The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1852-12-28
HE pADDLED HIS OWN CANOE.

We'll, ho padded his own cancel said
gentleman to mo the other day, in speaking of
a mutual friend. f'
too
The gentleman spoken Of remember years
ago, was little boy. lie was just commen-
cling business. and 1 was thinking. what T
should follow for my own, for | had the bless
ing OF inheriting an entire independence of
wealth, and went to work in my nineteenth
year The young man had just launched his
canoo, on the tide of business. Ii was fraiI
one. But hc padded with a strong arm and
stout heart, headed up the stream. Pull
away, sound in his ears, and the echoes from
the frowning rocks came back upon him. null
away! until the eddy was escaped and the
frownng rocks We're behind him.
He went from the city. A few years after
he returned on a visit, and told noble story of
ms success. lie had escaped tho oddy and
the rocks were behind, but he had nothing but
his canoe when he went from New York.
He had sailed in it down the Ohio, and in
western city made his home. He had padded
ever since, and had now a broad stream. with
tho current in his foyor, and such a paddle!-
Never red-skin could show broader or a
stronger one, and as TO that arm and will, the
exercise made them stronger than before.
For some years lost sight of him. But
not long since run right across bis track as |
he was passing along the street one morning. |
and shouted ship ahoy! and he cast anchor |
and spoke us. He had beon padding ever
since we saw him last, and was now in tho
open sea, with stiff breeze, all sails set. and
with valuable cargo Of specie on board. lie
was just fetching up at the desired haven, and
quite recently has dropped his anchor, and
finds himself at home.
He had padded his canoe we'll He has
now an ample fortune, and an unbemshed
character. He started with the maxim that
he must do right, and pull awayl In the
modesty OF an unassnmng diffidence, but
with the courage and boldness of a man who
knows he is right. he pushed along, and his
whole career has been series of triumphs.-
He was elected mayor of western city by the
unanimous vote of tho people, although there
were two other candidates in the field, and has
won for himself everywhere the sincere admi-
ration and respect of all his associates.
Young man! You must paddle your own
canoe! IL is better, on the whole, that you
should. See that young man who gets into q
canoe, bought with money Of his parents or
friends. When the gay vessel is launched he
must have it padded by hired hands. while he
lolls back and sees nothing perhaps but an
shadow of himself in the smooth
waters. BY and by careless and presumptous {
s'eeiing' - uasheo among the rapids, and he
goes down. Should he como up again he finds
that ho has been abandoned by all, and then
ne has made wreck where he might have
made fortune 4
Young men or womenl Paddle your own {
canoes! Even ifyou are favored with parents
Or friends that can give you one, be sure to 7
earn IL Dy tne worthiness of your lives In c
high purposes, noble resolves, in generous {
leeds. to purity, and virtuous endurance and j
'lameless conversation, let your ondeavors to r
paddle your own canoe be seen by all. Pull 7
away! If the paddle breaks while striving Q
against the rapids, have another ready. If
1ou have but one, pull with the stump of the r
'ld one! Don't relax one effort One stroke [
ost and it may be the fatal onel Pull away! 9
Your cnnoe. If you have built il like my friend.
IT the right material in your character, will
'old out as long as you yourself will. Pull
wayl And before long you NAV find vourself 3
n as fair haven as the man that paddles his O
wn canoe. w. GLAND Bourne-N. Y. Ref &