Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-01-15
Are Good Men Scarce!

Are Good Men Scarce,
Whether the good or evil predominates
in human character has always been II
vexed question and one whose answer will
largely depend upon constitutional tenn
permanent. The gloomy ana despondent
will always see the dark shadow of life
while the sanguine and cheerful will dwell
on its sunshine and brightness. There are
such varying standpoints, also, from
which to look out upon this field of in
quiry, that it is not strange that very op-
posite conclusions are reached, When we
contemplate all the corruption of political
life, and see Il nations honor and welfare
willingly sacrificed to personal gain or
ambition; when we witness the defections
in mercantile integrity, the strife of ma
tions, the discords, enmity and jealousy
that embitter the social circle and poison
domestic happiness, it is no wonder that
we say, with II sigh, Good men are in
deed scarce" On the other hand, when
u sudden calamity draws forth the sympa-
thes and ready aid of II whole community; !;
when 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 discloses the
noble act of hcroism, or the patient life of
self-sacriiice 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
majority. But if we mean those whose
daily life and conduct is n pOtOer for good,
we fear it is too true that they are but n
small portion. The difference between
these two classes will be manifest to every
thoughtful observer. Take any assemblage
of people, and there may be found among
them mnch latent good. There will be a
general allegiance to purity, honesty, good
order, and benevolencc, and II general re-
pugnance to in Justice, corruption, disorder
and selhshness. Yet their characters will
be largely formed by and dependent upon
habits and circumstances. If their past
education and present influences act upon
them for good, they will maintain good
moral character; if temptations do not
bear too heavily they will resist them; il
their benevolent impulses are called forth
they will be compassionate, sympathiznS,
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 according
". 1t thus depends upon something out
side of themselves whether the good tina
is in them be developed or crushed. They
do not stand alone rs an individual power
they are not dependable. If public opln
ion condones an otfenSe, its actual evl
fades from their view; if it frowns on ;
course that their conscience entorccs
they shrink from it in dismay.
Yet among the many who thus DRIFT VI
or down the stream of moral goodness
carried along by the current of circum
stances, there are few who stem the wave
and face the winds. steering steadily TO
the port of truth and right. Their good
ness is not mere germ, waiting for tn
sunshine of favorable influences to start
into being; but strong root that vii
grow and expand from its own inwar
power, even in spite of adverse wind an
weather. When storms shake the natio
/ and threaten its honor, they stand firm 70
t the cause of right, against all specious IN
huences. In every crisis they can be safel
! counted on for the support of fjustice, trut
+ and honor. Every one who knows then
knows also where to find them. In ever
= conflict between truth and error. justic
: and oppression, freedom and bonds, hone
and corruption, generosity and meanness
there is no question rs to which side the
, espouse. They are not blown about by tn
q winds of public favor or disfavor, by tn
/ breath of temptation, but stand firm upo
, the stcadfast rock of principle. Such me
are found in every walk of life, and al
3 the great pillars of the community.
S In the stae they uphold good govern
t ment, in commerce they promote intcgrt.
: in friendship they are stanch and reliable
: in domestic life they are true and loya
Y OF course they are liable, like others,
/ slips and falls, mistakes and errors; bu
us the needle, after many iluctuation
/. only finds rest when true to the pole,
y they will ever return to rest in their ALT
glance to truth and right.