Deflected Compass
Story★★★★Some years ago the Glendale was wrecked off the Mull of Kintyre. The circumstances were peculiar. The trustworthy captain knew every inch of the coast, and at first there seemed to be no explanation of the accident. At the inquiry it was found that a load of iron pillars, which the vessel was carrying, had been placed too near the compass, and had deflected it.
This illustrates how a man may imagine that he is steering his life by reason and sound judgement. His logic may be accurate in its working, but all the while there may be something in his life which nullifies the guiding of the compass of his conscience.
He may think that he is holding a true course, while he is heading straight for the rocks.
The point
Like a ship's compass deflected by iron cargo, one's conscience can be nullified by hidden influences even while seemingly steered by reason.