PRINCIPLE VERSUS POLICY.
By Geo. A. Snyder
It has been said that "Honesty is the best policy," but if a man's honesty is a matter of policy at all, he will be honest only so long as the policy holds out. True honesty is not policy at all. It is an everlasting principle that holds good through all conditions of life. Policy put Daniel in the lion's den, but principle went in with him and brought him through unharmed. Principle is fireproof. It goes through the fiery furnace and comes out unsinged, while policy is often burned in the effort to throw principle in the fire. Policy schemes in his easy chair, while principle prays in a prison cell. Policy is the wolf that lies down with the lamb after the lamb is inside of the wolf. Principle is the faithful dog that lies down with the lamb to keep the wolf away. Principle is oft derided
While a cruel crown of thorns
Shaped by policy's devising,
Her pale, bleeding brow adorns.
Principle is oft uplifted,
Nailed upon a rugged cross,
Buried in the earth's cold bosom,
While we mourn our fearful loss.
But the day is fast approaching
When true principle will rise,
Over policy triumphant,
And be carried to the skies.