i.
thing as ubsolutc knowledge. Why docs
u iiuui spend u lifetime in study upon u
single question? because he cannot sat
isfy himself with uncertainties, and ho
knows that once reduced lo absolute
knowledge, it is fixed forever, stamped
with his signature; and to enlighten the
world and write his name high in the
temple of fame alone satisfies his ambi
tion. But a few years ago, man was
thought to be the only creature in the uni
verse capable of taking any part directly
in the intellectual progress of the nation.
Strange as it may seem, we are descend
ants of a nation who thought it a disgrace
for woman to be educated. A pretty face
and modest air among the aristocracy,
and a competant, economical housekeeper
among the laboring class, were the chief
accomplishments of a lady, and the only
object of her existence was marriage.
Modesty has never ceased to be a virtue,
and beauty will never lose its charm,
but civilized man has awakened to the
knowledge that surface beauty fades. A
good housewife is still deemed a treasure,
but men are tired of marrying dumb wait,
ers
The reserve power of our nation which
has' lived back of a pretty face and will
ing hand for so many ages in a state of in
activity is now exerting an influence
throughout the world. We need not look
far into the future to see a nation ruled by
men and women equal each to each.
Even though her voice should never be
heard in the Senate Chamber, or her
name enrolled as a voter, her power indi
rectly will produce as great a result.
Every position, with this one exception,
is ready for her when she chooses to fill
it. False modesty is gradually disap
pearing, and the clear rays of reason lead
her from an aimless existence to noble
womanhood.
With this doubling of our nation's power
what general results we may hope for. It
would seem that nothing is possible for
the future to reveal. Yet there is a limit
to human knowledge. There arc some
things which cannot be reduced to sci
encc, and which we cannot bo content to
believe and hope for. Pollock thus vivid
ly descripes the iliglit of the mind after
the hidden mysteries of eternitv.
" 1'hiloeophy, to cllml)
With all her vigour tolled from ago to age;
From age to nge. Theology, with nil
Iter vigor tolled; ami viignint Fancy tolled.
Not weak nnd foolish only, but the wise,
Patient, courageous stout, pomid-headud man
01 proper discipline, of excellent mind,
And Mtrong of Intellectual limb, tolled haul;
And oft above the reach of common eye,
Ascended far and seemed well nigh the top;
Above them roue, till giddy grown and mad
With gazing at these dangoroiiH licightH of God,
They tumbled down, and in their raving raid,
They o'er the summit saw: and ooinu believed;
Uelicved a lie; for never man on earth
Tlint mountain crowed, or saw Its farther side,"
And as in the past so in the future will
attempts to fathom the unrevacled booic
of eternity prove a failure. For when
time is all past, when clouds which now
overshadow our pathway have been
cleared away, and the nations of the earth
have reached their utmost limit, there
will still remain a field of mysteries o'er
the gateway of which must bo written
Unknown. K. G. II.
SOCIAL OONFLIOT.
Within tills great cycle of human af
fairs, there are many stages, duplicated,
and with conflicting conditions and prin
ciples; a practicable reconciliation of
their claims is impossible, and yet all are
essential to the consummation of that one
great end progress. Thus creating a
wonderful complication of interests, de
sires and occupations; necessitating a
dissimilitude of thought among men;
hence, leading to the conception of
justice; then to its administration; finally
establishing and at last maintaining the vi
tal condition of social existence. Inad
vertantly have these steps been made, as
the claims to life and property, were rec-