Gold Hill daily news. [volume] (Gold Hill, N.T. [Nev.]) 1863-1882, 1870-02-28
rLF.coNsoIoUsNEss

OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES.
The dignity Of human nature above
the brute creation is proclaimed pre-
eminently in the power of self-con-
seriousness. In our sentient nature,
however exqulsitely it may be at
tuned, We merely carry to a higher de-
gree what is inherent in every animal.
A life devoted exclusively to external
objects is essentially animal, thought
may involve capacities for enjoyment
and means for their supply far above
those of the noblest brute. The differ
ence IS only in degree, not in nature.
But when VIC turn the minds eye in
ward. and survey ourselves; when We
reflect OIL our motives, scrutinize our
instincts, and begint to comprehend our
possibilities, it is then that we assert
our human nature as something, not
only elevated in degree, but essentially
different In kind from that possessed
by all other Of earth's creatures.
Though we all possess this distinguish
ing power Of self-consciousness, yet it
is the manner of exerting it, and the
purposes to which it is applied, which
determine the character Of the man.
Though, when used Alright, it Is our
special dignity, it may be turned into
channels that lead to shame and con-
tempt. To 4 reasoning being, every
power involves a corresponding duty.
The power Of self-consciousness in
wolves the duty of self-direction. Self
knowledge necessarily implies the
power of choice; and according to the
manner in which We exercise this, we
become elevated or degraded. Where
this self-conscious life is used simply to
pander to the animal nature, and to
subserve the purposes Of se~lf-sratifica-
ton, it's 4 dignity trailed in the dust.
We are then less worthy than the
brutes, because, with nobler possibili-
ties, We seek no higher ends. But
where il sets us free from the tyranny
of our lower natures, aud enables us
TO hold it under wise control; where
it causes us to subject our desires to the
dictates of conscience, and to regard
our responsibilities as sacred trusts,
then does self-consciousness fulfill her
high obligations, and lift us into the
purer atmosphere Of a voluntary and
spirital life. 1t is a matter Of serious
inquiry with many whether the supe-
rior civilization that we now enjoy is
IN unmiXed good. While its many
iriumphs of intellect, skill and refine
ment undoubtedly enhance the happi-
ness Of mankind, it would sometimes
seem that they detract from his print
tive simplicity and integrity. Every
graduation from the savage state serves
10 develop self-conseiousness, and to
increase the knowledge of both good
aud evil. The outer world helps us to
understand ourselves, and self-knowl-
edge points out our relations to exter-
nal things. The two act and react
upon each other. 1t is when we see
the reelection of our own emotions in
Others, that we become most sensible
of them in ourselves. While the say
age possesses appetites, and enjoys or
suffers in an instructive rather than an
intelligent manner, the civilized man
possessing similar emo;ious,a adds a pow
er of reflection upon, and control over
them. that is in itself a just index Of
his Intellectual superiority. If this
enhanced knowledge and discrimina-
ton is accomplished by aproportionate
love of good and hatred of evil, then
Increasing civilization will bring
unmixcd blessings to mankind. But
where intelligence advances alone,
leaving goodness in the rear; where
the knowledge of duty outstrips It's
observance, and where, rs the percep-
tions OF right grow clearer, the will to
do what is right grows weaker, then 1t
is that increasing civilization can only
bring increasing sorrow, guilt and
shame. To enhance the blessings and
avert the dangers of advancing civil
ization will be the aim Of every II
who truly loves his race. To accom-
plish this, the training Of the moral
sense of the community and the indi-
vidna! is the chief need. When all
unite in social reforms, and are more
anxious to put down great abuses than
to settle points of controversy; when
education shall consist, not only in the
cultivation of the intellect, but Of the
conscience also; when we teach the
young TO obey the dictates Of their
higher natures rs a~ssiduously as we
now instruct them in the means of
supplying their physical wants, then
may Wi hope to see some Of the bright
and glorious results of a highly de-
veloped self-eonsciousness, aud the
mmingled blessings of advancing civ
jlization.
CLOSING CRAcXs IN SrovEs.-lt may
be convenient to know n ready method
of closing I'm cracks. which are mt