22
THE BATTALION.
tion is the currency in the realm of ^learning, and memory is
the mint where this coinage is stamped.
Though our favored age affords unprecedented advantages
for the acquisition of knowledge, yet these will be found in
sufficient without vigorous effort. All the aids of influence
and incitements of parental love and pride will be powerless
without persevering study.
The physician pronounces the voluntary co-operation of
the patient necessary to the perfect effect of the medicine.
Then how much more necessary is the assent of every faculty
of the mind to the great object of mental acquisition. In vain
are the works of the highest talent, in vain the efforts of
those who bow to the labor of instruction—unless tnose who
would acquire knowledge are willing to incur the labor of
profound thought. Knowledge does not deposit her seeds
upon the unplowed soil of sloth, nor among the rank weeds
of a roving intellect.
When any effort involving labor is proposed few will allege
want of inclination, but many will take refuge under the
broad banner of “want of time.” “I had no time”, is the
death knell of all excellence. The great and good find time
for all that pertains to and greatness goodness. “I will hear
thee at a more convenient season,” said the Roman to the
warning apostle when at his pungent arguments conscience
troubled. We are not informed whether that convenient
season ever came. What the “convenient season” was to
the lost soul, “want of time” is to the negligent student.
Knowledge does not pour out her gifts gratis—they must be
paid for in the spot cash of determined effort and nothing
within her gifts are denied to him who offers this great legal
tender.
Cato, the Roman censor, having imperfectly estimated his
opportunites, awoke to his error at the age of 60 years, and
again became a pupil.
N6w don’t misunderstand me—by knowledge I do not
mean merely literary lore, or theoretic learning, though these-