The Petals

526 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

things, from the orthodox faith of the founders of the republic. The boast of the hour is our liberalism in religion. Churches com- pete in making conditions of membership and belief easy. The power of religion is being liberalized out of it. It is still respect- able to be connected with the church, but much of it is a lip and not a heart service. Consult your own heart, home and observa- tion if this be not too generally true. Achievement and discovery now come so fast that the most marvelous are received without surprise. I know of no field of morals, of commerce, of attainment, upon which has been placed ' the seal 'complete." Until the tides are harnessed, until the heat and energy of the sun is stored for the use and happiness of man, the two oceans joined by a Panama passage of peace, and Alaska and Patagonia linked by a pathway of steel, until intemper- ance and wrong are curbed, until labor and capital both recognize the golden rule, until justice and right shall be the portion of every citizen, no American youth dare say, "The harvest has been gathered, there is no work for my hands." In every educated American youth are the possibilities of a Samson, and it is their own fault if they grind corn for the Philistines. From the schools of today are to come the masters of tomor- row. The Lincolns, Phillips, Beechers, the Roosevelts. What crown or cross fate may lay at your door no oracle can tell; but let your life, your training, your character be such that when the knock comes you can respond, "I am ready!"

"The Petals." (For the Improvement Era.)

The dainty petals are falling; The rare fruit-bloom is o'er, Yet we sorrow not, recalling The bounteous fruits in store.

The plans for success we cherished May fail, as years go by. Shall we mourn that they have perished, • If we are improved thereby? Hallie Grigg. Na pa, Idaho.