Lewisburg chronicle. [volume] (Lewisburg, Pa.) 1850-1859, 1852-09-10
LEWlSBURG, UNION COUNTY, PENN, FRIDAY SEPT 49, 1852

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The great struggle in Europe is t
overthrow titled aris.ocracy, and hither
to it has miscrably failed because tn
means have been erroneous. The cnl
way to abolish birth-right expressions, i
to ,aise the intelligence and consequently
the wealth of the mass, up to level witt
that Of the patrieiaus. The line of sepa
ration then becomes only nominal, ant
can be abolished without the change o
ANYTHING bat q name
The condition of the populace is ou
grand object Of regard, and We Cal
never improve this by special reforms il
which we appeal to prejudice or passion
to deceptive statistics, or popular war-criss
y Eou must iMtdr'aLiy be kind ano
tolerant
A reformer may expect TO endure oblo-
guy as the reward Of his compassion, and
meet the clenched fist of wrath, or the
concealed dagger of malice, where he e1
tends the open hand of benevolence. lie
must persist in blessing those who maligu
or misunderstood him, and be content to
let truth work its slow changes. Men
seldom recognize their real benefactors,
till time has placed them beyond the reach
of praise and he Who sows to the public
good, is seldom the same as he who reaps
public rewards.
Too often he who assails an evil, in.
dulges in anger and violence toward those
whom he would reform, and even toward
those who unite not in his enterprise.
Never deny to others that leisure and de-
liberation in changing their sentiments,
which you choose for yourselves. lie who
admonishes must not be rude, nor he who
sets a good example become prosecutor
to those who are slow to follow it.
You will often encounter ignorant agi-
taiors, WHO talk glibly about corruptions
and their cures, who yet know nothing Of
such matters, and who are incompetent to
decide questions of fact, much less Of
philosophy. Embrace these among the
objects Of You philanthropy rather than
your dislike, and if they can not be rea-
soned with, be content to diffuse that light
in which their absurd opinions will expire,
1 will offer no other suggestions, except
remark or two growing out Of the whole
subject.
It is clear that good feelings and pure
aims 60 but little way in making a re-
former. There should be clear perception,
sound judgment, patient industry, and
tolerant forbearance; and these are the
fruit of training. This training to an
important degree you have had, and the
rest you will seek. You may never de-
wise and originate reforms, but you may
lend yourself to schemes evidently good,
and aid in forming the bone and sinew of
the army of philanthropists. As educated
men the world has special claim on you.
And though there sever was time when
benevolent man could not do good, yet
there never was such favorable period
for it az you have now before you.
On such as you our hope rests, for the
day has for ever passed when a nation s
safety mig ght lie in armies or citadels, or
its danger in s6e hazard OF being overrun
or conquered. Our dangers Mrk under
the false civilization, the false politics, the
false literature, and the false men OF the
day; and our safety lies in the spread of
knowledge, and the growth of virtue. l
believe that man is moving on to the sub
lunary perfection, but it will not be easy
or uninterrupted movement.
Arm yourself for the sublime purpose
Of living "in Del honorum, reiq"epnbHca'
en,olun,entun.." Never will sordid and
selfish pursuits result in honor or peace.
Love Of country out Of love to man, and
these out Of love to God, will lead you
through paths Of benevolence to the
heights of sublunary good. Be the steady
friends of literature and morality, alway,
ready to cast your raodicum Of aid in
favor of every laudable enterprise. Be
ever more anxious to construct than to
break down. Be not an ultraist, nor
frightened from propriety when you are
called such by the timid advocate of half
way measures, or thss turdy adherent to
custom and corruption.
Go then young men, from these loved
halls, firm in the purpose Of the improve
ment Of your race. Remember! Mans
grand interest, is the welfare Of his soul ;
and his grand cxamplar, is Jesus Christ.
Devote you life to just those objects which
formed your Saviors crrand to earth
and prosecute them in strict imitation,
both of his measures and his tempers.
You will have our Father who is in heaven
on yourride, and will partake of the tri-