The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1904-03-23
WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THINK
People who have things to say to the
public that ought to; be said are invited
to use this column. But the space lis
limited, and all communications must
be "boIIed down" as much as possible.
Three hundred words Is a safe limit!
a.. A Plea for Sympathy.

To the Editor of The Journal. = n:
There is so much exhortation, nova
days, by would-be :reformers, both from
the. pulpit and the press, to those who
have strayed from the paths of rectitude,
to- return to the straight and narrow way,
and such a weary lack of the helping hand
in lifting up the fallen, and assisting
them to walk. When we read the story
Of the treatment Of the good Samaritan
toward the poor, traveller, and of the
priest and Levite who passed by on the
other, side, we are strongly reminded: of
it's application to-day. !, Like the preach
ing at people to-day, was the conduct of
these two who ''passedmby.Y q: Doubtless,
they thought of the poor Victim with
coanmiseration and ''Wdshed he were not so
vile an outcast. But when the >Samari-
tan came along, what did he do? ,.Ig&
FIRST, he raised him up, put his arms
around him, dirt and all, and lifted him
out of the mire. And then to Judge from
actions. to-day, he said to him. Now, I
have helped you out Of this hole YOU
fare in, you'd better go somewhere
where you can get cleaned up RESPECT
|ably. The road is very rough, and as
you have once fallen and are so weak,
be careful how you walk and don't get
into any more pitfalls. OF course, being
so sore and bruised, and lame, you can't
go very fast, but don't get discouraged or
lonely! No doubt you'd like a cane to
Ehelp you walk, or an arm to lean on till
you are stronger, and someone to show
a little sympathy when you become dis
couraged, for it's a hard, trying way. to
the strongest, but as you are not in my
Legitimate circle of ministry, you can't
Eexpect me to do more for you, in fact
Eany such desire is foolish weakness on
Eyour part. Just set your face like "a
flint toward home; and, keep going that
way no matter how hard it is I have
fother things more important to attend
to, so good day, and pleasant journey!''
And then went his way, leaving the poor
soul, wounded in body. and spirit, so weak
and discouraged that he. cared little
whether he lived or died. Would we not
all condemn this as unchristian heart
lessness: But: no, this is not the picture.
See what followed when he got him out
Of the mirs First. he took means for
them UP, bathing them with oil and
wine, expensive articles in that day
symbolizng JOY and spiritual sue
cor, and then placed him tenderly or
his own horse, thus providing physical
support to the needy one, and that by
Sacrificing his own comfort and, placing
Inirn arm around him, walked beside him
lover the rough way, doubly dangerous tc
1.-The weak, discouraged soul, giving him
1.-THE sympathy he SO much needed. And
|he walked beside him, that he might lear
on him when he needed support, and that
The might cheer him all the hard journey
to it's end.
And this is the part that seems to be sc
universally forgotten. Those just rescued
from the quicksands Of life, all bruised
and longing for human sympathy, are
thrown stones, instead Of bread t.
strengthen them. They do not satisfy the
Il soul hunger for sympathy. -"Vox."