Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1866-05-08
THE GAZETTE.
TUESDAY EVENING, MAY s, 1866.
20 COMMUNICATED.
ppINcJpTE-By J. 3. Johnson.

pRINcIpLE-By J. 3. Johnson.
+ ;s more than false reasoning, to say that
:1rincinle does not sustain man IN this world?
/7itbont its aid, he cannot pursue either al
wen or healthiul career, and the absence Of its
Erection renders his conduct full of uncertainty
and vexation; for it is the foundation of truth,
Ind the element On which all moral action is
ossed. Its performance originates not only all
j.at is Of good report in the character OF an H.
!ividual, but eliminates that conservatism which
2aintains civilization, and supports it through
!! The vicissitudes of human passion. During
de social and political agitations which, ever
I'D anon, disturb the peace of every coElmuni
Il Of peoples, passion rants in wild fury, and few
cause TO listen to the admonition OF prudence
/ Il become more or less COMPOUNDED by commo-
,:on; and while themany are carried away upon
NE SETTLING waves of popular clamor, the man
o principle stands firmly upon the superstruc-
.uze mnich ais own yirtuous wisdom erects, and
defends the position of truth under all the up
>csid;ns OF prejudice; and notwithstanding he
&c crossed by the hate Of the vicious, decried by
ne % position Of the pe:gerse, and molested
" the odciousness of tire envious time vindl-
estes iiiicl; FOR after while the novelty Of ex-
element wears of, aud arraLt zeal dlmlnlshes
Nth ohe decline Of faction. The readiness
With which the common mind adopts whatever
Is plausible becomes satiated. and the proneness
,hich IL evinccs for the curious, new and mys
;erious abat2c. Reason views with scrutiny
fhatvhich It received in the inception without
examination, and spleen and rancUr subslde to
slch & degree that the dominant spirit grows
less iptolerant and denunclatory OF It's oppo-
cents. The better part Of the heart asserts
control, and propriety resumes its reign. he
taxation is established, and he, who surrounded
BY every inGucement to espouSe The cause OF m
consistency, supported principle, Is met With
sincere Difference and bis name is chosen as one
ii to Illustrate the fact, that no truly honouraDlc
2rar has ever yet totally failed in the reasonable
c2ouisition Of whatever be desired to obtain,
-.:hile myr;ads of the dishoEorabie have lot only
been signally thwarted III the accomplishment OF
their DEVICES but have gone down, never to rise
again hcneath the Indifference that follows the
exposition Of deception; for when q man who
oace possessed tne confidence ofhis companions:
and swsyed their passions to meet the behests
Of as desires, tails, by his OWE conduct under
>i.3 ban Of their distrust, be is looked upon by
hem with me coidWitnering gaze Oh suspicion,
anG they qoit lim as one With whom they care
not to deal. AninGividual in mid ocean, with
opj few iirail straws between hin enc eternity,
..cbut { irst comparison to the mental condition
d sach :: ooc The thought of his lost I'M
oor:&ncs :naddens him; and his conscience
clic:cs aim Ut every step. He can feel neither
..inGle&s Tor magna1imity for those whose re-
y3ect ne forfeited, and impotcnty attempts to
eia:i defiance an(: contempt upon those who
eject him. Every word and act of the world
lGJ his diseased mind entertaius, is distorted
10 personal attack, and through the morbid
pride Of lis nature, he grows desperate and
,.ould rather see all perish, than one should
lie to reproach or oppose him. 1t is not so
vita Principle; for it is as durable as it is ire
2istible, and the historian delights to copy the
came: CT those whose by gone acts were the
,leme Of 7irtue and the pride honor. Its lus
re needs no Fictitious light; and the spa-lles
9" diamonds, and the glitter Of gold, are i1sut
:cient to supply its priceless worth. LII borne
nigh above all opposition by thcsupport Of The
oyerpowcring strength CT ever returning years,
a,c, corroboratcd by the quiet nodesty of per
;octual fine.
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