Knoxville daily chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1882, 1882-05-20


the planetary orbs and investigate their
laws and revolutions. And by all this va
riety of action, its energies are not impair
ed, but improved; not wearied, but re-
freshed; not satisfied with its present acqui-
stion, but stimulated to new and increased
exertions; it asks no pause, it can be re-
strained by no limits.
1t is a consolation to the student, amid
the tolls and fatigues of mental discipline,
that he possesses an immortal mind
a mind which shall enter eternity with
the same intellectual character it here pos
sesses, and which, should he be SO fortunate
as to enter the celestial paradise above,
may, by continued advancement, gain a
summit in glory and blessedness now far
beyond the reach of the brightest seraph
around the throne of God. How impor-
tant then, if we wish to reach the ideal of
life, that our intellectual natures be cult
waited and developed.
There are few sights more inspiring than
that of young man climbing resolutely up
the steep hillsidas of knowledge. But
there is yet another field for extensive labor;
it is the training of the moral and religious
faculties. There is no subject which more
especially demands the attention of man
kind than this, and yet there is, perhaps, no
important subject that receives less candid
thought and reflection. The midnight oil
is wasted and the spirit wearied in mental
research into subjects comparatively useless,
while the formation of character is passed
by as matter of little consequence.
If we would reach the true ideal we must
reverence our own nature. 1t is seldom
tina the life of man who thinks basely of
himself is crowned with noble deeds, and no
one who has the bitter consciousness within
that virtue forms no part of his character,
can maintain an exalted opinion of himself.
If man were not free moral agent or if
we, like the Turks, believe that our destiny
is sealed the moment we enter the world,
then it would be utter folly to speak of the
development of our moral natures.
In ancient times it was thought that the
position of the stars at mans nativity had
an influence in controlling his actions. The
Greek tragedy involved the same idea.
Whatever is fated, that will take place; the
immense mind of Jove is not to be trans
crossed" Astrology and fate were the in
hnities that shaped the ends of all living
but this superstition has long since given
way to the advance of civilization; and ii is
now generally admitted that a man is just
what he makes himself. It is true that
favorable circumstances may aid one, but
the road to honor and fame is opened to
all, these from no condition RISE" We are
our own fate, and chameleon like, it assiml
lates itself to our natures. If we are low
and sensual, fate takes the same shape; If
we rise to a high standard of intellectual
and spiritual culture, fate Is at once ready
for a similar transformation.
1t is amid misfortune that tho character
of the upright man shines with the
inst nd xuh oil oil fall ia
takes his stand upon his integrity and cour-
age. When Stephen, of Colonna, fell into
the hands of his enemies and they asked
him in derision: where now is the for
tress 2" ''Here!" was his reply, placing
his hand upon his heart. The upright man
experiences in every vicissltude of life an
etficacious antidote against the ills that OPP
pose him-a shield that wards off the blows
of his oppressors-an asylum into which
they cannot enter. And we need this for
tress, not only in adversely, but also when
our little bark is gliding quietly down the
stream of time with not single wave to
impede its progress.
A simultaneous development of three
natures of man, is inestimably conducive
to longevity. They are SO intimately con-
nected that one cannot be neglected without
great hurt to the others. Ones physical
the others, but mind cannot be divorced
from matter, and as the cultivation of ones
moral nature depends upon the comfort of
the physical and intellectual, how
important it is that perfection in
each of them be the aim of every onel Let
the b,autiful physique of thu Greeks, the
intellectual attainments of the Romans, and
the refined moral culture of the present age,
be your paragon. But if you ever attain to
it, you must expect to meet with difficulties,
and prepare for them. A fearless avowal of
ones convictions will often lead to painful
results. Epithets of scorn will fly from the
lips of those whose prejudces you assail,
like arrows tipped with fame; but it pays
in self-conscious peace and Joy to be true.
BE true to yourself, and you will be false
to no one."
81 covet truth" said Emmerson. after a
series of disenchantments, and every one
whose heart is honor's throne, responds to
this sentiment. Not what others believe,
but what is true, is the important question
for every one to decide who would win a
name in the worlds broad field of battle.
In religion, in politics, in business, the true
principle upon which to proceed is, not
what is popular, but what is right. Thou
shalt not follow a multitude to do evil"
are the words of the inspired pensman. 1t
is really contemplate for any one to adapt
himself to the shifting forms of fashion, and
glide along the stream of public opinion,
always ''when in Rome doing like the Ro-
mans" Kindle upon the alter of your soul
vestal fire of love for all that is pure and
good, that shall burn there until all the base
dross with which your better nature min
gled shall be consumed. Let your lives be
as pure in the secresy of the individual con-
seriousness, as in the blaze of watchful eyes.
Let your soul be as sensitive to the torch of
sin, as honor to the approach of shame.
Let all your actions be tempered with q
sweet charity and unwavoring kindne. s,
and these shall disarm every foe, and inhale
your life with such a glory, and crown you
with such nobleness that you may success
fully pursue an upward path to a true life
here, and fuller, nobler life to come.
| A TRUE BLESSING.