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VI. PART VI—AMBITION.
THE REASON WHY.
[_]
In the December, 1884, number of the American Missionary, an article published contained the following incident:
“The First Louisiana Regiment of colored soldiers, recruited in New Orleans, was about to take its departure for the front. The Colonel, who for some reason could not accompany his men, presented the regimental flags to the color-sergeant. After a brief speech, full of patriotic feeling, he concluded with these words: “Color-guard, protect, defend, die for, but do not surrender these flags.” The sergeant, upon receiving them, made this simple but noble response: “Colonel, I will bring back these colors to you in honor or report to God the reason why.” And when, a few days afterward, during an assault on Port Hudson, he fell defending the flag, and his dying blood crimsoned its folds, another took his place and saved it from falling into the hands of the enemy. The brave standard-bearer kept his word, and in failing to return the colors to the hands that had committed them to his care, he ‘reported to God the reason why.’”
It is the eve of battle;
The soldiers are in line;
The roll of drum and bugle's blast
Marshal that army fine.
The soldiers are in line;
The roll of drum and bugle's blast
Marshal that army fine.
The hour is fraught with mystery—
A hush pervades that throng,
And each one thinks of home and friends,
And says at heart, “How long?”
A hush pervades that throng,
And each one thinks of home and friends,
And says at heart, “How long?”
The colonel rides before his men,
His thoughtful brow is bare;
He calls the color-sergeant,
And tenders to his care
His thoughtful brow is bare;
He calls the color-sergeant,
And tenders to his care
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The nation's pride, the dear old flag—
The loved red, white and blue,
And says, with earnest tones and grave:
“I intrust this now to you.
The loved red, white and blue,
And says, with earnest tones and grave:
“I intrust this now to you.
“Yes, color-bearer, take in charge
Your country's flag to-day,
And to the conflict bear it—
The thickest of the fray.
Your country's flag to-day,
And to the conflict bear it—
The thickest of the fray.
“Bear it with lofty courage,
And to it faithful be;
This flag has inspired thousands,
And led to victory.
And to it faithful be;
This flag has inspired thousands,
And led to victory.
“Take it and never leave it,
'Tis a solemn charge to thee;
Bring back to me this banner,
This ensign of the free!”
'Tis a solemn charge to thee;
Bring back to me this banner,
This ensign of the free!”
“Colonel,” the color-sergeant said,
Holding the flag on high;
“I'll bring it back or else report
To God the reason why!”
Holding the flag on high;
“I'll bring it back or else report
To God the reason why!”
Away to the front he bears it,
Cheered on by comrades brave,
Anxious to liberate his race,
Bring freedom to the slave.
Cheered on by comrades brave,
Anxious to liberate his race,
Bring freedom to the slave.
They charge upon Port Hudson,
Where, sheltered by a wall,
The foemen cut them down like grass.
They bravely charge—but fall.
Where, sheltered by a wall,
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They bravely charge—but fall.
Yes, on that field, where thousands
Unheeding the tumult lie,
He left the flag, reporting
To God the reason why.
Unheeding the tumult lie,
He left the flag, reporting
To God the reason why.
Another bears that flag along,
Holding it proud and high:
But the sergeant has reported
To God the reason why.
Holding it proud and high:
But the sergeant has reported
To God the reason why.
Oh, Christian soldier, going forth
To battle for the Lord,
Be filled with manly courage,
And proudly bear God's word.
To battle for the Lord,
Be filled with manly courage,
And proudly bear God's word.
It is the standard of your King,
Who rules the earth and sky;
You must win, through it, the vict'ry
Or tell Christ the reason why.
Who rules the earth and sky;
You must win, through it, the vict'ry
Or tell Christ the reason why.
The war will soon be ended:
In the dust you soon will lie;
Go forth and conquer, or report
To God the reason why.
In the dust you soon will lie;
Go forth and conquer, or report
To God the reason why.
March, 1885.
79
TEACHERS OF GEORGIA.
AT SAVANNAH, MAY, 1886.
Listen, my friends, from whence comes this legion?
Legion of messengers, earnest and blessed;
Filled with a purpose—to teach is their mission—
Thousands of those who are wronged and oppressed.
Legion of messengers, earnest and blessed;
Filled with a purpose—to teach is their mission—
Thousands of those who are wronged and oppressed.
Hear them contending for progress in all things!
Hear them contending for justice and right!
Principles, not men; truth, not for victory,—
For wisdom and learning and fairness they fight.
Hear them contending for justice and right!
Principles, not men; truth, not for victory,—
For wisdom and learning and fairness they fight.
List to the clash of arms! stern, but not gory;
Striking illiteracy low in the dust!
Not in applause of men are they seeking glory,
But strong in their duty, and true to their trust.
Striking illiteracy low in the dust!
Not in applause of men are they seeking glory,
But strong in their duty, and true to their trust.
Such is the work that is needed among us,
Men who will sacrifice self for their race!
Burning the oil of life, enlightening others,
That millions unborn may our history trace.
Men who will sacrifice self for their race!
Burning the oil of life, enlightening others,
That millions unborn may our history trace.
Teachers of Georgia, we heartily greet you!
Nobly and well you have carried the light!
Like one of old, be your watchword—Excelsior!
The long foretold morning shines gloriously bright!
Nobly and well you have carried the light!
Like one of old, be your watchword—Excelsior!
The long foretold morning shines gloriously bright!
Work with a will, let not jealousy hinder;
Build up each other, our progress demands!
No cause can advance when internal strife enters;
Columns unbroken the fierce charge withstands!
Build up each other, our progress demands!
No cause can advance when internal strife enters;
Columns unbroken the fierce charge withstands!
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Stand ye together! no strife nor dissension—
United, harmonious, strength ye shall wield;
Build up a structure whose chief stone is union!
Better that weapon than sword and a shield!
United, harmonious, strength ye shall wield;
Build up a structure whose chief stone is union!
Better that weapon than sword and a shield!
Teachers of Georgia! be faithful and earnest,—
Patiently, trustfully, seed must be sown.
The harvest is sure, the result none computest,—
The future alone shall disclose it—work on!
Patiently, trustfully, seed must be sown.
The harvest is sure, the result none computest,—
The future alone shall disclose it—work on!
And may the God of the Universe guide us,
Guide all our efforts in wisdom and love:
That when the duties of life are completed—
We may rejoice in our triumph above!
Guide all our efforts in wisdom and love:
That when the duties of life are completed—
We may rejoice in our triumph above!
May, 1886.
IT IS NOT ALL OF LIFE TO LIVE.
At morning's dawn, when golden rays
And rosy tints a halo give
Unto the forests, bright and gay
With autumn hues—'tis sweet to live.
And rosy tints a halo give
Unto the forests, bright and gay
With autumn hues—'tis sweet to live.
When in the hallowed woodland glen,
Our spirits higher thoughts conceive,
And we forget the faults of men,
Oh, what a blessing, then, to live.
Our spirits higher thoughts conceive,
And we forget the faults of men,
Oh, what a blessing, then, to live.
When in God's holy temple we
In silence sit,—his truth receive,
Minds soar to what we soon shall be!—
How grand, how blessed 'tis to live.
In silence sit,—his truth receive,
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How grand, how blessed 'tis to live.
When lying on the bed of death,
We back to God our spirits give,—
Besigning health and life and breath—
'Tis then we just begin to live!
We back to God our spirits give,—
Besigning health and life and breath—
'Tis then we just begin to live!
EMANCIPATION.
Hark! what mean those shouts and cheers,
From yon group of slaves? Tell me?
Hear the words that greet our ears:
We are free! oh! we are free!
From yon group of slaves? Tell me?
Hear the words that greet our ears:
We are free! oh! we are free!
Can it be that this is so?
Is it true? Come, let us see!
Yes, thank God, 'tis even so,—
He has set the captive free.
Is it true? Come, let us see!
Yes, thank God, 'tis even so,—
He has set the captive free.
Years have passed since they were torn
From their home across the sea;
But to-day has broke the morn—
Hear them shouting—we are free!
From their home across the sea;
But to-day has broke the morn—
Hear them shouting—we are free!
Free from slavery's cruel chain;
Free as ever man can be.
Prayers and groans were not in vain,
God has heard, and we are free!
Free as ever man can be.
Prayers and groans were not in vain,
God has heard, and we are free!
Let thy thanks go up to Him,
Who has broke thy bands for thee;
Thank Him with thy lips and life,—
Praise Him! Praise Him! We are free!
Who has broke thy bands for thee;
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Praise Him! Praise Him! We are free!
In the years which are to come,
May one glad thought ever be
In our minds,—abroad, at home—
He has heard, and we are free!
May one glad thought ever be
In our minds,—abroad, at home—
He has heard, and we are free!
January, 1882.
TRUE NOBILITY.
To the Teachers of Georgia, May, 1887. Atlanta.
Plutarch's Lives of Men, in story,
Bring instruction to our minds;
There we learn of men of glory—
Men who lived in other climes.
Youth were there of noble bearing,
Youth were there of nobler heart,
Who took great delight in sharing
In life's war a heroes' part.
Bring instruction to our minds;
There we learn of men of glory—
Men who lived in other climes.
Youth were there of noble bearing,
Youth were there of nobler heart,
Who took great delight in sharing
In life's war a heroes' part.
There is one, about the races,
And the games of other days;
Where a lesson sage he traces
From their conduct at the plays.
His comparisons are rigid;
His deductions are concise;
And he counts all men invalid,
Who are not both true and wise.
And the games of other days;
Where a lesson sage he traces
From their conduct at the plays.
His comparisons are rigid;
His deductions are concise;
And he counts all men invalid,
Who are not both true and wise.
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Listen! I will tell the story
Which we glean from history's page,
Of Athenian pride and folly,
And a stranger bent with age.
Also, of true Spartan manhood,
Which is better far than pride;
More to be desired than rubies,—
Yes, than all the world beside.
Which we glean from history's page,
Of Athenian pride and folly,
And a stranger bent with age.
Also, of true Spartan manhood,
Which is better far than pride;
More to be desired than rubies,—
Yes, than all the world beside.
Day of joy and pride in Athens;
Youth and maidens in full glee;
Subjects rare, of vast importance,
Cæsar great and Sophocles
Are discussed by strong debaters,
Ready with their war of words,—
Like contestants in the races,—
Fleet and strong as eagle-bird.
Youth and maidens in full glee;
Subjects rare, of vast importance,
Cæsar great and Sophocles
Are discussed by strong debaters,
Ready with their war of words,—
Like contestants in the races,—
Fleet and strong as eagle-bird.
In the crowded amphitheatre,
Lords and ladies sit and gaze,
Dressed like kings, and queen's of fairies,
In the palmy olden days;
Courtiers grand, of every station;—
But the thoughts of all are kin,—
Faces beam with expectation
As activities begin.
Lords and ladies sit and gaze,
Dressed like kings, and queen's of fairies,
In the palmy olden days;
Courtiers grand, of every station;—
But the thoughts of all are kin,—
Faces beam with expectation
As activities begin.
Each desirous that his favorite
Horse or wrestler win a prize;
Each is filled with keen excitement,
Bated breath and anxious eyes.
Hear them cheer the strong and wary!
Little pity for the weak!
Strength and fortitude will carry
All of worth for which they seek.
Horse or wrestler win a prize;
Each is filled with keen excitement,
Bated breath and anxious eyes.
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Little pity for the weak!
Strength and fortitude will carry
All of worth for which they seek.
See! there comes an aged stranger,
With a form bent low with years;
And his locks are white and silvery—
Plebeian is the dress he wears.
Slow his step; he's lame and weary,
From his journey from afar,
Yet his countenance is cheery,
For his eyes shine like a star.
With a form bent low with years;
And his locks are white and silvery—
Plebeian is the dress he wears.
Slow his step; he's lame and weary,
From his journey from afar,
Yet his countenance is cheery,
For his eyes shine like a star.
Shining with the light of wisdom,—
Learning, knowledge, faith and truth;
Wise his mien, like Sage of Hebron,
Who remembered God from youth.
Low he bows to young Athenians—
They a haughty bow return;
Slighted is the aged Lydian,—
Sense of slight within him burns.
Learning, knowledge, faith and truth;
Wise his mien, like Sage of Hebron,
Who remembered God from youth.
Low he bows to young Athenians—
They a haughty bow return;
Slighted is the aged Lydian,—
Sense of slight within him burns.
For they knew full well his mission,—
As a guest to them he came,
Pride and scorn meet his condition,
Though he's old, and weak, and lame.
Tired he is, but no one asks him
To be seated; “Will you rest”?
But with proud disdain repulse him,
Thus their breeding low confessed.
As a guest to them he came,
Pride and scorn meet his condition,
Though he's old, and weak, and lame.
Tired he is, but no one asks him
To be seated; “Will you rest”?
But with proud disdain repulse him,
Thus their breeding low confessed.
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Proud are these Athenian grandees,
And they hold themselves aloof,—
Must not stoop below their circle
Of their standing “airs” is proof.
Spartans wait the coming contests,
Not with proud and haughty mien;
Spite of dress of jean and homespun,
True nobility is seen.
And they hold themselves aloof,—
Must not stoop below their circle
Of their standing “airs” is proof.
Spartans wait the coming contests,
Not with proud and haughty mien;
Spite of dress of jean and homespun,
True nobility is seen.
Men, a king might well do homage;
Men of character and worth!
Men, hard-handed, full of courage
Heroes true, of noble birth.
They have come to see the races;
Come to spend a holiday;
Come to study forms and faces,
Speech, and tragedy and play.
Men of character and worth!
Men, hard-handed, full of courage
Heroes true, of noble birth.
They have come to see the races;
Come to spend a holiday;
Come to study forms and faces,
Speech, and tragedy and play.
Toward the lowly seat, where Spartans,
Noble in their meekness sat,
Calmly walked the aged Lydian,
And each Spartan raised his hat—
Rose with one accord, to meet him
Gallantly, as if a king,
Covered o'er with royal vestments,
They to court were welcoming.
Noble in their meekness sat,
Calmly walked the aged Lydian,
And each Spartan raised his hat—
Rose with one accord, to meet him
Gallantly, as if a king,
Covered o'er with royal vestments,
They to court were welcoming.
“Come, my father, pray be seated!
Thou art weary; rest thee here!
Take my seat!” each one entreated—
“Be at ease; be of good cheer!
Welcome, welcome, to the stranger,
Blessed of God with length of days;
Honor be to age! my grandsire
Come, and welcome!” each one says.
Thou art weary; rest thee here!
Take my seat!” each one entreated—
“Be at ease; be of good cheer!
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Blessed of God with length of days;
Honor be to age! my grandsire
Come, and welcome!” each one says.
With that dignity which old age
Always lends, the Sage replies:
“True nobility and courage
In the willing action lies.
Wisdom in its highest nature
Is an inborn principle;
Not veneer—a foreign creature—
But a springing fountain-well.
Always lends, the Sage replies:
“True nobility and courage
In the willing action lies.
Wisdom in its highest nature
Is an inborn principle;
Not veneer—a foreign creature—
But a springing fountain-well.
Long live Sparta! Long live Sparta!
Let Athenians wisdom learn,
From the noble youth of Sparta!
In their hearts true wisdom burns.
Ye say, “Give the head that's hoary
All the honor that is due,
But your words, like fiction's story,
Is, when matched with life—untrue!”
Let Athenians wisdom learn,
From the noble youth of Sparta!
In their hearts true wisdom burns.
Ye say, “Give the head that's hoary
All the honor that is due,
But your words, like fiction's story,
Is, when matched with life—untrue!”
Moral.
Spurious gems are always plenteous,
But the genuine are few.
Precepts teach us to be virtuous;
Practice is the work we do.
Not enough to know the precept,
And with eloquence to preach;
We with earnestness must practice
Always what the precepts teach.
But the genuine are few.
Precepts teach us to be virtuous;
Practice is the work we do.
Not enough to know the precept,
And with eloquence to preach;
We with earnestness must practice
Always what the precepts teach.
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Noble band of earnest teachers,
From this scene a lesson take:
Be not only able preachers,
But in practice progress make.
Teach by precept and example,
In the day and in the night,
Follow e'er the Great Exemplar!
And thy evening shall be light!
From this scene a lesson take:
Be not only able preachers,
But in practice progress make.
Teach by precept and example,
In the day and in the night,
Follow e'er the Great Exemplar!
And thy evening shall be light!
SLUICE THE DYKE.
[_]
In the year 1574, when Holland was struggling to throw off the yoke of Spain, Leyden was besieged by Philip II, and reduced to a state of famine. Multitudes perished of hunger. The Dutch fleet was waiting to help them, but could not reach the city. The heroic Hollanders sluiced the dykes and let in the waters which flooded the country and drowned many of the Spaniards. As the rescuing fleet sailed in, they threw loaves of bread to the famishing people, who thronged the canals. After their immediate wants had been supplied they repaired to the Protestant Cathedral and held a service of thanksgiving to the Great Deliverer.
It was famine-stricken Leyden,
Which, by Philip was besieged;
There was reigning death and horror,
And the most distressing need.
Which, by Philip was besieged;
There was reigning death and horror,
And the most distressing need.
Its defenders brave were dying;
Not in charge or battle shock;
But were perishing by thousands
From starvation grim and dark.
Not in charge or battle shock;
But were perishing by thousands
From starvation grim and dark.
Prayers of agony were uttered,
Constant, pleading, earnest prayer,
That their God would send deliverance,
Send His conquering legion there.
Constant, pleading, earnest prayer,
That their God would send deliverance,
Send His conquering legion there.
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And He heard their prayer of sorrow—
For before another day,
He directed them in wisdom,
And provided them a way.
For before another day,
He directed them in wisdom,
And provided them a way.
Even now was succor waiting
To deliver from their foes,
But it could not reach the city,
For the great dykes interpose.
To deliver from their foes,
But it could not reach the city,
For the great dykes interpose.
Anxious is that Fleet of Holland,
With supplies the brave to reach:
But on all sides they're confronted
By a wall—the gateless beach.
With supplies the brave to reach:
But on all sides they're confronted
By a wall—the gateless beach.
“Shall we perish here from hunger,
When salvation is in sight?
While our friends await to rescue,
Shall we starve?—or sluice the dyke?”
When salvation is in sight?
While our friends await to rescue,
Shall we starve?—or sluice the dyke?”
Then these Hollanders heroic
For their lives and freedom strike;
See! they cut away the timbers!
They have done it! sluiced the dyke!
For their lives and freedom strike;
See! they cut away the timbers!
They have done it! sluiced the dyke!
With a roar sweeps in the Old Rhine,
Swelling canals like a sea—
On its waves the Fleet of Rescue!
They are saved! yes, they are free!
Swelling canals like a sea—
On its waves the Fleet of Rescue!
They are saved! yes, they are free!
Oh what joy that Dutch Fleet bringeth!
Blessings! blessings! on their head!
For unto that starving concourse
They are throwing loaves of bread.
Blessings! blessings! on their head!
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They are throwing loaves of bread.
'Tis Thanksgiving Day in Leyden,
And their feet with one accord
Seek with joy the great Cathedral,
There to praise their gracious Lord!
And their feet with one accord
Seek with joy the great Cathedral,
There to praise their gracious Lord!
Trust Him, He will ever rescue;
Those who ask Him, He will save;
Bring to naught the strength of foemen,
Send deliverance to the brave!
Those who ask Him, He will save;
Bring to naught the strength of foemen,
Send deliverance to the brave!
Are you bound with chains of passion?
Will you not for freedom strike?
He will give you His salvation,
If you will but sluice the dyke!
Will you not for freedom strike?
He will give you His salvation,
If you will but sluice the dyke!
Pride and sin are dykes around us,
And intemperance is rife.
Shall we suffer on and perish—
When He freely offers Life?
And intemperance is rife.
Shall we suffer on and perish—
When He freely offers Life?
No! we, too, like men of Leyden,
Must for our salvation strike!
We must cut away all hindrance!
Yes, like heroes—sluice the dyke!
Must for our salvation strike!
We must cut away all hindrance!
Yes, like heroes—sluice the dyke!
May 27, 1887.
FREEDOM.
Freedom! 'Tis a world-wide cry!For it helpless millions sigh;
For it, veterans, heroes, die!
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OPPORTUNITY.
Each moment brings an opportunity;
A moment lost can ne'er recovered be.
In wisdom, then, let each redeem the time—
The present hour, my friend, alone is thine!
Grasp, then, with power, the moments as they fly,
And into actions change ere they go by.
If all mankind would work with diligence
To make the most of life; oh! how intense—
How full and active would this short life be,
Well worthy of a blest eternity!
The 'lotted span of three score years and ten,
Equivalent to ages would be then.
A moment lost can ne'er recovered be.
In wisdom, then, let each redeem the time—
The present hour, my friend, alone is thine!
Grasp, then, with power, the moments as they fly,
And into actions change ere they go by.
If all mankind would work with diligence
To make the most of life; oh! how intense—
How full and active would this short life be,
Well worthy of a blest eternity!
The 'lotted span of three score years and ten,
Equivalent to ages would be then.
'Tis not the one who stays for many a year,
Who in reality lives longest here;
But they who make good use of every hour,
By doing right to all become a pow'r
In raising up to nobler state mankind,
And thus, by earnest work, contentment find.
A single year in active service spent,
Is worth a score in aimless indolence.
In just three years our Lord accomplished more,
Than any being who had lived before.
'Gainst sin and crime, the truth with power hurled;
Redeemed the time, and thus redeemed the world!
Who in reality lives longest here;
But they who make good use of every hour,
By doing right to all become a pow'r
In raising up to nobler state mankind,
And thus, by earnest work, contentment find.
A single year in active service spent,
Is worth a score in aimless indolence.
In just three years our Lord accomplished more,
Than any being who had lived before.
'Gainst sin and crime, the truth with power hurled;
Redeemed the time, and thus redeemed the world!
A poet lived three hundred years ago,
By application learned life's way to know.
His proposition, true of mortals then:
“There is a tide in the affairs of men,
Which, taken at its flood, to fortune leads,”—
Is true to-day; and he who runs and reads,
Can, as a motto, in bright letters see:—
The Golden Tide is Opportunity!
By application learned life's way to know.
His proposition, true of mortals then:
“There is a tide in the affairs of men,
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Is true to-day; and he who runs and reads,
Can, as a motto, in bright letters see:—
The Golden Tide is Opportunity!
A beggar blind, beside the highway stood,
And begged for alms to buy his daily food.
Jesus the Great Physician passed that way,—
There was a stir in Jericho that day!
He heard the footsteps of the multitude,
Was doubtless pressed and jostled by the rude.
He asked: What can this great excitement mean?
A tumult such as this had seldom been!
'Tis Jesus Christ of Nazareth, they say,
Who, on His mission passeth by to-day!
And begged for alms to buy his daily food.
Jesus the Great Physician passed that way,—
There was a stir in Jericho that day!
He heard the footsteps of the multitude,
Was doubtless pressed and jostled by the rude.
He asked: What can this great excitement mean?
A tumult such as this had seldom been!
'Tis Jesus Christ of Nazareth, they say,
Who, on His mission passeth by to-day!
Has Jesus truly come? I've heard before
Of His compassion and his mighty power,
Brought from His home beyond the vaulted skies,—
I know that He can heal my sightless eyes!
And so he calls to Christ with all his might:
Have mercy, Son of David, give me sight!
And Christ stood still; and ordered that they call
Him that was blind. In wonder standeth all.
The tide is at its flood—the hour has come—
'Tis resting now; the ebb will follow soon!
Of His compassion and his mighty power,
Brought from His home beyond the vaulted skies,—
I know that He can heal my sightless eyes!
And so he calls to Christ with all his might:
Have mercy, Son of David, give me sight!
And Christ stood still; and ordered that they call
Him that was blind. In wonder standeth all.
The tide is at its flood—the hour has come—
'Tis resting now; the ebb will follow soon!
So throwing garment off in eagerness,
He comes, desiring Jesus Christ to bless—
His sight restore—infirmity to heal—
His faith to strengthen and his hope to seal.
Hark! hear the gracious words that thrill the soul:
Go now thy way, thy faith hath made thee whole.
Immediately for him shines in the day—
His sight restored, he follows in the way.
The blessed tide was taken at its flood,
And brought Bartimeus to the highest good.
The lesson taught, we all can plainly see:
In wisdom use each Opportunity!
He comes, desiring Jesus Christ to bless—
His sight restore—infirmity to heal—
His faith to strengthen and his hope to seal.
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Go now thy way, thy faith hath made thee whole.
Immediately for him shines in the day—
His sight restored, he follows in the way.
The blessed tide was taken at its flood,
And brought Bartimeus to the highest good.
The lesson taught, we all can plainly see:
In wisdom use each Opportunity!
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