Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1874-07-27
LIVE TO DO, NOT TO DREAM.

LIVE TO DO, NOT TO DREAM.
We doubt not that noble aspirations
to be and do good, influence, at times,
every heart and thrill every human be-
ing. We hear OF read of those who have
done some heroic act, which has called
forth the gratitude, admiration and
praise of an enthusiastic multitude, and
our hearts long for like fame.
We love the worlds applause, and
wish that we could have such an oppor-
tunity to distinguish ourselves, and show
to the world, who does not seem to rec
ognize our ex:stene, that we. too, are
brave, noble, and strong to do and dare.
And thus we sit and dream, feeding our
hungry souls upon the husks of what We
would do, had we the opportunity.
Shame Oh, shame that we, with
hearts so strong, with impulses SO great,
with opportunities thronging upon every
hand, and meeting US at every turn,
should sit and dream our lives away
In looking afar off, and scanning the
future horizon for these great opportu-
mites, we look over vast, rich valley,
Astounding in fertile fields, in which We
might labor with eminent success. There
is work upon every hand.
If we wish to accomplish any good,
we must ''act in the living present, de-
spising not small things, but seeking
earnestly and striving diligently that at
the close of each day we may be COM
forted with the sweet reflection that we
have tried to make the world little
better tried to make some soul a little
happier; and, though the world may
never seem to see or recognize us, though
our names may never be heralded abroad
for the great deeds We have done, and
though the multitude may even shun US,
and construe our disinterestedness into
selfish motives, and call US hypocritical
and false-hearted, yet, if we are faithful
and persevere unto the end, eternity
alone can reveal the amount of good
which we in our quiet walk of love and
self-sacrifce, may accomplish.
While we are dreaming, and resolv-
ing, and wishing, golden opportunities
are passing swiftly by. If we catch
them we must up and act. The great
fountain of love, implanted within our
hearts, must be kept open and allowed
to flow forth freely If we would keep its
waters pure and sweet Though we have
not the riches of earth with which to
contribute to the worlds evangelization,
or to relieve the wants of the poor and
needy, yet we can give that which is far
better and more enduring to many hearts
precious words of loving sympathy.
We can extend the warm and friendly
hand-clasp; we can give the encourag-
ing and cheering smile, which shall
make glad and inspire new hope in ma
ny an aching, suffering heart.
Oh. it may be you do not know what
terrible thing it is to feel all alone and
uncared for; to hunger for sympathy
and love; to crave kind word, an ap.
proving look, an encouraging smile. Ii
may be you do not know what it is not
to be understood; to have all your eff.
forts to do good, all your sacrifices fol
the welfare of others. all your good and
noble impulses misconstrued. If you dc
not know, if you have never experienced
any of this. at least, let pity possess you
for all such lonely, wandering ones. AL
around you are weary. aching, heavy
hearts. Sometimes their burdens seen
to them too heavy to be longer borne
alone, and for the very lack of the work
which we might do; Of the aid and en-
couragement which We might giye-Sui'
eide, vice, misery and crime is multiply
ing upon every hand.
Say no more there is nothing for you
to do; wait no longer for great opportu
mites to cross your pathway; dream
away no more of the precious hours d
life, but act, oct aaoac, and act earnestly
patiently and well and in the great flu
ture God shall make up for you rici
reward.