Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 16.djvu/282

 276 Southern Historical Society Papers.

the courage of the future. The present, alas ! is essentially a utili- tarian age. It is iconoclastic in its tendencies, and lamentably debauched by commercial methods. Ennobling sentiments and worthy purposes are too often supplanted by schemes for the accu- mulation of wealth, and the sordid manipulation of money-making enterprises. I fear me, in losing our distinctive characteristics, we are lowering the standard of our fathers.

While life lasts, let us proclaim in our walk and conversation, and illustrate in our conduct the vital influence of a consecrated past the elevating sway of hopes and principles dear to the hearts and consciences of all who venerate truth, admire fortitude, abhor ques- tionable thoughts and acts, and acknowledge the claims of neighbor, country, and God. In the light of that bravest epoch in the history of nations, with all its heroic actors, noble deeds, and marvelous exam- ples of self-sacrifice, virtue, and high emprise, let no word of apology be uttered in the present. Let no sentiment be cherished which is not loyal to the traditions of that wondrous period. Let no act be committed which does not savor of reverence for its inspirations and deeds. And thus, when all who participated in the struggle shall have passed away, the blessed memories which appertain to the dead nation and peoples will remain unimpaired, and the examples of patriotism, of self-sacrifice, of heroism, and of sublime endeavor will stand for the honor of the days that are gone, and challenge the emulation of the ages.

In time to come, as now, when the names and valorous deeds of those who died in defense of home and right are repeated, in glad acclaim will admiring hearts respond :

" Roll back, O Time, the sacred scroll

On which is told their story : For by the light that falls to-day

We'd read their quenchless glory. For no historic page proclaims

Such deeds of high endeavor As those the South enshrines within

Her heart of hearts forever.

" Awake ! fond memories of the past,

E'en though ye bring us weeping : Unroll, O Time! the precious scroll

We gave into your keeping. Flash all the golden letters out

That tell their glorious story : Proclaim from every mountain peak

' Dead on the field of glory.' "