The Colorado statesman., 1912-04-27
AFRO-AMER|CAN CULL|NCS

Evil habits, like diseases, are con-
tagious; and, II left to their ravages
unchecked, will, ere long, consume
their victims. The first indulgence
may be slightly partaken; but the
habit increases with practice. and
gains a firmer foothold with each
passing day. When error becomes SO
bold by continual adherence, that it
ceases to regard public sentiment, the
participant, therein has advanced a
stage from which redemption is most
difficult; and the infectious one be-
comes a disgusting nuisance, and
dangerous adjunct to society. Human
interests suffer from contact with
such elements, and the law abiding
are forced to feel the sting Of criticism
which their hideous conduct engen-
ders. When self-respect shall have de-
parted from individual breast, there is
none in store for his neighbor; and
the courtesy which otherwise might
be accorded is withheld from lack of
honor. 1t proves a burdensome task
to correct abuses which have become
long standing; and efforts put forth
in that direction are often futile un-
dertakings. The condition of things
prevailing in this city is sufficient to
cast mantle of shame over integrity
of their household, and the faces of all
who reverence the wish for the future
upbuilding of its inmates. Covington,
from an intellectual point of vantage,
is pre-eminent in this section among
q nf itG oiz
be If any to equal 1t in general con-
fusion, particularly among the young
er element of the male population.
Wofully wanting in aspiration, there
is naught of the finer sentiment to
which appeal may be successfully
made; and every deed performed, ap-
parently travels toward destructive
ends. The cause for these commits
sions does not rest, wholly, to their
beginning; nor should they be Who'll
ly blamed for many things existing;
because In many instances the unman-
ly acts which disgrace the community
and blight the future prospects of the
coming generation are the inglorious
fruits Of hideous examples. The pull
pit part of the responsibility for this
cannot be exonerated from a preva-
lence of affairs. 1t is not to be inferred
that 1t advised or condoned it, but
the public has been educated to base
religion upon sentiment; and without
affecting it, left deeds to individual
acceptance. Such teachings have CIV
en- birth to scandal mongers, SANDER
ers and friction breeders, among the
old; carousers, drunkards, and pro-
fessional reprobates among the young.
In most instances, voluntary actions
bespeak tho hearts desires and what
ever one accomplishes from his own
free will is the conjuring of his
thoughts. Nothing undefiled can flow
from the source of impurities, what
soever might be our opinions re-
specting it; and 1t would be well to
proclaim the truth in order to remove
Instructions. 1t is impossible to cor
raj the wandering sheep while the
lambs within the fold are at variance
with each other. The church Is in the
individual not the structure in which
he worships, and whenever this les
son can be properly instilled into the
minds, and become firmly imbedded in
the cons ience Of professed believers
theory will give the right of way to
practice; and assumption, to reality.
1t very often happens that an ailment
exists, and we know the cause there
of; but, we fail to apply the remedy.
even though we be aware that the ap-
plication would effect cure. The So
cial life Of the colored population here
is endangered by the continuous in
roads of irresponsible characters, hav.
ing nothing to lose; and before we at
tempt to win them their errors it is
necessary to be free, ourselves, and
live in peace with our neighbors-
Metropolitan Phalaux, Atlanta.
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