The Colorado statesman., 1912-05-18
The DIGNITY OF RELIABILITY

1t is amazing to see for how small
a consideration some people will jeop-
ardize their honor; and sell, for
trifle, that which they should hold
dear. To them, the ring of the dol
lar has sweeter tune than the sound
,of an honored name. They walk and
have their being, presenting, in ap-
pearance, the embodiment Of nobility;
but their daily walks are travesty
upon the works of creation. No rev.
erence for truth, honesty and relia-
bilfty finds, in their hearts, an abiding
place; and their deeds are the &C
cumulations of unworthy practice.
Nothing is so debasing to human ma
ture as the abuse of manly principles
which are SO necessary to our
progress in life. He who ruthlessly
tramples upon those elements which
constitute his well-being, and allows
his colors to trail for what he con-
ceives to be his advantage, not only
undermines the foundation upon which
his hopes are builded, but also RACES
the superstructure in which he needs
to dwell. Life is of doubtful tenure
and a struggle against adversities;
therefore 1t behooves every actor to
play well his part, If he would win
in the unequal conflict. However in
significant our lot may be there Is
certain dignity in its support; and. II
we fail to realize its value we are
woefully deficient in foresight or care
lessly Indifferent to the pleadings OF
our conscience. To a man the most
desirable ends to be obtained are
reached through the medium of an en-
lightened understanding, and the ap-
preciation of lofty ideals. Blighted
manhood carries with 1t a disregard
for life's duties and obligations, and
paves the way to that stage of de-
generacy from which We seldom
emerge. The sacrifice required to
overcome the obstacles by which our
aspirations are hampered is indeed
appalling; and our efforts are strength
ened only in proportion to our de-
termined avoidance of error. Conf
dence is the strongest tie that binds
the hearts of men and creates that
friendship which time can ne'er de-
stroy. But, we often discard the true
essentials Of lasting benefits for the
fieeting and unstable advantage of
temporary gains obtained through
falsehood and deception. Truth is
most beautiful virtue; but, in many in
stances, is most fearfully outraged.
Even numbers who boast comradeshlp
with Jehovah and claim daily vista
tons of the Holy Spirit forget to value
Its services; but, slander the name of
Divinity by processing allegiance to
his cause, not remembering the fact.
that we move upward or downward in
accordance with our habits. Promises
made are of secondary Importance to
the growth of character-thus they
think-and, for them broken vows
have a superior fascination. The worth
and rating of individuals are gauged
according to their respective merits
and the spurious receives its just dis
approval at the hands Of the better
element of mankind. He is a coward
who fails to reverence truth; and
whatever be his station, is an unde-
Birable adjunct to society. Many
career otherwise brilliant, has been
brought to an inglorious end, because
the nobleness of truth, honor and JUS
tice was not upheld. Inconvenience
step in to hinder progress when OBJ
legations are not fulfilled; and the
occurrence often creates, for us, no
small degree of embarrassment 1t
Is, therefore, a duty not only to en-
courage uprightness in others. but
also, have 1t instilled in our own
minds, so that the examples we set
may we'll be worth the following
Ethiopian Phalanx.