tion, proves to be only a subtler method of securing mutual benefit.

Note the friendly interworking of the parts and functions of the human body, nature's masterpiece of construction. How gently pour the blood tides, the pulse scarcely registering them beneath the finger's touch! How frictionless the contraction of muscular fibres, though their stroke makes the anvil ring! In what soft whispers the will commands the nerves! "The whole body," is in Paul's beautiful description, 'fitly joined together, and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in every part."

So higher civilization is the elimination of antagonisms, and the development of methods of quiet inter-contribution among individuals, classes, nations. The community that tries to exist by itself, though its land were watered by the four rivers of Eden, will scarcely maintain its population without the gifts of other climes; and certainly will fall a prey to surrounding communities in this advanced age which has discovered and will assert the principle of the solidarity of the world's interest. So of individuals. We care not how wise or good or strong they may think themselves to be, they who will not march in the line and keep step with it must fall beneath the feet of the advancing host,

Social Loyalty is not only a basal virtue in character and essential to individual usefulness; it is an inspiration to noble endeavor. Cavalry troopers learn to ride close enough to feel the thrill of the knee-touch. A soldier declares that the strongest incentive to courage he ever felt was, not even the command of his general who had never lost a battle, but the grunt of a comrade as he laid about him with his sword. A tactician says that drill is not solely nor chiefly for celerity of movement, but to develop the esprit-de-corps, one man becoming the impersonation of all, a larger soul in each. Since God made us social beings no solitary virtue can long abide. We need the knee-touch, the shoulder-touch, the heart-touch.

Our Lord, who knew what was in man, would not allow His disciples to go alone on their journeys, but sent them out at least two by two. He would not trust piety to bloom in isolated plantings; therefore His promise, "Where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I in the midst of them." Paul was the most puissant soul in human annals, outranking all in sacred ability, on fire with personal devotion, and inspired with visions from heaven; yet he kept himself close with the rank and file of the disciples. Read the last chapter of his letter to the Romans, where he emblazons in eternal honor the names of persons unknown

to the world, except as he calls them "My helpers."

The cheapest exercise of the human brain is that of criticism, either favorable comment upon what others have done, or finding fault where they have not succeeded. It is the proverbial wisdom of the "hindsight" as contrasted with foresight. Yet very strangely those of critical disposition plume themselves upon this ability. The crow learns to croak long before it can build a nest. Obstructive work is easy. A drop of oil on the electric sparker of an automobile will stop the propulsion of a twenty-horse-power engine. A few people of no especial consequence can impede the reform of a whole community. Destructive work is the easiest of all. An unwatched campfire will burn down a forest that has been a century in growing. A worm does nothing but die in it and the whole fruit rots. Similarly those who have not sufficient alertness to guard their own lives, and those who have not moral vitality enough to save their own characters, may destroy a multitude of interests.

It is only constructive work that shows ability of brain and heart. A very great work requires the combined resources of many. Roebling, the chief engineer of the Brooklyn Bridge, could not have built or even conceived it alone. His conception was only the flower

ing of the bush of mechanical knowledge which had been growing for ages since the day of Tubal-Cain, the almost prehistoric founder of the Iron Age of the world. With Roebling were associated scores of engineers, each perhaps expert in some department of construction of which their chief knew little or nothing; hundreds of master mechanics, steel workers, and stone builders; and thousands of thoughtful men in factories and forges and mines all over the continent, who blended their talents and toil in the one endeavor. The splendid structure stands as a symbol of that loyalty of man to man in all good enterprise which makes the grace and strength and usefulness of all society.

Social Loyalty involves not only the willingness to work together harmoniously, fraternizing our ambitions, but at times the graceful yielding of the leadership to others who may be no better qualified than ourselves. All cannot command; and frequently circumstances, rather than pre-eminent ability, determine who shall carry the baton and mark time for the rest. This tests the finer quality of loyalty.

That was a fine play of courtesy between the English General Lockhart and the distinguished French Commander Turenne at the siege of Dunkirk, where the two nations were in temporary alliance. Turenne was in com

mand, but in deference to the high rank and ability of his associate, proposed to explain to him his plans, and especially his reasons for the disposition of the English troops. "No, no," replied Lockhart. Give me only your

orders now and tell me the reasons after the battle, if you like." As fine a thing occurred the other day on the street. "Neighbor," said one, "I am very anxious to raise a sum of money for "How much?" interrupted his friend. "About three hundred dollars, for " Three hundred? and how many are you going to let into your scheme?" As many as I have to. Three or four would be best." "All right, count me in," interjected his friend. "But," said the promoter, "you have not let me tell you the scheme." "Tell me later," was the reply. "Only use my hundred. I'll trust you for helping somebody. Goodby!"

It is hard not to "sulk in one's tent" when others supersede us. Some excellent people feel it if others tread upon the shadows of their dignity. There are some, however, who would lie down and let others walk over them if the exigencies of the public good required such a highway of sacrifice. Thomas Pinckney was our Minister to England during Washington's administration. The President conceived that John Jay would be better qualified to manage