The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1909-07-29
Usefulness and Service.

we'll his generation. Inc lncllna-
ton to excite such an eulogy as that
often brings out the best in indivi-
duals, both moral and spiritual.
When we consider that the very
best men and women, who have lived
in the world, lived graduating their
lives by service they conscientiously
felt should be rendered, and by that
means leaving noticeable impressions
for good, that cannot be so easily
calculable, we should not dare re-
frain from doing the part assigned
US, nor can we afford to complain
because sometimes the burdens may
seem too heavy.
If we take cognizance of the many
noble lives behind US, they will in
cite us to action, and will not permit
US to stand idle and aimless at the
threshold Of opportunity, sacrificing
most valuable minutes of time spec
ulating.
1t is our privilege to be fully ac-
quainted with duty as we confront
it, and by adhering to its demands
accumulate suficiency of moral
courage that will tide US over many
of the rough, uneven places in LIES
pathway, and inspire within each of
US that confidence in ourselves, with
out which little can be undertaken,
little done; for It's by realizing ca
pacity for usefulness and service
that lives expand, broaden and widen
into the larger fields.
Devotion to duty begets sacrifice
from principal, and breeds sincere
inclining toward rich possibilities, in
citing within each Of US that frater-
nal feeling for all mankind that
must be felt Enthusiastically, in order
that we experience definite amount
of satisfaction.
In view of the fact that men have
been the most potent factors in the
making of the worlds history, there
is no small reason why we should
not blend our capacities and energies
tremendously to the achieving OF
those things worth while. Men If
all ages OF the past have been con
spicious for large failures, in various
, ways, and of different kinds, by the
persistent inability to perceive II
just what way they can do the mos
good, render the largest service, ant
utilize the most advantages.
Many are the excuses to be lal(
aside, that many Of US seem to thlnl
legitimate by reason Of their seem
ing Importance, that mutilate ser
: vice, make havoc of our time, ant
4 murder our possible usefulness
Here is an evasion often employed
ooh. | can't; some one els
WILL" and here is anothe
thread-bare with constant use,
had rather not and another
/, please excuse me-" and again, .
e don't feel just right" and so OF
: Just such reasons as are so unwisel
and foolishly given by men an
S women of the world when approach
: ed about their souls salvation; the
t get accustomed to using them, tf
habit grows to be a set fixture, nj
tural by constant exercise, and a
parently costing little effort TO sui
> nit it as an escape on the sllghte
: provocation, while duties loom up
full view, and there is every indie
G ton Of much needed service, by rea
e on of the unlimited demands of Il
e hour.
None of US can conscientious
m submit passively and rest contente
G. w because Of the rich and glorlo
" achievements of the past that ha
actively engaged men along t
devious ways. The ringing Choir
H. is still heralded from mounts
y heights, the low-lying valleys VIII
II per it gently, the far-reaching plal
emphasize it strongly. Come ov
nd and help u.s. is the cry on eve
1t, hand.
ne The needs, so stringent, should
s. cite, enthuse, stimulate, lntere
awaken and arouse, and kindle II
Nv actual flame such things as zeal a
r. active cooperation; and the lac
he ties SO varied, ours by posessl'
he should be ample evidence of the S
no vice our God expects US to render
Why is it, that as we come Il
=, contact with His Life, Light {
IN Truth, more of us are not expend
en- : the very best efforts and energies
rs the vineyard so boundless, thus m
'ii ing ourselves more capable of res
III ing evil influences and tendencl
% Why, you ask? Because, as SO OF
'''' is the case, our eyes are closed to
pressing needs about US, our ears
stopped to the entreaties OF tn
about us who need our help, adv
L