The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1851-08-30
For The Cert Wing.
The Faith ana Prospects Of the
American ESGy.

What these ore, ~ question, involving in its
answer great interest TO all the youth Of this
highly privileged nation. Furnishing as the
American system does, rare chances OF advance
ment, TO MI who are inclined to make The neccs-
sary eilort, it seems strange they should neglect
such a priri!cgc,
Whence have onr great men principnhy come?
Not aH from the college hall. and q gentle
blood. Our annals are rife with instances of
seli-made men, WHO have risen 10 distinction and
influence, by personal effort, and indomilable
perseverance.
have wondered, us have passed the erog-
cry, and restaurant, at seeing the youth ;herc,
wasting in dissipation those brighter hours of
life, which ,tontd be spent in forming mind and
acquiring character. 1t has been proved that
"Mlnd governs Matters and that acknowledge
is Power" Shall therefore, an ''iuglorous
ease" (from mental labor) deprive them OF that
enjoyment and honor, which season of severe
study would acquire for them.
Eplcnrns taught that the chief good of man,
consists in plraSule--not obtained in the the en-
ercse of the Passions, but in the training and
employment Of the mind. The contrary seems
to be the opinion, with regard to the Philosophy
he taught, but the sensualiSt is on the ur0ng
track, when he supposcs Epicurus to be his
master.
who have not had the good fortune TO spend ten
or fifteen years under tutors, and to whose
voice and tread University hall never echoed,
to steal the hours of leisure from labor and de-
vote them to labor under another form and name
would be absurd; mere waste Of time; spending
hours afforded them for enjoyment in dry and
gloomy manner; becoming sober old men before
they have passed youth. They think it would
be useless because Of the obstacles which could
never be overcome, and thus they would abor in
win and never rise. Suffer not yourselves to be
discouraged by such reflections, but ever keep
in mind this noble maxim ubor omnia rincit
Labor conqucrs all things"
Indeed, some have put such stress On
the power OF personal effort as TO deny the exs-
tence Of Talent, and attribute the trumphs OF
mind, to severe toll and close application.
think not so; but the less the compass of mind,
the greater degree Of toll required.
Let those, then, who have not been fec with
spoon in literature, be spurred on by a noble
ambition, to rely On their own efforts and strive
to seek OUT a brighter destiny.
His iuih. then, is in manfully struggling TO
acquire knowledge, and in the practice of VIII
tue. That acknowledge is power" is truism
as liked as that the "SQuare ofa hypohenusC of
right angled triangle is equivalent TO the sum
of the squares of the other two sides" 1t
moulds mems minds into one will, and leads
them, as it were. Unresisting. 1t forms govern
mcnts from anarchy; and, from Heterogeneous
and crude materials, forms soci,ty--a honoee-
neous wholc;-and, also, leads men TO seek
pleasure from the treasures of IntelIect whereas,
hitherto, it had been sought in the degraded
tount of sratifcd passion.
But then, this knowledge TO give perfect hap
plness, must be accompanied by virtue and
uprlghtness, in both word and deed. Genius
gains admiration and distinction-virtue, res
poet and love. So that united, they give honor
and happiness. Caesar and Napoleon are adj
mired,-Washingto admired and loved-nay,
almost alorrd.
HIS Prospects are among mechanics, artists,
'wyers, teachers, Magistrates, merchants, and
the different grades; in fine, up to the great
neil of the nation, and even the Presidential
enalr; which is as open to the lowest, as the
hlghest, if they suit themselves to its duties and
responsibilities. In all the others, intelligence
IS required, suited to their acquisitions, and a II
81 which are honorable and reputable. lie, it |
then-taklng the eagle for your pattern which, |
IL is SAID, directs his flight towards the sun |
though he never reaches t,-be your PURPOSE to
aim at the highest station; though you may never
attain great eminence, yet will you be quail |
he'd to Ill honoraby, the station which Provi- |
dence allots you. Hearken, o Youth! give ear
to my admontions, and follow the advice of
UNCLE JOE.
Port Deposit, .4ug. 9Th, 1851.
IN 49, Ln. IL, e,