The Marietta journal. [volume] (Marietta, Ga.) 1866-1909, 1885-06-18
[ For the Marietta Journal.
WHO is TO BLAME?

For low state of morals in any town or
community Is it the criminal, the thief
and the outlaw alone that is to blame? We
admit that this class of law-breakers are GER
tainly to blame and when apprehended and
confined for safe keeping, generally have to
pay the penalty ofviolated law; but are they
alone to blame?
Now, let US see if the facts in the case
warrant such a conclusion, as CLEANED from
actual observation of the doings of society
and let us see what the verdict is likely to
be, as touching socety-"GuAty or not
guiltyY For instance, let stranger make
his appearance in town or community and
it is noised abroad that such an individual
is possessed of considerable means, and this
alone by society" is deemed sufficient re-
commentator and its doors are thrown
| wide open and a cordial welcome is extend
ed him; never once stopping to enquire into
his moral character, or how he became pos
sessed of his wealth; and nine times out of
ten, such persons prove to be worthless
characters, and the consequence is some
member of society, who is the victim of his
connection, has some stain, or disgrace fast
ened upon them that will cling to them and
to their children through life.
Now what are laws enacted for? Some
one says: for the protection of life and
property and the securing of domestic tran
guilty, the general prosperity of the citi-
zens of our common country; and it is af-
| firmed, believe, that the intention of law is
to be terror to evil doers But does it de-
ter2 No, and why not? From the simple
fact, society refuses to infuse into the law
those essential elements that alone car
clothe it with that power and force that
would make it terror to evil doors.
Upon the other hand, in order to illus
trate, let us take young man, who is up
right in all his dealings with his fellow be
ings and who possesses, morally and religi
ously pure heart and whose daily life con
forms to his profession, and also, one who
stands approved of God, as being an up
right and worthy young man, but fortunate
| y VI UNIV Iuhdbcly' 10 pOSSeSSeu Vi no con
siderable amount of this world goods AnC
in view of this state of things, let us observ,
the attitude society assumes towards thi
upright but poor young man. When he en-
tiers town or community, does society ex
tend to him that cordial welcome it does t,
the morally bankrupt and worthless man
with plenty of money? No, and thus it is t,
be seen that precept and example, which
alone can clothe the law with that force ant
power, which will make it a terror to evi
doors, are given to the side of immortality
while religious and moral worth of charac
ter is given the cold shoulder Why is thi
the case? Simply because the love of none,
and false pride rules and fills the heart
and God, love and truth are shut out
Oh, immortal souls, that must exis
throughout eternity, let US make integrity
moral and religious character the standar,
by which society is to be governed, thereb,
clothing the law with that power and fore
that will cause it to be terror to evil doors
Let us remember however careless or in
different we may be, as regards our conduc
and treatment of each other in this life
Con will nevertheless bring us into iudg
ment B.