Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1924-01-10
THE COUNTRY HOME
BY MRS. " Il. FELTON,

express his meaning is that Of a strenuous
racer, who is so intent in obtaining the goal
and prize before him that lie forgets every
thing behind him, even his own missteps
and standings.
The will is the royal faculty of the mind,
and it is able to subject both the intellect
and the sensbility to it's purpose. To
great degree yolitiOn leads and draws after
it both thought and emotion. It can domi-
nate memory and displace recollection with
forgetfulness il it so chooses. Hence Paul
could say he would deliberately and OF def
mite purpose forget the things which were
behind
The possession of a good memory is to be
coveted most earnestly, but the precious
gift must not slalyishly possess one but
must be possessed by him.
great American orator coined the word
"forgetory' and claimed that his ability to
forget had been a prime factor in his suc-
cess. On one occasion person inaptly asked
him a question about one of his early
friends who had cruelty and meanly be-
trayed him. To the inquiry he replied: II
do not recall him. To me he died some
years ago.
1t is well to pray, Lord, keep our mem
cries green" but it is also we'll to pray be-
times Lord help us to forget" And we
should conform our minds to the conditions
under which wholesome and helpful forget
fulness is possible. One of these conditions
of useful forgetting is found in absorption in
some great and worthy object which
rive to obtain Nothing operates to make
one oblivious of evil as behind the earnest
seeking of good before. Idleness breeds brood-
ing which blights peace and blasts power
Whatever may be in the past, our God I'll
ways has something before us which being
pursued with noble spirit soothes sorrow
and imparts strength Next to divine grace
the tasks of Christian conservation bring deep
est and sweetest consolation
fbn hopo,,
u.s. let us forget the harmful and humiliating
things which lie behind us in 1923. Let our
hearts be enlisted in the high and holy things
which our Heavenly Father holds up before
us in 1924 He invites us to go forward and
would have us waste no strength on idle ana
futile regrets.
The greatest thing which can engage us Is
not any earthly enterprise whatsoever but it
is the endeavor to perfect holiness in the fear
Of God This was the glorious prize to the
winning OF which Paul bent all his energies of(
faith and love.
There is no real disaster in life except fail
ing to attain God-li1e character Financial
revenues domestic SORROWS personal bereave
ments, or sore disappointments Of any Sort
are not to be deplored as Overwhelming de-
feats. We may we'll count all such losses as
mere refuse if we may win Christ. No loss
is irreparable except the loss of our souls
the loss of ourselves. That loss none needs
to incur.
Let us dry the tears upon our faces, drive
the fears from our hearts, and renounce any
disposition Of despair as we pass into the
New Year, forgetting the things which are
health and reaching forth to obtain the full
ftllment Of our high calling of God in Christ
Jesus"
With true hearts fervently let us sing with
the devout Doddridge:
Best with Snares on every hand
In life's uncertain path I stand;
SAVIOR divine! diffuse Thy light
To guide my doubtful footsteps right.
Then let the widest storm arise
Let tempests mingIe earth and skies:
No fatal shipwreck shall l fear,
But all my treasures with me bear.
eff Thou my Jesus, still be nigh,
Cheerful | live and joyful die;
Secure when mortal comforts flee
To find ten thousands worlds in Thee"
1t may be that the year 1924 will bring us |
sharper trials and keener disappointments
than befell us during 1928 So be it. IF God
be our PORTION added burden will be insup- !
portable nor increased grief be beyond our +,
strength to bear. Divine providence and
heavenly grace always go hand in hand
we know not what the future hath of marvel I
surprise
Assured alone that life and death His mercy
underlies;
We know not where His fslands~Iift their
founded palms in air;
We only know we can not drift beyond His
love and care"