MORAL COURAGE.
AN ADDRESS
BEFORE
THE SOCIETY OF THE ALUMNI
OF THE
COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON,
B*V
N. R. MIDDLETONj
A MEMBER.
—
PUBLISHED By REQUEST OF THE SOCIETY.
, I
CHARLESTON: /
BURGES, JAMES <fc PAXTON, PRINTER ?^.
1848. i
MORAL COURAGE.
AN ADDRESS
BEFORE
THE SOCIETY OF THE ALUMNI
OF THE
COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON,
BY
N. R. MIDDLETON,
A MEMBER.
PUBLISHED BY REQUEST OP THE SOCIETY.
CHARLESTON:
BURGES, JAMES & PAXTON, PRINTERS.
1848.
MORAL COURAGE.
We are sent into the world for a purpose, and the
questions which concern us seem to be, what is that
purpose? and how are we to accomplish it?
It is always desirable to approach untrammelled to
the investigation of a subject, and in the present case it
may be important to correct some popular errors by
first determining, which of the ordinary pursuits of men
cannot be considered as the legitimate objects of human
existence.
And first, I conceive that we are not placed here for pur¬
poses of temporal aggrandisement, and altho' this state¬
ment is clearly in contradiction to the principles and
conduct of the larger portion of mankind, I have no
intention of attempting to institute an argument to es¬
tablish it, for I know that the conscience of every rea¬
sonable man accedes to the truth, even tho' his conduct
may in some degree belie it. The objects of temporal
interest are too ephemeral and too unsatisfactory for
reason to warrant a supreme devotion to them.
I think, too, that it is equally clear to a candid and
thoughtful mind, that temporal pleasure, the indulgence
of momentary impulses and dissipating excitements,
cannot be the object of our sojourn here; for the records
of the past display nothing but regret at the bottom of
the cup of pleasure. Is it the acquisition of knowledge
4
then? No—for "in much wisdom is much grief, and
he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow."
Is it Power ? Power no doubt brings apparent good
while it lasts; but after all, the greatest glory of man
has been to retire with dignity and grace from the post
of honor. Who ever compares Alexander and Bona¬
parte with Cincinnatus and Washington? There is
something deeper than power. Is it ease? It maybe,
when fruit and flowers most abound in an unweeded
garden.
" Oil! fond anxiety of mortal men!
How vain and inconclusive arguments
Are those, which make thee beat thy wings below."
Let us, " from all these empty things escap'd,
Be raised aloft, and made the guest of Heaven."*
I trust that tho' the idea may present itself to differ¬
ent minds under different forms of expression, you will
all be found to agree with me in the substance of the
assertion, that the true object of human existence is,
" THE PURSUIT OF TRUTH."
I do not say the attainment, or the accomplishment,
or the perception of truth; I do not say the acknowl¬
edgement of this or that truth, or attachment to this or
that principle, or unerring certainty upon all points.;
but it is the pursuit of truth, the desire for it, the deter¬
mination to sacrifice all else for it. I know that truth
is an abstraction, but so is principle an abstraction. I
know that the present age professes to hate and despise
abstractions, but they have been nevertheless the very
life-blood of existence, the very soul of the world.
They are the root of every beautiful flower, that has
shed its perfume upon life, the spring of every noble
* Carey's Dante—Paradise, Canto xi.
5
action that adorns our annals. It is because men de¬
spise abstractions that injustice and oppression and
robbery and wrong stalk abroad through the land, and
that we can find no remedy for ills which bring tears
from angels.
Truth in the abstract is the object, and the develop¬
ment of it in life the duty of our race. But alas ! we
live in a world of cheats and deceptions, and truth lies
hidden among them like the treasure in the field. Wo
to him who sells all to purchase it; let him count the
cost,—the price is his life.
I think the annals of humanity warrant this assertion,
strong as it may appear. The enquiry " which of the
Prophets have not your fathers persecuted?" applies
with equal strength to all who dare to detect and ex¬
pose the numberless shams and falsehoods which men
gather around them to shut out unwelcome truth, to all
who by their own conduct venture to erect a different
standard, or rather to aim at one rejected as too high
for the attainment of humanity. The model, however,
still stands, not forced, not obtruded upon us, yet fixed
immovably, unalterably, the only model vouchsafed to
man—he rejects it at his peril. He may shut his eyes,
he may erect other standards, he may hew down his
tree, form, gild, worship it; but he has not altered the
standard,—he has deceived himself.
Strange, that it should be an act of courage to love
and obey truth, to follow principles to their legitimate
issues, to enact in morals what it would be folly not to
pursue in physics. We employ the physician, and he
is counted but a fool who throws away the medicine.
Who is ashamed of devoting the energies of a life to
accumulation, to popularity ? Who counts any sacri¬
fice too great for these objects ? But change the inter-
6
est from a corporeal to a spiritual object, and then, for
the first time, you begin to hear of enthusiasm, fanati¬
cism, and all the other epithets the world has reserved
for those it misunderstands, and therefore hates.
" Yet there are some to whom a strength is given,
A will, a self-constraining energy,
A faith that feeds upon no earthly hope,
Which never thinks of victory, but content
In its own consummation, combatting
Because it ought to combat. * # # *
And conscious that to find in martyrdom,
The stamp and signet of most perfect life
Is all the science that mankind can reach,
Rejoicing fights, and still rejoicing falls."*
Men undertake to settle for themselves the compara¬
tive importance of objects, and tho' when we think they
err in the arrangement, we may regret, the rights of
humanity forbid us to dictate; but when, not content
with making a wrong selection for themselves, they
insist also upon forcing it upon others, the despotic
encroachment must be resisted by those who claim for
themselves moral as well as political and physical free¬
dom. But as there are everywhere despots, so are there,
in an equal ratio, willing and obedient serfs. Witness
in every age and nation, and community and circle, the
multitudes who bow down with unquestioning submis¬
sion at the shrine of public opinion. The mandate
goes forth—the action is stamped—the opinion is brand¬
ed—who dares venture a demurrer? who retains a
calm, unbiassed, unfaltering judgment? Here and
there one:—once in an age a man stands forth and
maintains his principles and opinions in the face of ri¬
dicule and contempt, as seeing him who is invisible;
* Milne's Poems—Combat of Life.
7
but it is a martyrs life, and an unenvied death, and the
record of it is seldom upon earth. Why should it bel
Why should the world be expected to canonize rebels
and dissenters, to blazon the merits of its foes 1
But, though unrecorded and forgotten, where would
the world be, and what would the world be, but for the
few unruly spirits who have chosen to think for them¬
selves. It is difficult to imagine what things would
have come to ere this, but for the tears and blood, the
unheeded sorrows andunpitied groans of those to whom
death itself was better than fear and falsehood, who
"Guided by faith and matchless fortitude
To peace and truth their glorious way have ploughed,
And on the neck of crowned fortune proud
Have reared God's trophies, and his work pursued.*
Looking abroad, as I have done, into that throng of
fellow mortals, among whom my Creator has placed
me, I have asked myself, again and again, what is it
under God that seems especially wanting to enable us,
one and all, to fulfil the purposes of onr being, and to
look up with cheerful open face to him that made us,
with the hope of discovering there a smile and a bless¬
ing, and I have been constrained to answer to myself—
judge you whether I amright—Moral Courage, the will
to think and do right, come what may. ✓ And so think¬
ing, I have upon this occasion been induced to lay my
mind open to you, not in the way of dictation, but of
suggestion and interchange. I have been appointed to
address you, and I would give you thoughts not words,
thoughts upon subjects which I deem important, not
upon things which perish in the using.
Human ingenuity has been taxed to fathom the
sources of human frailty and human misery, and in
* Milton's Sonnets.
8
desperate hardihood, men have been fonnd to charge
upon the Creator the deficiencies of the creature; but
the charge is as false as the attempt is presumptuous.
The mind is not so incapable of grasping and recogni¬
zing right as we would fain be persuaded. The diffi¬
culty is not chargeable upon the judgment, but the
will. It is not that men cannot discover, but that they
will not seek; short sighted and selfish ends intervene
and are suffered to obscure the eternal principles of
truth and justice. Right and wrong, written by the
finger of God, upon the tables of the heart, are con¬
founded and obscured by notions of profit and expedi¬
ency as vain as they are contemptible ; but the process
is so subtle, and the progress so gradual, that we are
not aware of the entanglement, until the effort for ex¬
trication is almost beyond our power. We dare not face
the evil. Is it so, that for the whole of our past life we
have been resting upon false principles and cherishing
unworthy motives? Can it be that we have been ma¬
king a false estimate, and standing upon an insecure
foundation? That we have been putting evil for good,
and good for evil; bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter ?
Are we to pull down the labor of years and build upon
another plan? It must not, it cannot be. Pride is
overwhelmed; self-complacency is dethroned; indo¬
lence is alarmed; apprehension is roused, and the bare
suggestion of such a possibility raises such a babel of
discordant clamors in the mind, that the poor victim,
terrified into submission, and unable to face the truth,
turns to the seducer and yields himself to her treache¬
rous smile. He might have been emancipated, but he
lacked the courage. The foe stood menacing in front,
and terror forbade to strip him of the Lion's skin. It
would be pleasant enough to possess the fair, fertile
9
fields of truth; but the children of Anak dwell there,
and the wistful gazer is content to surrender a hope
pre-supposing so fearful an encounter.
But, what if God say advance—what if duty and
honor, and principle urge forward—what if conscience
cry shame, and the inward monitor mantle the cheek
with a blush! Is there no rally in theipoor crest-fallen
heir of mortality ? Canst thou make no response to the
heart stirring appeal? In sad despondency dost thou
turn away and leave that glorious conquest to others ?
Art thou content to be nothing, nothing, the ephemera
of a day, the meteor of a night, and that too with "eter¬
nity lying visibly all around thee ?" Oh make one effort,
one, if only to magnify thy nature, to vindicate thy ori¬
gin, for eternal destinies are suspended upon the issue.
Is our failure to redeem our principles placed to the
account of humility, of modesty? Are we too little
known, of too little account in the world to challenge
for ourselves the privilege of individuality and the right
to think ? Do we tremble and start at the sound of our
own name, breathed beyond the precincts of domestic
tranquility, or the seclusion of monastic insignificance ?
Let me recall to your minds a well known scene.
Pass those gloomy gates—enter that narrow cell—start
not—it is only a simple, single-hearted, God fearing
Monk, who bends over that long desired, late found
treasure, the word of God. No train of inferiors bow
to his will; he is one of the humblest of the brother¬
hood, and in his turn he sweeps the Convent floor; but
he could do that, and when the time came, more; he
could read, he could judge for himself, he could speak
out that judgment to others. Warnings, commands, in¬
flictions impede him not—he has found the truth—it has
shone into his heart, and sooner shall you arrest in its
2
10
course the torrent of the adjacent Alps than compress
into that mighty overflowing breast the life-giving word
it has been opened to receive !
" God help him, he could no other."
No! though the myrmidons of alarmed despotism
were assembled; though edict after edict was thundered
forth ; though condemnation sat brooding upon the brow
of prelate and peer around; though earth and hell stood
combined to frown upon the insolent rebel—" he could
no other." It was but a word, but that word could not
be spoken; it was but an act, but that act could not be
done. The earth might be rent and the elements be
dissolved, but he could not be shaken; he might be
torn limb from limb, but not be severed from his prize;
he could encounter Satan, but not the reproach of con¬
science and the frown of God. Glorious man! Let
those who love to dwell upon his errors and his sins,
pause until they take but one step in his unfaltering
career.
The courage of Luther was exhibited in the subli-
mest effort to which, perhaps, a human being has ever
been devoted, but for that very reason, it may fairly
be doubted whether the courage itself was of the high¬
est order. Once fairly embarked in his work, the pro¬
gress was so rapid, the sympathisers so numerous and
so powerful, the truth so manifest, and the blessing so
apparent, that his misgivings must have been few and
faint in comparison with the encouragement which
pressed upon him from every side. Indeed, after a
time, it is doubtful if any choice was left the Reformer,
he probably could not have receded if he would, and
the contraint under which he lay was as much of poli-
11
cy as of principle. No doubt, when the issue was fairly
made, it was with him either victory or death.
But, turning over the page of history, our eyes are
arrested by a scene, which in moral sublimity, stands
without a parallel. We speak not of the cause, nor
of the influence of the events, but simply of the posi¬
tion of the individual as implying Moral Courage.
We are fond of dwelling upon the merits of our
Washington, but when they are analized, opinions are
as various as the minds of individuals. At one time,
the palm of superiority is demanded for his military
achievements ; at another for his efforts as a statesman ;
yet, in both these particulars, it is only just to allow
that he has many and powerful competitors. But show
me another Yalley-forge—show me another leader,
without men, without means, without sympathy, with¬
out support, standing unmoved amidst a naked and
starving soldiery, with a heart alternately bleeding
from sympathy and burning with indignation—letters
unanswered—appeals unnoticed—suppressing mutiny
by the sole majesty of his demeanour, and kindling
the last expiring efforts of resistance by a will as in¬
domitable as his judgment was unerring. What was
there in consideration of his own modest remonstrance
at the selection of one he deemed so unfit for the tre¬
mendous responsibility—what was there in conside¬
ration of the prostrate energies and apparent desertion
of Congress—what was there in consideration of a
sick, suffering and mutinous army—what was there
to retain a General in a position so hopeless, so pain¬
ful, so verging upon the ridiculous? The destinies of
our country hung, for that gloomy winter, upon the
strength of mind of one man, put for successive months
12
to a test, which it is hazarding little to say, few others
could have borne for a single hour. If, when Congress
declared their inability to relieve, the reply had been a
resignation of the commander-in-chief, the disbanding
of the army, and surrender of the field, what voice
could have been raised in censure? Who would not
have continued to admire the man, who only ceased to
contend at the last gasp? But it was not the voice of
censure, nor the voice of praise that could influence
the "father of his country." In solemn determination
he had taken up that sword; he knew as perhaps none
else knew, all that that act involved, and it is for us to
remember, with admiring gratitude, that he was able to
retain it—rising above the present—above surrounding
objects,—above self and selfish views—so free from
impatience as to be able to deliberate,—so free from
fear as to be able to execute. We delight to acknowl¬
edge our debt to that wonderful man; but few know
the extent of that debt, few can realize, beneath that
calm and placid bearing, the sleepless cares, the cease¬
less anxieties, the sickning despondencies, the all-but
despair which racked and tormented the man upon
whom rested the destinies of a nation. To bring that
nation to the light of political existence he underwent
all the pangs of maternal agony; and upon no cherish¬
ed nurseling did ever mother hang with tenderer care,
or holier joy, than did Washington over the cradle of
his infant country. And when, for the profitable instruc¬
tion of succeeding generations, we would analyze the
qualities which combine to foim our model hero, we
turn from the battle field which witnessed his irresisti¬
ble charge—from the hall which displayed his consum¬
mate statesmanship, and point you to the solitary tent
and cheerless watch-fire, where for long months, in
13
uncomplaining agony, that greaf soul underwent its
fearful struggle with destiny !
It would be profitable to analyze the characters of
LaFayette, Gallilqo, Fulton, and others, to whose cou¬
rage the world owes and tardily pays the acknowledg¬
ments due to benefactors, but time is wanting. I have
referred to conspicuous and well known names, the
more easily to illustrate the subject—and these will
suffice.
To imitate the actions and attain the distinction of the
good and great is permitted but to few. To maintain
their principles and be animated by their spirit is the
duty of all. The child who submits to punishment
rather than depart from truth, is an embryo Luther.
The boy who defends a feeble school-fellow from un¬
just oppression, is a youthful Washington. To the
lawyer who refuses to lend himself to the perpetration
of legal injustice—to the statesman who scorns the
trammels of party—to the minister who prefers use¬
fulness to affluence—to the obscurest individual who
refuses to desert his friend—to deny his Redeemer—to
offend his God in the day of trial, there remains,
perhaps, in the great book of remembrance as precious
a commendation as to the subverter of superstitions, or
the liberator of nations. Men measure acts by effects.
God by motives, and thrice Messed is he who has resol¬
ved to stand or fall before his rightful judge.
To bring these desultory remarks to a practical con¬
clusion—Moral Courage I conceive to be, not an innate
faculty, but a dependence, more or less available, upon
the only power which is confessedly equal to all emer¬
gencies. And it seems especially.needful for us to re¬
cognize this truth in the present startling conjuncture
of human affairs. We live in exciting times; deep
14
principles are at work all around us ; portentous events
threaten and seem hurrying on to overwhelm us. Men
cannot face these events calmly, fearlessly, in the path
of duty, because the majority of men have no fixed
principle of action—no pole star for their guidance.
Depending for their ordinary support upon the energies
they find within them, and these energies being equal
to their ordinary necessities, they are unprepared for
events which demand the exercise of higher pov/ers,
and necessarily sink beneath the accumulated pressure.
They sport amidst the smiles of nature, but have no ark
prepared for the flood.
Let any one look honestly at the short-sighted, nar¬
row policy of our ordinary politicians; at the feeble,
fluctuating, and discordant views of our best and great¬
est, and say if he is willing to commit his all, even for
time, to such hands. And if he answer that he is content
to be guided by the counsel of one, I ask him if he has
entered into a compact with the destroyer to spare his
Idol. What is it then that we need? We need princi¬
ple. There is energy enough—there is talent enough—
when required, there is genius enough all around us.
In this land there is more than enough of ability to save
it, if it can be saved by human aid. But, as if in
mockery of human power, that ability comes to us in
such a shape, so divided, so enfeebled by discord, by
jealousy, by party organization, wasting strength by
internal conflict, instead of concentrating it for the pub¬
lic good, that the experience of life must be limited
indeed which permits any reasonable man to rest under
the shadow of the great and gifted. What then? We
need a diffusion of principle through society ; and when
I say principle, I mean eminently religious principle.
We need, that instead of encouraging our prominent
15
men, and our ambitious and gifted youths to go forth to
the solemn duties of the statesman and the legislator,
in a vain and mistaken confidence in their own powers
(however comparatively exalted,) we should remind
them, that those powers are only prostituted if they are
used apart from God, and without reference to his
truth—that they are only false lights, alluring them¬
selves and their country to ruin, if they have not been
kindled at the altar of truth.
It was a severe satire upon British politics of one,
who gazing with delight upon the sports of the Eton
boys, exclaimed, what a pity that so many of these in¬
genuous youths should, in a few years, be converted
into frivolous members of parliament. Yet, surely, we
are not free from a similar imputation, when our legis¬
lative halls, and our executive chairs are made the
ministers of personal ambition or the rewards of party
prostitution.
Popularity, eloquence, reputation—these are not the
tests of worth and usefulness. Intellect, boldness,
promptitude—these are not the qualities we need. We
have them—they exist abundantly among us—they
have existed through all time; but they have never
been sufficient of themselves—they have failed—emi¬
nently, disgracefully failed—when they have not been
under the control of high and holy principle. We need
them—but only as they come to us thus attended, and
when we are true to ourselves, we shall demand that they
come to us thus attended. We shall say to our sons,
glorying in their strength, and panting for distinction,
we had rather that you should be ploughmen than un¬
principled politicians. We prefer that your lips should
be sealed forever, than that they should be opened to
proclaim that you are venal demagogues.
16
I began this address by suggesting the pursuit of
truth as the legitimate object of human existence. Love
and devotion are the instincts of youth. Every young
man will seek some object upon which to expend these
generous impulses. You, then, who are now entering
upon the arena of life, surrounded by competitors, and
gazing upon the circle of spectators for some fair and
benign countenance to smile upon your efforts and re¬
ceive your trophies—let me lead you to the foot-stool
of the fairest and best. Lo! Wherr* she sits in her
severe and chastened beauty, fair as the moon, bright
as the sun, terrible as an army with banners ! For her
true champions she is provided with impenetrable ar¬
mor and a shield undimmed by the battle of ages.
She is at their side during the contest, and ever and
anon cheers them with the sweet melody of her voice,
and her smile is the precious reward of victory. En¬
gage in her service—fight under her banner—place her
badge upon your breast and fear not!