Page:Cyclopedia of illustrations for public speakers, containing facts, incidents, stories, experiences, anecdotes, selections, etc., for illustrative purposes, with cross-references; (IA cyclopediaofillu00scotrich).pdf/572



bankruptcy for a year. This condition is outrageous, and I do not want this injustice in my case.

Doubtless Christianity has achieved much, but in the light of such a revelation of suffering and despair, under conditions of modern life, there would seem yet much to do.

(2412)

At a dinner given in honor of Mr. Carnegie by the surviving members of the United States Military Telegraph Corps of the Civil War, he said:

Comrades, I was born in poverty, and would not exchange its sacred memories with the richest millionaire's son who ever breathed. What does he know about mother or father? These are mere names to him. Give me the life of the boy whose mother is nurse, seamstress, washerwoman, cook, teacher, angel, and saint, all in one, and whose father is guide, exemplar, and friend. No servants to come between. These are the boys who are born to the best fortune. Some men think that poverty is a dreadful burden, and that wealth leads to happiness. What do they know about it? They know only one side; they imagine the other. I have lived both, and I know there is very little in wealth that can add to human happiness beyond the small comforts of life. Millionaires who laugh are very rare. My experience is that wealth is apt to take the smiles away. (Text.)

(2413)

The reason the Yankees are smart is because they have to wrest a precarious subsistence from a reluctant soil. "What shall I do to make my son get forward in the world?" asked an English lord of a bishop. "Give him poverty and parts." Well, that's the reason the sons of the Pilgrims have all got on in the world.—

(2414)

Poverty as a Stimulus—See.

POVERTY, CHRISTIAN

When before in history was there such an inexpensive order of preachers as these early helpers of Wesley? They laid up much treasure in heaven, but had very empty pockets on earth. One of them, John Lane, died at Epworth. His entire wardrobe was insufficient to pay his funeral expenses, which amounted to £1 17s. 3d. All the money he possest was 1s. 4d., "enough," records Wesley briefly, "for any unmarried preacher of the gospel to leave to his executors." (Text.)—, "Wesley and His Century."

(2415)

POVERTY, EARLY, OF UNITED STATES

The present great wealth of this country forms a striking contrast to the facts given below:

So low were the funds in the public treasury of the United States at the close of 1789 that the Attorney-General and several Congressmen were indebted to the private credit of Alexander Hamilton, their Secretary of State, to discharge their personal expenses. President Washington was obliged to pass a note to Tobias Leer, his private secretary, to meet his household expenses, the note being discounted at the rate of two per cent per month, and members of Congress were paid in due-bills.

(2416)

Poverty to Wealth—See.

Power by Faith—See.

POWER CONTROLLED

These verses on the locomotive are from the New York Christian Advocate:

Steed, with the heart of fire! Steed, with the sinews of steel! Full-blooded courser, careering onward, with rail and with wheel; Black with fuliginous breathing—panting of wo and of weal.

Firm be his muscle who mounts thee, clear and true be his eye; Generous his heart with compassion, willing if need be to die, Who sets thy hot blood a-dancing, and forces thy clarion cry!

For he reins a mightier stallion—a swifter creature of awe, Stronger and darker and wilder than the old Arabian saw— His neck clothed with the thunder, and ravin and rage his law!