Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-10-27
JRstitutlOns.
"a Sermonette by Philosophical Friend
of CuirSl

Some think that, in spite OF all our Drag
about our liberty. the blood-shedding OF
our fathers in its behalf, and our great
statue OF it enlightening the nations, we
have "A good deal TO learn upon the whole
subject. Indeed, serious doubts are en-
tertained whether we ere half as Irec as
we think We are or, generally, know any
thing about liberty.
The glorious privilege Of being independ-
ent and the freedom Of the world are
privileges OF great price, and call for
the highest exercise and use or every
faculty and element OF our nature to OBJ
tain them. We were born for the largest,
freest manhood; the service OF God IS
"r<rfect freedom" But powers OF evil
work for our perversion and enslavement
from our birth. The war OF the flesh
against the spirit begins with our earl-
est being, and lasts till the corruptible
put on interruption. And its purpose ID
to deprive us Of our natural rights-to
enslave us.
II would take a volume to record the
thousands of traps and wiles, the crafts
and snares, by which the enemy or man
kind plots to catch us. Our first expert
ences are little. ugly, bad indulgences
that fall into habits; that from slight ac-
ouaintance become bosom friends, that
from little threads grow TO strong cords
and iron bands that hold Us absolutely.
How familiar among US IL the eight OF
such slaves! Sometimes alone. sometimes
in droves as veritable slaves to vices
and bad ha bits as the wretches OF the
African trader. This is q common OBJ
servation.
Fashion Is as heartless a slave-driver
as ever disgraced the Dark Continent.
Artificial customs Of society and conven-
tionalisms choke and cramp our hearts
and minds and bodies, distort and be-
numb our whole natures, and allow us not
a thought or feeling or act OF our own.
Out in the business-world trusts and
combines strike down smaller dealers ana
compel them to enlist as their slaves and
serve them. Even when these Destroy
ing giants hold off their hands, the trader
is the slave Of his customers. and must
serve their fancies and not offend. He
cannot act freely.
In politics the leaders OF the people
and office-holders have no flavor OF free
dom. They must please their masters.
and obey their orders, or lose their places
and starve. Their lives are unmistak-
able slavery. And q country. in which
ofrce-holders and small politicians abound
is country Of slaves and para
sites and hangers.on. In such a coun-
try the sweets Of liberty are the delights
of ofilce-holding and feeding at the pub
lie crib, and the citizen is a beggar.
And where is the hope Of freedom when
every man is a slave and bootlick to his
neighbor?
Our country Is in danger Of losing
every thought OF freedom in the excess
Of its liberty, and We are fast becoming
a nation Of small politicians, demagogues.
loafers, and bummers, and our
statesmen mere professionals In the trade
Of craftsmanship, patriotism being mere
ly the cue.
So 1t has been in the past. So depend
ent crowds. more and more beggarly,
have FASTENED the decline OF the State.
And yet. in the worst Of the worlds his
tory. there have arisen and grown up
and stood true men, as standards OF vir-
tue, as embodiments Of character, as liv-
Ing eplstles known and read OF all men:
as monuments Of truth. as servants Of
God. These are institutions. They are
not changeable. but fixed. They are
Identified with truth and good sense and
loyalty TO Heaven. They would scorn
to ask for honor or emolument: to beg
for either place or pelf, or accept either
at the cost OF self-respect. Within and
without their makeup. Is sterling worth;
their highest aspiration to be men. high
minded men. steadfast and immovable.
always Astounding in the work Of Heaven
and looking for the life to come.