Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-09-24

and their foe. defending the poor, helpless lit
tie things. At such times he was sure to De
called tame and Sissy"
Here Uncle George stopped long enough TO
indulge in one OF his short. noiseless fits OF
Years passed continued the old man; they
both grew up and stood together upon the
threshold Of young manhood looking down into
the great. dark jungle OF life in which each one
must find his way and blaze lis own trail
ITO me-" his keen eyes twinkled unoer
shaggy brows-''to me this seems the most crti-
teal period OF mans life. that Of coming OF
age. lie is then standing in the gates OF real
about 70 take upon his own shoulders the great
responsibility OF life for all time to come; 10
choose that particular work which he Is best
suited 20 DO, and 20 make his way out into
crisis. and should be met with a brave and
courageous heart. II Is here that too many make
the wrong move snd lose their equilibrium Tor
ever.
and so 1t came to pass as these two young
men stood u3on the threshold Of young man
hood. that one looked with a heart full OF
Eope and manly trust, the other with a weak
and doubling heart into the future. GA said
he with 4 sinking heart, this darkness will
blind me and the wild beasts will tear me
There's a trail 10 blaze-a trail as long as life
and ] have no axe with which TO blaze IT;
rivers 20 cross and bridges; mountains to
climb, high mountains that no one can climb
Oh. I haven't the strength and courage II
eos-s too much: there's too much to risk:
cannot. I, will not undertake II. I'm at least
safe where ] ana; here I'll remain.
And he fell back and walked in the
path Of idleness and ease-wasting his youth.
Long afterward Old Age found him moaning
and complaining around the ruined temple Of
hope deferred
The other hoy. taking mental peep behind
the dark curtain OF the future beheld the same
dark Jungle. To him the trees looked just as
thick. the darkness just great, and the
beasts Just ugly they did 10 the young man
who stood beside him: hut out of his faith and
courage he said: There is no jungle so thick
10 exclude the presence OF God: no darkness
black that His love cannot penetrate II; no
beast strong that He cannot lock Its Jaws.
There's a trail to blaze. a long trail, wherein.
others shall walk. but I shall be furnished with
a tool OF some kind There rivers 60 cross.
res wide rivers, but I shall be able TO bridge
them somehow: mountains TO climb-high noun
tains that will take many hard stroke and
F-.v year in the climbing. but I'm sure /
hi have the strength and courage TO climb
hen. At least will try"
And with a brave heart he plunged into the
Jungle going slow at first. but with firm
and steady stroke he blaEed his trail. builded
the bridges. one by one. and climbed the noun
tains step by step.
Then came old Age also to him." said the
old msn. stroking his long white beard. came
and found him well established upon the rock
Of Success. who're be illuminated LIES horizon.
bright star which burned in life's dark night,
and made the world brighter and better.
Vow. which Of The two boys do you like
hest?'' asked Uncle George: (which one was Il
that succesded7 Which one are you going TO
beT''
MIIINToN RALPH sMITH.
No. 6. Statesbor, Ga.