machinery, the progress of science and many kindred benefits ;
while others add to these the refinement and educating power
that it has on the advancement of man. We perceive by careful
investigation that although civilization is always moving it is not
always moving upward. In our civilization men become more
desirous of obtaining wealth, and thereby cheat the poor ; with it
we have more luxury and riotous living which injures mankind.
Commerce has become greater, but is it carried on in a better
way than in former times ? Political power has been increased,
but does present clay politics insure better government ?
The invention of many of the labor saving machines was con
sidered a curse to the workingman, but it was a work of the on
ward civilization. It has, however, shown itself to be useful to
him, in that it forces the development of the higher faculties
hitherto lying dormant.
The improved means of communication that have made the
whole world one afford a great opportunity to man.
The increase in occupations and all interests of life arc also
opportunities to man that he may either embrace to his great ad
vantage or let pass to his ruin.
If we have intelligence and skill to regulate our lives, we may
grasp these opportunities, and they will be a golden treas
ure store, from which we can select such parts as will best serve
our community and ourselves ; but if we lack ambition we must
sink down confused and overcome with burdens that our present
progress brings.
Civilization cannot make character, but character makes civili
zation. When intelligence is low and weak, and selfish impulses
dominate, civilization only opens new temptations ; but to the
man of strong will and firm resolution it gives new and abundant
means to enrich life and increase its value. C. L. E., 'O5.
A Great Opportunity.