were true, _it was time some person should see these calamities to their end_."[234] Pure and noble impulse to a beautiful career! [231] Of Education: Prose Works, Vol. I. p. 273. [232] Biographie Universelle: Art. _Vincent de Paul_. [233] Howard's State of the Prisons, p. 469. [234] Clarkson's History of the Abolition of the African Slave-Trade, Vol. I. p. 171. Such are exemplars of True Glory. Without rank, office, or the sword, they accomplished immortal good. While on earth, they labored for their fellow-men; and now, sleeping in death, by example and works they continue the same sacred office. To all, in every sphere or condition, they teach the universal lesson of magnanimous duty. From the heights of their virtue, they call upon us to cast out the lust of power, of office, of wealth, of praise, of a fleeting popular favor, which "a breath can make, as a breath has made,"--to subdue the constant, ever-present suggestions of self, in disregard of neighbors, near or remote, whose welfare should never be forgotten,--to check the madness of party, which so often, for the sake of success, renounces the very objects of success,--and, finally, to introduce into our lives those sentiments of _Conscience_ and _Charity_ which animated them to such labors. Nor should these be holiday virtues, marshalled on great occasions only. They must become part of us, and of our existence,--present on every occasion, small or great,--in those daily amenities which add so much to the charm of life, as also in those grander duties which require an ennobling self-sacrifice. The former are as flowers, whose odor is pleasant, though fleeting; the latter are like the costly spikenard poured from the box of alabaster upon the head of the Lord. To the supremacy of these principles let us all consecrate our best purposes and strength. So doing, we must reverse the very poles of worship in the past. Thus far men have bowed down before stocks, stones, insects, crocodiles, golden calves,--graven images, of ivory, ebony, or marble, often of cunning workmanship, wrought with Phidian skill, but all _false gods_. Their worship in the future must be the true God, our Father, as he is in heaven, and in the _beneficent_ labors of his children on earth. Then farewell to the Siren song of a worldly ambition! Farewell to the vain desire of mere literary success or oratorical display! Farewell to the distempered longing for office! Farewell to the dismal, blood-red phantom of martial renown! Fame and Glory may continue, as in times past, the reflection of public opinion,--but of an opinion sure and steadfast, without change or fickleness, illumined by those two eternal suns of Christian truth, love to God and love to man.