Letter to Christians

By L. E. Ketcherside

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     Dear Brethren: Have you ever had the experience of living in a County Seat and a farmers' town? I find it very interesting to live in such a city. After 8 o'clock Saturday morning, or on the day following a heavy rain, you are very fortunate to find a parking spot in the business area. We have neither parking lots nor parking meters, and many of the early arrivals just park at the curb for the day, and spend the day visiting on the sidewalks. Those living in walking distance usually allow all four of their dogs to come along with them. After 9 o'clock all travelers are compelled to walk single file through the business district, often to have their way competely blocked for a time by a large group engaging in a neighborly hand shaking and taking a first look at the new babies. One elderly gentleman warned that, "You jist don't dar take out a plug o t'baker in this gang or you don't git a chaw of it back."

     These sidewalk audiences consist of congenial, hospitable folks, most of whom are pursuing "the course of least resistance." Most of them are affiliated with some religious organization, but very few of the elderly people are conversant with the scriptures, neither are they interested in knowing more than what their preacher tells them from the pulpit. Many of them express themselves as having nothing to live for, due to the fact that they are now old and dependent.

     We can conceive of no spectacle better calculated to lead the mind to serious reflections than that of an aged person, who has misspent his long life, and who, when standing near the end of life's journey, looks down on the vista of his years, only to recall opportunities unimproved. Now that all is too late he can plainly see where he passed by in heedless haste the real gems of life, while in pursuit of glittering pleasures which, when gained, turned to ashes in his very grasp. What a different course would he pursue would time turn back in his flight and he be allowed to commence anew to weave the tangled web of life!

     Am I wrong in thinking life is the choicest gift in the bounty of heaven committed to our wise and diligent keeping, and is associated with countless benefits and priceless boons which heaven alone has power to bestow? With God and a wish to do right in human life, it becomes essentially a noble and beautiful thing. Every youth should form at the outset of his career the solemn purpose to make the most and the best of the powers which God has given him, and turn to the best possible account every outward advantage within his reach. This purpose

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must carry with it the assent of the reason, the approval of the conscience, the sober judgment of the intellect. It should thus embody within itself whatever is vehement in desire, inspiring in hope, thrilling in enthusiasm, and intense in desperate resolve. To live a life with such a purpose is a peerless privilege, no matter at what cost of transient pain or unremitting toil.

     We creep into childhood, bound into youth, sober into manhood, and totter into old age. But through all, let us so live that when in the evening of life the golden clouds rest sweetly and invitingly upon the golden mountains, and the light of heaven streams down through the gathering mists of death, we have a peaceful and joyous entrance into that world of blessedness and souls redeemed and purified.

     It has been suggested that I mention to you a new folder that I am using in personal work in this area. This folder is not for sale, but I will gladly send you a copy of it if you will send me a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Address 306 N. Main, Farmington, Missouri. Yours in Christ. L. E. Ketcherside.