The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1908-04-03

without any other means OF security
than the care of the pilot, whom il
was always in our power to choose
among the great number that Of
fered their direction and assistant e.
I then looked around with anx'-
Gus eagerness and first, turning my
eyes behind me, saw a stream flow
ing though howery islands, which
every one that sailed along seemed
to behold with pleasure, but no
sooner touched them than the cur
rent, which, though hot noisy or
turbulent, was yet irresistible, bore
him away. Beyond these islands
all was darkness, nor could any Of
the passengers describe the shore at
which he first embarked. Before
me, on each side, was an expanse
of water violently agitated and COW
cred with so thick a mist that the
most perspicacious eye could
see but little way. 1t appeared TO
be full of rocks and whirlpools, for
many sank unexpectedly while they
were counting the gale with full sails
and insulting those whom they had
left behind.
So numerous, indeed, were the
dangers and so thick the darkness
that no caution could confer secur-
ity. Yet there were many who by
false intelligence betrayed their fol-
lowers into whirlpools or by viol-
ence pushed those whom they found
in their way against the rocks. The
current was variable and unsur
mountable. But, though it was i'm
possible to sail against it or to re-
turn to the place that was once
passed. yet it was not so violent as
to allow no dexterity or courage,
snice, though none could retreat
from danger, yet they might avoid
it by an oblique direction.
1t was, however, not very com
mon to steer with much care or pru.
1ence; for. by universal infatuation,
very man appeared to think him.
self safe, though he saw his consorts
very moment sinking around him;
and no sooner had the waves closed
over them, than their fate and mis-
were forgotten. The voy.
age was pursued with the same joe
Ind confidence; every man congrat-
Hated himself upon the souudness
Of his vessel and believed himself |
,ble to stem the whirlpool in which
lis friend was swallowed, or glide
over the rocks on which he was
nor was it often observed
hat the sight of a wreck made any
nan change his course; if he turned
aside for moment, he soon forget
he rudder, and left himself again
% the disposal Of chance.
This negligence did not proceed
rom Indifference, or from WEAKNESS
Of their condition; for not one of
those who thus rushed upon des
truction, failed, when he was sink
ng, to call loudly upon mis- associ-
ates for that help which could not
now be given him5 and many spent
their last moments In eautioning
others against the folly by which
they wee in tercepted in the midst
of their course. Their benevol
ence was sometimes praised, but
their admonitions were unregarded.
In the midst of the current Of life
y as the gulf Of Intemperance, a
dreadful whirlpool, intersperst d
with rocks, of which the pointed
crags were concealed under tie
water, and the top covered with her
bsge, on which Ease spread couches
of repose, and with shades where
pleasure warbled the song of invita-
ton. Within sight of these rocks,
all who sail on the ocean of life
must necessarily pass. Reason, in
deed, was always at hand, to steer
the passengers through narrow out
let by which they might escape; but
few could, by her entreaties or re-
be induced to put tAe
rudder into her hand, without s'ipu-