Sit upon the shore close to the water’s edge, and let the sand
teach you how to resist. It runs out underneath the water, and
just lies there; and when the wave hurls its tons upon it, the
sand gives way, but makes the water move it. When the water
rushes furiously landward, the sand goes with it, but not quite
so fast; and when the wave retreats, the sand runs back, but
not quite so far. It always stands close to its enemy, and a
little in front of him, never lets him strike from a distance,
and never allows him to make any permanent mark. It never runs
away, and never melts, and it always separates itself from its
antagonist and lies ready for another attack. Always prepared
for a blow, it never gives one.--JAMES M. STIFLER, “The
Fighting Saint.”
(2718)
* * * * *
The modern treatment of moral germs should be similar to that used in
modern surgery:
The new era, which is to succeed the present or “pathologic”
era in surgery, is the “physiologic,” and in it we are to take
less care about the entrance of possible germs into our surgical
wounds and more about keeping the patient in such condition that
he can resist them if they do get in.--_Literary Digest._
(2719)
* * * * *
It is said that Napoleon once ordered a coat of mail. When the
artizan completed and delivered it, the emperor ordered him to
put it on himself. Then Napoleon, taking a pistol, fired shot
after shot at the man in armor. It stood this severe test, and
was accepted.
(2720)