The honest man who has been following the wrong path, and after earnest inquiry comes to the flag, we readily distinguish.

But it is fatal to any enterprise where the adventurer is enlisted and where his influence is allowed to dominate.

It may seem strange that such men are given entry to great movements: the explanation is found in the desire of pioneers to make converts at once and convince the unconverted by the confidence of growing numbers.

We ignore the danger to our growing strength when the adventurer comes along, loud in protest of his support--he is always affable and plausible, and is received as a "man of experience"; and in our anxiety for further strength we are apt to admit him without reserve.

But we must make sure of our man.