The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1895-07-04

natures laws. We cannot say that we
will only occasionally commit wrong
act or crime and expect to be able to
check at any time the desire of yield
ing to like temptation when it pre-
sents itself. The reason is, by actions
the faculty becomes inclined and so
set in its way, by continued gratifica-
ton, that to resist at any moment
becomes almost an impossibility.
1t has often been said, if the fore
going be true, men would be machines
and would have to act in accordance
with the dictates of the mind, which is
not true however. Behind all our in
clinations there lies the great power of
will. The mind may crave for certain
action, yet through the power of will,
we can either supply or deny its graft
fcation. But it must be admitted
that there are diverse inclinations in
mankind. Natural inclinations, all
differing one from another. Some
choose painting for an occupation,
others farming, railroading, mining
etc., and are satisfied with no other
vocation. Yet by incessant applica-
tion they can train themselves to ap-
prove of some other position in life
but never to one that will appease the
mind so readily as the one for which
they have natural inclination. These
inclinatiOnS are born in some and
acquired in others. Inherent inclina-
tions must be traced to our forefathers
and if they be IN opposition to natures
laws we cannot be held liable for their
existance; only for our stubborness in
refusing to abandon them can we be
held responsible. When we acquire
this inclination, we are alone re-
sponsible and must be so held.
When temptations beset man, con-
science Immediately steps forward
with the beacon light of justice mi
nutely and clearly casting its bright
beams on the consequences which will
sooner or later follow, if we yield.
Then it is we halt and ask 'Shall we
do it?" Conscience cries "No! Nov
But here comes weakness in play and
not being able to resist any longer, we
yield. This inclination of doing evil
lingering foremost in our mind, has
produced many woeful day to the un-
wary victim. How many lives has it
crushed out of existence? How many
homes have been destroyed by its in
fuence? How many hearts has il
broken and torn into shreds of misera
bleness? How many mothers and
wives has it Frustrated with unendur
able grief? Yea. How many bright
prosperous young men has it cast into
prison cell and clothed with the con
vict garb? Oh! The tears of repent
ance which have flown from weeping
eyes because man would not study him
self and the laws OF nature in order
that he could intelligently live a har
monious life, would swell the mighty
ocean. And yet by all this unnecessary
SullCI1liS CllClO dl q Quill SOAliC WV Cdll
not see that they alone are at fault
Only by the encouragement Of th'
} mind in dong good instead of evil cal
man enjoy the peace and earthly beati
tude which those who have chosen th'
; right path calmly enjoy. Let us, then
study ourselves; let the search-light b.
, thrown on our weakness within ant
when seen, let us ,nourish it into
/ healthy state. BY and by we shall no
| tice an improvement in our temper
. passions or thieving proclivities, sool
: followed by cure, which we all desire
l When released, have dignity, avoi
} houses of ruin, be independent an
: straightforward and you will soon fin
Q that you have been cured of the diseas
l which was sending you to livin
| tomb of sorrow and an early grave
: Remember, resolutions alone are il
9 sufficient to carry you safely to tn
harbor Of tranquility; adhering strictl
: to the laws of nature; self-study; sell
t government; these alone are the requ
: sites that will make harmony an
/ peace reign supreme within.
l. CLEMENTUs I.
b THE END.)