Just a Hint or Two

JUST A HINT OR TWO.

One of the finest maxims ever delivered from human lips, and one peculiarly applicable to the young people of both sexes, enrolled as mem- bers of the Mutual Improvement Associations, can be found in the words of "the Preacher Solomon" who, in Ecclesiastes 9th chapter, 10th verse, says: "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." This advice has its counterpart where the Apostle Paul, writing to the Gala- tians, says: "It is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing!" These are elements of life which are often forgotten in the vivacity and love of change peculiar to youthful minds; there is somewhat of a love for intelligence, but they desire to have a smattering of many things, rather than to approach perfection in more limited directions; there appears to be somewhat of the butterfly in this, which ranges from flower to flower, loving novelty, attracted by color or perfume, but ever flitting and sel- dom stationary during its brief if brilliant, life; the bee is the opposite of ,

this; it flies far and wide, but it seems to possess discrimination, it seeks for and gathers honey, storing for the day of need. Little by little its

store becomes a surplus, and through that becomes a blessing to its it

own, and its usefulness and blessing reaches a wider range than its own little self or those associated with it in the hive. It is exuberant but

steady, it is an indefatigable worker, yet it enjoys life's sunshine and finds pleasure in its flight.

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The writer has often noted how little of this feature exists in replying to queries submitted for elucidation in the exercises of the Associations. Two weeks' notice seems almost barren of results. Probably the reply was hardly considered until the time approached for its presentation, and then so meagre, so cold, were the responses, that soul was evidently absent, interest was really at zero, and the effort made seemed as if pride in re- sponding was limited to as few words as possible, rather than of reach- ing out in explanation, to say nothing of exhaustion, which after all is the precious thing desired! It is the quickening of mind which the respondent needs, and the officers expect; not, perhaps, that they count on profundity: but they would be proud to apply that grand commentary pronounced by Jesus on the widow and the one who anointed him with the precious ointment, "She hath given her all." "She hath done what she could!" There is nothing more inspiring to experience, than to see their expected successors battling with problems which concern their interests in this probation as well as with the life to come; to be inquisitive, not curious; to seek for light rather than for quibble; to grapple with principles, which are eternal, rather than with theory and fancy, to under- stand ourselves —our own, rather than to criticise the possession of another. It has often been said that the rising generation will have to bear off the institutions of church and state when the fathers fall asleep; no thoughtful man wants to defer this day; the young, ardent men and women are wanted now. The devoted men or women who have given their lives to social, industrial and religious regeneration, are anxious to see their successors at work; they want the assurance that these stately edifices of an enduring commonwealth and kingdom are not built up with "untem- pered mortar," as the prophet called it; nor with any material that will not withstand the conflagration of the ages yet to come. It is not for the young brethren or sisters to be discouraged by fear

or silenced for dread of criticism. The kindly critic is your friend, his or her experience is your unbought and interested Mentor, and wishes only to do you good; and brotherly suggestion says, "Do not be afraid to under- take anything, it is better to fail in trying, than it is to never try at all." Blessing and help come to the searcher after knowledge, inspiration to the one whose aim is truth and righteousness, and vitality —mental and spiritual, to the toiler and student who wants and intends to be manly or womanly in this the day of glorious things. "Seest thou a man diligent in business," says Solomon, "he shall not stand before mean men, he shall stand before kings!" The text now is,

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"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might, for it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing." Be prayerful, indus- trious, persevering, thorough; rest not with superficial views or comments; put soul into your enquiries; be in earnest; let everyone see this; feel it yourself. There is no excellence without effort; intelligence marks the difference between the Indian and the advanced American; ideas move the world, but they must be enshrined in human garb and uttered by human tongue; the one who possesses and uses these is a power in the world, he is "a savior of men," and whatever his accumulations of wisdom or knowledge, no rounded shoulders tell of the spiritual or intellectual treasures he may carry he stands erect, he is truth embodied, he proves his ;

divinity, the angels acknowledge him as a minister of God, and when his exaltation comes it will be found that "his train shall fill the temple," for "he that (in this way) saveth souls is wise," and "he that turneth many to righteousness shall shine as the stars for ever and ever!" — Henry W. Naisbitt.

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