Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1870-02-15
=" Unthanked SeIf-DeniaI ~

Those who have had the pleasure ofread-
ing Prof. Phelps Solitude of Christ"
and enjoyed it as it isworthy to be enjoyed,
both as literary production and as a
power to soothe and comfort, will doubtless
recollect in what connection he uses the
expression, "unthanked self denial
Happy are those who do not fully under
stand by experience, the soul-stirring, grief
causing, effects Ofsuch an expressive phrase.
We have been led to think much of recent
statements, with regard to the sudden death
of our great War Secretary. Some affirm
ing that his death was fastened by keen
and bitter sense of the lack of Just APP
probation of his labors and self-sacrifce,
while one friend-anXious for his reputa
tion-thinks him too great a man to suffer
to such degree from such cause. But
to my mind it is no detraction from his
greatness to know that he yearned to be
appreciated. Did not Onc who spoke as
man never spake, eyince something Of this
feeling in his question to Simon, son Of
Jonas, and also in addressing another
Have l been so long time with you, and
yet hast thou not known me Philip" If
the happiness Of our Saviour was, and is,
affected by the love aud regard Of this, Is it
any disparagement to the memory of our
late Secretary, that he suffered as it is now
supposed he did? Doubtless in the vigor
,,xtl, ,.c l.
cation to business duties, and his desire to
serve his country brought sufficient reward,
but when after being over-hurdcned and
worn out in the service of his country, suf-
fering from that worn-out feeling Of both
nerve and muscle, which must be felt to
be understood or sympathized whit is
easy to see how great and noble mind
could suffer so intensely from unthanked
self-denial" While many Others in power
were filling their own pockets-gratitying
their own love for ease, or sacrificing hon
esty of purpose for self ACKNOWLEDGEMENT and
family promotion, Mr. Stanton was faith
full to his great trust, choosing rather to be
misunderstood and unappreciated than
stoop to lower measures to secure his own
self-good. Had his own noble scl-sacri-
ficing services been met with expressions
of right appreciation so grateful to every
human heart, how different might have
been the results.
In contemplating this and kindred sub
jects is it rot well for US all TO look about
and see if no christian duty IS being neg
lected in our own immediate circle. Are
there no over-taxed, over burdened ones
struggling with adverse circumstances,
burying all in their own hearts, rather than
complain Of their hardships? Are there
none who are now suffering from the effects
of long and patient toll, saddcned with a
lack of proper appreciation, feeling the full
force of ''unthanked self-denial,' perpaps
bereft of every source of mere earthly en-
ioyment, thrown upon the mercy of friends
who have it in their power to soothe and
comfort with words of love ana tones of
appreciation, or to wound still deeper by
ton, or cruel neglect? As christians, are we
not too apt to study our own comfort, I'M
mindful of the burdens and cares Of others,
being more ready to reap the benefits OF
another's toll and self-sacrifce, than to
cheer and comfort those who have spent
their strength and energies in securing the
means for our present enjoyments. Let us
give this more than passing thought and
decide as to present duty. Which think
you is the happiest mantle Cleveland
friend, who, one year ago, so kindly sent
TO Mr.. Stanton check of five thousand
dollars, having heard indirectly Of his need
of means to regain his health, or the cold
hearted ones, who, knowing his severe la
bors in times past, never gave him tho
farther than to enjoy the noble results OF
his long continued labors. Few us hay,
it in our power to send check to on
friends, or even small sums of money, bu
God has given us I'LL the means of cheering
saddened hearts with a kindly look-ai
have the power to change a word of coli
indifference to one of christian courtesy
and thus obey the injunction of one VIII
spoke with our good in view, when he in
serted in the inspired volume, "Be pitifu
be courteous" c.
Lowell, Mass, Jan. 90, 1870