Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1871-02-11

VNGu QNuut dAN HNeoA0A1 ASAAAAHe 'NtAN
new arrangement.
Mere inconvenience cannot release
from the obligation involved in a
promise. DISTINCTIONS are likely to
exist, growing out Of II own condi-
ton and the state of society and tits
to be supposed, that these will DC re-
cognized when Il pledge is made, and
that the intention exists TO aim to
overcome what is not insurmountGble.
The declaration, which is to be full
filled only if it is on the whole convo-
nient deserves not the name ofprOm-
Use. Its true tide need not be APP
pended. 1t cannot however, possess
the dignity nor command the respect
due to the sacred assertion, truly called
q promise,
But, if here a question arises as to
the consistency of these propositions
with the point investigated, it willnOt
be amiss to remember, that such views
respecting truth are felt to be appro-
pirate, when or personal position Is
regarded. Though we may flatter
ourselves; yet, to be deceived by
Others is not always relished. Even
if we are amused by it, it seems i'm
possible to respect what We know or
at length discover to be false. Man,
though fallen, cannot help bowling to
the majesty of truth. And what
he wishes for himself, he owes to his
neighbor, If he revolts at having a
falsehooi 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
neighbor be made known; let it be
presented with due simplicity and
strict fairness LET there be arigid con-
formity to reality and promise.
MOI ought it to be deemed improper
to assert, that this subject deserves to
be carefully pondered. The IMPORT
ANCE OF OBSERVING THE TRUTH cannot
be over-estimated. Nothing can COM
pensate for the want of it; but, with
it, other traits OF only moderate
strength acquire, in some cases, extra
ordinary vigor.
|. Regard to truth is essential TO
permanent impressiyeness of charac-
ter.
Genius, talent, cultivation, elo-
quence may be possessed but, with
out truth, the influence will be like
the gutta-percha ball, which flattens
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 deluded for the time, be-
cause they have only little acquaint-
ance with his popularity still, when
they discover his fault, though he may
afford them some thoughtless amusc-
ment, his power over them for any
thing important is well-nigh nothing,
The character, however brilliant in
other 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 enterprise.
On the other hand, q 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 arc capa-
Bile. Thus fortified, the man has a
power, which could not be possessed,
were it not for the influence connect
cd with his strict adherence to the
truth. And this adherence gives pcr.
manency to his influence.
Such cases show how essential il is,
tnat truth be regarded, if character Of
a high order of power be desired.
While, without it, other striking traits
fail with it, less shining ones sue
coed. If truth be mighty so is
he comparatively, who adherts to
truth. What he does is consistent
with sincerity; what he utters is
deemed reliable what he aims at will
be thought worthy and beneficial and
such an one will possess impressive
ness of character.
2. Regard to truth is essenLlal to the
welfare of society.
Take away confidence, and the com.
munity are held together by a link
less durable than a rope of sand. Nor
can anything remove trust in II an
other more etfectually than the alb.
sence of truth. Apart from the social
tendency for man to conflde to some
extent in his fellow-man, such is the
condition Of the human being, that at
times he needs a helping hand. But,
the promise of aid being given, how
unhappy his state, fin addition to the
feeling of his necessity, he must be
tormented with the suspicion, that his
neighbours pledge is altogether unrc.
liable.
The absence of truth is a sure mark
of the r%Ottcnncss of society, Brine
outward pressure upon it; and it is
SO crushed, that the means devised
for its relief are rendered unavailinq.
Let an eruption break out within its
borders; and it lacks the points, to
which may be attached the ties and
props and braces, which otherwise
might prevent its ruin. All society
needs a conservative element: and
none is more potent than regard for
truth.
When this trait is wanting. the
scene is dismal. Distrust is seen de.
picted OH the countcnancc; ~inrenu-
business has no opportunity to show
itself; treachery stalks abroad undis
mayed the sense of Insecurity is man.
ifest in every direction; intrigue is
doing Its work; villainy riots at noon
as well as midnight. Ii is pandemo-
mum without the name; ii is earth
located within the vestibule of hell !:
i. is the liars well-stocked garden, his
pleasurc-grouud, his home.
). Regard to truth is essential TO adj
mittance into heaven.
Truth is incorporated with the foun-