The Scheme of Things

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 121, 24 May 1941, Page 13

The Scheme of Things

(By M.H.C.)

In a very old manuscript appear some wise sayings that would seem to be of use to quite a number of people if they are pondered over and in some ways applied to the life of today. They begin thus: "Grant me the ability to do one ( thing well." This would apply to quite a number who skim over the surface of life without making any real impression on the things they purport to do, and many times take the place of better people who would be really useful. To do anything really well is an accomplishment worth while. Another saying takes a greatness of heart to accomplish: "Give me sympathy for the suffering of others which has been brought about by their own acts." One of the things most commonly said is, "Well, it is their own fault"—but that 'does not make the suffering the less, and, indeed, there is an added sting in the fact that certain troubles might have been avoided. The next saying is: "Grant that I may have courage for the weak and the friendship of those who demand the best of my nature." It is so easy to be "nice" and friendly to those who suit the requirements of a person in the way "df'lMendsnipTand so difficult to be all that one should be to those who are simply bores— however worthy and estimable. Another very useful sentence, and one that should, be taken to heart seriously in these days, is: "Remove all doubts from me that there will be ultimate peace and happiness for everyone." Yet another wise saying is this: "Let fear of the consequences of a right act be far from me. Let me forget the words expediency, convention, and reward." A hard task is set there. These three things are most common in the world, and it is specially difficult for many to get away from convention. What this or that person in a high position does Is too often a standard for the poor-minded. The writer continues: "Grant me largeness of judgment and silence for all weakness—especially that of woman." Oh, what a task for many is here! Perhaps only those who, have to do with those who are known as1 "delinquents" can realise how hard

the world of men and women is upon those who have had no • real chance of being good and decent people. Born of bad parentage, brought up—if it can be so called —by these people, and without any good, decent, or interesting influences in their poor lives— what chance have they? Yet they are pitilessly condemned by those fortunate enough to have had everything the world could give in the way of good things, and who, if .they pray at all, offer up that of the Pharisee, who "thanked God that he was not as other men were."

In conclusion, this should appeal to those who are fortunately free of idle blood: "And give me each day my daily work, with rest at night under some friendly star." This reads as if the writer lived centuries ago. when the influence of the stars was paramount in life.