"PULL TOGETHER."


SAILORS know that it takes not only a "long pull," and a "strong pull," but a "pull all together," to move the heavy burden. You all remember the lesson taught by the bundle of sticks; but it will bear repeating. An old man, when dying, called his children about him, and after sending one of them out for a bundle of sticks, requested his son to break the bundle across his knee. He tried and failed. "Try them separately," said the father. He did so, and they snapped like pipe-stems. Thus the father taught his children that united they might stand, but divided they would easily fall.

When every man, woman, and child pulls every pound he is able; when all pull together, in the same direction, something will be accomplished.

To apply this to the Sabbath-school work, pull together; be united. Do not oppose every plan that is suggested, nor think that you are in duty bound to discourage every effort toward improvement. Stay up the hands of your officers, help and cheer them by doing all you can to second their efforts. You have elected them, not to criticize, or find fault with them; but that they may lead out, and make the exercises interesting.

No wonder if at your elections you find it difficult to get any one to accept an office; for I greatly fear that when your officers with trembling hands and quaking heart step forward to "put their shoulder to the wheel," many of you jump on the car, or pull back, some shouting, "Hold on there! You didn't take hold of the matter just right; you are putting on too much style! "While others whisper, "Did you ever see anything half so awkward? "

Brethren, you may smile, but these things are acted over and over again.

Is it not of more consequence that we "put our shoulder to the wheel" than it is to be constantly criticizing, and finding fault with the manner of performing the work?




CHAS. C. LEWIS.