And he forms a resolve to apply himself with ardor to the means by which alone his desired end can be attained;—to store his mind with that extensive knowledge, which is the only solid basis of just thought; and to subject himself to that process of patient meditation, which alone can extract from his materials their pith and essence, and enable him to build up in his mind an altar of truth, on which the fire of heaven can descend and kindle an ever-burning flame which shall be visible to the nations—a light to the world.
The love of fame,—which Milton calls "the last infirmity of noble minds"—is not indeed, as a motive of action, the highest; and in men who have reached maturity of years,— especially if allowed to remain a ruling motive,—is altogether an unworthy one, because grounded in selfishness. The end of benefiting his fellow-men, of accomplishing great works of usefulness, which may make mankind wiser, better, and happier, is indeed the only end which is worthy of being held up to itself by a noble mind. This is angelic and godlike, and is therefore alone worthy of the man who is destined to become an angel and an image of God, which man was created to be. Still, in the youthful age, the desire for distinction is so closely connected with that desire for excellence and true eminence-eminence not of name, merely, but of worth, noble deeds, illustrious works,—which burns in every gifted mind;—so blended is the longing for distinction with the hope of accomplishing something worthy of distinction, that the two feelings are as yet almost inseparable; and therefore, in youth, such aspirations are to be excused, and not, perhaps, altogether to be repressed. As the young man advances in life, if he continue
