The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1916-07-20
THE PEOPLES FORUM.
Half HeartedneSS.


let me say there was a lack of whole
heartedness in the Kings service. He
lacks obedience as we'll as patience, but
there was a glaring lack of persever-
ance.
For this reason he had no desire for
divine interference. What a contrast
with this is the perseverance of Elisha
in work to the end Though stricken
with mortal disease he does not give
himself up to inactivity nor cease to
take an interest in the affairs Of life.
He might have received the visit as a
compliment, but he utilizes it to the
utmost. He rouses the King from de-
spair, inspires him with hope and cour-
age. puts new energy in him and
promises him success and helps for
ward the result aimed at.
From him learn to persevere in good
as long as we live. Life is the work
time, rest follows.
1t is the stick-to ative principle that
wins That pegawaY sir, spirit that
characterized Mr.. Lincoln. A friend
said to him one day, Mr. President, do
you really expect to end the war during
your administration. Cant say,
can't say sir" But Mr.. L what
do you expect to do?" Peg away sir,
peg away. keep pegging awayH' and
pegging away did it. The principle of
perseverance is the secret of every sue
cessful life.
Cyrus Field in giving his account of
the Atlantic Cable says, 1T has been a
long hard struggle. Nearly thirteen
years of anxious watching and ceaseless
toll. Often my heart was ready to
sink. Many time when wandering in
the forests of New Foundland in the
pelting rain, or on the deck of ships
on dark stormy nights, alone, and far
from home, | have almost accused my
self of madness and folly, to sacrifice
the peace Of my family and all the
hopes of life, for what might prove but
a dream.
| have seen my companions one after
another fall by my side, and | feared |
too, might not live TO see the end, and
yet one hope led me on, and | have
prayed that | might not taste death till
this work was accomplished. The
prayer is answered, and now beyond all
acknowledgements to men is the feeling
of gratitude to God"
Are we tempted to be discouraged,
learn from the many examples IN nature
how to perseyere. Robert Bruce was
driven one night to take refuge in
barn. When he awoke in the morning
he saw spider climbing a beam of the
roof. 1t fell back twelve times in sue
cession, but the thirteenth time it gain
ed the top of the beam. He rose and
said, this spider has taught me per-
severance. | will follow its example.
Twelve times have l been beaten, the
thirteenth, | may succeed. He rallied
his forces. met and defeated Edward,
and was crowned King. Are we dis
heartened in our work and tempted to
give up?
In Western Africa it was fourteen
years before convert was received
into the church. In East Africa it was
ten years. In New Zealand it was six
teen years before one communicate was
received. In Burmah DR.. Judson work
ed seven years before he had one, yet
it is remarkable fact'in most of those
when the faith of the church
was greatly tried at first, the success
has been most abundant afterward.
The half hearted man accomplishes
little or nothing. He is always going
to do lot. but it ends in mere propos-
ing and amounts to nothing. His is a
life which fingers on the edge of some
thing, but never amounts to anything.
It is ridiculous.
You build your house brick by brick.
STEADY plodding will accomplish
By many strokes the work is done,
which cannot be performed at one"
We recall the old saying, rather quaint |
it is but suggestive. STEADY toll and
prayer often prove a cure for
care
| believe it was Mr. Sturgeon who
said in his quaint sayings. who rises
late. must trot all day, and hardly
oyertake his business by night" Its
true enough whoever saidit. He whose
bed holds him too long in the morning
will be made to feel its truth. Still,
there are lot of persons who sleep and
snore and console themselves with a
sentiment like this:
Cup in the mornings not for me;
In the morning am surly;
No fate can worse in winter be,
Than to rise in the morning early"
lizard pounding, gentlemen" said
the Duke; but by steadily bearing this
hard pounding Waterloo was won. If
you hold on long enough the day will he