Page:Education and Life; (IA educationlife00bakerich).pdf/40

 The ancient Romans read omens in the flight of birds, and ordered great events by these supposed revelations of the deities. In our day, a Bryant has watched by fountain and grove for the revelations of God, and has read in the flight of a "Waterfowl" a deeper augury than any ancient priest, for it relates not to political events, but to an eternal truth, implanted in the breast and confirming the hope of man.

"There is a power whose care Teaches thy way along that pathless coast— The desert and illimitable air—  Lone wandering but not lost.

"Thou'rt gone, the abyss of Heaven Hath swallowed up thy form;  yet on my heart Deeply has sunk the lesson thou hast given,  And shall not soon depart.

"He who, from zone to zone, Guides through the boundless sky thy certain flight, In the long way that I must tread alone,  Will lead my steps aright."

The student is asked to take a view from the height to which he has already attained, and catch a glimpse here and there of the world, of history, and of the meaning of human life. The fuller significance of what appears in the fair field of learning will come with maturer years. It is not enough for the student to enjoy selfishly his knowledge and power; he should be a mediator between his capabilities and his opportunities. It is one thing to have power, another to use it. The mighty engine may have within it the potency of great work, but it may stand idle forever unless the proper means are employed to utilize it. Let the student convert his power into