The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-09-19

+, split up into factions, each working
| with a different tool, or sticking for
some particular method, while the
forces for evil are always united. Then
| we are prone TO divide our energies
by attempting 10 eradicate every evil
at once. We can only overcome evil
by concentrating our forces on one at
a Tune, When II Is vanquished ii Is
time to attack another. In the cleo
ton OF officers and in the primary to
nominate them. we too frequently see
TWO or three good men striving for the
SAND position. This divides the forces
Tor good until they are powerless
against the forces for evil We have
adequate forces, but they lack organi-
cation and concentration while those
against us are under the most per-
fect discipline. The strength of an
army depends upon its organization
and obedience to orders as.much as on
the strategy of its leaders. But when
every man acts on his own initiative,
or refuses to act at all. the battle is
lost.
Men Must BE Free.
Men must not only be organized. but
must be free in order to perform their
duties, free to think. free to act But
IL mas been said that modern freedom
is but the exchange of the slavery of
teudaiity for the slavery of opinion.
/ MS statement ContS ins some grains of
truth. Too frequently, our fear that
some one viii not approve of our ac-
tons prevents MS from acting at all
but what constitutes freedom or lib
erty? The Master said: IF We continue
in my word, then are We NV disciples.
indeed; and we shall know the truth.
and the truth shall make you free"
II we are doing that which is right il
makes very little difference what men
Or women-say about us. We should
think more of duty well performed
than of anything else.
Men promulgate some principles
that nave not advanced much since
they were originated by Pagan Rome. |
The idea that labor is dishonorable.
that the slightest faint OF slavery in
ones ancestors has contaminated that
person, 10 the old Roman definition
u gehuIlty. Those only are genteeI
whose ancestors never served" This
definition of a gentleman can be made
10 include the marauder or murderer, |
the sensualist. snob or savage, while it |
excludes the educated Christian. But
the word must be restricted to a gen
ueman. one who is gentle IN all his |
actions and dealings
We have more potent word than
liherty. 1t is conscience 1t Is not
very modern. Indeed. 1t is so ancient
as TO he almost obsolete and forgot
ten. Menander the Greek poet, 500
years before Christ, said. I'm our own
breast. We have god--~our conscience.
Fis not to live. to live for self alone"
Thomas Lynch says: It'll fixed, we
are not free. The acorn must be
earthed ere the oak Will develop, The
"a fajfh is n ,x,l,..
root-~taken root in God" Paul says |
Second Corinthians, 3:17, Where the
spirit of the Lord Is there Is liberty.
lie who refuses to acknowledge the
Divine law acts in obedience to sense
passion and selfish desires His con-
science condemns him, the law Of ma
ture rebels but habit is formed the
Will weakened; the penalty OF neglect
ed duty Is cowardly fear Of the opinion
OF others, Duty bids us develop our
individuality, seek the way of right.
living and never stray from it; be our
selves, not an echo OF lower conditions
or current conventionalities
Leads to Simplicity.
Duty leads to simplicity in speech
and actions. Simplicity Is sincerity.
Diminish sincerity and confidence is
lost. society suffers and apprehension
comes to life. Men never search fer
scientific or political truth, except to
fine religious harmony or common JUS
tice in those they dist.'ust.
Not infrequently this distrust is born
OF unintentional misstatements or
slang expressions. | know very es-
I tifnabl2 young lady in Chicago. who
has earned a reputation as an elocu-
ZIONIST, but In common conversation to-
give emphasis To some amusing Incl
dent, Will say, II thought / would
die" If one woSlld acuse her of pre-