Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1878-12-18
Are Good Men Scarce :


Whether the good or the evil predomi-
mates in human character has always been a
vexed question, and one whose answer will
largely depend upon constitutional tempera-
ment. The gloomy and despondent will al
ways see the dark shadow of life, while the
sanguine and cheerful will dwell upon its
sunshine and brightness. There are such
varying standpoints, also, from which to
look out upon this field of inquiry, that it Is
not strange that very opposite conclusions
are reached. When we contemplate all the
corruption of political life, and see nations
honor aud welfare willingly sacrificed to
personal gain or ambition; when we wit
ness the defections in mercantile integrity,
the strife of nations, the discord, enmity
and jealousy that enbitter the social circle
and poison domestic happiness, it is no
wonder that we say, with a sigh, "Good
men are indeed scarce" On the other hand,
when sudden calamity draws forth the
sympathies and ready aid of whole com
munity; when a recital of oppression and
wrong arouses general indignation; when
society rises up to protect the weak to
maintain equal rights, to redress wrong and
relieve suffering when private life discoses
the noble act of heroism, or the patient life
of elf-sacrifice-then we are ready to with
draw our former statement, and to believe
better things of humanity.
Whether good men and women are scarce
or abundant, however, depends upon the
meaning we attach to the term. If by good
people we mean those who have much good
in them, we are happy in believing that
they constitute the large ma jority. But if
we mean those whose daily life and conduct
is poUer for good, we fear it is too true
that they are but a small portion. The diff
ference between these two classes will be
manifest to every thoughtful observer
Take any assemblage of people, and there
may be found among them much latent
good. There will be a general allegiance to
purity honesty, good order and benevo-
lence, and general repugnance to injus-
tice, corruption, disorder and selfishness.
Yet their characters will be largely formed
by and dependent upon habits and circum-
stances. If their past education and presnt
influences act upon them for good, they will
maintain good moral character if tempta-
tions donot bear too heavily they will resist
them if their benevolent impulses are called
forth they will be compassionate, sympathiz-
ing, helpful. If, on the other hand, opposite
Influences are acting upon them, if they have
had bad examples, and are exposed to evil
associations, they succumb to them, and
their characters are formed accordingly.
1t thus depends upon something outside of
themselves whether the good that is in them
be developed or crushed. They do not stand
alone as an individual power; they are not
dependable. If public opinion condones an
offense, its actual evil fades from their view
if it frowns on a course that their conscience
enforces, they shrink from it in dismay.
Yet among the many who thus drift up
or down the stream of moral goodness, car
ried along by the current of circumstances,
there are a few who stem the waves and
face the Winds steering steadily for the port
OF truth and right Their goodness is not a
mere germ, waiting for the sunshine of IA
vorable influences to start it into being but
a strong root that will grow and expand
from It's own inward power, even in spite of
adverse wind and weather. When storms
shake the nation and threaten its honor,
they stand firm for the cause of right,
against all specious influences. In every
crisis they can be safely counted on for the
support OF justice, truth and honor. Every
one who knows them, knows also where TO
find them. In every conflict between truth
and error, justice aud oppression, freedom
and bonds, honor and corruption, generosity
iutduutSS, tHtTt Is HO uutstIOu az
to which side they espouse. They are
not blown about by the winds of public
favor or disfavor, by the breath of tempta-
tion, or the influence of associates, but
stand firm upon the steadfast rock of prin-
ciple. Such men are found in every walk
of life, and are the great pillars of the com,
munity. In the state they uphold good
government, in commerce they promote in-
tegrity, in friendship they are staunch and
reliable, in domestic life they are true and
loyal. OF course they are LIABLE like others,
to slips and falls, mistakes and errors; but,
as the needle, after many fluctuations, only
finds rest when true to the pole, so they
will ever return to rest in their allegiance to
truth and right.
If, then, to be good man is to be thus
incorruptible, firm and powerful in good
ness, we fear that it is true indeed that
"good men are scarce" yet their ranks
may be continually increased, if'each one of
us will only cultivate and develop the good
that now lies latent within US into the indi-
vidual power and force that is its rightful
heritage.-PuJiic Ledger