rishing of that polyp.

We are all pouring out our energies day by day without understanding
what effect our spent lives will have in the general result of human
effort. And some of us get heart-sick, no doubt, and weary; and
discouragement whispers, "What's the use," and many another wily
phrase of Satan.

Very well; let every man, however humble or conspicuous his place
among men, understand that his work _does_ count and will become a
part of an harmonious whole. "All things work together for good."

No matter that _we_ do not know what we are here for. _We_ may not
understand how our lives are to be woven into the great design of the
world's work any more than a single thread of some wonderful and
beautiful rug understands the pattern of which it is a part.

No matter, I say. The Master-Weaver understands what we are here for
and what we are doing, and that is enough. He has uses for every sound
thread and doubtless one is as important as another. Vaunt not
yourself O thread of purple, over your fellow-thread of white!

Asserting then that the man who quarries stone has served humanity as
well as he who writes a book, if quarrying stone is what he can do
best; asserting the equal value of all things done well and the equal
dignity of all sincere and honest work of hand and brain, I shall not
be misunderstood when I say that the present day has developed three
careers of usefulness which, while not more important, are more
continuously prominent than any others.

These are statesmanship, journalism, and the pulpit.

The Pulpit deals with faith. It has to do with religion. Religion
makes moral ideals vital. Moral ideals make individual life sweet and
satisfying, national life strong and pure. "Righteousness exalteth a
nation." The young man and the pulpit are therefore preeminent in
conspicuity.

The American people at heart are a religious people. They are
practical and fearless, too. If you will listen to the chance
conversations of the ordinary American you will find that the laymen
of the Nation have some very decided views upon the Pulpit, the man
who fills it, and the work he ought to do.

In the breast of the millions there is not only a great need but a
great yearning for certain things of the soul which it is for the
Pulpit to supply. This paper is an attempt to talk as one of these
millions to the young man who is about to mount to this sacred
station.

"I have just come from church," said a fri