lifelong mistake, and he who fails to become a factor in the religious life of the college loses an immeasurable opportunity. Moreover, if a man would see his life in all its possibilities, he must go up into the mountains of spiritual thought as Christ went up into the mountain alone to pray. He must take time to reflect, in prayerful recognition, upon his sacred importance and responsibility as a man. Metaphorically he may be "a worm," but literally he is an immortal soul, created in the image of God and given boundless scope for growth and the exercise of his godlike powers. What young man can really understand himself and his relations to his fellow men and not be lifted above base and unworthy things? When he thus sees the true significance of his life will he not strive to make the most of it? Will he not realize his best self? As one advances in his college course he is apt to find his judgment changing concerning many things. His estimate of men is different. The idols of his freshman year gradually sink into insignificance more mature reflection raises to first place men whose modest worth he had formerly overlooked. His clearer judgment and wider horizon give him. better ideals of manhood and of culture than he had before. With this higher conception of what a true man should be, comes a vital question: Does his improvement keep pace with his ideal? Is he satisfied with less than the best he can do? Character is cumulative. George Eliot says: "We reiterate our lives in each new deed." I looked behind to find my past And lo! it had gone before." Fortunate is the man whose youth, wisely spent, has become for him a lifelong spring of health and power. He will carry with him, amid life's burdens, the enthusiasm and the gladness of the true student. "In life's small things be resolute and great To keep thy muscle trained; know'st thou when Fate Thy measure takes, or when she'll say to thee, I find thee worthy; do this deed for me?" J. R. LOWELL. "I would the great world grew like thee, And knowledge, but by year and hour, In reverence and in charity." ALFRED TENNYSON. |