Life and Literature Part 81

NOT A CANDIDATE.

The following well-merited rebuke by a slave to his master, shows that persons occupying mean positions in this life are sometimes superior to those above them.

A gentleman in the enjoyment of wealth, and of high social standing, and wholly given up to the pleasures of this world, knowing that one of his slaves was religious, and happening to see him in the garden near the porch of his house, called him up rather to amuse himself than for any serious purpose. When the slave came to him, cap in hand, he said, "Tom, what do you think of me; do you believe I will be one of the elect when I die?"

With a low obeisance, the slave replied: "Master, I never knew any one to be elected who was not a candidate."

The master, struck with the gentle but just rebuke of the man's answer, turned and entered his mansion, and from that hour became a candidate, living thereafter a good life.

--_Belhaven._

1125

Every period of life has its peculiar prejudices: whoever saw old age, that did not applaud the past, and condemn the present times?

--_Montaigne._

1126

In life, as in chess, forethought wins.

1127

Yes and No are, for good or evil, the giants of life.

--_D. Jerrold._

1128

THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET.

An old gentleman, accounting recently for his age and his happiness, said: "It is quite simple. Lead a natural life, eat what you want,--but of course prudence must be exercised--and walk on the sunny side of the street."

1129

It is to live twice, when we can enjoy the recollections of our former life.

1130

LIFE.

Life! We've been long together Through pleasant and through cloudy weather; 'Tis hard to part when friends are dear-- Perhaps 'twill cost a sigh, a tear.

Then steal away, give little warning, Choose thine own time, Say not "good-night," but in some brighter clime, Bid me "good-morning."

--_A. L. Barbauld._

1131

LIFE--EVANESCENCE OF.

How short is human life! the very breath Which frames my words, accelerates my death.

--_Hannah More._

1132

HUMAN LIFE.

Ah! what is human life?

How like the dial's tardy-moving shade, Day after day slides from us unperceived!

The cunning fugitive is swift by stealth; Too subtle is the movement to be seen: Yet soon the hour is up--and we are--gone.

--_Young._

1133

Are we to have a continuous performance by "I did" and "I didn't"?

--_Unknown._

1134

Into each life some rain must fall, Some days be dark and dreary But-- Behind the cloud the sun's still s.h.i.+ning.

--_Longfellow._

1135

Every man's life lies within the present; for the past is spent and done with, and the future is uncertain.

--_Antoninus._

1136

Lord, help me live from day to day, In such a self-forgetful way, That even when I kneel to pray, My prayer shall be for--others.