The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1912-03-31
THE RECORD OF A SOUL
BY MARY FRANCES GARDNER.

The record Of a Soul begins at that
period in which thought natures and
childhood is left behind. A careless
happy Soul this, looking out upon the
life apportioned it, through eyes as
yet undimmed by tears. Keen to see
the beauties, and taste the pleasures
that sprang UP like flowers along It's
path; for although swiftly journeying
towards them, the Soul had not yet
reakhed the gates of Destiny-those
dark Barriers that divide the Present
from the Future-but which TO the
youthful Soul appeared as shadowy,
underlined outlines in the distance.
There We're moments when low muir
mered sounds, like voices heard from
afar, came floating down, arousing a
restless longing for an intangible
something, of which in it's innocence
the Soul could only dream, having
no real knowledge of the calls and
their meaning.
At such times the Soul would pause,
and gaze earnestly before it, and with
passing surious thought look towards
the gates seen so dimly through the
obscurity that ever wells the future
from us. But the gates and the MUIR
muring voices seemed a long way off,
and so the Soul troubled little over the
fate awaiting 1t, and the disturbing
calls were soon drowned in the music
of its joyous laughter. Revealing in in
nocent pastimes, hearing the call of
the flesh, only in fitful distant muir
nurs, the Soul passed through the
first period Of its existence.
Those who looked on said, What q
light and frivolous Soul 1t Is" but they
had not looked into its depths.
And so, carelessly journeying on, the
Spul looked up one day. to find the
yates OF Destiny confronting it. Poor
little Soul! With trembling awe 1t
portals dreams and visions fade, and
Life in it's reality begins.
= SO many deviating paths and 1t must
choose and enter one.
The sounds hitherto heard only as
indistinct and meaningless murmurs,
now became a multitude of clamoring
voices, until confused and bewildered
by the uproar, the Soul turned back to
seek a refuge from the vigorous life
crowding so fast upon IT; but behind
an abyss deep and wide had opened
the gulf that separated the Past from
the Future, and over which no traveller
has ever yet returned.
The while a voice emanating from
the inner consciousness, insistently re
peated, GO forward, little Soul. Only
in memory can man retrace his steps.
And needing the wise Mentor, the SOIL
turned again to gaze in perplexity and
doubt along the numerous ways that
lay before it. Even as the Soul raised
its searching eyes, a soft and mellow
light glowed like a beacon from one
of the opening gates.
THAT is the light OF faith, given TO
illuminate the lives Of men. You may
safely follow where it leads" So spaks
the counseling Mentor. And ponder
ing on the meaning OF these words,
the Soul became distracted from
worldly desires. Being for the time
absorbed in higher aspirations. the
babel Of voices ceased. and the Soul
heard only the one call, and its plead
ing invitation. Come. little Soul, as
yet untainted by contact with the
world. Come to me in your white gar
ment of purity. Following in my foot
steps you shall find lasting joy and
peace"
4he accents were low and tender,
and responding to the call the Soul
stretched out its hands towards the