Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1849-06-23
BY HENRY FRYsIN GER


and owing to the pecuiarity Of existing cir
cumstances, it is by no means singular that
should feel more than ordinary sensations of
embarrassing difiidence. Fully sensible of my
own ineficiency, conscious that am address
ing Brothers, whose age, experience aud talents
command for them far more exalted lntellec-
tual position than dare presume to arrogate,
and aware that | am about to express the, per-
haps, puerile sentiments OF a youthful mind, TO
be weighed IN the intricate balance Of mature
wisdom, ! cannot but entertain unpleasant mis-
giyings. But having, Notwithstanding nav ear
nest protestations, been appointed to discharge
this duty, and stimulated by those principles of
energy and perseverance, which constitute ! hope
a good trait in the character of your humble
servant, determined if possible, to concoct a
production which would at least merit atten-
ton; for it were presumptuous in me to hope
to be editying. In regard to the result Of my
labors, have no apology to offer.
The subject 10 which shall direct your at
tention, and upon which propose to base my
remarks, is simply ENERGY AND PERSEVERANCE
two words probably implying as much impor-
tance, replete with as much interest, and pro-
life of as much ratiocnation, as almost any
other that could have been selected.
If we retrospect the past history of the world
we will find that the combined principles Of en-
ergy and perseverance occupied an equal, if not
a more conspicuous position than any other
primitive characteristic manifested by man.
From the remotest periods of antideluyian ages
down to the present day, they have demonstrat-
cd tneIr prcrogatye IN q multiplicity Of m
stances and diversity Of forms. Their essen
tlal influence and invincible power are felt and
acknowledged by all men and all nations. En-
ergy and perseverance, as exhibited by man,
like the impregnable rock of Gibraltar, that
has proved Inyincible 10 the most determined
and contumacious attacks of every foe they
are like the mighty wave Of the ocean that
rolls irresstbly onward overwhelming every
obstacle that crosses its passage; they are like
the stupendous avalanche that is hurled with
tremendous velocity down the nountan-side,
breaking through and destroying every resisting
impediment and never haltng until lodged in
the depth Of the valley Nothing in truth, can
successfully counteract the onward progress Of
these principles; they are overwhelming in
power, unosclllating in action, and infallible in
execution. We all know that they have been
prominently instrumental in executing nearly
all the important actions of men; they have
been the guiding-star of all momentous projects,
the handnaid Of every extraordinary accom-
pllshment, and the executioner Of every radical
reformation or Improvement II was these
principles that have brought the world to IFS
present elevated climax in civilization and en-
lightenment-it was these that effected those
mighty revolutions in the moral and political
amclioration of mans condition-and it is these
and these alone, that have thus far and are still
su7mounGng every impediment that presents it
self in the onward progression of the arts and
sciences. In fact, there is perhaps no other dis
tInct qualification 10 be found in man, which is
so essentially necessary TO his existence, and
which so materially contributes to the augmen-
tatlon of his happiness and prosperity. With
out the principles of energy and perseverance,
man would be little better than living autom-
aton-incapabe OF eilectlng important objects,
unit TO superintend complicated operations
and comparatively unqualified for the transac-
ton OF the most finite business of everyday life.
What actual benefit would accrue to society
from the existence of such individuals Would
that man be calculated to promote his own or
the commGnity's interests, who was q total
stranger TO energy and perseverance, and who
saTunk from every projected enterprise Would
that man be an efficient or fitting member of
society, in this advanced age Of science and
progression, who was frightened into imbecilty
at the first presentation of misfortune: Ger
tlinly not. Energy and perseverance are as
necessary to mans existence and prosperity on
this earth, as rain and sunshine are to the
growth aud perfection of the vegetable king
dom. Without these, he can effect little or no.
thing, whilst with them, little there is that will
successfully array itself against him
As regards the practical utility Of the ele-
ments OF energy and perseverance, we need but
refer you TO the past 10 demonstrate that they
are truly the Alpha and Omega of all important
and enterpriSng operations; that they are the
fundamental instruments by which all striking
aud distinguished events have transpired aud
the chief medium through which those whose
names are ImmortaiZed by distinguished deeds
or remarkable attainmcnts, have been enabled
so successfully to climb the pinnacle of fame
No remarkable epoch in the history of man has
fplya y,l1 Il
cnce OF these prnciples--no important revou-
ton, IN social, political, or religious institu-
tons, has ever been accomplished without the
exercise OF ludomitable energy and unflinching
pcrseverance-and never yet has a celebrated
warrior or distinguished statesman acquired his
imperlshablc reputation independent of these
cardinal principles. What was it that dispelIed
the Opaque mists of ignorance and superstition.
IN which the world was euyeloped during the
dark ages and spread abroad the lllumn-
atlng light of true christianity What was it
that rent asunder the shackes of tyrannical
deSpotsm, that ground down our soreiathers,
aod firmly established that republican liberty
and independence Of which we are so proud TO
boast' What was il that has recently created
such powerful conyulsions in Europe-already
placed the liberty of France it is hoped upon
an unosclllating foundaton-and struck the
proudest potentates with unaffected terror and
constcrnations What was il that has unequiy-
ocaliy established theories and sciences that at
one period were denounced as fallacies and
haliuclnations: In short, what was it that has
elevated man to his present high state of per-
Iectlon, In polIty, literature, commerce. arts
and sciences' IL lcas energg and perseverance !
These are the characteristic and substantial
Clements that successfully buoyed up those who
were directly instrumental in consummatinr
all ths and, indeed, it is to these elements thai
we are indebted for nearly all the radical bless
lhgs with which we are so redundantly sur
rounded. In fact, little there is of a m0mcn-
'ous character that has ever transpired, or been
ehected, without calling into requisition the
combined exercise of energy and perseverance,
rev Of any,) remarkable events. eminent
a.cshleVements, distinguished discoveries, scen-
uhc improvements, radical reformations tri,,m-
phant revolutions, or individual attainments
nave ever been accomplished, which do not
owe their consummation to these fundamental
principles