Article December 26, 1901 Issue

Success

BY J. MUNROE HEILBRUN.

We hear much about the humble origin and scant opportunities of men whose lives and attainments are measured by the ambiguous word—Success. We are constantly reminded that the fruits of such lives were not produced by the hand of plenty, but by the diligent fostering of all the reserve forces of the character, unremitting toil, and close application to their sole aim and purpose of making something of their lives. Their frugal means are dwelt upon by commentators, at great length, and the review is usually summarized by an attributable zeal, pluck, and ambition, inherent in such natures, which crown their lives with fame.

Rarely, if ever, is heard the true fundamental principle underlying and governing the efforts of nearly all notably prominent men; viz., a God-trusting nature, and observance of Christ's command to "love thy neighbor as thyself," daily striving to externalize the divine qualifications in every act and deed, thus manifesting the true incarnation of the Christ nature.

Instead of directing our gaze toward the man-made policy or the men who have made the pages of history luminous and real, why not concentrate our attention solely upon the greatest of all exemplars of a fruitful and abundant life—Jesus Christ? Why not accept as our pattern the life of him who was the incentive for those whose lives but radiate his sublimity, whose humble bearing and meekness won for him the world's scorn and crown of thorns; whose patient, kind, and loving forbearance are the attributes of a life overflowing with blessings and benedictions to all mankind.

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