And as to the second process, of which a religious character is to show the visible results, the process of culture: this may appear in many traits, and graces, and actions, so as to distinguish a religious character from a common character. The elements of that culture are affections and duties, motives and convictions. The same strife between the higher and the lower nature which is begun in self-denial, is pursued in spiritual culture. The heart searcheth after the means of improvement and progress: and they are found near to us; in the lowly duties of common life, in the opportunities of a day, in the necessity which our uniform experience presents, for acting from principle if we would act aright. Self-culture, in all its highest and most comprehensive processes, is the condition by which Christian elements of character are to be acquired. Of course, virtues and graces, tastes and affections, are to be valued and preferred in proportion to their relative excellence. Piety and love, which express the applications of the two great commandments, are to be cherished, cultivated, and manifested. He who is truly and earnestly pursuing these two processes of renunciation and attainment, will acquire through his own experience a better knowledge of the elements of a Christian character than any creed or covenant can teach him. The opposing systems, the controverted dogmas, the various usages and ceremonies of Christian sects, will have but little importance for him; and he will feel that there are two parties which he is to satisfy—God and his own soul.
[GEORGE WASHINGTON.]
I.
Sing of her heroes' deeds, ye harps
That long in Erin's halls have hung!
Give to the world their mighty names—
Give to their glorious deeds a tongue!
II.
Clime of the South! whose seven hills
Uphold the fount of Genius, where
To drink large draughts, from every land
The votaries of art repair:
III.
Thou hast a list of time-tried names;
Some truly great were born of thee:
Some with their iron heel stamped out
The last sad spark of liberty.