236 Nature's flfctracles. 



single day in this age of electricity and steam 

 than he did in twelve months sixty years ago. 

 And yet there are those who cry out against 

 modern inventions and modern civilization, 

 and are constantly quoting the days of their 

 grandfathers and great-grandfathers when 

 " life was simple " and there was " time to 

 rest." "Why are we tormented with this, 

 thought-stimulating age ? " they say. " Why 

 are our emotions called into action by modern 

 music and modern art? Why are we called 

 upon to help the downtrodden and oppressed,, 

 and to help to elevate mankind to a highei 

 level? Why cannot we be left alone in peace 

 and quiet, to live in the easiest way ? " 



If this be good philosophy, then the swine, 

 if he were a reasoning being, ought to be 

 ranked among the greatest of philosophers 

 when he seeks a wallow in the sunshine and 

 sleeps away his useless existence. If he is 

 useful it is because some other being of a 

 higher order uses him to help along his own 

 existence. The man in these days who does 

 not " keep up with the procession " is soon 

 trodden under foot and some other man uses 

 him as a stepping-stone to elevate himself. 



Yet this is a selfish motive, after all. The 

 world is now rapidly advancing in light, in 

 knowledge, in power to use the infinite gifts 

 that the Creator has hidden in nature; but 

 hidden only to stimulate and reward our seel$- 



