The Arizona sentinel., 1886-05-22
POSSESSION AND USE.
The Two Main Elements Which Enter
 Into the True Value of Things.

The Two Main Elements Which Enter
 Into the True Value of Things.
 The desire of possession, so natural to every one, would perhaps be somewhat limited, and certainly become more dis eliminating, if truer notion prevailed as to the real value of the things desired. The value of any thing can not be meas ured by its cost or price alone. other- wise the fresh air, cool water and bright sunshine would be valueless. Two main elements enter into the real value of things; one is their intrinsic power of producing health, happiness and life, the other the power of the possessor to use them for that purpose. Only so far as the latter exists and is put forth can the former Joe made manifest. Steam was once used for nothing. Now 1t IS one of mans most valued agencies. It always had the same usable force that it now possesses, but until the human capacity to employ it was developed, 1t passed into the air unprized and unheed- ed. So soil and seed possess an inherent power of sustaining life, but if they are not brought into contact with each other they are practically valueless.
 In such cases this truth is recognized, but in the matter of everyday eXpendi- tures. and still more in that of every- day desires, it is very much overlooked. To be sure, the blind man does not covet pictures, nor the deaf man buy mus cal instruments, unless it is to give them to those who can see and hear. Yet many who are blessed with their senses do purchase, if they can, and covet, if they can not, things that are nearly as useless to them. Take the matter of food, for example. Its value depends, not only in its own power of promoting health and vigor, but in the intelligent use of it, in quantity, quality and preparation, so as to accomplish this result Just as much of It as the system needs, of the kinds best adapted for its development and combined m healthful proportions, is of real value to the consumer. All else that is eaten is worse than wasted, it is positively detrimental. Yet how little do these considerations govern people in the market or at the well-spread table! Much of what is thus consumed, after great expense and labor, is destitute of any permanent value; much of it actu- ally deadens and shortens the life it is supposed to nourish.
 So with dress. The fabrics people buy have an intrinsic power of comforting and beautifying humanity, but not until they are selected, made and worn with direct reference to these objects is this power in active operation. Yet let fash- ion decree a sacrifice of both at her shrine, many willingly bow in submis- sion: and to exactly that extent is choice of clothing valueless. So with dwellings and furniture. They are often procured without the ability to extract from them a 1.-the of their real value. The house is too large for the means and the fur niture too fine for use; the expensive parlors must be counterbalanced by bare and comfortless chambers; or, if all this is consistent, then perhaps the proper care of it involves more service than can be afforded, and the wife's strength is overtaxed, or the burden of expense falls too heavily on the husbands re- sources. and care, debt and misery are the result. Many persons buy books or pictures or other works of art, although quite unable to derive either the instruc- ton or the pleasure they are capable ot bestowing. If they are generous, and allow them to be freely used by those who can appreciate them, it is well; oth- erwise they are preventing the good they might do by locking them up where they can do none.
 Such view would not depress trade or discourage industry. It would rather direct both into better channels, and, by preventing waste, increase the real wealth of the country. It would also stimulate self-imprOvement in the di- rection of learn ng how to make the most and the best of whatever is pos sessed. And, while teaching a wise economy, it would also teach vie generosity. For to extract the full value of any thing, as many persons as possible should profit by it. Some things that are held ielfshly could be made valuable to many without dimin- ishing their value to the owner. Much that is now wastefully and often in- iuriously used would give life and hap piness to hundreds if only directed by benevolent wisdom. We do not here allude to gjUinq, which is by no means an unmixed good, but rather to the opening up of opportunities to those who need them, and especially to the diffusion of such knowledge and the awakening of such desires as will en- able men to use to the best advantage whatever they possess. It is this knowl- edge, this ability and these desires that will make a man truly rich-far more than any amount of locked-up treasures or of enervating luxuries; for this, while enriching all that he has, will also en- rich his own power and character. and make his life and influence blessing to society. Christian Union.
 Tho Gooce and inc IIhIane