THE PROBLEM OF SIN AND THE RACE 207 



who fail to exercise their own powers conscien- 

 tiously, but not more so than those who see 

 more clearly and act more decidedly, and yet 

 fail to hold up high, true standards and show 

 worthy examples. With the increase of civili- 

 zation and wealth in our land there is a grow- 

 ing tendency to tolerate evil if it is garbed 

 in fine clothes. But vice in high places, even 

 more than in the lower strata of society, stimu- 

 lates vice. Exaltation is no excuse for wicked- 

 ness. By as much as a man has great ability, 

 lofty position, or any gift which can lead or 

 mislead others, he is under bonds to be good 

 and do good. The example of a lecherous prince 

 blinds the eyes of those who have no very clear 

 conviction as to the essential glory of chastity. 

 If gambling is common among the rich, the 

 poor will take to it without compunction. If 

 an author haloes illicit relations with the touch 

 of genius, the young who are dazzled by his 

 greatness will copy the vices he fails to con- 

 demn more than the virtues he holds up for 

 admiration. 



It is through this force of influence that some 

 of the most eminent personages in history have 

 wrought immeasurable evil. If the rich dress 

 as well as they can afford, the poor will dress 



