The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1857-11-12
BE POSITIVE.


of success in life occasioncd by a neglect to
obey this injunction, than from and other
single cause.
Many young man having every advan-
tage which wealth, position, talent and cul-
ture can possibly give him, becomes only a
mere cypher at last, from the lack of those
qualities which positiveness of character
gives. Nothing great Or good in life can
ever be accomplished without it.
Wealth receives only the respect which
it deserves at last, and SO with influence
and intellectual culture. All things seek a
level. That which dazzles and lures at
first, is invariably set down, finally, at its
intrinsic worth.
The old Greek had maxim which read
"know thysclf." This required some cour-
age for when a man deliberately sets about
knowing himself, and Judging tho secret
springs of his actions, he will be apt to find
within: the inner rccesscs of his soul, some
things which need vast deal of mcnding,
nevertheless such study is not to be neg
lected, however much modern philosophy
may cry out against it, saying: "Lcave of
trying to know thyself' Thou wilt never
accomplish thy desire. Do thy work that
is best for thee.''
BE thyself' said the philosopher, md
this, indeed requires moro courage than the
other. 1t needs more strength Of charact>
and tirmer purpose. 1t tolerates no SER
vile imitation, nothing but frank, honest
and earnest expression Of the reality within
us.
Iosltiveness of character prcsupposes at,
tention to these requisites of knowing and
being. A man must understand himself, his
position, and his motive of action, before he
Is competent to be positive in the expression
OF opinion, or in the defence of principles
where action is required, where opposition
meets him at every step, and where only by
an unyielding energy he can succeed.
1t requires courage to be positive. 1t is
very easy matter for a man to say lazily
sit may be so;" or IL think so :" or "per.
haps l will" But to say "yes" or "no'
when difficulties and obstacles be in his
pathway, demands another sort of DISPOSE
ton, and indicates man of " sterner stuff
one who is not to be daunted or intimi.
dated one who moves steadily towards the
consummation of his purpose.
There never was time when there was
moro need Of positive characters, in boil,
men an women than at the present day.
In the turmoil and corruption of party
strife, in the confusion of creeds, and the
selfishness of the multitude, how cheering
it is to behold here and there one, too no.
BILE to sacrifice principle to self.interest or
advancement, and too brave to abandon the
right however fiercely assailed. Snch men
are the positive character in society. They
WELD mighty influence, an influence to
which all must yield an unfeiegned and un.
qualified reverence. They do the good
they accomplish the great moral reforms
and benevolent design which bless human
ity.
BE positive! To attain this is worthy o
an earnest faith and heroic struggle. LIE,
those conscious of lack in this respect
cultivate the habit of mind here defended
and let them know that such course will
be marked by the most favorable results
not only as it effects themselves and thei,
own improvement but in regard to its bene
hclal influence upon all With whom they
are connected.