Are We Honest?

ARE WE HONEST? BY FRANCIS M. SHAFER, OF PATRIOT, INDIANA. It has been said that the noblest work of God, is an honest man; but vast and wide is the true and literal meaning of that word, "honesty." It is a vital principle of character, the very "key note" to our condition in life's travels. A man may be honest with his neighbor, and be dishonest with himself. We even go so far as to play the role of thief, and rob ourselves of those things that tend to make us strong in character and manhood. In our mad rush to gather around us the temporal things of this world, we are often blinded, regarding the things that brighten, and broaden our intel- lect. If we were brought to a real sense of our position, we would no doubt understand more fully the importance of this life being a school where we are expected to prepare ourselves intellectually for a higher probation — a stepping stone to a higher life. May it not be possible, that each individual will be measured for a position in the next life by the amount of true and righteous intelligence he may have gained in this life. The Prophet Joseph Smith said that ''the glorv of God is intelligence." If that be true, then intelli- gence will measure us for our position in. the kingdom of God. The Apostle Paul said that he was not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God unto salvation. So, through the true Gospel, we gain power, and we are told that knowledge is power. In order to wield an influence, or power, we must possess knowledge, gained through our own efforts, guided by the Spirit of God. I am confident that the Lord is displeased with an indolent and unfruit- ful mind. Mental laziness is an offense that is to be condemned with equal severity as physical laziness. It is triie that each person is surrounded by two powers, good