Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1894-04-26
SOCIAL PURITY.

Read before the W. C. T. U. county convention
by MRS. DIR. LAMB.
The moral atmosphere of society is 80
rife with miasmatic germs OF disease that
the ability to cope with its devastating
blight is inadequate to the existing need.
How to promote social purity is problem
that confronts earnest people today with
startling force. Many are aroused from
inactivity who had slept, and dreamed
that life was beauty:-but awake to find
that life is duty. They see the wreck Of a
home which was once the pride OF bride
and groom, where in the golden days gone
by the hours flew all too swiftly, so re-
plete were they with the joy of anticipa-
TONS fulfillment. From that home, that
the sorceress' wanton arts has desecrated,
and from which vandal hands have stolen
it's idols, comes cry for help-across the
grave of buried hopes.
In the disgraced home fercer battles
are fought than ever were waged on the
battlefield. Groans are uttered, to which
only One hearksns. And there are sad
wounds, hid only from the Father. In
the extremity OF despair it is hard to wait
and trust that God in good time will open
the golden gate. But the hearts best
chords are struck through pain, and from
that altar OF sacrifice arises a grander life
for work; for some failures are triumphs,
when motives are weighed: and though
it is blessed to die for God, yet diviner
wisdom has taught that he who lives foi
God is greater conqueror.
A sense of moral responsibility is a
powerful agent to destroy vitiating influ-
ences, and it is most conducive to pure
living. Personal importance incites to
worthy effort. All can aid in the eleva-
ton of the moral standard. Though
hearts and hands are burdened, kind
word may be spoken to the lonely; ca
ress given to the orphan; smile to the
neglected one; nod OF recognition to one
unnoticed and passed by in society.
These small things will bear fruit, and
cost the giver naught.
When ere is spoken noble thought,
Where ere noble deed is wrought,
Our hearts in glad surprise,
To higher levels rise.
Though our life-work may be inconspic-
uous, the sphere will be large enough to
employ all the powers if devotion is given
to the duty nearest at hand. What is
neglected we cannot return to do;
For only once we pass this way,
That stretches to an endless day
The poor, sad and lonely, were the
Fathers special care-"In-as.much as We
did it unto one OF the least of these We did
it unto me-" And His little ones are ours
to watch over. Is it not easier to use pre-
ventives than furnish proper remedies for
disease, and deal with its progress? Can
the parents, who act on the asserted be-
lief that morality is fiction, look in the
eyes OF their loved child, expecting 10 sec
chastity and honor mirrored there? Oh
the pity OF building such characters -
when it might be castle grand, but is
only wreck upon the sand.
Children are natural detectives, disloy-
atty they never forget. Spend time and
strength to gain their confidence and never
betray it, Teach them that paralysis of
the soul is thousand times worse than
that OF the body. Teach them to resist
temptations, that the habit may be cor
ner stone in their character when grown.
Teach them that selfishness is an I'M
known factor in noble nature. Teach
the need Of self scrutiny and self knowl-
edge the lack of which often leads per-
sons into the course of conduct which their
principles condem and abhor. Teach
them to live, practically, transparent lives.
Teach them it's only noble to be good.
Teach them that chain is only as strong
as it's weakest link. Teach them to keep
clean hands and pure hearts. Teach them
the dignity OF self respect. Undue their
minds with the serious responsibility OF
power of choice--that this awful power is
confined to our brief mortal life. AcQuaint
yourself with their companions, as far as
possible. Beyond all know what books
they read.
How many teach their children to be
fastidious in person, punctilious in mat
ters of etiquette; are extremely cautious
concerning the nourishment Of the body
never giving thought to the mental
food; while their receptive minds are be-
ing fed and feasted on the vilest publicat-
ions that are sent broadcast throughout
the land, impoverishing every attribute
of the young lives.
How can parents excuse themselves,
who are derelict in these duties, and find
oompanionship Of the young irksome? A
whole eternity depends on the guidance
OF the children, as far as human agency
can so; and that eternity is filled from
the day-books, with no missing leaves. |
The commonest deeds of the common day.
Are ringing the bells in the far away.