The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1902-11-13
SALTWATER MINNESOTA, 1En~

admission of the inequality of things,
wrung from the intellectually and
materially welI-to-do in this mundane
sphere of ours. ..x -.
81 do not care what man has been
Il care what he has become" Such
an expression implies generous faith
is encouragement; it engenders con-
fidence that results in that wonder
working miracle, a rejuvenation and
consequent reformation of self. II
care what he has become"-what he is
what he stands for as verify;
simple statement, but with world of
suggestion. Oh, that subtle law of
Suggestion, which underlles SO many
of our social and psychological prob
lens of today, and is such factor in
the making or unmaklng of that which
conduces toward good! 1t is remind,
er of Oliver Schreiner's "Feather of
TRUTH" one Of those verities evolved
unconsciously amid the tumuit and
horrible inexplicable incongruities of
human existence-and then only
grasped as reality when it is too late.
A mans past misdeeds are no more
a part of his real self, if he have previ-
ousiy removed the cause, than the
idle dreams of summer that is gone.
Then why plaster him over, by exhibit
ing stereopticon views, replete with a
line of progeny he would forget, and
with which he is no longer in sympa-
thy? The incisions which give the
most pain are those caused by the
tentative probe of malice, curiosity
and thoughtlessness. Out on such a
procedure! George Sand said: "To un-
derstand all, is to forgive ALL" and tits
doubtless true. No understanding
without experience; the latter is tho
only leyeler after all, and the only
equation that life holds for US in the
last analysis. Fate! 1t does not exist,
and is only the creation of mans
cowardly desire to shirk all RESPONSE
bilities, other than those labeled Sue
cesses.
DOgmatic and sectarian exposition
of moral duties and the subsequent
punishment of disobeying such, brings
reaction-we have our religions of fear.
Direct precept and advice seems to have
counted mostly for naught since the
time of that NEUROLOGICAL parsonage,
Adam, who was manufactured to fill o
gap in a pretty allegory. 1t is to the
potent altruistic suggestion, the hearty
push, the CHEEKY brave words, tho
sympathetic cooperation, that we owe.
almost invaribly, an advanced position
in the scale of life. One rung higher
yes, and it. comes from that which
touches and encourages the best in us,
1t matters not to what particular eehnR
che words belonged. or whether their ex-
traction be of theological origin-they
held life, they found root, and thev
grew. 1t would seem we have no
direct responsibility for the life and
happiness of others; but we benefit
others by our own growth, and the dis.
semination of ideal liberality and char
ity which has worked the change. It il
the leaven that leaveneth the whole. It
is only through our happiness or misery
that we make others happy or misera-
Bile. The reward or punishment IA in
the act itself; for we are punished by
our actions and not4for them. He who
brings sorrow to others stiles hapni-
ness within himself. lAsf
He who with malicious resurrection
or petty carping curiosity, would seek
to undo what has been gathered to-
gether by pain, sorrow and repentence
is in danger of--weil, say an indenfinita
stay within the confines of Tartarus.
II do not care what man has been
l care what he has become" Colonel
LlttleJourneys, we congratulate Won
Give US some more-and more of it,
x. M.