THE BATTLE OF LIFE

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 115, 13 February 1928, Page 10

THE BATTLE OF LIFE

Sir,—l have read with deep interest this discussion concerning the crisis in the Church of England—read it with interest, but with sorrow’ at its futility. Will the discussion bring back even one boy or girl to the fold, where many of us in youth found comfort, and a sense of security. A few days ago a young girl asked me. an old lady, "What is the reason of life? Is it worth while?” Her questions seemed to my a call from youth to age, which we older folk should answer or hide our heads in shame. The young folks in worldly knowledge are far ahead of us. They are cleverer than we are, and more courageous in facing the battle of life. Their temptations are far, far greater than ours were at their age. Afonev independently earned seems to them not a trust, but a private possession to be spent or squandered at will. I am independent; I only spend my own money. Why shouldn’t I do as I like? Youth only comes once. You old peonle arc dull (alas, we often arc, early Victorian. You don’t understand. Haven’t manv of ns hoard words like these, tolerantly smiled, and said nothing, though knowing in our cowardly hearts the sorrow this shallow, utterly selfish view of life brings in its wake. "What is the reason of life? Is it worth while?” To me the reason for life is that, each of ns should be a channel pure enough for God’s love to come through to benutifv the work He has given ns to do individually. The dignity of the work is then raised from being ours to His. a scrap in His eternal scheme. The beauty given to everything necessary for our physical life is surely meant to prove to us the underlying beauty of the eternal spiritual one we are intended to lire. Think of the beauty of water fi-om a drop to ’ an ocean, the colour of fire, the rustling of corn, the lovely shapes and texture of fruit, tho sound of wind in a leafy tree. We are indeed placed in a world of beauty. Is it not worth while to strive to prevent our lives from jarring with our exquisite surroundings. The only ugliness in life is made by ns when imagining we are independent entities. We block the channels connecting us with our Creator.

"What is the reason of life? Is it worth while?” Life to me is well worth while—a great adventure getting more, not less interesting, as the .years iro by. Boys and girls, it is not easy. Nothing worth while is easy. nut if taken gallantly and trustfully, yon will find that being sixty is quite as hanpy as twenty, and forty more interesting that fifteen, and that each age has its own especial iovs greatly hidden 1 rom yon who are "not yet there, but seen and known by those who have nassed on. Two of tho greatest holes given us are a sense of humour to 'r.rry ns over the daily bumps, and a love of beauty to ko»n our ideals fresh and untarnished. The hitter includes the greatest part rX life, wh’eh is love of love itself, without which there is no honntv. heennso bounty is the. outward manifestot'ori of l-'.e. tho foundation of the world.—l am. ete.. AN OLD LADY. T.nwer 'P'nft. February 8. P.S.—Will others answer this call for hole from youth to ago. A enll so mnoh more worth discussing than sad differences in Church affairs.