The Republican journal., 1916-06-29
er which we can exercise can stay them


3. Yet advancing step farther in
our thought how comforting and assur-
ing is the fact that this life with all It's
manifold and varied changes is under the
guidance and the direction of the Eter-
nal In the life which now is We are not
left entirely to ourselves, neither are we
governed by the iron hand of fate
''There is a Divinity that shapes our
ends,
Rough hew them how we will"
The Providence of God is over US. All
things are working, and working to-
gether for good to them that love God.
even to them that are called according
to His purpose. The frosts, and winds
and SHOWS and rains are as necessary to
the maturity of the crops as is the SUM-
shine. Out of all these working together
come the rich foliage, the beautiful flow
er and the abundant harvest So in the
plans and purposes of God concerning
the life which now is, trials and aff1ic-
tions; losses and crosses; disappoint-
ments and bereavements, may all be nee
essary to the attainment of the highest
purposes of human welfare. If we could
read modern events with the same clear
ness with which we read the story of Jo-
seph in Egypt we should see the hand of
God as distinctly now as then. Were
not Cromwell and Washington and Lin
coin as truly guided by God as Joseph?
4. Again tae life which now is is a
life which is full of deep Significance.
There is meaning to it, meaning
which IS most impressive. Not that
everything about it is as clear as the
light of day, nor that it is wholly free
from mystery, but after making due al
lowance for the presence and power of
mysteries incident to it and perhaps in
from it there remains in it
of the most impressive char
acter. The conviction must be forced
upon the attention of every one that We
exist for higher purpose than the pro-
motion of our present interests. Our
character and conduct in the present life
set forces in motion which extend into
the illlmitable future. While we are
passing through the present life we are
touching keys which touch strings which |
will vibrate through all the ages which |
lie before US. Every life is permeated
with an energy which the things of time
IAN never expend Every day is school
day; every act an apprecative factor in
he great drama of the interminable flu
ure. According as we use or abuse our
present life we shall make or mar our
lestiny.
5. In the life which now is, there are
wonderful possibilities of usefulness.
70 one need live in vain. All may have
part and joy in the work of redeem
ng humanity from the thraldom and
dominion of error and sin. Jesus the
,brist died to redeem men. If We may
lot be privileged to die for others we
re privileged to live for them. In the
resence of king an artist once drew
he picture of child which was the
cry embodiment of sadness and de-
pair. The features were downcast and
he child was evidently looking sadly up
n the things of the life which now is.
las your majesty, inquired the painter,
mind to see how easy it fs to make
1is very child laugh? The artist mere
, depressed the corners of the lips and
lie inner extremities of the eyebrows,
h en- the little urchin seemed in danger
bursting his sides with laughter II
lis be true in the world of living men,
light, very slight, are the causes that
AXE or break the happiness OF life.
he touch OF brush can Gin heaven
18th cloud or b-ighten the prospect on
ne far horizon. ~. H. Va.