Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1900-06-07

thought and the finer quality that we
are able to rise, admiration eXaltS toe
life, brings US into contact with the
spiritual realities and forces of the
universe. If we look upward, into the
heavens, with an intelligent eye, they
become to Us a revelation of divine
glory. we see something more than
vast eXpanSe-a clear or cloudy sky
various cOlOrS, or innumerable lights
we behold wisdom, splendor, ninfi-
mite power and we are huShed into
silent awe. And every intelligent
view of the world awakenS, inspires
the same feeling Of awe. Wherever
we stand 1t is in the presence OF some
wonder. The heavens above Us, the
earth beneath US. the lofty mountain.
the vast ocean. the tiny seed, the
growing corn, the beautiful flower,
the pebble at your feet-theSe things,
and countless others. make the I'M
preston OF mySterY-Of int1nlty on the
instructed mind and inspire worship.
reverence rises in the soul when we
see the meaning of the WOrld-ltS
benetlcent purpOse-itS grand pro-
cesses-the great thOught-the infinite
power working toward some sublime
end. And so reverence is related to
thOughtfulneSS. The thoughtful mind
is always reyerent because thought
takes us below the surface OF things
where we see what is great, full OF
marvelS, divine and eternal. Let all
our knowledge develop into thought
fitness and then you will never doubt
the great truths which have made
worthy citizens, honorable men IN
every business and profession, national
leaders and the builders of the nation.
Study to save your parents all anxiety
about your future.
Nothing will help to do this so much
as your reyerence-a sincere, aftectlOn-
ate regard for their desires. To see
that you esteem their word and will
that you are striving to be faithful to
the truths they have taught yOu-tO
fulfil their highest hOpeS-thiS will
give to them a light heart, it will be
an assurance of your safety wherever
you go. No young life can come to
any harm ii it has within it this deep,
habitual respect for the wise teaching
and atfectiOnate care Of the home-life.
These reVerenCeS are the safeguards
of ife-the best guarantee OF its
victory over evil.
Il L
show you the supreme Importance of
this spirit and habit of reverence
that without it there is no safety for
you from the evils and temptations of
the world, where it does not pervade
the life host of evils spring up
there is frivOlity, shallOwneSS- intel
lectual and moral weakness-indiffer-
ence to everything that gives self
nd n
seek their own pleasure. Parents are
treated with disrespect. Everything
| is degraded to a cOmmOn-place-life
| places and to find the most amuSe-
ment. People live for dress and display
and doubt or deny the eternal realities,
all the greatest words lose their mean
| ing: duty, responsibilities character, dies
tiny become emptied of their vast signi-
| ficance and lose their influence on life.
Wherever there is irreverance we see
| the decay of virtue-Of manhood and
womanhood, and this is the reason
you should ever be watchful and guard
against it as the most inSidiOuS and
dangerous foe of your own life and of
the life of the republic also. No
worthy, useful life is possible without
admiration for the great and good.
Self respect has its beginning in a
high regard for excellence. AS you fix
your gaze on some lofty ideal a sense
of the possible greatness of life will
grow up within you and inspire you to
seek its realization. The supreme
need of the republic is for men and
women of this kind-fOr those who
shall help to make it great by the
higher and finer quality of their life.
All your education must lead to this
the aim of it is to teach you the
duties Of citizenShip-tO give you a
truer and wider view of them, this
sense of duty comes through rever-
ence, when truth and right, law and
order, the lives and interests of others
are sacred to us.
Then 60 forth into your new and
larger spheres of activity with this
spirit of devOut appreciation of what
ever is lofty in thought, in principle,
in character and conduct, and you
will fulfil the purpose of your educa-
ton, you will realize the bright hopes
of your best friends, your life and it's
work will help the growth of the
republic toward a real and enduring
greatness.