The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1886-07-07
EXCELSIOR"
The True aim OF Ltving-.-BeEin Ear
| ly If you wish Distinction.

God, in his infinite wisdom, endowea nan
@ and 2erg g1f
The three great elements Earth, Sea and Air.
are made subservient 10 bis will He rules ev-
cry s e
the lightning from the clouds and makes IT
do his bidding; the Enan.capped billows OF
the mighty deep impedc not his indomitable
highest mountains, or reaches for hidden
treasures deep down in the bowels Of the
earth. Man is indeed wonderful creature
He Is possessed OF an Immortal Is soul OF spirit spirit.
whether that soul enters into eternal bliss, or
sinks into everlasting night; Then heis fear.
fully made AS we have said before, lie Is en-
dowed with extraordinary Notwithstanding
which are susceptible Of q very nigh degree Of
culture; faculties which are capable Of being
developed to such degree that truths hitheT-
light The faculties of oil men are not capa-
Bile of being developed to the same degree,
none that can be perfected; for then The cieat-
ure would he equal to the Creator. Thereis o
man, and very few have ever reached that
limit. His chief end, we think, Is happiness
in the deepest and broadest sense. To this
end therefore all his energies should be direct
ed. He should press on unceasingiy TO The
goal. High and honorable positions should
be desired. Man that he may attain this end,
must go through course OF training and edn-
characterization of the heart as we'll as the
mind. Youth, the spring-tine or lie, 1s the
time in which to begin, while the mind Is
fresh and more susceptible OF cultivation
When hope, like beacon light, Is ever pres
eDt to cheer him on TO higher and more hon-
orable positions among bis fellowmen. %
blessed Hope, were 1t not for thy soul-inspir.
Ing influence, sad indeed would be the lot OF
youth 10 The sterner and nobler realities OF
manhood; to that period when he finds life
indeed reality, when the contest for distinc-
tion begins. What is meant by high and hon
n
height of military glory that Is attained by,
the triumph of the victorious over the eon-
qucred? No! we mean those positions occu-
truth, right and intellectual advancement:
We have many examples OF so called great
men, who were actuated only by the hope OK
exander. Caesar, Hannibal and Napolean.
Were they great men in the true sense OF tne
word? Go to the histories Of Greece, Rome
and Europe and there find your answer,
mcn-men before the Shrine Of whose moral
and intellectual greatness posIerity VIII ever
love TO bow. The names OF Demosthsnes,
ilton will live forever. The mind Is the. glory.
OF man: No possession is so productive OF
real Influences AZ a highly cultivated intel
lect. Wealth, birth and official station may,
and do secure to their possessors Superncial
respect. But they never did, ana never can
command the reverence OF the hcart. ~ Is
only to the man Of large and noble soul-to
upright that men yield the tribute OF deep
and genuine respect. Great men nave ever
been men Of thought as well as men OF actlon.
AS the magnificent river rolling on IN inc
pride of Its mighty waters owes It's greatness
10 the hidden springs of the mountain rook,
so the influence Of distinguished men dates
its origin fiom hours OF privacy, resolnteiy
employed in self Development; The roaa 10
means easy and without difficulties. Bnt re-
member that there Is no excellence without
constant and determined energy: Repine not
ward that awaits you. Young men! You up
on whom the future of our grand republic de.
pends! We appeal to you MeaPpeal 10 me
noble qualities of your hearts We appeai 10
your minds to that priceless gift with which
You have been so mercifully blessed! Rise
Superior to all difficulties and meet like men
the responsibilities that await you Aim
high! Let your ambition De 10 reach , lnat eA,
mass of humanity. Ambition, II alIectea ln
the right course and TO the right end. is, we
think, one of the noblest qualities OF man.
What OF that? Most of the men whose names
are as household words, were also ,enhnr me Jmr-
drcn of poverty. franklin. the philosopher,
the diplomatist and statesman, was put .
printers boy, whose highest luxury at one
Time was only penny-rOll eaten In the streets
of Philadelphia. There are scores OF exam.
pies OF great men who have risen from poVeL-
ty and obscurity to honorand fame. Despale aa
not then because you nre poor, put arouse
and determine 10 De men tnat
your names may live when you are gone;
honored by your country ana aaHllrea oy pos
tcrity. Do not he satisfied until you reach the
top-thc goal towards which your efforts
should be directed.
For "rrom the lowest place
When virtuous things proceed,
The place Is dignted
BY the doers Decd"
Trny g r. Nav 25. 1856