The Democrat. (Scotland Neck, Halifax Co., N.C.) 1884-1896, 1885-11-19
(For the Democrat)
anOIJr EDUCATlON-NH.
who indispensable?

1t is pffnclpie VI mural Id"
that men are not only responsible
for what they are and what they do,
but also for what they might be
more than they are, and for higher
excellence in what they attempt.
Although it is said too often tor
repetition here. it is none the less
true that this is an age OF progress.
And the very fact that the worlds
great enterprises are being contin-
ually pushed forward with all the
force that this restless age can
command; that inventions are daily
multiplying; that every department
of human activity is aglowl with
powerful enthusiasm this fact de-
mands of every one his best efforts,
and directed in the most judicious
manner, for the accomplishments OF
results commensurate with his OPP
portunities, and for the real adj
vancement which the age de-
mandS.
Every man owes it to himself, to
the world around him, and to God,
to make the most possible of his op-
portunities. He owes it to himself,
because every mans success de-
pends upon his own efforts; he
owes to his fellows, because they
expect much of him, and in elevat>
ing and improving himself he does
the same indirectly for them; he
owes it to God, because He makes
it possible for man to develop his
powers and enlarge his estate.
There is a penalty fixed upon all
violations of this moral law, whose
execution can not be averted.
TO thine own self be true. and it doth
follow as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any
man."
SO it ''doth follow" that whoev~
er fails to make the highest posi-
BILE development Of opportunities
of any kind, suffers the penalty of
the law in being deprived of the
blessings and pleasures that W.. Il
have come to him in consequence y,
of his obedience to that law, had he
obeyed it.
For instance, it is duty which
every man owes to himself to accu>
mulate as much wealth as he can in
an honorable way, in order that he
may have home comforts and be
able to open his hand in benevolence
towards those less fortunate than
himself. If his failure to attain
unto such competency comes
through Incidence and lack Of proper
effort, he pays the penalty in being
forced to do without those things
himself and to see those around
him share this penalty.
Then again, it is a duty which
every man owes to himself, to his
family and his friends, to make fol
himself the bett possible reputation
All reasonable effort, both in act
and in thought, should be put
forth, in order that he may acquire
such reputation.
But if from failure to properly
estimate such reputation he does
not exert himself to attain unto it
he must suffer the penalty placed
upon such neglect. He must see
those who are willing to strive fo,
name and reputation occupying
seats higher than his; and receiv
ing favors at the hands of thei1
fellows, which he might have shar
ed had he beer willing to exert him
self, physically and mentally, il
order to be thought worthy of them
by others.
Finally. it is duty which every
man owes to himself, to his country
and t., his fellows, to make himself
as intelli gent as po ssible to know as
much of this great world and wha
is being done by the human race a:
his circumstances will admit. AL
the higher and nobler elements o
his own nature call upon him to rist
up and be man worthy Of his lot
worthy OF the possibilities which liz
before him; worthy, of the sympathy
love and respect of his fellows
worthy in some way, of the favor be-
slowed upon him, in bearing in ri!
person the image of Him who ha!
fashioned his being. Now, whoevel
violates the moral law by failing
to discharge this debt which he owes
to himself, suffers the penalty il
being compelled to drag out an ex-
lstence far less satisfactory to him
1p