The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1915-12-02
HIS WORKS LIVE AFTER HIM.

1t is not given to all men to accomplish
such results as shall make their names live
after them. That is the privilege of the
few and the rest of men can only strive to
the best of their ability and be satisfied
with what they can accomplish. To be
benefactor of mankind is a very high honor
because the good performed applies not
only to contemporary life but extends to
MANY ages vet to come. 1t finds its widest
expression in scientific discoveries and
charitable activities and the men who are
able to work the miracles of modern day
life live always; their memories do not die.
Such achievements seem to many OF US as
the only success that is really worthwhile
and we are inclined at times to envy the
good fortune attained by the few. There
are others, however, in many different
walks of life who are able to accomplish
still more for their fellowmen than those
who work Worldwide wonders. Every now
and then we meet someone who, far remov-
ed from the eyes of the world, yet works
for the good of those about him. 1t may
be that his success is not counted in dollars
and cents, nor yet in widespread benefit but
is confined to the more or less restricted
circles of his immediate associates. He
does not have the opportunity of working
for the good of the world at large, but does
his best in the limited sphere in which he
moves. He is not called upon to fill very
large space in life; indeed, as a rule, he
takes up very little room. He is not asked
to perform what the world calls wonders;
but he works them all the same in modest
sort of way. He is expected only to do his
duty with small chance of ever breaking
the bonds that bind him to his beaten road.
He may long at times for the glory of the
more or less spectacular achievements
which focus the eyes of the world, yet he
is able to still that longing and make his
heart sing even while he works apparently
in vain. He may wish to plunge into the
ever widening circles of the great outside
life, yet because it is his duty be keeps
close to that central point from which his
lifelines diverge. He may yearn to try the
broad highways that are bathed in the light
of publicity, yet he contents himself with
walking in those narrow bypaths that are
often overlooked, it is true, but which are
tributaries Of the one, true road to Heaven.
We do not, as a rule, hear very much
about the men and women who lead the
more or less shut-in life. Because they
do not take up very much room in the world
they seldom come within the range Of pub
lie vision and it is only those with whom
they are associated day after day who are
able to understand something of the high
character of their work. However, it is
failing of human nature not to be appreci-
alive Of many things which deserve only
the warmest commentator and it is only
after some decree of fate removes the
humble worker from this life or curtails his
power for good that his real worth is appre-
ciated. 1t often happens that while the
influence of such person is of real benefit
to those about him, although possibly in
limited way, subsequent events and natural
developments double its worth in many in
stances. In other words, the works of
faithful. loyal toler in the ranks of Gods
army follow him day by day and continue
to prove his power for good.
The man who is true to his highest ideals.
not il one or two Or even half dozen in
stances, but who strives consistently to live
up to the best that is in him and at the same
time takes into consideration the feelings
and desires of those with whom he is in
most constant association, is the man who
wins the greatest victory. Such one is
counted among Gods heroes just as surely
as the man who lays down his life in battle
for his country or for the sake of another
The warrior runs his risks but the cause
for which he battles clothes them with
glory; the toiler in Gods quiet fields faces
his sacrifices as they are, bitter and often
cruel. The former wages only a temporary
warfare with a definite outcome; the latter
struggles on increasingly in doubt and un-
certainty. 1t is in the customary course Of
life that man is called upon to make the
greatest sacrifices with the least hope Of
reward, because it so happens that one
sacrifice often leads to another and greater
and one task to another more discouraging
Notwithstanding this fact, however, and
because God never imposes burden with
out the strength to carry it, the man whose
lot in life seems the least inviting is often
the one who fulfils his destiny in the most
acceptable manner. His works, while they
make small impression upon the ordinary
life Of his immediate circle, gather strength
because of their dependableness and as a
result he becomes associated with them in
an unforgettable manner. They follow him
through life and live after him when he, at
last drops his burden for all time. No
greater hero ever lived than the man who
labors in faith and patience and courage to
the end.
"Same Here!''
Newton (Miss.) Record: If the Record
al ha H.. ~,