GILDING THE LILY

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 508, 10 November 1928, Page 8

GILDING THE LILY

the pirjjyr corner

(.Written for THE SUN Try the Rev. Charles Chandler, Assistant City Missioner .) There arc some things which cannot he improved upon. The dimple in a baby's chin; the splendour of a setting sun: a dew drop on a blade of grass; the glory of a cloudless sky, or the Twenty-third Psalm. All attempts to improve upon these glimpses of perfection are futile. Many an unsuccessful salesman owes his ill-success to gilding the lily, or, in other words, to talking too much about an article which should be alloived to speak for itself. In these days of ever-increasing efficiency goods are being turned out which, although not perfect, compel upon sight the instant approval of the prospective purchaser. Talking merely alters the focus of attention from the eyes to the ears, besides turning many a good “ prospect ” into a sort of porcupine, bristling xcitli antagonism toward the importunate fellow ichose desire for a sale invariably exceeds his desire to serve. What is true of nature on the one hand, and of ordinary business on the other, is also true -of those higher values which effect the spiritual lives of men. God has so ordered His universe that what is really good, instantly and silently proclaims its goodness, and what is really true, in like manner proclaims its truthfulness. Perhaps that is the reason why Jesus remained silent when Pilate asked Him, “What is Trutht” Truth, like light, quietly illuminates, and like the lily does not need to be gilded. There are verities that silently persuade us what they are. Deep down in the hearts of all men there is that which responds to the highest without solicitation, and the appreciation which is the most eloquent is that which is unspoken. , NEXT WEEK: THE ALGEBRA OF LIFE