(2)
To live really, is to act energetically. Life is a battle to be
fought valiantly. Inspired by high and honourable resolve, a man
must stand to his post, and die there, if need be. Like the old
Danish hero, his determination should be, "to dare nobly, to will
strongly, and never to falter in the path of duty." The power of
will, be it great or small, which God has given us, is a Divine
gift; and we ought neither to let it perish for want of using on
the one hand, nor profane it by employing it for ignoble purposes
on the other. Robertson, of Brighton, has truly said, that man's
real greatness consists not in seeking his own pleasure, or fame,
or advancement--"not that every one shall save his own life, not
that every man shall seek his own glory--but that every man shall
do his own duty."
What most stands in the way of the performance of duty, is
irresolution, weakness of purpose, and indecision. On the one
side are conscience and the knowledge of good and evil; on the
other are indolence, selfishness, love of pleasure, or passion.
The weak and ill-disciplined will may remain suspended for a time
between these influences; but at length the balance inclines one
way or the other, according as the will is called into action or
otherwise. If it be allowed to remain passive, the lower
influence of selfishness or passion will prevail; and thus manhood
suffers abdication, individuality is renounced, character is
degraded, and the man permits himself to become the mere passive
slave of his senses.
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