Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 3.djvu/348

 334 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY

But in complex adult society the novice not finding at once inevitable reactions such as he met with in his circle of com- panions thinks himself able to dodge the unpleasant conse- quences of self assertion. Hence it is well to declare those tardier but no less sure reactions that make honesty the best policy and shame the portion of the wicked. That " the gods have long memories," and that their mills, though slow, grind exceeding fine, are wholesome truths to instil. It is well to remind that "God pays, but he does not pay every Saturday." People should be cured of the impolicy that takes note of the temporary advantage of the transgressor but overlooks the eventual forfeiture of reputation, credit, honor, public esteem and love, the chief personal assets of associated man. We can safely join Josh Billings in assuring the would-be rascal that he has "the qualifications for a phool." It is common to look upon the community as a pauper that cannot reward its friends; therefore it is an excellent short-cut to control to show how honest men are facilitated at many points and to demonstrate that the fruits of long uprightness are public confidence, author- ity, honors, praise and fame.

One is enlightened as to the consequences of his acts to others.

Even the sympathetic need light, for society's ultimate con- cern is not right motives but right actions. It must, therefore, illuminate the foolish as well as the perverse. As social rela- tions become manifold and the chain of cause and effect longer, it is possible for the innocent or the thoughtless to do more harm by their blunders than the violent by their crimes. "God be merciful to me, a fool ! " is the cry of the modern man placed in a too-complex world. It is then wise policy to make audible the social reverberation of deeds and to show people the distant bitter fruit of innocent actions. The preacher who helps us realize what evil crop is sown when one marries a degenerate, indulges children, sells liquor, or feeds "the devil's poor," is doing yeoman's service.

So far as man has a corporate sense, it is enough to deter