The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1860-03-03
Che Gssapist.
For The Cecil Wing.
The Past. Present and Future.

Some kill themselves by looking at the
pasti somo by looking into fnturity, and
great many by not viewing either way. The
wise man gains wisdom by past experience;
and duties are well accomplished in the
present; making his schemes and actions all
in his power to uphold and render them ellec-
tive; at the same time acknowledging Divine
rule. He is positive to the result of his
plans; knowing that in actions past the causes
then used viii produce the effect that he W fishes
to attend his present Plans. The use Of look
ing at the past is to be guided by an effect u
a cause. For if that effect is unsatisfactory,
we try other causes to bring desired result
Now we do not imagine that any man could
succeed by just knowing the present; such
an idea is ridiculous. What would man
accomplish if events were obliterated an
instant after they were fixed on the mind
We look at the past and in all its darkness we
behold many examples that we would do
well to initiate. The courses of characters Of
old stand out conspicuously; let us behold
and be governed. We live in ripper and richer
times, but their courses of life in great
measure shaped ours. We have gained our
rpeness and wealth by knowledge of the
past. 1t ought to be our motto, act well our
part that prosperity may have a more com
plete ruddcr to steer by.
The present is regarded by many as the
time for frivolties. Having no ambition to
extend their knowledge, they live in con-
| tinual round OF light pleasures. If they would
only apply themselves to the culture of the
mind pleasures they have no idea exist would
abundantly reward them; in comparison to
which the light gaities of life are insignificant
shadows. There can be no advancement,
if knowing all the past contains, you follow
not its lessons and act NOR with desire for a
higher position. Wemust improve the present.
il we want to acquire ability--a higher sphere
of existence. There are many men who never
succeed; they may know the past but do not
care to treasure up valuable experience
Here we see the origin of dcpravity, which is
| ignorance, which is the slime by which man
swallows wondrous and nondescrpt things
To live in such an age as this and yet live in
| darkness is the greatest curse man can pro-
nounce upon himself. God gave us talents
and it is our duty to improve them. Let us
bend our whole mental and physical strength
| in noble pursuits, and the future will find us
| possessed of an nestinable reward. There IS
| talent power in every mans mind, and it
! only needs eXertion to bring it FORTH The
| present may present unchcering prospects,
| but clouds will gather; let us not despond.-
! Let that life within buoy us up, until more
genial times. Cram every moment with sound
thoughts; work now, work well, and see the
fruit your labor will bear.
No man can ascribe to himself the power of
diyinng the future. No when pigmy man
can assume such power, he must ascend out
| Of the rcal Inns of flesh he cannot take what
belongs only to God. The very ground we
now tread on may be rent asunder by some OF
the mighty throes; mountains may spring
| from the valleys, containing within them seas
| Of boiling lava; the river before us that looks
SO well imprisoned within its towering banks
may change its entire channel; what now pre-
sents order and beauty, may soon be chaos ;
where flowers bloom, deserts sands may
|
plowmen turn the fertile soil, may be but a
| barren waste, who knows? With God all
things are possible. Or new cities may Gin
our vanity we say willy spring up, and with
their swarming souls, crying excelsior =
accomp fishing mighty deeds. What is called
great may then, perhaps, be viewed as the
result Of pasime thought. Engaged in
works that would ao,U be AS incomprehensible
to us as the iufnitude above. Again, man
may SINK to the depth of savageness. The
cities with all their beauty of art their stump.
tious halls and happy fresidcs, crumble in the
dust; and man, with the bow and arrow
possessing the lowest attributes, roam ovel
vast w lderncsses.
Such things, we are led to believe, will
never happen. Man is advanced nearer tc
God than he ever was before. We see tn,
tide of civilization rolling onward-swellinl
over our vast West, down the slopes of the
Pacific coast, slowly but surely, gaining
ground in Asia; iumining dark Africa
spreading its glorions banner over Tho
Archpcligoes of the Atlantic and Pacific.
We have ceased to wonder at the success o
the working brain every particle of it is
latent wonder, containing incalculable power
and we are led to believe time will develop
it.
The great Sahara and other barren portion
of the world may yet be dotted with cities
aoored with iron rails the whistling iron
horse, instead of the slow sand beaten sun
scorched caravans smoke from busy fur
naces, instead of sitting sand clouds.
Some say such things are impossible. W
say with God all things are possible
, He can change the Universe.
CECIL HARTFORD.
REMOVAL OF THE REMAINS OF GEN. JACK
r1,.- 4 ILL r,rnu idinn C,i tho rnnounl Of III