Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1879-01-16

ceasing and relentless warfare against
those empty dreams that exist 50 plen-
teousIy within us-dreams that toy
with our imagination and lead US unre-
sisting along; that'seem to have gained
such complete mastery Of our very be-
ing that the soul does indeed seem to
slumber. and it 10 HercuIean task to
regain the dull routine OF ssera reality I
Life is bEimful of earnest endeayor and
must be met braveIy and cheerfuIly.
He whooccupies bis days in idly dream
ing viii awaken at the end and exclaim,
not with the Roman Emperor, II have
lost day." but with despairing cry,
alas my sOhOle life is a dreary waste,
upon which he can look back and scarce
End single day Of earnest, soulful
work. Our lives are given US not to
waste in dissipation or frivolous pur-
suits, not to be useless drones, but that
We may be earnest, hearty workers
ain the worlds broad field Of battIe,''
and make OF ourselves useful men and
women, so that when we reach the end
of our pilgrimage on earth We can look
back without replning al the earnest
brave fight we have fought.
If we wish to gain any advantage,
howsoever small, think you it can be
had without eforts Can il be obtained
for the mere asking! Can you accom-
plish 1t without any previous training /;
Even the ignorant ploughman must be
educated to his work. He must know
how wide fuTOw his plough viii cut.
how to handle his team to the best adj
vantage. If you apply for position,
you are at once required TO show your
fitness for il.
Let no one expect to go through life
without earnest effort. Cast aside all
idle dreams and profitless musings; stop
building your castles in the air lest they
tumble about your ears and overwhelm
you in the ruins; concentrate all the
power of your mind and body upon
hard work.
Life may be aptly compared to q
mountain; at first the incline is soft and
easy; many. fear the majority, never
get beyond this gentle slope: the first
rock causes them 10 halt, they turn
aside hoping TO find an easier way to
the summit and spend their days in the
fruitless search; others climb overthe
easier difficulty and pass further on, but
stop at sight of a mightier obstacle.
They are brought to stand still in the
middle Of the ascent; they give up des-
pairingly and cry out. ''this obstacle is too
great TO overcomenow, ] viii wait awhile
and rest, viii begin afresh tomorrow" :"
Alas the morrow never comes. A
few, the very small minority, reach the
highest pinnacle, where they can feel
themselves lifted up above the common
herd. They have accomplished their
journey, overcome all obstacles. grasped
the golden rewards, the fruit OF their
ambition, and can now look down on
the struggling mass below with mingled
feelings OF pity and contempt. And
now address myself particularly to the
young men. Let nothing deter you
from your purpose; il you have no pur-
pose form one Immediately and press for
ward toward its fulfIIment. History
furnishes us with numberless examples
worthy Of your emulation. Let your
watchword be Forward, and never
look back. Strive to do your best.
''who does she best his circumstance SLOWS.
Does well, acts nobly; angels could no more. 2