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A Lesson in ContentmentTbe editor of the Islander recently received a oersonal letter from hie old friend Capt. E. H. Smith, “the Hermit of Matia Island.” which might well serve as a lesson in cheerful contentment, baaed upon Christian faith, to tens of thousands of people, youug and old, far more favorably situated and more abundantly blessed with this world's goods than is tbe gray old veteran of the Grand Army of the Republic, who has for years “lived all alone in the little log but he calls his own,” on Matia iedand. It seems evident from the cheerful philosophy to which he gives expression in hiB letters that notwithstanding his isolation neither envy nor malice has found any lodgement In his heart or mind and that be is as contented with his lot as was the Miller of the Dee. who envied notthe King.Capt. Smith was a brave soldier of the Civil war and tbe little pension which a grateful nation pays him for the service rendered in bis country's defense and in the cause ot freedom moie than forty years ago suffices now to supply him with the necessities of tbe simple life he leads. In his quiet retreat he has abundant time for reading and reflection and he has evidently made a study of Christian Science and become a convert to tbe ideas expressed in the New Thought movement.“Tbe thought ether.” be sayB, “is a new and interesting study. Tbe etudy of it and like subjects causes one to stop and ponder on how little we do know. The part of knowledge and power that man is really blessed with that we use is but a drop in the bucket. If we could but learn to believe in ourselves more—that is if we would AIM higher,we would surely HIT higher.“The sermons published in the IslaDder are interesting. Our dear, good ministers try year after year to preach people Into heaven after death. If they could but turn about and preach the other way aod preach heaven into the people right here and now,they would have larger congregations.
Newspaper Details
Friday Harbor San Juan Islander
Friday Harbor, Washington, US
Sat, Oct 24, 1908
Page 4
Full Page
Clipped by
Julianne P.
USA 20 Jun 2023
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