The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1861-11-06
WooDsFTELD MONROE COUNTY OHIO NOVEMBER g. 1861

| Franklns; and / believe it characteristic
of American parents to give their children
large names. But they, no doubt, like
your friend. would have you never to dis
honor those whose names you have re-
ceived Therefore you must be good as
well as great. Indeed every good boy is
a great boy, but every great boy is not a
good boy, You SEE then that you all
eau be great by being good. ITO attain
noble ends bv noble means" should be
your aim; but to do this perseverance is
needed Strive to initiate the great and
good franklin, an incident of whose ear.
Iy life shall now be given to encourage
lyou:
Having early one Spring morning
placed himself on rock beside of a
stream and cast in his hook, (for he was
fond of fishing as you will shortly seel he
was thus addressed: "Have you caught
any fish yet, Bene7 Oh no. grandfather,
butI think shall pretty soon" Return
ing late in the evening the old gentleman
found little Bene in precisely the same
place with hook still ir the water. Caught
any fish yet, Bene? Oh no, grandfather,
but think shall before long, for have
had one most glorious nibbie." Persever-
ance characterized Mr.. Franklin's whole
life, and enabled him to achieve great
things He it was that drew from the
warning Clouds and confined in quart
bottle, that subtitle but powerful agent we
call lightning.
Be encouraged then, and remember that
what man has done man can do.
"The lives of great men all remind us,
That zoe may make our lives sublime,
And departing leave behind US,
Foot prints, which perhaps another,
Sailing DER life's troubled main,
q "A forlorn and shipwrecked brother
Seeing, may take hope again."
But do not forget that goodness is the
only sure road to happiness. Strive to
be men and women of moral stamina. It
is not sufficient to De skilled in the use of
the hoe, the ak and the rake--to know
how to wash the dishes, sweep the kitchen
and pale the cows, and besides to have
enlightened minds, bu: you must also have
warm aud pure hearts, full of generous
and glowing sentiments.
Continue to study the sacred scriptures
and they will make you wise nnto saliva
ton and prove lamp unto your feet. Do
not grow up in Ignorance of the Gospel
like a certain old lady concerning whom
beg leave, before taking my seat, to re-
late you an aneedote. Says certain
preacher to her: Have the people in
your neighborbood got the Gospel? Cos
pei? Yes, Madam, the Gospel. Waal,
they hav'nt got it here, but guess they
have it very bad over on Goose Run !"
She was SO ignorant that she thought be
had reference to some disease. 1
In co.iclnsion let me say to You all,
make the Bible your daily stndy,9 your
constant friend, and a better aad truer
friend man cannot possibly find in this
world IfAyou but heed its counsels you
will be prospered and abundantly blessed
in all that human heart could wish. But
place yourselves under its protection and
you will be secure amid the storms of life
Really, my friends, there is nothing
here worth living for, for all that is about
US and around US is transient. but be as
sured that Heaven to which the Bible
ever points US, is eternal Then let Us
apply our hearts to wisdom aud so live
that if we shall never more enjoy each
others society again on earth as we have
this day, we may have a happy reunion
beyond the fight Of time and the reign Of
death, in that land above whose joys are
unsullied and where the parting hand is
never given.
Thanking you for your attention and
wishing you we'll both in time and eterni-
ty, l bid you one and all pleasant good
bye. 5s5 -