The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1918-05-23
Plain Tales from the Bible
By III Truisn

FORTS mistakes and attachments recorded in this history
strength and frailty goodness and badness wisdom
and folly afford each individual Of the appropriate and a
pcabs example counsel or aid tina, we are continually need
actual living personatiesas they surely wereand just
tails In their hunanness the lessons living the
Adam holds place in thoughts as the first
human. As the through whom was lost to the
world the happy of Eden and the privilege of
personal communion with God. We should not stop
with these thoughts for Adam brings Gods richest
endowment will we but learn and heed it. His
story is worthy will tell 1t related to me
by a Of the world, who through its revelations
reached, in after years. proud emnence of esteem
and favor.
Why is man? Think minute, then ask this
of yourself. Why is he, can you say? Here is
question that will hold the attention of every aspr
ing mortal. And it's answer will bring that purpose
to mans life without which he can accomplish no
worthy thing. Study that answer learn how abso-
utely correct it is; how applicable to every human
life it is-mine- yours-a
L began life as all do. Blessed by nature with
her most efficient equipment had ready access to
her illimitabe treasures. The way seemed easy so
learned what the day seemed 10 need. labored for
what hire there was. 1 Numbered along now on top
and again the bottom, caught in the flood that
sweeps clear the middle course Taking this chance;
spending opportunity in hope of finding better;
now playthng of circumstances, them seeming
master of destiny. Ever expecting the turn in
the road to reveal the coveted goal-a goal that
changed with every passing view. But the road
never turned. And it would have helped not any had
it done so because one cannot find thing that will
not stay put.
last IN M rtIQ IIV at
rate. 1t takes some manner of unusual incident in
mans life to bring him to himself. Death or life;
JOY; failure success; selfshness sac
rifce; shame glory; all of these may be needed
any one will bring the change where all others fail
Being thrown to the bottom of the heap awak-
ened me. Finding myself with naught accomplish
ed and of no estimable use to myself or society
brought me pause. There was a lack in my life,
that much was certain. What was it? 1 had am
biton. Experience and knowledge of sort-sever-
al sorts. Ability had proven mine. But here
I was running myself around in circles. Aim 1
lacked, it must be. We would see. Aim-all right.
would study the range with its conditions and
quirements. l would select target and direct my
effort towards it and it alone.
Now the target. 1 had chased the will-o-the-
wisp success had sought happiness hither and yon;
themselves, Dead Sea Fruit-this 1 had
proved l must find the purpose of mans living
and only there would have before me definite,
Interchangeable goal. Why is man? This was my
problem and, to greater or less degree, it is the
problem of all humanity. Why is man? Let us
learn.
1T seemed easy. thought about it, A little
then a lot and then a lot more. Thought brought
nothing, fetched me nowhere-any way, my
thought wouldn't, saw that dragged in some of
/ the experience had Numbered through-fnally all
l had known. But it was than my
thinking. just crcled Came back to where 1
began-why?
Il needed help that was plain. Books-there
was the place to search. Men had spent the years
Of their lives in searching the truths of borning
and living and dying. They had deved into every
conceivable phase of human habit and conduct-ev-
erything touching mans existence-and set down in
countless voumns their findings conclusions and sup
positions.
To books turned. Philosopher, Scientist His
torian Biographer. Agnostie. Christian, Adventurer,
Ideast-these peopled my thoughts and sleeping
dreams. Their thoughts. deeds and aims were. for
the moment, mine. The earth gave up it's treasures
and the sea it's wonders and beauty. The w.t. folly
wisdom and achievements of ages were mine. But
nowhere could be found the answer / sought. So
long thought and experience kept close to mater
ial things and facts all WE'LL But let fancy
to suppositlou and query of what behind these
and one was lost-overshadowed. Other help
must have.
We'll, there were living about me. Sure
ly, among them must be who sought, as I did,
this elusive something. So TO life I turned-with
new hope and confidence for now we would see and