The Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, Ohio) 1853-1861, 1860-11-08
L'rogressivemcss.

II may truly be said ihat we live in a
stands out on the roll of lime full of thrilling
and startling events ; il is marked with life
like characters and principles which shall tell
with prodigious effect upon generations yet
unborn. 1t is an age Of profound thought, of
deep research and pryiug nquiry-every-
thing is questioned, analysed and submitted
to the touch stone ofsevere investigation. In
dependence ofIhought and action is the watch
cry, and nothing is taken upon the ipse dirit
of king, priest or scholar. The majesty OF
mind is bursting away from the trammels of
harsh dogmatism, which has SO long impos-
ed its heavy burdens, and il is cutting for
ioolf track right across the open fields Of
this worlds affairs.
We are living with lightning rapidly; We
grasp great issues without hcsitatIoni we rush
into the busy din Of progress, reform and
business with stout hearts and rely upon ma
i've energy and native intellect to give succcsaJ
to our efforts; md the man who stops by the
way TO cayl and murmur ut the progressive
spirit and energy Of the times, because they
fall not within the range of his contracted and
beclouded intellect is left behind far down in
the track of progress TO growl out his anath-
emas upon the unheeding air. We bold no
controversy with such dwarfish inlellecto---
we leave them to their nutshell existence and
pass right on to the nc complishmont of noble
deed 8 and godliko achievements.
The question with us should be, not how
we should place an incumbus upon the sue
cess Of our fellow man, or check the onward
spirit of reform; not how we shall clog the
aspirations of brilliant intelects, or cast slur
upon grand developments and splendid
achievoments-but how shall we be able tc
give the right direction to awakened thought
uud aroused energies how shall we guide the
vessel of progress and reform through the
contending pillows and howling storm how
shall we steer clear of the shoals and hidden
rocks which have dashed SO many to pieces
in short how shall We lead on the great ar my
| of progressiveness, and bring it to bearagains
that which only corrupts and fosters love Of
power, One thing is certain; the experience
of men, Of communities, of citizens and Of ma
\, tons is before US, and stultiGed indeed mus
d be that intellect which will not profit by THEN
cx mple.
Beacon lights blaze out here and there or
s the stand points of this worl Ids fleeting histo
o ry, and as we look up and down the vexed
- channel of time, we SEQ numerous wrecks or
= every hand, giving out their silent but i'm
8 pressive warnings TO us to ponder well oul
> actions, and weigh well our principles. A
: calm survey of these lessons will better ct IA
5 to discharge the every day business and move
i mentS of our immediate circle; il will whe
If our intellccts to master successfully all thos'
objects which are for the promotion a. d ad
vancemcnt of our own community, lit will crusl
! down to the earth that contemplate spiri
which seeks to elevate itself on the ruin O
others, it will freeze up those malicious carp
ings which flow from men who are maddene>
at the success Of principle or an enierprisinl
Q citizen, and it win give to man, who heed
g their admonitions, benevolence of soul,
d spirit of self-denial TO promote interests an
I. pleasures, and n zeal for public interests an
happiness.
Al IN