Part 45 (2/2)

Success in life depends upon persistent effort, upon [1]

the improvement of moments more than upon any other one thing. A great amount of time is consumed in talking nothing, doing nothing, and indecision as to what one should do. If one would be successful in the future, let [5]

him make the most of the present.

Three ways of wasting time, one of which is con- temptible, are gossiping mischief, making lingering calls, and mere motion when at work, thinking of nothing or [10]

planning for some amus.e.m.e.nt,-travel of limb more than mind. Rus.h.i.+ng around smartly is no proof of ac- complis.h.i.+ng much.

All successful individuals have become such by hard work; by improving moments before they pa.s.s into hours, [15]

and hours that other people may occupy in the pursuit of pleasure. They spend no time in sheer idleness, in talking when they have nothing to say, in building air- castles or floating off on the wings of sense: all of which drop human life into the ditch of nonsense, and worse [20]

than waste its years.

”Let us, then, be up and doing, With a heart for any fate; Still achieving, still pursuing, Learn to labor and to wait.” [25]

Thanksgiving Dinner

It was a beautiful group! needing but canvas and the touch of an artist to render it pathetic, tender, gorgeous.

[Page 231.]

Age, on whose h.o.a.ry head the almond-blossom formed a [1]

crown of glory; middle age, in smiles and the full fruition of happiness; infancy, exuberant with joy,-ranged side by side. The sober-suited grandmother, rich in ex- perience, had seen suns.h.i.+ne and shadow fall upon ninety- [5]

six years. Four generations sat at that dinner-table.

The rich viands made busy many appet.i.tes; but, what of the poor! Willingly-though I take no stock in spirit-rappings-would I have had the table give a spiritual groan for the unfeasted ones. [10]

Under the skilful carving of the generous host, the mammoth turkey grew beautifully less. His was the glory to vie with guests in the dexterous use of knife and fork, until delicious pie, pudding, and fruit caused un- conditional surrender. [15]

And the baby! Why, he made a big hole, with two incisors, in a big pippin, and bit the finger presump- tuously poked into the little mouth to arrest the peel!

Then he was caught walking! one, two, three steps,- and papa knew that he could walk, but grandpa was [20]

taken napping. Now! baby has tumbled, soft as thistle- down, on the floor; and instead of a real set-to at crying, a look of cheer and a toy from mamma bring the soft little palms patting together, and pucker the rosebud mouth into saying, ”Oh, pretty!” That was a scientific [25]

baby; and his first sitting-at-table on Thanksgiving Day- yes, and his little rainbowy life-brought suns.h.i.+ne to every heart. How many homes echo such tones of heartfelt joy on Thanksgiving Day! But, alas! for the desolate home; for the tear-filled eyes looking longingly [30]

at the portal through which the loved one comes not, or gazing silently on the vacant seat at fireside and board-

[Page 232.]

G.o.d comfort them all! we inwardly prayed-but the [1]

memory was too much; and, turning from it, in a b.u.mper of pudding-sauce we drank to peace, and plenty, and happy households.

Christian Science

This age is reaching out towards the perfect Principle of things; is pus.h.i.+ng towards perfection in art, inven- tion, and manufacture. Why, then, should religion be stereotyped, and we not obtain a more perfect and prac- tical Christianity? It will never do to be behind the [10]

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