Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1958-01-12

other put it. in some verses
he wrote about a like devo-
tional tryst in a city sub
way. MY only respite Of the
day is this wild ride with
God"
1t was because the great
scientist. Charles Darwin, de-.
MED himself flor long years
any excursions into the realm
Of music and poetry. to which
once he was keenly alive,
but instead, with the relent-
lessneSs Of a taskmaster, de-
voted every waking hour to
the gathering and classifica-
ton Of data for his scientific
Investigations, that his ability
to appreciate these arts
atrophied in him. Sadly he
declared, toward the end Of
his day. that If he had his
life TO live over he would
make 1t a practice every day
to spend some time with the
seers and music masters who
lead to the higher reaches Of
the soul. Darwin's lament
has vital implications for
each Of US whose lot Is cast
amid the speed and pressure
Of modern life. The dete-
rioration which spoiled the
music Of this great thinkers
life. because he kept closed
the gates which opened to
fields of delight and inspira-
ton. remind us that sins Of
omission are the things that
rob life of its highest glory.
When Phillips Brooks
emerged from q penitentiary
through which he had been
conducted. the hardened faces
Of those men separated from
society haunted him, and his
remark about those wrecked,
lives was one that those
who heard it could never
forget. The great Boston
preacher did not exclaim,
Think Of the terrible crimes
they have committed" He
said, with the vast and ten.
der understanding Of his
great heart, Think Of what
they have missed" Think Of
what each one Of US misses
when we fail to dedicate
moments that, II we had the
will. could be fashioned into
avenues lifting and leading
to the heights Of our being.
Often a volume. not a Book
Of the Month, but a Book Of
the Ages, will prove such an
escape If we would give it
even 10 minutes a day. .
Speaking of Thomas q
Kempis' Imitation Of Christ"
which came from a monk in
a cell 500 years ago. and
whose pearl-like sentences
have in them the breath Of
immortality. a highly intelli-
gent man. a teacher. in this.
our 10th century. declares,
Not long ago I obtained q
copy Of the Imitation Of
Christ ! now find that by
reading excerpts Of it at the
beginning Of each day I OBJ
tain a strength. purpose.
peace and integration which
enables me to live vitality
and with interest. What q
dividend TO draw from min
ute vacations!
And now, with our bless.
ing, we give to all our read.
ers this January Sunday the
searching new year greeting
which has gripped our own
hearts. Steady my hurried
pace with a vision Of the
eternal reach Of Time, give
me amidst the confusion Of
my day. the calmness Of the
everlasting hills. Break the
tension Of my nerves and
muscles with the soothing
music Of the singing streams
that live in my memory.
Help me to know the magical
restorative power Of sleep.
Teach me the art OF taking
minute vacations Of slow
ing down to look at a flower,
70 chat with a friend. to pat
q dog, to read a few lines
from q Good Book. Slow
me down. Lord. and inspire
me to send my roots deep
into the soil of life's endur-
ing values that I may grow
toward the stars Of my