WE AND OUR NEIGHBORS.
Immutability of Nature’s laws.
In some constitutions, with some hereditary predispositions, the indiscretions and ignorances of youth leave a fatal, irremediable injury. Though the sin be in the first place one of inexperience and ignorance, it is one that nature never forgives. The evil once done can never be undone; no prayers, no entreaties, no resolutions, can change the consequences of violated law. The brain and nerve force once vitiated by poisonous stimulants become thereafter subtle tempters and traitors, forever lying in wait to deceive, and urging to ruin; and he who is saved is saved so as by fire.
Doing our own work.
“There must be second fiddles in an orchestra, and it’s fortunate that I have precisely the talent for playing one, and my doctrine is that the second fiddle well played is quite as good as the first. What would the first be without it?”
Courage.
“Well, there’s no way to get through the world but to keep doing, and to attack every emergency with courage.”
Value of truth.
“We’ve got to get truth as we can in this world, just as miners dig gold out of the mines, with all the quartz, and dirt, and dross; but it pays.”