keen edge on what remains of the agreeable. This is a great truth, and has to be learned in the fire. . . . In almost all circumstances the human soul can play a fair part. . . . To me morals, the conscience, the affections, and the passions are, I will own frankly and sweepingly, so infinitely more important than the other parts of life, that I conceive men rather triflers who become immersed in the latter. To me the medicine bottles on my chimney and the blood in my handkerchief are accidents; they do not color my view of life. . . . We are not put here to enjoy ourselves; it was not God's purpose; and I am prepared to argue it is not our sincere wish. . . . Men do not want, and I do not think they would accept, happiness; what they live for is rivalry, effort, success. Gordon was happy in Khartoum, in his worst hours of danger and fatigue."
A cartoon of Gladstone, appearing soon after he had ostensibly retired from public life, showed him, with eager look and keen eye, writing vigorous essays upon current political questions. It recalled the grandeur of a life filled with great interests, sane purposes, and perpetual action. Biography is the best source of practical ideals; it is philosophy teaching by example; the personal element gives force to abstract truths. Luther's Titanic power and courage under the inspiration of a faith that could remove mountains has nerved the purpose of millions of men in great crises.
Were I to seek an epic for its power to influence, I would go to real history and choose the life of William the Silent. For thirty years this Prince of
