Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1886-05-15
PEcULIARITIEs WE MEET WITH.

fEIuLlAnIlIES w = NELL VII n.
Every community is infested with
few peculiarities of mankind, that
may be divided into two classes
the one will sacrifice all to be on the
popular side of everything, in opin-
ion and appearance, no matter how
little they gain by it or how much
they lose; principle is nothing to
them and consistency they have
none. The other class is contrary
to everybody and everything they
meet with in life,-a set that clings
to certain ways and habits and opin-
ions they somehow formed, and
there is no power known by which
they may be moved. In general
characteristics the two classes are
alike and may be treated as one.
They are few in numbers and OF lit
tie influence. Sometimes when men
of this class occupy by chance any
important position, they cause a
great deal of trouble and annoyance,
while they cannot prevent the right
nor overcome the good in the end,
both may be retarded for time to
the injury of the general welfare. In
business life a few dollars buys them
soul and body, and no matter how
much failure and loss man may
repeatedly cause, the same mercen-
airy consideration urges them to push
such one to the front time and
again. Oftentimes the utter ruin of
themselves does not open their eyes.
In moral affairs they are a study.
Not having much religion or con-
science themselves, they are so fine
of mind and person that evil is not
to be mentioned IN their household.
In this respect endurance is their
virtue and liberty their vice. No
matter how great and apparent an
evil, to them it might be worse"
or " it is not as bad as other places"
How they manage to read the Bible
surprises us, for Christ was no re-
specter of persons or chosen of choice
language; He spoke plain words
and called things by their right
names. Preacher was never born
who could please this class of super
fine intellects. True, church does
not bother them, but they talk more
religion and profess more morality
than whole congregation Of sim
cere christians, yet if they could
have their own way free rein would
be given to the passions of men. In
society this element Is as easily dis
cerned as fish from flesh. Every
thing they have is aped,-from some
one. But they belong to society.
AT least they are there. No soil
produces all good grain, nor no tree
all good fruit; the pearly stream is
not filled with diamonds alone nor
the mountain veins with solid gold.
There are other things there that
glitter as brightly; they have been
together for ages, but when the min
er comes he separates the real from
that which has only the appearance.
So with the elements of mankind.
To each one comes time of separa
tion,-some circumstance that Sits
merits as the screen does the wheat.
There is nothing so bad but what
there is some good IN it, but often
it is so little that it can not stand
undisguised. That is the period at
which every man gets his due. APP.
pearances may be kept up in death
but not beyond. Obituary notices
read nicely, but the honest man who
was satisfied to live as God made
him, and acted we'll his humble part
towards himself and his fellow man,
needs no introduction to immortal
ity. His life answers tor that, and
is bright example that needs no
laudatory recommendations.
" The flowers upon the coffin
Can soothe no weary breast,
And cast no fragrance backward
When we at last shall rest"