Southern telegraph., 1838-09-12
FOR THE TELEGRAPH.
WHAT Is TRUE GREATNESS?


There is an ambitions desire in the bo-
SONS of many to gain the high esteem OF
others, and to be called great among men.
We find it prevalent in the whole human
family, from the playful child sporting on the
threshold Of life, even to the old man totter-
ing on the verge Of eternity. 1t is common,
to certain degree, universal. 1t is at times
calm and scarcely observable, but not un-
frequently RACES to such an extent, that from
its influence witness the most distressing
scenes and the most appalling national con
Vusions.
Hence men havo been led to the import
ali. ::;a,g9niry, what is il that constitutes true
or, ,qtnessg On this subject much has been
said. and rm,ch has been written. So much,
indeed, that it seems to i've I've become a stale
subject, and almost universally Ut. interest
ing. We have been told again and aga.
what it is that does not constitute greatness.
We have been severely admonished and en-
treated to forsake the paths offolly and walk
in that way which alone leads to true great
ness.
But surely it appears to be of no use TO
enumerate the errors of mankind here,
though they are many and truly great, be-
cause they haze been written, and are now
standing on record. On what historian can
you lay your hands whose theme is not the
weakness of human nature and its prone
ness to err? What philosopher, what poet,
in fine what author is there who does not
loudly proclaim that aHhave gone astray.
Then what is it that constitutes true great
ness? Is the point settled and confirmed?
It's settled by philosophy and confirmed by
experience that it is the cultivation of the
heart, or scrupuIOUsly obeying the monitions
Of conscience, that leads to true greatness
lfthere is any other way it has never been
found. Every one has observed the move
ings of that secret, though powerful monitor
and can Judge for himself whether it ever
fails to reprove him for misconduct, or ap-
plaud him for virtuous deeds. Moral COM
bats frequently take place in the human
soul, when on certain occasions even con-
science itselfis dethroned, and its place oc-
cupied by inferior and more degrading
powers.
When an unfortunate soul has undergone
this revolution in his moral feelings, then it
is that he is overwhelmed with the most
heart-rending anguish and remorsc, and ir-
revocabIy thrown in the broad road to
ruin.
Then, in such state, despise themselves,
and are conscious Of being despised by ali
who are aware of their condition. Conse-
quently, they must despair of ever becom-
ing eminent, either in their Own estimation,
or in the estimation of others. "Guiltiness
will speak though tongues were out of use"
Not so with the man who scrupulonslv
obeys the monilions of conscience and cheer
fully submits to It's power He is securely
guarded against the whirlwinds of passion /;
secures to himsefa confidence and self-ap-
probation which is justly valued hy those
only who have experienced them. "The
wicked flee when no man pursueth; but the
righteous is bold as a lion"
A clear conscience will surely carry men
through all opposition and storms Of fiery
persecution.
"What stronger breast. plate than a heart un.
stained,
Thrice is be armed who hath his quarrel lust,
And he but naked, though L. 5ked up in steel,
Whose conscience with injustice is corrupted"
Then let him who is seeking for immortal
renown despair of ever being great among
men from any other merit than the cultiva-
ton Of the moral pOcers Of his o,cn soul.
CLAIBORNE.