Dec. 31.
"Apio opus est!" 'There is need of parsley to strew on the grave of the dying year, for it will be mourned as humanity stands at the threshold of a new year and wonders what it brings in its train, 'The' old year has not been so bad. It has been filled with alarums and excursions, causes for fear and reasons for rejoicing, During its course there were developments which almost plunged the world into general warfare, Fortunately at the very last hour this tragic menace was averted, and though the peace which was secured may still seem precarious one, it is nevertheless peace, affording a breathing space in which humanily has an opportunity of taking stock of present-day trends. Who a year ago look-Ing down the vista of the next twelve months "would have foreccen the dangers through which the world has since passed? How many fully realized the perilous course of events which were ahead? Probably very few, for while' tendencies could be perceived' their ultimate outcome was shrouded in mystery. That is just as well. Mankind would have a sorry time of it it it were gifted with the ability to look accurately into the future, for there are none so old as do not consider themselves good for another year. And so as the remaining fow hows of the dying year pass away, many will rejoice that it has gone, hoping For better things from its successor, while others will remember that it has taught the world many things, lessons which if properly appreciated should help to prevent the com= mission of old mistakes. 'That consideration applies to persons as well as nations, for there is none who can say that he' has acted perfectly throughout the whole period, has not committed faults which he would not desire to commit again. So looking ack along the trail of the old year—and it is well sometimes to take that glance bebind—with all its wrecks and disasters, spiritual as well as materia}, faith demands that when the head is turned again to look forward it shall be with the determination that there shall be no effort lacking to make the new year better than the old.
There is something of high solemnity in those fleeting moments when as in death, the future merges swiftly into the past, leaving nothing of the present. 'There is about it such an enormous degree of finality. It is Mnished, and so will the dying your be. Letting the dead bury their dead, what of the coming year? Does it promise' less than
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.