The weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 186?-1869, 1868-04-15

govern ment, and in the manner tn which we
have been long accustomed, conform our
laws to the requirements of our condition
from time to time, than now to reject the
whole, upon vague and unfounded hopes Of
possible changes, favorable to our wishes
and views ~
MAKE SURE OF THE PRESENT.
Let us then seize upon the present oppor-
tunity, needing no scruples, and trusting to
no Chances. The past is dead. The future
is pcOpled only with il-defned and ever
changing phantoms of hopes and fears.
There is nothing substantial but the living
present-the now of eternity.
TO THE coLoRED PEOPLE. &c
Before closing nv remarks, have word,
especially fur the colored citizens who seem
so eager to hear, and be advised in their
new relations and duties.
Your relations to the government OF the
country may be definitely arranged and per-
manently fixed, but your private relations,
as members of the community, must depend
on circumstances, and causes, more or less
| changeable. and which involve consequences
| and results which no human intellect can
| fathom or unfold. They are in the keeping
of the future, and under the directing hand
| of an all wise Providence. To vote, and to
| take part in the administration of the laws,
however important as duties appertaining to
| citizenship, are not to be reckoned in COM
parison with those higher and more pressing
| duties which pertain to you as men. Virtue,
industry, thrift-an orderly demeanor and
| Al. <l,t, cof
society-are the only means by which men
can elevate themselves to usefulness, respec-
liability or happiness. In entering upon
! your new career, you start behind in the
race. No provisions of government can
prevent your position in this country from
being one of delicacy and embarrassment.
Your good conduct up to this time, has been
acknowledged to your credit, and has oper-
ated greatly to your advantage. DO not
suffer yourselves to be deceived by the pres
! ent care of the government, nor by the ac-
tive interest now, taken by friends in your
behalf. These things are meant only to
| give you start, and to encourage you to such
| a course of conduct, as shall approve the
wisdom of what Is being done, and bring
no shame or regret upon its authors and
advocates
The easiest of all means to move men is
through their prejudices and passioDs-so
easy that the worst and most stupid of men
may WELD it. 1t is seldom resorted to but
for bad and unworthy ends. You may al
ways safely suspect the integrity and mo-
tives of man who approaches you from
that direction. He that appeals to judge
ment and duty bears his burden up the hill,
and has undertaken his labor for elevated
ends. He aims at objects that will bear the
face of day, and which shrink not from the
scrutiny of men nor angels But he that ap-
peals to prejudice and passion, seeks ends
that hide in the shadow of the valley. He
has chosen an easy, downward road, where
the fool may walk with the wicked for his
guide. "Be not deceived. Evil communi
cations corrupt good manners" If you
would rise to responsibility, and be prospe-
rous, useful and happy, and raise your heads
among men, be assured, that it must be done
by industrious hands directed by virtuous
hearts.
The Immortal Declaration Of Serenity iSir'
classes among the self-evident truths, that
all men are endowed with certain inaliena-
BILE rights, among which are life, liberty
and the pursuit of happiness. Your Crea-
tor has given you life-your country has
given you liberty-yOu must work out hap
piness for yourselves. The means of happi-
ness are ordained of God and prescribed by
Natures laws. The evil doer,-the slothful
man, the prodigal, cannot attain it, nor dc
they deserve respect and honor among men,
"Be not slothful in business, "-"Whatsoevel
thy hand findeth TO do, do it with all thy
might" These are the words of the preacher
and they apply alike to every color and condi'
ton of men. Though some may have their
appointed labor in one sphere, and some in
another-and one may seem to walk higher
than his brother-still, let not the 10 Wy he
envious of the great, nor covet his neighbor's
better fortune. 1t is SO appointed for wise
and useful ends. We are told in the great
Book-the Testament of Him who had his
humble birth in manger, and chose fol
his associates poor laborers and fishermen
and who now stitch on the right hand OF
the Throne above,-we are told that there
is one glory of the sun, and another
glory of the moon, and another glory of the
stars; for one star differeth from another stal
in glory" Shall the stars say to the moon
come down thou proud oppressor, and cease
to uim our glory with thy borrowed splen.
dor9 Or, shall the moon envy the sun hi:
superior light and power? Are they moi
each the handiwork of the same Great Archi
tect, and appointed by His laws each to al
appropriate sphere of usefulness and duty
So are we all children of the same Father
and assigned by His providence each to hi'
respective sphere of labor in the great vine
yard of life. Let each act we'll his part
There all the honor lies"
May that Being who is adored alike by
the highest Angel before the throne. and thu
most lowly among men-who in the days o
your bondage tempered the winds to thu
shorn lamb" and has now brought you VI
from slavery to the high estate of freemen-
may He ever direct and lead you in the path
of usefulness and duty, and may He bles
and prosper you forever.
-.'T. For the Standard.
IN