The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1915-01-07

obscurey as the Babe in the manager, transforms
our lives even as the Mighty One remoulds man
kind
Hence, my Yuletide message to you from year
to year is to the prisoner of hope. And hope,
take it, springs from certain definite qualities As
figs cannot grow from thistles, so hope can spring
only from it's own fountain. The sources of hope
believe, lie latent in the soul of each. 1t re-
remains for us to uncover and cultivate them to
full fruitage.
There is no more inspiring time to do this than
in the season of Christmas giving and New Year
living. There is no better place than in our pris
ons for the world to see an example of real right
eous hope. Here men pause to think of the real
issues of life. Here growth in grace becomes at
last not pleasing pastime. but task of sacrifice
and courage.
I have come to respect this example of heroic
endeavor through fifteen years of dealing with
my brothers behind the bars. have been glad to
testify everywhere to the forttude and patience
exhibited by men before and after their release
Gradually or rather rapidly, people are coming to
understand the tragedy of encouragement and the
loss to society from energies misdrected. They
are now ready to help you train your best i'm
time therefore, the question comes back to each
''Am trying to cultivate the qualities essential to
hope?'
THE FIRST prerequisite is the FORWARD
LOOK and FAITH IN THE FUTURE We can
afford to forget the past, but the future contains
whatever fortune our talent will command. All
the shadows will fall behind us if we hold the
light of faith over the forward pathway. Let this
be our symphony: To make a grave for our
ugly thoughts, and garden for our kindly feel
ings."
In the SECOND PLACE, there must be
GOODNESS and GRATITUDE if we expect rich
rewards and future outlook. The duty of life is
to seek goodness. The results lie in other hands,
To demand results before achievement spells fail
ure. To receive benefits without appreciation is
to kill the goose that lays the golden egg" To
put the message briefly, listen to Robert L. Stew
enson's Christmas Carol: To be honest, to be
kind to little to spend little less, to make
upon the whole someone happier; to renounce
when that shall be necessary, and not be embit-
tered; to keep few friends and above all to keep
friends with himself Here is task for all that
man has Of fortitude and delicacy
Then, FINALLY, FRATERNITY and Eel
LOWSHIP are necessary to give the outward
look and lift essential to hopefulness. We are
told that to lose faith in ones self is fatal but to
lose the confidence OF other people is painful and
to lose confidence IN others is disheartening. In
mutual confidence is multiplied faith. Respond to
proffered aid and all the world will rise to help
you. The selfish soul repels the strength of 9th
ers, while the open heart inspires faith and at
tracts to itself all the remedial forces of the uni
verse. Rise above trouble and the world will be
on your side" Left alone man is poweress to
achieve his best. Joined in the fellowship of COM
mon need and aspiration, he may hope to reach
the higher goal.
To this end, then, l again bespeak your sue
cess in coming days and years. We pledge to you
the larger faith in mankind everywhere apparent.
We promise the continued cooperation of the
Central Howard Association that your highest
purposes may become reality. We seek only to
give that you may live the higher happier clean
er life of honest toll and helpful service.
Take courage. Write me; tell us your best
thoughts and your greatest need. If you have
just come in remember you still have friend out
side. If you are soon to face the world again and
have no backing you will need our help. If your
term is life, still there is also hope and you have
our special interest and concern. For all of you l
wish happier New Year and higher life
AN APPRECIATION