The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1863-08-26


some distractions that crowd our pathway,
! but the work is ours and we must perform
il If we wish to obtain the reward
Inertia is not law of nature, it is merely
law of Circumstance or of chance All
things in nature labor. The Planets pur-
sue their unceasing course from day 10 day.
The earth fails not in yielding her prodnc-
tions. The waters pursue their course obe-
dient to the Heavenly mandate, all in order
and harmony. We must also observe order
in mental labor less by over exertion on
J one day ve destry our strength for the next
and thereby lose more than we gain; we
should never overtask the mind, but en-
deavor to enlarge before we enlarge the
task, otherwise what we intend as heaI,hful
food for the mind will but serve 10 weaken
and disorder il, and instead of opening the
deep fountain of thought will but throw
distractions in its course.
Some persons, it is true, slide along very
easily through the world, without ever hav-
ing thought OF their own, living on other
peoples thoughts and works, but it is scan
ty fare, and worse than folly to sIeal from
their neighbours gardens and leave their
own uncultivated. This is why there are
so many in our county who as we often
say have no minds of their own. They
purpose of mind-no course marked out
which they intend TO pursue Such persons
never coin new thoughts from the well
within their own minds. They are one day
copying after some person whom their fan.
cy may have painted as perfection, and
perhaps the very next day copying after
another One week counting the friendship
OF one sci or class OF people, and per-
haps the very next week trying 10 gain
popularity with another.
man or woman without purpose of
mind and force of character sufficient 10
enable them TO pursue the right course
whithersoever it may lead, is like ship
tossed 10 and fro on the Ocean, in raging
storm, without Captain to command and
without a port in view. We can never be-
come learned by following in the footsteps
of another, not because he did not succeed
nor because he is not our superior, but
merely because his thoughts DO not become
orr thoughts or rather we having a supply
of his at hand, do not deem it necessary for
Us TO think a, all, but are content 10 be only
imitalors, nsing counterfeit thoughts instead
OF real, merely because they are better pol
ished and save us the trouble of thinking
for ourselves. | love TO think of the great
minds that have gone before as and have
trod tbs paths of wisdom and of knowl-
edge, and as long as they assis: Us in think
ing and teach Us TO improve ourselves they
are useful, but no, when they induce US 20
build airy castles upon Imitation.
The greatest poets, orators, statesman,
and historian labored to become greaI, and
the most obvious reason why they succeed.
ed and surpassed others, is because they
have taken a wider view and made greater
exeriions to attain it. There are instances
to The contrary, but generally the lives of
all truly great men have been a course of
continued study. Milton was regularly at
his studies and pursued them until be had
mastered The wisdom of his age. Pascal
killed himself by study. Cisero's health
was impaired by the same course. And
although it is not necessary nor indeed
right for Us all to study, so as TO impair our
heatIh. Yet when we speak of great minds
we should count the cost of their greatness,
and the sacrifices they have made 10 be-
come distinguished. Then perhaps we will
not envy them their high position in knowl-
edge nor think that nature placed them up
on the summit while we must remain at
the bottom. Our Washington was good
and great man, but not naturally so. His
tory tells US he was man of strong pas
sions but be sirove TO bring them in sub
iecton to his Heavenly masters will. That
he was great or a successful man without
labor no one can for moment imagine
His boyhood was life OF hardy endurance,
and danger never moved him where duly
was concerned. The All-wise Creator has
placed as here upon this earth and left Us
to choose good or evil, knowledge, or igno-
rance. All nature teaches as that be delights
in our happiness and improvement. The
study of his great work advances both.-l
And if we fail TO study them we are DISC
beying him just as moch by omiting to
improve as by really doing wrong. He has
spread out before us an unexhaustible
course of study from which We may con-
tiuuaIly drink refreshing draughts, yet ever
thirst for more. The Planet on which we
live is filled with matter TO urge US to search
out IFS hidden mysteries.
He who best improves his mind, and
studies most, natures works lives nearest
to their Author, and enjoys his appreciation.
His great work was no: finished until he
created man 10 reverence and adore the
author of so much wisdom and goodness.
He could have created the mind large
enough 10 have comprehended all his works,