Norwich bulletin., 1917-10-06
Sunday Morning Talk
NEW DEPARTURES IN. LIFE.

It is frequently remarked. especial ly by those we'll along in this mortal journey, that life is just one thing after another, Even if the terse ad- servation be omitted. no less of truth or force results. Life is, to be sure, a constant succession of changes whether pleasant or painful Some of the changes may be foreseen and in measure. prepared for. or guarded against. Most of them, however, are wholly beyond. any prudent anticipa- ton of man. It is the unforeseen that happens. How often it seems abetds the summit of human wisdom merely to expect the unexpected.
 old Testament literature has few Edore tender and beautiful pictures than that of the eagle which pulls it's Lest to pieces that the f1edglings in it may be forced to learn to fly. The young birds have been very comfort able in. their fluffy home. looking aSt on the great world and taking the food brought them from afar. Such a life could not continue however, fu the eaglets had wings and must learn to use them. If not other method will avail, the nest built by the mother bird with infinite pains must 1s d2r stroyed, that her young may find their own powers in the air.
 Not otherwise, says the prophet, had God dealt with Israel. One nest after another had been pulled to pieces. till the nation had learned to Almighty had not provided and none He had not finally disturbed, when the nations life had become secure, and easy going, and stagnant. In tlst hour, xsrael had again been thrown on it's own resources an dforced to
 History repeats itself To apply the parable to modern life, one has only to reflect on the stress and turmoil which, in America, has now succeed ed our unexampled prosperity. No such fools paradise of gain and pleas ure could permanently continue. Dr. Johnson has pictured, in tRasselas," happy valley in AbySsinia, where, summer afternoon. The rude shock of war has thrust our nation out of its happy valley The storm and stress of these times are ridding every last
 Personal life declares even more impressively the fact of change. To view a human career is to look through kaleidoscope. One beholds friend established in some position. only to see him later tumbled out of health fails, business fuctuates, death invades the inrnost circle. and every plan must be revised. The traveller has hardly we'll started toward
 
 and start over again.
 Trying. as change is, however, 1t $ far better than changiessness. The mother dreads to lose her baby in the man, but she would be inconsol- able if her son never grew up. He must not stay cradled In the nur- sery; he must go to school; take up an occupation; leave home some day. perhaps, for all the peril and uncer- tainty of some new abode. Home is lonely without him, but we could not wish him to remain. In no environ ment can he remain long at ease, any more than his forbears have done. Ever will life summon him to larger ventures and a broader otuook.
 History can be written for any peo- pie only when one day is different from it's predecessor; when the roll ing years bring each it's own prob- other name for its experience and ex- perience. accordingly is to be sought and not evaded. Better fifty years of Europe than a cycle of Cathay." It is the lack of experience that has made China less a nation than an asylum for dwarfs. Perhaps the world turmoil will at last awaken the hoary headed sleeper.
 :. It n.,,, may 5s that the shIftinss of rare Us for the ultimate and greatest change of all. Some changes may fN avoided. but not this one. Amidst all the uncertainties with which we are this at least, is sure. The earthly house of this tabernacle will some day be shaken to it's foun-- dations and we must venture forth into new country. Happy then is he who can know of himself, as the prophet declared of Israel that "The Lord alone did lead him a2d there 1 was no strange God with him"
 THE PARSON.