Rensselaer Republican, Volume 12, Number 49, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 August 1880 — Opportunity. [ARTICLE]

Opportunity.

Some one says “Opportunity is the cream of time.'” And some one also says. “To improve the golden momenta of opportunity and catch the good that is within our reach is the great art of life.” These are wise sayings that all will do well to consider. Every disciple of Jhrist should watch for opportunities of doing good, as well as improve those that readfly present themselves. If wise he will make more than he finds. “If we observe providences,” it is said, “we shall have providences to observe-* and if we imP*ove oppwtun Hies, we shaHftnd opportuNo wait tor’anopportunity of doing some great thing—accomplishing tome great good, while he lets slip many

opportunities of doing little things. He should not forget the widow’s offering, or the cup of cold water. The adage says, “Many httles make a mickle,” also, "Utile strokes fell great oaks.” If a disciple sees no opportunity just now, to speak a word that will be “in season” to those with whom he is connected, on religious themes, he may show such an interest in their worldly concerns as will disarm them of prejudice and prepare them to receive his words of exhortation when the fitting occasion presents itself. It the teacher finds not the golden moment of opportunity to-day, for a special address to the heart and conscience ot his class or an individual

scholar, he should not neglect the favored moment to speak a word that may improve his mind, or his manners and general conduct at home and among his associates. Buch a word may win their confidence and fit them for more serious instruction on another occasion; it may prove a word that shall help to shape their whole future life. Even a casual word, by the way, at home or among strangers, “fitly spoken,” how good it is. But there is another view of this subject ▲ proverb says. “Opportunities make the thief.” The Italians say, "Where a chest lies open a righteous man may. sin; and the Spaniards nave a similar saying, "The open door tempts the saint” And a quaint divine says, “With opportunity at one hand and Satan at the other and the grace of God removed, who would not be tempted?” Now, if opportunity tor doing wrong may be fascinating, even to the righteous, how earnest should every one be to break the charm by finding and making opportunities for doing right. May not such opportunities possess equal power of fascination? Instead of wasting time m vain regrets over the neglect of opportunities or other mistakes in the past, as many do, Would not the time be belter employed in efforts to prevent occasion for all soul-regrets in the future ?

Let no one repress any desire of doing good, from a vain fear*of what may be the results. Duty is ours, results we must leave with Him whom.we serve. Opportunities for charitable labors of all kinds, no one can tail to see. They were never more numerous and urgent Give, Give, almost like prayer, is the Christian’s daily breath.—Advance.*