My boy, be honest. Nothing is safer, more honorable or right. As such it is better than might and worth more than gold. It hurts no man, but wields an influence that commands the admiration of man and God.
When Longfellow was seventeen years of age he wrote to his father: “Whether nature has given me any capacity for knowledge or not, she has, at any rate, given me a very strong predilection for literary pursuits, and I am almost confident in believing that, if I can ever rise in the world, it must be by the exercise of my talent in the field of literature. Whatever I study ought to be engaged in with my soul, for I will be eminent in something.”
It is possible, practical, yea, absolutely necessary for any boy who would be eminent in any vocation to be first of all eminent in honesty or purpose in dealing with himself and others. Lowell was built on the Merrimac river. Dams and canals were constructed to conserve the water power. At that time there was no competent engineer in America, so a young Englishman by the name of Francis was brought over. After looking over the work done, he went to the directors of the company and said, “Gentlemen, you must rebuild Lowell and the works.” “We can’t do that,” was the answer, “we have spent large sums and must take a risk.” “Then, gentlemen,” said Francis, “here is my resignation.” The directors after thinking of the awful flood that had swept that valley years before, reconsidered and rebuilt under the young man’s direction. One year later a flood came and the town and works stood the test. Honesty always does.
CHAPTER XIII
Be Just
INTRODUCTION TO CHAPTER XIII
By A. S. Zook
“Be just,” is a mandate from the Court of Conscience. The law of that forum is the “Golden Rule:” “All things whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so unto them.”
If you would be just, never change the venue of your cases from the forum of your conscience, even though you might, outside the vicinage of conscience, be the winner every time. Venue changes from one civil forum to another, often brand the taker as a coward. Frequently it happens in the business world and in social trials, if one shies around the court of conscience in selecting his tribunal, he may win a verdict that will bear no scrutiny thereafter in the Court of Error, Supreme on High!
Be just to self, unmarred by vice; just to parents as admonished by the words: “Honor thy father and thy mother;” just to brother and sister, and thus respect the home that sent you forth. The animals that serve us nobly should be treated justly. Shame and indignation rest upon the one who harshly treats the noble horse.
Justice rules the throttle of the heart of him who glides along the way of life, and teaches him to render unto man his proper dues at every station on the journey.