Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1839-03-29
EFFECTS OF AMBITION.

Ambition has, in almost every age, been
theme for the poet and the histotian.--
In the records Of every nation we may
learn and see its effects described. It's
operations, however, are various, cores.
ponding to The character Of the individual.
and the circumstances in which he is pa
ced Sometimes it writes itself in charac
tcrs of blood and spreads destruction over
the works Of God-and at others, flowing
in less destructive channel, stimulates
men to noble deeds, and proves itself not
among the least important principles in our
nature. 1t forms the strongest spring in
the machinery Of mind, and It's vibrations
have seldom been slow or weak in those
whose characters have been distinguished
by great and daring achievements. 1t is
indeed wise provision that the most de-
srablc distinction is acquired by enterpri-
SEES which contribute 10 the prosperity and
happiness of mankind and fortunate in.
deed is tina, people who make that destlna-
ton alone honorable, which is productive
of public good. Men seldom act without
motives. and these generally are the most
powerful when great enterprises are un-
der,aken. lin fine take from man ambi
ton, and you will render him weak, mac.
tive, and irrcsolu'e being. He will be-
come mere subject Of compulsion, acting
only as stern necessity actually requires.
Such are some of The benefits and lcgi'i-
mate objects Of ambition. Without lis in
huencc to stimulate men to action, society
would remain stationary or relapse into its
former barbarlly and ignorance. 1t was
an honorable ambition which Influenced
men to drive those plans, and study those
inventions which have contributed to the
elevation Of our race, and which still contri-
butte to tho happiness and prosperity o
mankind. But on the other hand, when it is
turned from is proper course, it ceases t.
cheer and fer,iilze and like The samoa o
the desert, it scatlers pestilence in it.
course. Then it is that nations are pros
trated before il, and brought to obey its
imperial mandates, or are buried in thei
own ruins, Lei this spirit take full pos
session Of a giant mind, and who shall pre-
dict the result, What human barrier car
stay its march? Ambition when uncon
trolled, is never satisfied with its acqus
tions. Unfold the page Of history, or lis, Ell
to the tale Of some oriental traveller, who
has witnessed its traces in the magnificent
ruins of some ravaged town and punderet
country. and they will speak plainly upor
this subject. 1t is ambition which has 81
frequently caused useless revolutions il
states and empires. and caused them tc
change happy and prosperous condition
for one despo;ic and wrelched. 1t ha;
caused the most fertile portions OF on
earth TO change their appearance Of plert.
and beauty, for hat of want and desolallon
1t has prompted a Caesar, Alexander, ant
Napoleon TO call millions Of men from
their peaceful homes to perish on the fell
Of battle. There have been sacrificed a
its shrine taen's the most brilliant an
promising. and these gifted possession
have like Prome'heus been consigned t
the vulure and the rock, Such have bee
the effects Of inordlnate ambition, and sue
they probably will continue to be.
/" For This the conqueror rears The arch
Of triumph and for this the tears
And blood flow on as they have flowed,
An universal deIuge, which appears
Without an ak for wretched mans abode,
And Gibbs but 10 renow Renew thy rainbow
God"