
never insubordinate: quality una, va, h srai1a Inc
A disposition buttressed by such temper is At
for heaven: or better than that. fit for earth. be-
cause the worst that earth can do to such man
will only make his victory more apparent
A plant opinion is not evidence OF weakness
When Disraen entering upon pubhc life he
no one would accuse him OF instability. When an
ciutched TOO tcnaciousiy. for what II an opinion
but the result OF thought upon speculative matters
ing short OF certainty and dealing with things 10
which each man has his own peculiar right? There
while the man Who exercises pJabiiitv in this re-
gard and Knows how A to- Yield gracefHy II yield
ne must is possessed of true prudence Make IT.
20 live easily with them. Learn to distinguish be
tween things vital and those that are secondary
right things graciously for whereas all perceive
snst unless religion is converted into terms OF
nov h many realize that good conduct may be amia-
in the ha repeal of a the ssmp Act the
nait , government chose to do gracious act IN
OF nations The same can be true Of Individual acts
~en,ia ' hS IN character is not compromised by
a. ihe same time ITS movement characterized by
neno,li'y as IN the universal joint by which free
tsotk'e Joe wnich produces great endwIse pressure
reiy san appiied force. In the mechanics or
pIaCucal hVihg the best results are secured by
pt ,s GomDlhston OF consiancy and compliance
wise aoJustmen or parts. The recipe elasticity
- complex, Given reasonable bestoWment Of |
oooily health and temperament at least a shade
h from ~, tne heholic maintain the former
ey pehty OF exercise and rest and improve the lat
.er oy INSISTING upon better point Of view. with |
an lncnndton always TO the abortion Of an ideal |
ss, ga and you have the basis for a very hope
iul experiment. Cultivate a discernment OF the !
most desirable qualities in every person Won meet |
s sn1 show an appreciation Of them ignoring far
snoe by not exaggeratng evils or spending strength
useeiessly In fighting the inevitable
BE plastic 10 Gods moulding and believe that |
strokes and heavy pressures inflicted and
Impressed ny loving hand. Live by the day. |
....tunS up the long into short spaces and |
,ma'ersing them boldly and patiently not forecast
the fuure put self into the background foster
tae tense OF hnmor. be content ha haYa