The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1853-02-19

natural advantages, lest should seem to some
unduly to magnify, whilst only speak in part
the honest convictions of my own mind. Can
you, who are the young pioneers in this good
land be Indifferent to its future destiny and its
influence in the American Union? Is there a
heart here so stupid that it would not have
some hand in laying the foundations and giving
character to the institutions of this community!
Let it be the aim of all 50 to build that our in
stitutiOns may have a forming power strong
enough to mould into proper shape the ele-
ments that are to be thrown into them! An
other great advantage which we possess arises
from our isolated position. We are lsolated
and yet easy of access; we are far OH rom inc
great Eastern cities and yet nearer to them
than many places not so distant. We are al
ready. in the summer, within five days oil the
city Of New York. BY isolated we have REFER
ence to the comparatively unsettled state OF a
large portion of country between US and the
settlements in the States. We are not pushed
into this position by the gradual widening of
population, but attracted by the advantages of
the country, we have Overleaped the interve-
ming space, and formed a community that may
spread in both directions. This circumstance
affords a fine opportunity for the development
of an individuality of character. Institutions
are not crowded upon us by extending popula-
ton, but free from all, we may choose what is
good and reject what is injurious; profting by
the experience of others, we may establish our
institutions upon the most approved principles.
Thus Minnesota may, if she will, rise up in her
own strength, and create flood tide, that
shall roll back meet and mingle with the wat
ers that are coming from the East.
But all these advantages will not make us a
virtuous and happy people. unless they are i'm
proved. Unless there is in the young men of
Minnesota enough of true public spirit to care
for her welfare to take an interest in the for
nation and execution of her laws the estab-
lishment of her humane and benevolent institu-
tons the founding of her schools, colleges and
churches-unless you have a heart to feel for
all that relates to her social, political, moral
and religious welfare then there may arise
such evils among us, and flow in upon us, as
will blast our fondest hopes, and live long to
breathe their pestilential breath all over this
highly favored land.
Remember you are Americans! You are
citizens of Minnesota! You owe duties to her
which You cannot safely neglect. Let every
one, who feels that he has made this his home,
be public spirited man let him care as much
for the public good for his personal interests:
let him resolve that he will do his part as God
may enable him, to make Minnesota the happy
home of an enlightened people.
That is the highest, and only true form of pub
lie spirit which takes in the interests of the life
that is to come as well as of the life that now
object unworthy the high aspirations of an i'm
mortal soul That is the best home for man
where pure religion spreads its influence around
and hallows all the relations of life. On earth
sswhat does not fade? The tower that long had stood
The crush of thun Ter and the waving winds,
Shook by the slow but sure destroyer, Time,
Now hangs in doubtful ruins Ger its base,
And hnty pyramids and walls of brass
Descend. The BabylOnan spires are sunk;
Achia, Rome and Egypt mouldcr down.
Time shakes the stable tyranny of thrones,
And totterins Empires rush by their own weight.
This huge rotundity we tread grows old,
And all those Crlds that roll around the sun;
The Sun himself shall die, and ancient night
Again involve the desolate abyss,
Till the Great Father. through the lifeiess gloom
Extend his arm to light another world,
And bid new planets roll by other laws.''
But beyond all this there will be life, and
everlasting rewards for those who, possessing
the true spirit of Him whom pity brought to
earth, live to bless their generation and serve
their God. BE ye therefore such; act in the
fear of God then his blessing will attend you
and long linger on the spot consecrated by
your manly toll