The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1828-08-20
FOR THE MASSACHUSETTS SPY.
COURAGE.

There is disposition which seems natural
to all men, to fancy themselves possessed of
powers which they have not, and to boast of
being able to perform what they cannot The
greatest towards generally boast the most Of
their courage, and well they may set high
value ON that quality, of which they are sensi
BILE they possess so little. We often hear those,
who would grow pale even at the smell of gun
powder, or take to their heels at the sight of
rusty gun barrel, openly express desire to
stand before the lannon's mouth, and enjoy a
refreshing shower of leaden bullets. Many,
who would be considered brave, who would ap-
pear as It seeking every dangerous adventure,
and able to Withstand every attack, like the
credulous and tirnid companion of Don Quixote
would be very willing to avoid a trial, where
they could escape without giving any suspicion
of cowardice. towards will speak Of the pleas.
ures OF battles, when none are to be fought
and recount the glorious exploits, and enved
lot OF commanders, when no aurels can be OBJ
tanned; yet if called upon to stand where the
whstling messengers Of death play their gam
bols, the task seems too arduous, and the iInag-
ined pleasures too dear to be bought
But true courage is of higher and nobler
nature. 1t constitutes great part oil what is
called genius. 1t does not consist entirely. as
some have supposed, in hazarding our persons
and lives, but In the expression of that manly
and independent spirit, which may properly be
called noble daring" Let one possess the
rarest gifts of nature, and be deficient in moral
courage, he can never rise above base medi-
ocrity.' Take away courage, the most brilliant
talents lose their lustre, and the most powerful
and energetic faculties, their strength.
Courage, in its most extensive sense, may DO
considered under two heads of thought, and
OF action. He, who possesses either will rise
nhnpn ms ~ k,,f H.
both, will obtain a rank among those that
are called master spirits. We can hardly con-
celVe how man can act boldly and not think
so; yet daily occurrences shew us that many
who, ii interest and honor were not at stake,
would take respectable rank among cowards
are led on by blind passion, and thirst for glo-
ry to perform the most daring deeds. Many
soldier, who has breasted the shafts of DEATH
would have gladly fled to more safe and
peaceable retreat, had he not feared dishonor
and dreaded the contempt of his associates
Many general, who, by his intrepidity, has
lett the field of battle, crowned with victory
mas been spurred on more by fear than by cour-
age.
There is class of men, who seem to possess
the courage of thought, but not that of action !:
men who make but little show or noise in the
world; yet whose minds soar high; whose
thoughts are not confined to the speculations of
others, or bound down to what is before known
yet they have not courage enough to come
forward and shew themselves Oftais descrip-
ton are many men of learning men to whom
the world owes some of her greatest improve.
ments, who have benefited their country and
mankind, not by the courage of the field, but
by that OF thought. In retirement they can
free themselves from the slavery of fashion and
prejudice, and form their opinions with wisdom
and reason. If there is any thing in man that
can be called true courage, it is that independ.
ence OF character, which causes one to act
without fear of disgrace; which carries him
through good report and evil report, undaunted
and unmoved. O.