Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1905-10-11

bare reflection that it is natural TO die.
The more we dwell in this connection
upon that plain truth, the more signifi-
can't and reassuring VIII it prove to be.
A second reflection grows directly out
OF this, is of one piece with it, namely.
that 1t is best for all, and therefore for us.
that we are subject to this change. 1t is a
simple thought indeed, yet not without
some bearing upon this matter, that the
world progresses through the successive
Advancement of generations. The very
structure OF the human brain must change
in order that higher intellectual and spir-
itual living may be possible here. These
organic changes are accomplished in
young, plastic minds. The human world
is kept fresh, full of zest and of the spirit
of advancement ever as:
"'.on the faltering footsteps Of decay
Youth pre- -ses-ever gay aud beautiful you h
In all Its beautiful forms"
The race is some uncounted thousands
OF years old, yet it is young OF soul, and
is springing up toward new and better
things as II it were birth of yesterday
II has been through the passing away of
generations that humanity has thus re-
newed its youth. We shall pass, also, in
the interest of this scheme of earthly pro-
gress. Our brains are too coarse of or
ganization, our hearts are too rough of
feeling, for the finer ideals toward which
the race is steadily moving. From the
plastic material of youth these diviner
models may Increasingly be wrought cut.
IL is best for the world that we should go
with our narrow thoughts and fixed ca
paeities.
We believe, also, as a corollary, that it is
best for US individually. This confidence
is only faith, and faith has to do with
things not seen. But the fact we have Just
stated, namely, that the Power who
planned our existence arranged that we
should die, this, / think, is, in itself, suffi
Gent ground for peaceful conviction that
1t is a good thing for us to pass away. All
the power and wisdom displayed in the
construction of this universe; all the
glory reflected from the face OF the
heavens, which an ancient poet tells us is
declaration OF the glory OF God; all of
these are reassurances. He is trustworthy.
He knows the way He taketh. 1t is well
for us to walk with Him. Since He has
ordained it SO, it is no mere peradventure
that ii is best for us. We are justified in
INDUCING the utmost conviction and as
surance. So much so, that in the extreme
appreciation Of this fact we might cheer
fully accept the ordinance of death and
give up all desire to have it otherwise.
believe we shallibe stricken with mel
ancholy in the presence OF this mystery
only through supertieiality OF thought.
Then we shoulder and grow sick at heart.
But the more Gods wisdom is taken into
account and His will as expressed through
our nature, then the more shall we be
".ss'.s sustained and seothed
BY an unfaltering trust ..s'".
This is one gain, then, of not closing our
eyes to this inevitable experience. We are
able to overcome. We conquer death
through new and increasingly placid
power OF peaceful submission.
from an intelligent anticipation of it.
1t is intimsted in the words of a psalmist:
$50 teach US to number our days
That we may get US an heart nf wisdom"
The realization OF the brevity OF life
should quicken our desire to live it with
out postponment; to make the best of it
while it lasts; to do with our might what
our hands find to do. 1t is passing
opportunity. We should be restrained
either from waste or delay. 1t is a pathetic
thing to see so many come to thelend with
the feeling that they have frittered.away
their great chance of living. They have
inconsiderately put it off until the..day is
past Especially is this wholesome
thought for youthful minds. We have
bat one change OF living well in this
world. We can not go back land try it
again. year Of folly will spread itself
over a mole lifetime in its consequences.
1t is but short time we have to livei
shorter still is the time of preparation.
We are apt to be so careless OF nothing as
OF time, and yet so far as this present is
concerned, it is most precious and
limited possession.
For any of US to live with the greatest
gain, we must bring our appreciation down
to the unit of a single day. A day is
mere glimpse of light after it is gone. But
it is our chance of living we'll. The way
we live our days, determines the character
of the year. This present day is a unit of
life; let me spend it, therefore, with
sense of its value, so that at its close 1
may be thankful for its discipline of
duty, and grateful for its wholesome
pleasure. 1t is like pearl slipping from
The queens necklace into the sea. We
cannot stay it from passing, but we may
possess and retain its worth. "We all do
fade as leaf" Therefore make the pass
ing day tell for good.
Another effect OF apprehending this
should be the enhancement of social ties.
We live in the midst of dissolving social
relationships. There is no permanency to
the family, nor to the wider circles OF
friendship. Familiar faces and forms van
ish continually. We speak of society as an