The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1863-10-27
Opportunity and Courage.

To the Editor Of the Press:
When we hear people talk reverenty of
charity or active endeavors to relieve the ne
cessitous-of the calm endurance of our SOL
diers tGod bless them where glory and liberty
is won from their veins we respond with a
full heart mentally. But when we would have
a seal to the document of more value than
amen, we put hand into this pocket for as
sessment and just dividend OF joint stock in
home and country.
The earth is the Lords and the fulness
thereof" This opportunity will be offered to
the public by the Martha Washington Society,
at the City Hall in ample feast for fancy or
appetite. | doubt not but the citizens of
Portland will then and there send up record
OF good deeds to the supreme registrar, duly
transcribed under caption-a profitable invest
ment loaned to me. ''He that giveth to the
poor lendeth to the Lord
Opportunities occur to test moral courage
in everyday life. When we sit, listless spec
tator, and listen to the inuendo of the thought
less or malicious, do we come to the rescue as
il we were the natural defenders and body
guard of truth? The little foxes spoil the
vines" Does charity clear up the false sur
mise, or are "trifles light as air. combinations
sure for judgment, TO pass sentence on the in
nocen;? Too often, We fear, to the midnight
assassin, who awaits not justice, but the OPP
portunity to strike! IT'S well to bear in mind
the little truism, II ne .ftut .jamdis defer un
.tou; but don't be IA coward aud disclaim lang
syne acquaintance, or from amiabilily whrl
into the ranks of the enemy.
Calmly to meet life as we have it, is to write
on its pages-dimmed by tear-blots and marred
by erasures of hope-a sublime epic.
Paul was my Christian hero, when he looked
down into the stiffness of great soul and said,
AL these things cannot move me-; and yet
can almost see the thoughts which accompa-
MED that saying, falling down into that deep
well, splash the water up into his eyes.
Wisdom lives near the bottom of human life
that with humility it may ascend to the gate
OF heaven. Its power to rise is its own iden-
tity, and for US to await with patience the res
direction, is to understand God. All things
shall work together for good to those who love
Him. Engrave this upon your banner, you
tried and tempted, lile-tossed hero. Then look
up, read anew the promise of your enlistment,
and fight on, perhaps hero in rags, but even
greater than a hero in armor.
II wisdom takes from you riches health is
left, which is better than riches. If health is
taken he leaves wealth. Ii he takes both he
leaves friends. Aud if he takes all these,
house, home and worldly goods, wisdom is not
exhausted; We call at the font, which can
make blessings of what remains.
There is a bow of promise over-arching, and
silver lining to the cloud; wait Il little and a
solitary star comes out to cheer it. In the
heat OF the contest the strong may perish, or
the way-worn lay down to die but you will
hear the ring of their armor, and wrapping
their standard of stripes about them they
"sleep well after lie's ftul fever" Is it brave
to face the heavy hail of death on the field Of
glory? Is it courage to shield a loved one
from the swiit-wnged archer, by life of ours?
What then is il to live when all of life is dead;
the spirit of It's dream fled forever, too fair for
aught so feet. NJ. NJ. PATTERSON.
Oct ~