His tropical mind lasted, his
chameleon imagination lasted, his compelling personality, his grace,
charm, witchery of words--all these lasted; but all these were nothing
without that honesty which would make him die rather than speak for a
cause in which he did not believe, or be silent when a cause in which
he believed was at issue and in peril.
The people went to hear him even after they had ceased to believe in
him. They applauded, laughed, or were silent as he pleased. But they
were being entertained--nothing more. His art was still perfect, but
his power over the minds and souls of men which made men believe and
do was gone forever.
Believe what you say, therefore. Say what you believe. Say it simply,
earnestly, as though you were pleading for all that is dearest to you
on earth. For, after all, that is what you are speaking for--truth.
And if the truth for which you are speaking is not dear to you, go
about your other business and remain silent.
Let your brother who has "the call" utter that message which your
faith is not strong enough to voice; for he, having "the call," will
"speak as one having authority," and therefore "the common people will
hear him gladly.
Pages:
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241