THE BROKEN BUCKLE by J. Hamilton

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 21, 1861

THE BROKEN BUCKLE.

By J. Hamilton

You have read in your own history of that hero, who, when an overwhelming force was in full pursuit, and all his followers were urging him to a more rapid flight, coolly dismounted in order to repair a flaw in his horse's harness. While busied with the broken buckle, the distant cloud swept down in nearer thunder; but just as the prancing hoofs and eager spears were ready to dash down upon him, the flaw was mended, and like a swooping falcon, he had vanished from their view. The broken buckle would have left him on the field a dismounted and inglorious prisoner; the timely delay sent him in safety back to his bustling comrads.

There is in daily life the same luckless precipitancy, and the same profitable delay. The man who, from his prayerless awakening, bounces into the business of the day, however good his talents and great his diligence, is only galloping upon a steed with a broken buckle, and must not marvel if, in his hottest race or most hazardous leap, he be left inglorious in the dust; and though it may occasion some little delay beforehand, his neighbor is wiser who sets all in order before the march begins.—Rev. J. Hamilton.