6. It is continually so in life. The best laid plans, the most important affairs, the fortunes of individuals, the weal of nations, honor, happiness, life itself, are daily sacrificed because somebody is “behind time.” There are men who always fail in whatever they undertake, simply because they are “behind time.” There are others who put off reformation year by year, till death seizes them, and they perish unrepentant, because forever “behind time.” Five minutes in a crisis is worth years. It is but a little period, yet it has often saved a fortune or redeemed a people. If there is one virtue that should be cultivated more than another by him who would succeed in life, it is punctuality; if there is one error that should be avoided it is being behind time.
[335] Colˊ-umn, a body of troops in deep files, with narrow front.
[336] Re-en-forceˊ-ments, supplies of additional troops.
[337] Re-serveˊ, a select body of troops kept in the rear of an army in action, to give support when required.
[338] Napoleon Bonaparte, emperor of France, was defeated by the Allies under the Duke of Wellington, at Waterloo, June 18, 1815. Marshal Grouchy was expected to aid the emperor with a body of troops, but failed to appear.
[339] Asˊ-sets, property or effects.
[340] Ma-turˊ-ing, ripening, coming to a perfected state. Bills or notes mature when they become due.
[341] In-solˊ-vent, one who cannot pay his debts.
[342] Re-prieveˊ, a suspension of a entence of death.