The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 1850-1873, 1871-02-03

respecting truth are felt to be apprO-
pirate, when our personal position is
regarded. Though We may fatter
ourselves; yet, to be deceived by
others is not always relishcd. Even
if we are amused by if, it seems inn
possible to respect what we know or
at length discover TO be false. Man,
though fallen, canRot help bowling TO
the majesty of truth. And what
he wishes for himself, he owes To his
neighbor. If he revolts at having
falsehoot palmed upon himself, he
Should be as careful to avoid practiS-
ing the same thing upon another. Let,
then. the portion of truth due to a
ncighbor be made known; let 1T be
presented with due simplicity and
strict fairness let there be rigid con-
foriniiy to reality and promise.
Nor ought it to be deemed improper
10 assert, that this subject deserves 10
be carefully pondered. The IMPORT
ANCE OF OBSERVING THE TRUTH cannot
be oyer-estimated. Nothing can COM
pensate for the want of it; but, with
il, other traits OF only moderate
strength acquire, in some eases, extra
ordinary vigor.
L. Regard to truth is essential TO
permanent impressiveness of charac-
ter.
Genius, talent, cultivation, elo-
qucnce may be possessed; but, with
out truth, the influence VIII be like
the gutta-percha ball, which flc,tens
and falls back, instead of making its
way through serious obstacles. Tie
man may make himself agreeable in
some circles though, even with them,
/ it is at the expense Of his reputation.
If some are deludcd for the time, be-
cause they have only little acquaint-
ancc with his popularity still, when
they discover his fault, though he may
afford them some thoughtless amuse-
memt, his power ovei them for any
thing important is well-nigh nothing.
The character, however brilliant in
othc respects, fails just at the point
where the pressure is needed to over
come doubts, awaken zeal, and pro-
mote confidence in one, who might
| otherwise be chosen as the leader in
some grand euterprize.
On the other hand, a stern regard
for truth gives force to other traits
which otherwise would have but little
power. 1t is felt, that this will impart
to them a steadiness, which will make
them available so far as they are capa-
bic. Thus fortified, the man has a
power, which could not be possessed
were it not for the influence connect
ed with his strict adherence to the
truth. And this adherence gives per-
maneney to his influence.
Such cases show how essential it is
that truth DC regarded, if character oi
a high order of power be desired.
While, without it, other striking traits
fail; with 1t, less shining ones sue
coed. If truth be mighty; so is
he comparatively, who adhcr,s tC
truth. What he docs is consistent
with sincerity; what he utters i:
deemed reliable what he aims at viii
be thought worthy and beneficial; and
such an one will possess impressive.
ness of character.
2. Regard TO truth is essential to tho
welfare of society.
Take away confidence, and the com
munity arc held together by link
less durable then rope of sand. MOI
can anything remove trust in one an
other more eflcctually than the alb
sence of truth. Apart from the socia
| tendency for man to contide to some
extent in his fellow-man, such is The
condition of the human being, that a
times he needs helping hand. But
the promise of aid being given, how
unhappy his state, if in addition to the
feeling of his necessity, he must be
| tormentcd with the suspicion, that hi:
neighbor's pledge is altogether unrc.
liable.
The absence of truth is sure mark
of the rottenness of society. Bring
outward pressure upon it; and it is
so crushed, that the means devised
for its relief are rendered unavailing
Let an eruption break out within it:
borders; and il lacks the points, tC
which may be attached the ties and
props and braces, which otherwise
might prevent its ruin. All society
needs a conservative element; anC
none is more potent than regard fol-
truth. ft at EE.
When this trait is wanting, tht
scene is dismal Dislrust is seen de
picled on the countenance ingenu
business has no opportunity to show
itself; treachery stalks abroad undis
MAYED the sense of insecurity is man
ifest in every direction; intrigue il
doing It's work; villainy riots at moor
as well as midnight. 1t is pandemo
MUM without the name; it is eartl
located within The vestibule of he'll
it is the liars well-stocked garden, hi;
plea .,ure ground, his home.
3. Regard to truth is essential to adj
mittance into heaven.
Truth is incorporated with the foun
dation, the atmosphere and the hori
zon Of the heavenly world. Itgleam
among the yerdaut fields, and sparklei
amid the ripples of the river of life
it shines along the golden streets, ant
brightens among the branches of til,
fruitful trees it chimes amid the note
of tie golden harps, and peals anon:
the alleluias of the redeemed; j
speaks among the voices of the hol,
inhabitants, and echoes from ever,
wall and rampant of the New Jerusa
lem; it shines Oh every yesture ant
palm branch and mansion of the celcs
lial place, and flashes with undimmeC
splendor from the mighty throne o
the eternal God.