Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1866-06-04
THEGAZETTE.
MONDAY EVENING" JUNE 4, 1866.
a Bass ~ COMMUNICATED.
pEcIsIoN-BY J. B. johnson. p

loc-E DEcIsION-By J. B. Johnson.
Decision is a rare attribute. 1t is a comb
nation of many intellectual exceencies, land
when applied to the more important transac-
tions Of life, implies not only frmness in deter
mining to act in the pursuit Of a proposed OBJ
iect, but the exercise of superior judgment in
the selection Of the proper manner and suitable
time for putting into operation the plan by
which that object is to be acquired. In an en-
racement in the various avocations Of business
little that is good or great is gained without its
essential aid, and its guidance has vouchsafed
ali those acquisitions of mental or mechanical
labor, that have amused, instructed or benefit
ed mankind Itputs 10 motion those means
which have for their end the rich reward of
success, and when allied with intelligence, in
tegrity and industry constitutes the sum Of all
the elements that ensure triumph in almost
every undertaking ,@aza-4s-@ Is 10 a
When thus. embodied, it is equal to. every
emergency, and yieldsits power in ratio to the
demand Of he exigency that calls it into action.
It tells when and where to begin the execution
of an important plan, and generates the purest
fruit of the greatest attainment in art, science,
or literature 1t differs from energy in the
great feature that it determines its course and
opens the way for its labors; and however en-
ergetic 40 individual may be, he can attain but
little without its assistance 1t IS that power
which indicates force Of character, and tits that
active principle in the mental composition OF
person, that promises a reaS onable. realization
of favorable termination OF any project upon
which his will may concentrate its desires 1t
couusels perseverance, and marshals all It's adj
vantange to overcome every impeachment that
may obstruct its way, and If it does cot always
succeed, it stops not short of deserving the re-
enumeration Of sincere eDdcavor. 1t is not
the offspring Of u hasty cogltanon, but the
magnitude of strength deduced from wisdom,
and the firm resolve Of mature dellberatlon, In
ferred from profound examination OF all the
component parts that are Intended to form the
basis of a given enterprise. 80.
Its not the sport Of circumstances, cut the
effect of an acute perception that clears ats
vision OF ali dubiousness, aud points the mode
to subdue difficulties. measures their true
na,u~e and approprates seeming distractions
as auxillaries, to enable intelligence TO do its
perfect work. e.r.,
Itfashions its means its own inclination, and
orders industry to complete It's career with JOY.
Having chosen its course, II turns deaf ear
to frivolous objections, and smiling at the COM
plants of doubt, moves vigorously onward 10
the accom- shment OF It's intentions, without
pausing until it meets the light OF its own pre-
eminent achievements.
Such are some of the properties OF DECISION;
and possession of it. even III a limited degree,
gives an individual much advantage over
competitor in pursuit of either honor Or profit,
who is doubling or tlud IN disposition. Its
presence explains the success OF one. person,
and its absence the failure OF another, under
siuIilar circumstances in the same avocalion.
1t induces one individual to persevere, where
another, devoid Of its prom ptings, would panse,
and an immense amount Of the first order OF
talent is rendered nugatory to tie world, by
being devoid of it. Fame has lost many gor-
geous gem, in virtue OF so few having that de-
gree of courage to further the plan OF their
projects and obscurity has claimed many
youth as It's own, because he could not master
holiness enough to make that initiative essay
which accustoms the mind 10 meet hlodrances,
and override obstacles.
Any end in intellectual Or physical lator,
worth obtaining, must be sought with decided
address; and if an individual has the prize OF
fame or emoumect to win, he must not halt IN
his progress, but go zeaously to work, or else
those opponents, who have more Confidence
will pluck the golden fruit, and leave him out
We'd 10 be moved, never again perchance, by
the !audahle impulses OF an exemplary ambI
ton. AS General may lack decision to meet
the shock OF battle, and b. losing the chances
Of yict0ry, expose his soldiers to the demoral-
zing influence of tiinidity, so many iduals
in the pat his of business strife, lose, Ivy hest
taucy that which they would have gained by
s,irit of trying to do something worthy of g
siGcere and Steady effort.
Every one should cultivate hrmuess in deter
mination commensurate with his capacity, and
ever hopc 10 do something that viii bring good
to society, and commentator to his aame He
should secure himself with honor aad wisdom,
and always remember himself If he has not
the decision necessary for tho mandate OF an
arduouS and important enterprise, he had bet
ter rehnquish his claim to conduct any measure
above mediocre; for if the results of acciaent
are not propitious, he is almost sure to fail,
and his temerity In attempting that which he
is not capacitaled to order, entails not only rid
icule upon his name, but injury the cause
which he may espouse. Such attempts are but
mockery of decision, and are as far removes
from it as shadow is from the substance which
II represents.
Something must be ventured in every under
taking that has its success inwrapped in tn,
development ct future events, or nought Will
be won, and it an important duty is to be per
formed, az individual should decide at o.,ce to
make an intelligent risk, go righteously t., work,
and with honest motives, take all the pleasure or
pain Of triumph or defeat for if he desires to be
anything he must not be like sE,ip in mid
ocean without mast Or ruadcr, but select the
object ofhis pursuit, and follow 1t with decis-
ion that will render him worthy of the honor of
earth, and 'helmmortaity Of Heaven.
NEcEWAN'S GENUINE SCOTCH ALE
This celebrated Ale is use at Delmonico,s and