Maxims on Motive, Humility, and Responsibility
By Jos. Clarke
SOME dread to pay an old debt; others esteem it a privilege and a pleasure to do this. Humility smooths the path of adversity, and sobers and steadies success. We may know if a thing is right by asking the blessing of God upon it. If it is right, and our motive is good, we shall be approved by an enlightened conscience. If not, conscience disapproves. Wicked men think good men are fools; but good men have evidence that when matters are duly weighed the case is reversed. It is not policy to do wrong; yet we should not do right merely from motives of policy. We may continue for a time in the path of rectitude from unworthy motives; but unless the motive is purified, some temptation will overturn our hopes. A very imperfect man with a pure motive is better than a model man with a base motive. An aptness for business and occupation is natural to most, and this is fostered by practice; but human nature is not favorable to the moral virtues. These are won only by labor, and faith, and prayer. To feel one's responsibility in all things is the highest attainment of the man of God. Too many ignore this to save labor. It is sweet to rest, and sleep, and say, I am not my brother's keeper nor any one's keeper.