It was a glorious day for Madisonville when those six young mechanics met in the village barroom and concocted the plan for their society. And the good has worked in two ways. The members find themselves happier, healthier, and stronger, for having given up their pipes and cups; and the poor unfortunate ones of the town are once again basking in the sunlight of peace, content, and plenty.
How very many professed Christian churches there are in our land which would be benefited by following the example of the six noble youths who still stand at the head of the Madisonville Benevolent Society.
| LIFE THAT LASTS. |
| They err who measure life by years With false or thoughtless tongue. Some hearts grow old before their time; Others are always young. 'Tis not the number of the lines On life's fast-filling page, 'Tis not the pulse's added throbs Which constitute their age. Some souls are serfs among the free, While others nobly thrive; They stand just where their fathers stood, Dead, even while they live. Others, all spirit, heart, and sense, Theirs the mysterious power To live in thrills of joy or woe A twelve-month in an hour. He liveth long who liveth well! All other life is short and vain; He liveth longest who can tell Of living most for heavenly gain. He liveth long who liveth well! All else is being flung away; He liveth longest who can tell Of true things truly done each day. |
An Instructive Anecdote
Most young people are very fond of display in dress. Rings, breastpins, and similar superfluities, are in great demand among them. We have known a girl to spend a month's wages for a single article of this kind, and a young man to run in debt for a cane when he had scarcely clothing enough to appear respectable. The following story of a successful merchant will show to such how these things look to sensible people. Said he: