“BEATING THE BOOKS"
THE QUIET CORNER
(Written for THE SUN by the Rev. Charles Chandler , Assistant City Missioner) T.V raving terminology this phrase is often met with. I have heard of men ivho claimed that, by the use of a special system which they had devised, they could “beat the boohs.” This means that over a definite period of time they could be sure of coming out on the right side of the ledger. I have never met the man who has done it yet, nor am 1 likely so to do. Quite recently I was accosted by one who reckoned that he could, if I could advance him ten shillings with which to make a start. He claimed that, by a combination of astrology and numerology he could work out the names of the horses, owners, trainers and jockeys; then deduce therefrom the ivinner of any one race, or of the whole programme. Of course that was all moonshine. The “books" have a system of their own, which I will leave our racing xcriters to divulge should they think fit, upon a more suitable occasion. There are certain people who believe that by some haphazard arrangement of affairs they can wring from life just what they please in scorn of consequence. They imagine that they can “beat the books.” Our prisons are full of those who have tried it out. There are physical laws, and spiritual laws which operate all the time, and one might as well endeavour to defy gravitation, as to try this “ beating” game. “Be not deceived, God is not mocked, for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap.” This compensatory injunction works with the mathematical exactness of a mechanical totalisator. Nor does one need to knoiv the first thing about the doctrine of the Trinity to understand that. Human flaws may be repealed, but divine laws are unalterable, and he only lives successfully who, by a process of physical, mental, and spiritual adaptation, seeks to wring from life that measure of contentment which is commensurate with his needs. NEXT WEEK: SERMONS IN BOOTS
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/SUNAK19290216.2.62
Bibliographic details
Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 590, 16 February 1929, Page 8
Word Count
350“BEATING THE BOOKS" Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 590, 16 February 1929, Page 8
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