Material forces called battleships bulk larger, but the
invisible spiritual forces go farther, last longer and make
cannon seem contemptible and paltry. In cold countries men
sometimes build palaces of ice for some public function. In the
hour when beautiful women and brilliant military bands assemble
for a winter festival, the water, manifest in blocks of ice,
seems very imposing. But would you know the real power of water,
wait until it becomes invisible. Then lift your eyes to the
western sunset, where colors of gold and rose are revealed by
this invisible vapor; watch the rain-drop redden in the purple
flow of grape and the crimson drops of pomegranate, or see it
tossed by a harvester in sheaves of grain. Then, in what water
does through its invisible workings, do we know its place in
nature and its contributions to man’s happiness. (Text.)--N.
D. HILLIS.
(1674)