The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1904-11-25
BALANCING RESULTS
The LAW OF CONSEQUENCES AND
THE PROBLEMS or LIFE.
Good or Evil In Things L. Discovered
by observations of Consequences.
Morals Are Determined by the Con-
sequences of Human Actions.

4
action; an effect is the consequence Of
a cause; "A result is the consequence OF
an antecedent II Is evident that the
words reaction, effect, result aud con.
sequence express different manifesto.
tons OF one law, usually called the
law OF causatiOn, though II would be,
believe, more correctly named the
law Of consequences.
We shall understand more clearly the
Intersections In human affairs when we
recognize that the meaning Of the
words reaction, effect and result Is In
cluded In the word consequence. We
may doubt the Importance Of reaction
IN our affairs, but we shall not doubt
the Importance Of consequences.
We are compelled to give consldera-
ton 10 consequences In the most trivial
affairs. One has consequences in view
when he strikes match, sets "A pot
To boil, plants n seed, pulls weed.
sharpcns pencil, mends a fence. Shall
| take an umbrellaf / balance the
danger of rain against the annoyance
Of the umbrella and decide accordingly.
Shall | change my coatI Take another
cup Of Coffee Walk or ride! Each
question will be decided In accordance
with my estimate Of the balance of re.
suits. In considering possible adyan-
tages or disadvantages, gains or losses,
we are balancing consequences en-
deayoring to anticipate and weigh the
results of our actions.
Regret Is usually n reminder of
neglect or misjudgment Of cOnse-
quences while repentance and rcfOrma-
ton indicate n waking up concerning
consequences. Our interest, curiosity,
anXietics fears, hopes and ambitions
are concentrated upon consequences
We seek advice when we are doubtful
about consequences. Precepts aud ex-
amplcs cluCidatc consequences. We
work and rest eat and drink, scheme
and plan, spend and save, for conse-
qucnCcs.
The lesson Of consequences which
the individual often learns slowly and
imperfectly the sound business organ
izations acquire quickly and enforce
by discipline. The statesmen in sue
cessful store are characterized by tidi-
ness, promptness and "A desire TO please;
the employees of the important rail
roads are not even permitted to- an
swer insult with insult The industry
that IL intelligently managed VIII
avoid misrepresentation and decep-
tion, knowing that n reputation for
truth and fairness is vital 10 cUutinu-
Gus success The shrewdest maxms
Of trade are built upon the observation
of consequences.
That mind IL the strongest which has
the clearcst judgment Of consequences.
The fools are those who know little
about consequences. The child must
What we know Of mar
rotics, stimulants, antidotcs. hygiene.
surgery, chemistry, agriculture, me
commerce. culture we know
through the observation of consc-
lucnccs. The best razor. plow. sani- |
AIRY system, plan of social bctterment, |
s that which produces the best results |
knowledge, learning and experience |
lcnl wholly with cause and conse-
IucnCc The science of astronomy |
seeks tO comprehend the heavenly bod |
eS and their influences upon each 9th |
r.. The science of chemistry explains |
he consequences of chemical action. |
lhc science Of political economy aims /
o distinguish and mark the good and |
vii results of different systems of land |
cnurc, taxation, trade and finance.
I'hc science of government would de
crminr what political system is best
or n people. The science of war seeks
o know what arms, equipments, forces
nd mancuvcrS will infct the great
st injury upon the enemy with min
mum of expenditure. The science Of
lnguagc deals with the utility of
words, pronunciation ana forms of ex-
rcssion. And 50 on through the whole
f human experience knowledge seeks
D distinguish that which has the best
csults from that which has inferior
T. Gvll results.
Our ideas of right ana wrong are due
D the nature of the responses To hui
lnn actions. How do we know that
ruth is better than falschood? Be
Jusc we are better pleased with our
elves when we speak truthfully than
hen we lie; because truth is essential
, understanding; because we dcspiSc
ing i'm others; because lying leads To
uncertainty. chaos, eumity
nd to other evil consequences. And
, also we have formed Judgment of
'yalty ana trcachery. cruelty and
nducSs, virtue and vice by their con
'uucnCeS
our laws. customs aud command
cutS would not prove 10 us that truth
better than lying il our own expert
ice did not confirm IT, The Decalogue
effective only SO far as nature cor
'horates t.
our common conceptions Of morality
e the results of the observation OF
imam actions and their consequences
Of cause and effect. of action and
action. We know that certain ac-
rns are right and others wrong. ms
e know that bread is good and straw
ld for food that light clothing Is
ore useful In summer than I'm win.
r; that cleanliness is better than
thineSs; that the way to walk is for
ard, not backward; that mirth is
casanter than grief
As the value OF machine or imple-
ent is shown i'm its working and the
luc OF a tree by its fruit. so the mer.
or demerit Of food drink. medicine,
IA and thourhtS Is detpr,uiucd nv