The examiner. [volume] (Louisville, Ky.) 1847-1849, 1849-11-10

SIS eAplalu VI SCIENTIFICALLY dCCOuul lOT III,
yet it is an inconlestable effect, as uniform
ly following from every genuine display of
earnestness as the publication OF the air
succeeds TO the manifestation Of material
lightning. One might indeed call earnest
ness sort of Spiritual electricity, inasnauch
as it is always vital element in human
nature; snd when actively aroused, exerts
wholesome influence through the mental
atmosphere, beng even sometimes, no. un-
accompanied with danger. Its persuasive
efficacy is meanwhile undeniable. Ii cir
culates conviction, and serves the ends Of
truth, as the electric currents promote health
by an energetic and sanative agitation. A
mind charged with this irresistible puissance
has ready and intimate access 10 all states
and conditions Of sympathy and sensiblity,
and may override them to the promulga.
ZION of whatever truths il is inspired with;
for truth is ever prevalent when its pres.
ence is once felt. The soul delights to be
subdued under its glorious dominion, and
feels nobIer liberty when constrained to
surrender in obedience TO its command
Like the glow and beauty of the sunrise,
like the delicious melody Of winds among
the autumn leaves, is the kindly encoura-
ging voice which bids Thy heart believe-
Welcome as the footstep of an expected
friend, memorable as the tones Of undying
love, as the speeches Joy Of some grand
deliverance, is that holy and mysterious an
nunciation, wherein truth cometh like an
angel, saluting the soul with its glad tidngs.
for then is the man an inlet to the rays Of
aboriginal intelligence. and the inspiration
OF the Almighty giveth him understanding.
All that is understood by intellectual and
moral elevation is inseparably associated
with earnestness of character. There is
neither true intelligence nor virtue possible
50 long as the mind is tainted with indiffer-
ence. He who would be accounted wise,
must love wisdom with unlimited devotion.
If any man seek knowledge for selfish and
unworthy ends, he will be inevitably depri-
we'd Of its most invaluable advantages. The
practical profanity which he thus commits
will affect the integrity of his understand
ing; and that which should have been an
accession of rue insight into bis soul, will,
through a vicious use, become the sure
means Of his degradation. The sacred ee-
ment Of knowledge-the quality whence
the intellect derives new increase of vigor
and enlargement, and which to a reverent
and earnest mind is always the ptims at-
traction-is utterly and scandalously thrown
away whenever knowledge is prosecuted
solely for secular or mercenary benefits
Everything that We can know, the meanest
fact that can instruct Us, has an intimate
and significant reference to the culture Of
which We are capable, and in this properly
consists its highest and pre-eminent value.
Strictly and philosophioally considered, the
universe is divine college for the educa-
ton Of humanity. All science, and histo
ny, and experience, exist, and are secured,
as an available possession ia the world, TO
the one end that Of today may be richly
and adequately enlightened.
In this illustrious university every man
by natural constitution, is appointed to be a
student. To learn anything effectually, he
will need to incline his mind earnestly to
apprehend it in its total and manifold S e.
ni6cance. Nature reveals nothing to a
mere impairment curiosity; this, rather, she
perpetually confounds, till mans frivolity
becomes at last the instrument OF his de-
struction. She will tolerate no vain shall
lowness, no trivial pretentiousness. Over
all the gates and entrances OF her institu-
tons she has written in letters OF enduring
light-'Use your gifts faithfully, and they
shall be enlarged: practise what you know,
and you shall attain TO higher knowledge.
Her rigorous, yet benshcent command.
mems, may not be anywise gainsayed
neither will they suffer the least infringe.
ment without serious loss to the offender.
1t is only by compliance, by an earnest
fidelity to the truth, that man can be es-
tablished in freedom, valor, and authentic
worth.
All action shoots around it everlasting
influences. That which thou doest to-day
shall not cease out of existence, but, as |
power more or less momentous, become in. |
corPorated with the universal forces which |
circulate for ever throughout time and be-
yond time. Profoundly was il said by
Schiller, Life is earnest The immortal |
ity Of man enters into everything he does:
how needful, then, to do it well. Consider
that the worthiness or worthlessness Of an
act lies always in the spirit in which il is
performed, and that a man can Justify him.
self through no transaction wherein he
does not throw his utmost capabilify, as the
warranty OF sincere intention. Can we
not transfgure the meanest duties by Ger.
tain loneliness and magnifcence Of perfor.1
nance? True dignity is ever the product
Of the man, and is nowise indigenous to his
circumstances. The kingly Alfred, tend
ing the baking Of cakes in the peasants
cottage, was not the less a royal nature
while thus hlmbly employed; nay, he
would have shown himself a greater man
could he, in the face OF his manifold state
have kept the cakes from burn
ng. Diogones was greater than Alexand-
n, and might reasonably prefer to be him
eli rather than the conqueror. inasnnuch as,
With smaller means, he could realise more
ubllme contertment; centralising within 9
he kingdom Of his tub more wit, wisdom, {
md manful independence, than the other I
,ould attain to with his wide imperial do a
ninions. He, doubtless, is the greatest {
Who can 30 overpower and subordinate his r
as to make the grandeur and a
,eauty of character shine through them, q
ven as the sun makes glorious the clouds r