The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1867-02-16
sELF-NADE MEN.
q Mss 5. r. COM.

BY MISS s. R. COIL. a-
1t appears mysterious to US, that the
treasures of this world should be SO un-
equally distributed by the hand of
Providence. We sometimes see them
layished with seeming prodigality upon
those whom we think unworthy, while
others who sppear to deserve them are
left almost entirely destitute. Weotten
ind men of the finest intellectual ca
pacity struggling with all the ills OF
poverty, in their efforts to ascend the
hill of knowledge. Eager as they
may be TO grasp the object OF
their hearts desire, they are
Obliged TO stop by the wayside to labor
for the necessaries OF lie. This seems
hard; and in our short-sightedness, we
are apt TO pronounce it wrong but we
know that the Great Governor of the
universe has reason for all his actions.
and that they are founded in ''right-
eousness and judgment" Men who
have been deprived OF proper intellectu-
al culture in early life, when they have
come to manhood, have shaken off the
shackles OF Ignorance, and by industri-
Gus application have polished the gems
which were deeply imbedded in
thelr mental nature. Found among
the independent sons of poverty
they have improved their golden mo-
ments as they passed, and before 1hey
have reached the meridian of life, have
risen superior TO those around them.
who enjoyed the treasures of earth in
the greatest abundance. This class of
men have proved a blessing to the
world. They have filled the highest
offices with the greatest credit. They
have been found at the head of the
press, welding the pen with power
which has shaken nations. The pulpit,
Inc bar, and the Senate, have resound-
ed with their soul-stirring eloquence.
Ihey nave explored the fields of
science, and brought bright
gems of truth from dark
recesses, TO gladden. the hearts of the
lovers of knowledge. The question
may be asked, why do not the sons of
wealth benefit mankind more? 1t is
the great law of God that man should
labor. 1t IS necessary for the develop
ment of his physical and intellectual
being. 1t braces his energies and quail
ines him for the battle of life. The
child of wealth knows nothing of the
sweet luxury of labor. Constantly
pursuing the paths OF pleasure, his
mental powers become dull and inac-
tive, and he finds himself shorn OF his
strength. Fortune smiles on him
IN his costly mansion. He
bids defiance to the world. Yet sick
ness Is a frequent guest at his dwelling,
depriving him of peace and happiness.
But the man of labor robes his cheeks
with the bloom of health; he increases
in physical strength, and by a Judi
cious cultivation, his intellectual vision
grows brighter, enabling him to survey
the vast field of knowledge spread out
before him, and to grasp truths before
winch weaker minds would quail. He
drinks deep of the "Pierian SPRING.
he lives in an elevated sphere OF
thought; his mind is as free as the
AR he breathes; he seeks TO
scatter the clouds of Ignorance
and to lead mankind into the bright
path of knowledge. He goes forward
with energy and decks his brow with
fairly won honors. How much we
have to encourage US in this free coun-
try, where ancestral renown has not
that powerful mysterious influence il
mas IN many countries, where merit,
alone, gives standard-where we NAV
elevate ourselves from the abodes of
PoVerty.to the zenith of American posi-
lion.
Lives of great men all remind US,
We can make our lives sublimei
Ana departing, leave behind US
Footprints in the sands of time"
The world is full of illustration of the
triumphant success of self-made men.
The greatest of all poets, William
Shakspeare, whose name is considered
the first, not only in English literature,
bat tirst in al literature, ancient and
modern, was n self-made man. Rising
above the disabilities of poverty, he
mas inscribed his name high upon the
temple of fame. His immortal dramas
VIII continue to be read and apprecia-
ted until time itself shall be no more.
Napoleon, who universally is deemed
the greatest General the world has ever
produced, was the creator of his own
crown.
Our own country has produced
self made Inen, almost as numerous as
the stars which shine vpon the dark
bosom of night. George Washington,
who justly deserves the appelIation:-
Father of his country" was to a con-
siderable extent, a'self-made man. The
Iaurels are still fresh which encircled
his brow years ago. The good and
great still continue TO teach their chill
dren to initiate his virtue.
we can safely class Benjamin Frank
lin with earth's benefactors. His
greatness was not owing to circum-
stances which surrounded him, but
simply to his own intrinsic merit. 1t
was he who discovered what lightning
was, which has been chained in its fiery
march 10 subserve the interests of man.
Abraham Lincoln, who. so recently
passed from this stage of action, and
whose residence with US we can Scarce
ly realize IS ended, was in every sense
of the word a selfmade man. From a
rail-splitter, by succession ofEittLe VIC
tories, he rose 10 occupy the proud po-
sltion of President of the United States,
He occupied that seat, too, at a time
when the very foundations ofouf Gov
ernment seemed to be giving way
when the bravest and most daring heart
might shrink from such complicated
responsibilities. Yet amid all those
portentous clouds which were hanging
over him, he stood unwaYering, ap-
parently breathing the spirit of the
poetess who sweetly sang:
There is a silver lining To every cioT,d
plainly demonstrating to the world |
that he had will and energy /
sufficient to sway a thousand empires. !
Let men of humble circumstances and /
labor, honor the name of Abraham |
Lincoln. 8 ..E. .r -
With such examples as these before |
us, need any ones heart fail him in this |
glorious republic.
Let us then be up and doing,
With a1heart for any fate;
stu achieving. still pursuinR-
Learn 10 labor and to wait"