The Colorado statesman., 1912-07-20

~ 10 pSSuildl " IOlo " GA
tent the inordinate lust for gold will
lead mankind; and many lapse of
character Is directly attributable to
this cause. There are reasons which
often impel individuals for the sake
of self-protection to closely husband
the resources which come within
their grasp, but such may be the out
groupings OF upright purposes untaint-
ed by greed and avarice. In that
there is nothing of unrighteous con.
duct on the part OF him who seeks
for honest gain. 1t is indeed merito-
rious when such exists, because it
creates a wholesome influence in the
betterment of conditions. Human de-
sires out-strip accumulations honestly
wooed and won; and whoever fails
to recognize this particular fact over
steps all manly privileges and evokes
for himself a well deserved rebuke.
Sometimes the avenues through
which we must journey to accomplish
our earthly missions are blocked by
the pursuit of questionable methods
which often shelter bad practices
and expose us to the contempt of hon.
est men. Evil deeds are the fruits of
evil conceptions, which find lodging
place in the depth of our minds and
attain proportions because nurtured
there. All the loud professions which
emanate from the lips and seek shell
ter beneath the garb of religion, count
for naught in the habits of every man
whose rating is not based upon the
eternal rule of right. 1t is degrading
to stigmatize by careless and indif-
ferent handling the virtues which we
manifest; and, we trample beneath
our feet the things which should gov
ern life. The recognition of mutual
right as a duty imposed upon man
carries with it a force divine in the
creation of worthy ideals and the per-
petuation of a noble and honored
name. responsibility sometimes scat
ters such brilliant rays as to dazzle
the sight of the unwary; but in due
course of time, the skillful and prac-
ticed eye will penetrate this thin ve-
neering and expose the nakedness of
all wicked designs. Much of the hard
ships, woes and disappointments
which afflict mankind may be traced
to injustice between man and man.
Encroachment when able to act with
impunity never hesitates to take ad
vantage, and though acting by con-
traries would have you believe its
sincerity. He who deals in obedience
to the promptings of his conscience,
will steer his barque Alright even If the
waters upon which it sails be troubled.
Unsullied as to the thoughts which
possess his soul the endeavors exer-
cised by. the upright are ever in quest
of loftier ends. Considered in gener-
alities, the majority of mankind is by
nature knaves, and seeks every avail
able opportunity to usurp the rights
of others. There are no defined lin
its through which our thoughts may
wander; and, in disregard to the warn
ings of the better elements in our ma
lures, we war against that portion of
the divine spirit which should choose
and direct our steps. The world
grows wiser as the age in which we
live advances; but grows better only
as it becomes free from the baneful
influence of unholy things. Leader
ship should exert itself for exaltation
upon lines of improvement in the in
terest of the masses; but should first
seek self-exaltation; because, leader
ship itself is woefully deficient in this
particular sphere.-Atlanta Episcopa-
liam Phalanx.