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Editorial
August 31, 1914
Daily Capital Journal
Salem, Marion County, Oregon
What is this article about?
The editorial uses the 'Valley of Poison' in Java as a metaphor for moral impurity, arguing that indulging in impure thoughts, words, or deeds permanently damages one's spiritual character, akin to losing a limb, and cannot be fully restored, illustrated by analogies and a quote on youth's fragile purity.
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OCR Quality
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Excellent
Full Text
"THE VALLEY OF POISON."
The "Valley of Poison" is situated on the island of Java. It is filled with the bones of birds and beasts who have been suffocated by carbonic gases which seek the lowest levels, because of their great gravity. This is fatal, especially in volcanic regions. Virgil tells that every bird that attempted to fly over the mystic Lake Avernus was drawn into its poisonous depths by some unseen power.
There are numerous valleys of poison and lakes of Avernus in the world, through which, or over which, it is impossible for one to pass without wholly losing his spiritual life or having his spiritual wings smirched. One of the most poisonous of these valleys is the valley of impurity: impurity of thought, word or deed. We sometimes hear people say, as an excuse for participating in or witnessing impure things, that they want to know all phases of life by experience and observation.
What would be thought of one who would have a leg amputated or an eye taken out, to gain experience? But the amputation of a leg or the loss of an eye would be a small misfortune compared with the loss or maiming of the spiritual character-making self. It is as impossible for one to indulge in immoralities, and wholly regain his unsullied manhood, as it would be to grow a new leg or an eye.
The character and standing of one who has once been thoroughly corrupted are the wooden legs of manliness, the glass eyes of purity.
A noted writer says: "On a frosty morning the panes of glass are covered with landscapes, mountains, lakes, and trees, making a beautiful, fantastic picture. Lay your hand upon the window, or breathe on it, and all the delicate tracery will be obliterated. So there is in youth a beauty and purity of character which, when once touched and defiled, can never be restored; a fringe more delicate than frostwork, which, when torn and broken, will never be re-embroidered. He who has spotted and soiled his garments in youth, though he may seek to make them white again, can never wholly do it, even though he may wash them with tears."
The "Valley of Poison" is situated on the island of Java. It is filled with the bones of birds and beasts who have been suffocated by carbonic gases which seek the lowest levels, because of their great gravity. This is fatal, especially in volcanic regions. Virgil tells that every bird that attempted to fly over the mystic Lake Avernus was drawn into its poisonous depths by some unseen power.
There are numerous valleys of poison and lakes of Avernus in the world, through which, or over which, it is impossible for one to pass without wholly losing his spiritual life or having his spiritual wings smirched. One of the most poisonous of these valleys is the valley of impurity: impurity of thought, word or deed. We sometimes hear people say, as an excuse for participating in or witnessing impure things, that they want to know all phases of life by experience and observation.
What would be thought of one who would have a leg amputated or an eye taken out, to gain experience? But the amputation of a leg or the loss of an eye would be a small misfortune compared with the loss or maiming of the spiritual character-making self. It is as impossible for one to indulge in immoralities, and wholly regain his unsullied manhood, as it would be to grow a new leg or an eye.
The character and standing of one who has once been thoroughly corrupted are the wooden legs of manliness, the glass eyes of purity.
A noted writer says: "On a frosty morning the panes of glass are covered with landscapes, mountains, lakes, and trees, making a beautiful, fantastic picture. Lay your hand upon the window, or breathe on it, and all the delicate tracery will be obliterated. So there is in youth a beauty and purity of character which, when once touched and defiled, can never be restored; a fringe more delicate than frostwork, which, when torn and broken, will never be re-embroidered. He who has spotted and soiled his garments in youth, though he may seek to make them white again, can never wholly do it, even though he may wash them with tears."
What sub-type of article is it?
Moral Or Religious
What keywords are associated?
Moral Impurity
Spiritual Purity
Youth Character
Irreversible Corruption
Vice Dangers
What entities or persons were involved?
Virgil
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Dangers Of Moral Impurity And Loss Of Spiritual Purity
Stance / Tone
Moral Exhortation Warning Against Impurity
Key Figures
Virgil
Key Arguments
Valley Of Poison In Java Suffocates Birds And Beasts With Carbonic Gases, Analogous To Spiritual Death From Impurity
Impurse Thoughts, Words, Or Deeds Act As Poisonous Valleys That Cannot Be Crossed Without Losing Spiritual Life
Experiencing Impurity For Knowledge Is Foolish, Like Amputating A Limb For Experience
Loss Of Spiritual Character Is Irreversible, Unlike Physical Injuries
Corrupted Character Results In Artificial Substitutes Like Wooden Legs Or Glass Eyes
Youth's Purity, Once Defiled, Cannot Be Restored, As Per The Noted Writer's Analogy To Frostwork On Glass