Eastern times., 1854-09-21
For the Eastern Times,
A PURPOSE in Life.

| lHOiO lS RICdI UIIICTCllCG OCtWCCu IllIH VINO
lives and works with settled, determined
| purpose In view, and him whose life is varied
and changed by the every varying course Of
circumstances. The one directs his thoughts
and actions TO the accomplishment of a pre-
conceived end. His mind is bent to the pur-
suit of one object. His energies, instead Of
being wasted in those pursuits which bring
only temporary advantage, are concentrated
upon the one grand purpose of his lite. The
object itself is constantly growing in magni-
tude and importance until it comes to appear
of such vast weight and consequence, that it
must be pursued though it cost lifetime of
labor and effort. And when this object is
gained, it brings with it discipline of mind
strength of will, and secret satisfaction
which amply repay whatever of toll it may
have required to attain it. On the other hand
the man who lives from day to day with no
other object in view than to crafty his pres
ent necessities or desires, is mere shuttle
cock, subject to the caprice and will Of others.
These two classes of persons are everywhere
seen and while men who live without a pur-
pose in view, perish like the beast of the field,
those who are striving for the attainment Of
some noble object, are an ornament of society
and a blessing to their country. They give
vitality and energy to our American life.
They build our railroads and steamboats,
they tunnel our mountains and string our
country with living, speaking nerves.
Through the press and the pulpit, they force
the public mind to feel and think as they feel
and think. They are the reformers of evil
the promoters Of good. To this class Of men
art owes its advancement, literature owes its
charms, and eloquence Its controlling power.
Christianity, too, employs such men to urge
upon the world the acceptance of the truths of
religion. The poets and orators, painters and
scuptors, successful statesmen, and heroes of
all past time, were men who lived with an OBJ
ject in view. And we may be assured that
the first and foremost men in all future time.
will be those whose life will have an object,
and whose labors will be to accomplish that
object.
While it is of the utmost importance TO all
men that they have some worthy object in
view, it is Of especial importance to the young
that they have some definite aim to which they
may direct their energies. They owe it to
themselves and their country. Great response
blities rest upon them. Nothing less than
the destinles Of our glorious country. 1t is
the duty Of each one to add to the aggregate
of national renown, the honor of individual
success. Our country is prosperous, because
the individuals of which it is composed are in
the full tide of success. But still greater
prosperity awaits the coming generation
| Civilization has been advanced by men of past
generations, but it is to be carried still higher
discovered and new application made Of them.
Upon those who are now in the spring time
of life will devolve the pleasing task of de-
veloping and applying those truths which now
| lie hidden in the womb of time
Let no one say that he has not the genius
necessary for the accomplishment Of noble
purpose. All that is required, is steady ap-
plication. And application is .ge7ius. All
the genius that Webster claimed for himself
was great power Of application genius
for hard study. Thought is the result Of ap-
plication. and what will they not accomplish
They made Newton the first of philosophers
and benefactor of the human race. And
though all men cannot acquire equal fame, all
may SO labor for the attainment Of high and
noble purpose that at the close of life they car
say, 81 have not lived in vain.'' Q.
A correspondent Of the Cleveland Plaindeal-
er, writing upon the Douglas meeting in In
dianapolis, observes =
"Order being restored, Judge Douglas
commenced and he comDIetely chained thei