Idaho semi-weekly world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1875-1908, 1890-05-13
ABOUT sELF-eovERnMEnT.


Progress Must First He Made In the
soui, Then In the Outer World.
1t is The function of analysis as APP
Piled to forms Of matter to ascertain the
elements OF which they are composed,
and the proportions to which they are
combined; and in all the coarser organ
isns this can be done with absolute or
approximate accuracy. But that which
IS simple becomes complex and difficult
when the principle of vegetable life is
introduced, and mysteries still battle the
scutest penetration. Animal life is full
Of mystery. 1.-THE infinitely little" is
as incoroprebensible as "the infinitely
great" Man is the highest form of ami.
nal life, and possesses an intellectual
power of assimilation and rejection
which acts not only automatically. as in
ihe physical organism, but by the prin-
;'ple Of voluntary selection, which has
IS center in that mystery of mysteries.
personality. So potential is this
prerogative Of man, that against host
II adverse circumstances, and much per.
onal opposition, he may rise to a
sublime height of mental and moral
achievement, which distinguishes
lim from all his kindred and
contemporaries. Or he may trans
'orm himself into monster OF
uiquity, and scourge of his race, defy
ng the influences of heredity, and re-
listing successfully persuasion and
orce. The appetites are unreasoning;
aore so in man than in the lower ami
nails, which seem to be directed by in
tinet in the choice and quantity Of
heir food, and by seasons in the graft
-cation OF their passions Yet, as they
i've without intellectual or moral re-
traint, except as they are brought into
ontact with man and made subservient
o him. they are by no means as well
3rotected by nature as some have rep
'esented. In man the natural appetites
re stimulated by ideas. The elaborate
menu of royal entertainment produces
IN artificial hunger; and the history,
names, colors and social relations OF
vines an artificial and Unsuitable thirst
Nature rebels, and the youth is taught
oy the consequences the folly of eating
for gluttony and not for health. He re-
strains himself by an effort of the will.
adopts plan; and though not entirely
conforming TO it, is held in check by il.
II he does not do this, mental and physic-
al decay speedily follow. 1t is in the ap-
oetites of the body that the demand for
self-restraint frst makes itself felt:
and with the first resolution to eat less,
Or TO reject what if found to be unwhole-
some, self-molding begins. The
passions of childhood are transient,
though violent. The cries and blows
Z are comparatively harmless, ard often
receive undue indulgence, but in such
Z IN tances there comes a time when the
( youth pereeiyes that the results Of ehul-
( litions of passion are more dangerous to
( aim than to others, and he resolves that
ne viii maintain his self control The
attitude and motions of the body and
( The use of the human voice, are the
+ products in large degree of self-mold-
ing. Some attitudes, movements. words.
tones, would be learned by spontaneous
iInitition: but the power to speak, sing.
irill. perform the countless acts which
make a trade or profession, is attained
only by intentional conformity to rule
Or model. In society man naturally
+ initiates his fellows; but independent
Of these general customs which give
unanimity to the aspect Of so
siety each person sees some
thing which falls in with his tastes, and
IS adapted to promote his interests. He
determines to possess himself of the
accomplishment, which he does by vol
lntary attention and deliberate imita-
lion Taught by his failures he elimi-
aates their causes, and stimulated by his
] success he redoubles his energy and
equals his master; then new principle
called emulation comes into play. and
he determines to surpass him. 1t is
thus that progress is made, first in the
soul Of the man. and then in the outer
world. Restraint and imitation are the
first and the second steps in this up
ward. or in some instances downward.
progress. For there are those who imi-
tate vices, not virtues; defects, not ex,
celencies; who seek to make themselves
strong for evil aud harm, and not for
good and helpfulness.