You can have anything you want - if you want it badly enough. You can be anything you want to be, have anything you desire, accomplish anything you set out to accomplish - if you will hold to that desire with singleness of purpose. Obedience to lawful authority is the foundation of manly character. My experience through life has convinced me that, while moderation and temperance in all things are commendable and beneficial, abstinence from spirituous liquors is the best safeguard of morals and health. My chief concern is to try to be an humble, earnest Christian. It is well that war is so terrible, or we should get too fond of it. I cannot trust a man to control others who cannot control himself. Get correct views of life, and learn to see the world in its true light. It will enable you to live pleasantly, to do good, and, when summoned away, to leave without regret. Duty is the most sublime word in our language. Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more. You should never wish to do less. A true man of honor feels humbled himself when he cannot help humbling others. We failed, but in the good providence of God apparent failure often proves a blessing. |