tainted water percolating through gravel, and coming joys are not
discounted, and the present has a reality of its own, and is not
coloured by what is to come.

Then this being so--what is the wise course of conduct? Not a
confident reckoning on to-morrow. There is nothing elevating in
anticipation which paints the blank surface of the future with the
same earthly colours as dye the present. There is no more complete
waste of time than that. Nor is proud self-confidence any wiser,
which jauntily takes for granted that 'tomorrow will be as this day.'
The conceit that things are to go on as they have been fools men into
a dream of permanence which has no basis. Nor is the fearful
apprehension of evil any wiser. How many people spoil the present
gladness with thoughts of future sorrow, and cannot enjoy the
blessedness of united love for thinking of separation!

In brief, it is wise to be but little concerned with the future,
except--

1. In the way of taking reasonable precautions to prepare for its
probabilities.

2. To fit ourselves for its duties.

One future we may contemplate. Our fault is not that we look forward,
but that we do not look far enough forward. Why trouble with the
world when we have heaven? Why look along the low level among the
mists of earth and forests and swamps, when we can see the road
climbing to the heights? Why be anxious about what three hundred and
sixty-five days may bring, when we know what Eternity will bring? Why