The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1858-02-10
EFFECTS OF INDUSTRY AND
g+t sf,s PERSEVERANCE,
Read before the Seneca township Literar,
association.
BY J. P. spRIaGs.

That there is vast difference in the
progress made by different individuals in
the various undertakings in life, is a fact
universally known and admitted, bnt as to
the cause of this difference, there is some
diversity of opinion. Some alege that it
| is generally to be attributed to luck (as
they call it. or that it is owing to their
natural gifts or endowments whilst others
attribute it to industry and perseverance,
But as we disbelieve in luck in its accept
ed sense, and give credence to the doc
trine, chat we are the architects of our
respective fortunes" at least, to very
great ertent, we Will briefly consider what
we believe to be some of the facts in the
case
Who has not taken cognizauce of the
fact, that there is vast difference in the
progress made by students ia the prosecu-
tion of their studies, both in our common
schools and higher Institutions of learn
ing? Now, what is the cause of this differ
ence? We answer it is generally to be at
tributed to want of energy on the one
hand, whilst on the other, hand we have
vigorous and protracted effort. True
there is often vast difference in their
natural powers of mind, but how often is
this difference in favor of the unsuccessful
student? In proof Of our position. we refer
to the history of all eminent and distin-
guished men, and we there learn that their
different positions were only attained after
the mos: laboriors and protracted efforts.
We learn that Demosthenes did not attain
| to emnence as an orator, until after he
had met with numerous defeats, although
prior to his first effort, he had been hard
student for considerable period of time.
At times he almost despaired, but again
he would take encouragement and again
perseyere, until he finally succeeded in
attaining the high rank that he sustained
as an orator. We might also refer to the
history Of Daniel Webster, ono of the
greatest Statesmen this country has pro-
. daced. Mr. Webster was a teacher in
the carly part of his Life, he also at that
time commenced the study of law, but
with all his powers of mind naturally, it
i is said that during the course of his stu
dies, he became SO discouraged on ac-,
4 count of the difficulties he experienced in
comrrehending the principles that he
i thought seriously of abandoning the strng-
gle in despair, and of following teaching
as business of life. But has it not been
said by wise meu, ''there is no excellence
without great labor?' and may we not add
4 perseverance, also? and does not every OBJ
servation of the progress of students tend
to establish the truth Of the assertion? ?
i That there is a vast difference in the apt
ness Of students to learn, we do not deny,
/ but. that this difference in many cases is
!. greatly augmented by the effort put forth
j, we think is equally true. Now. will not
the same prove true in all the vocatioas
in which men engage? What a asarked
difference there is in the progress Of diff
, ferent individuals in rising to eminence
aud distinction! Behold two young men
on starting out in the world, make choice
of some profession, set about the pre-,
paratory work of Qualifying themselves
. for the practical part, by close, hard and
protracted study. Thus they go on until
the desired position is almost attained,
, when one of them grows discouraged,
thinks it impossible for him to reach the
desired point, and abandons the struggle,
, perhaps, in the very hour of victory.
He has now yielded once, and this is only
preparatory to second defeat in whatever
he engages, for by his first defeat he lost
+ confidence in himself He a second time
makes an effort, but again grows discour-
aged, and is again defeated He then
passes from one object to another, meet
ing defeat after defeat, until he is finally
:. unable to summon up courage enough to
undertake anything of Importance, and
he then sinks so low in the scale OF intel
lectual existence, that 1t is impossible to
resurrect him. a M &
.. Now view the position of the energetic
+ and persevering candidate. Behold him
after his frst victory! You. can read his
success in his countenance,i and see it in
all his movements. He has now ever
come the first difficulty, he has acquired a
confidence in himself and is thereby pre-
pared to encounter successfully, all diff
culties that may assail him. Thus he
goes on, taking step after step. until he
becomes an honor to his profession aud q
blessing to his country. Bnt to pursue
, the matter still further, how many do We
see who, after they have passed the ipiti-
atory point, conclude that they have noth-
, ing more to do, but TO exercise their ,ac-
complishments and therefore cease to- per-
severe in the pursuit Of that, knowledge,
!, which would enable them to act the part
, now assigned them ia q manner honorable
to themselves. and beneficial to their fel-
!, low men. But instead of this, by their
neglecting to perseyere in the pursuit OF
| that knowledge, they become disgrace
to their profession, and curse to society.
But again! lis itnot true that if we'would
become rich, our entire attention must be
given to that object and we must labor
lenergetically and perseveringlJ, and finally
success will crown our efforts.
1t is true, that ,eselh is sometimes ac-