The theocrat. [volume] (Zion City [i.e. Zion], Ill.) 1914-1949, 1919-06-14

of greatness, and these qualities fell far
short of the mark.
Neither do fame, honor and position alone
make for greatness. Take position tor IN
stance There are many who desire posi-
ton only for the prestige it gives them.
Ruskin says that there are few who really
desire to be the captain Of ship, tor
that would entail hard work and the as
Stunning of great responsibilities That IS
not what most want, but the honor and
dignity of being called captain. Really great
men, however, are much more concerned
in the service they are giving than IN the
position itself
Abraham Lincoln had the best qualities
of greatness: humility and simplicity. lie
was exceedingly modest, and the success
he achieved only added to his humility. The
men of his cabinet considered themselves
far greater than he This did not trouble
him in the least, for he was willing to take
advice from anyone, and to do anything for
the good of the people. Little did he care
to whom the credit was given.
There is an old saying to this effect: A
great deal of good can be done in the
world if one is not too careful who gets
the credit"
Lincoln bore on his shoulders an i'm
mense burden for four long years, and then
laid down his life for the people whom,
while living, he had served SO well.
His reading was based on his early study
of the Bible, which he read thoroughly, and
he put into practice what he had been taught
therein. He is one of the few who will
live in the nations heart Is it not greater
to live in the hearts Of the people than
to obtain great power as Napoleon sought to
do?
Also, it is not always the man who has
achieved recognition who is greatest, but the
obscure man in the cottage near by, who is
conscientiously doing his best each day.
Riches may produce an imitation OF great
ness, making men appear great. But, the
man who has accumulated great wealth IS
seldom as happy as Diogenes was in his
tub.
1t is very significant thing that the lives
of great men usually have been lives OF
suffering The life of the musician Beeth-
oven is an exceedingly tragic story. The
young man had very poor health and before
he was twenty-six years of age became
deaf In addition to this, he was proverty-
stricken. In spite of all these obstacles,
he was able to produce most wonderful
music. He was able to bear all through
his confidence in God II have no friend
I must live alone,' he said, 'but [ know
that in my heart, God is near to me. ap-
proach him without fear"
There are others who have attained
lasting greatness in the hearts OF the PEG
pie. There is the matchless ruler, Alfred
the Great, whose character is summed up III
the words: faith in God and devotion to
duty. There is the great American, Roose-
Welt an earnest believer in God and in the
simple and worthwhile things in life. lie
believed in those same things that millions
down deep in their hearts believe in, and
for those reasons they loved him.
All of these men may be characterized
bv this quotation: "Who. lives for you and
me. lives for the world he tries to help, and
lives eternally.'
Our best example of true greatness IS
given us in the life Of Jesus the Christ. lie
did not come as a Ruler but as Servant
Men had been looking for His coming tor
years. They looked for Him to come with
much splendor, in kings palace, and with
signs and wonders, to restore His chosen
people.
Contrary to this, His coming was revealed
only to group of humble shepherds, who
found Him. babe lying in manger, show
ing that true greatness may be summed up III
these few words of Christ: whatsoever
would be greatest among you, let him be
servant of ALL