Towards
the end of his life, although still in comparatively good
health,
Baden-Powell prepared a farewell message to his Scouts for
publication after his death. It read:
"Dear Scouts - if you have ever seen the play 'Peter Pan'
you will remember how the pirate chief was always making his
dying speech because he was afraid that possible, when the time
came for him to die, he might not have time to get it off his
chest. It is much the same with me, and so, although I am not at
this moment dying, I shall be doing so one of these days and I
want to send you a parting word of goodbye.
Remember, it is the last time you will ever hear from me, so
think it over. I have had a most happy life and I want each one
of you to have a happy life too.
I believe that God put us in this jolly world to be happy and
enjoy life. Happiness does not come from being rich, nor merely
being successful in your career, nor by self-indulgence. One
step towards happiness is to make yourself healthy and strong
while you are a boy, so that you can be useful and so you can
enjoy life when you are a man.
Nature study will show you how full of beautiful and wonderful
things God has made the world for you to enjoy. Be contented
with what you have got and make the best of it. Look on the
bright side of things instead of the gloomy one.
But the real way to get happiness is by giving out happiness to
other people. Try and leave this world a little better than you
found it and when your turn comes to die, you can die happy in
feeling that at any rate you have not wasted your time but have
done your best. 'Be Prepared' in this way, to live happy and to
die happy - stick to your Scout Promise always - even after you
have ceased to be a boy - and God help you to do it.
Your friend,
With the
compliments from:
The Public Relations Department at Baden-Powell House, London,
England.
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