October 23.

2.

PERHAPS we may gather a hint of the "why" from that same elephant's platform: smooth, and of ivory.

He rose superior to the snare. But we, I think, are often hampered by what may be termed the ivory smoothness of our surroundings and circumstances.

Beautiful things and comfortable things tempt one to loiter, if not absolutely to stand stock still.

Meanwhile the Bible bids us go on unto perfection, and press toward the mark.

To loiter cannot be to press forward: to stand still cannot be to go on.

Which will we forego: smoothness without, or perfection within? a house of ivory here, or the City of Gold hereafter?