The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1868-11-04
sFANDARDs OF DUTY.
Froy. ne Phaaaefphta LEDGER.

FFoss DE Philadelphia Ledger.
No one ever yet attained 10 great
ness, who imitated the faults as
we'll as the merits of others: Ihere
never has been such q thing rs per-
feet man of business, one who mas MOI
sometimes come short of complete suc-
cess, when by greater diligence and
prudence, or by more energy or accu-
rRcy, he might hRye done better. 1here
never was a perfect poet or painter, OF
sculptor, or physician or lawyer. NO
one would attain to eminence in any OF
these pursuits, by Initiating the talItngs
as well as the eXcellencies OF even the
most distinguished in their professions.
The wise man studies the points OF e1-
cellence in each, and marks their warn.
Gus approaches TO perfecuon, ana now
they were acquired, ana II ne "a st .lais.
their faults, it Is only TO avoid them.
The man who aims most earnestly alta
perfect standard, will make the nearest
approach TO it. Though he may fall
far below his mark, yet his progress
will be rapid, his Rttainments great,
and thus trained and disciplined he
may even appear TO others 10 have at
tained TO that for which he still labofs
and hopes. s-.a...5 /,
The Same truth applies in matters of
the heart and life Those who are
aiming at a perfect standard of excel
lence In social, moral and religious NE
following IL, though it may be at a dis
lance discouraging to themselves, are
really making the greatest approach 10
what they seek, and are daily tmproY-
ing and progressing in excellence and
virtue. 1t Is true that such life re-
duires constant walchfulness, but this
will soon become easy and instructtYe.
Habits of untiring vigilance, difficult
md painful at the outset, when once
\ IN
their results. The formations OF good
habits Is like the planting OF an acorn,
which, In that form, Is SO feeble that an
infants foot may.cEush 1t, but ultimate-
lY becomes an oak which giants cannot
snake. "a life aiming at perfection re-
qtiires attention 10 minute duties that
are in constant danger Of being over
looked. Little things form the
character, little virtues pTactIced
faithfully make great ones easy,
and make up in number what they
seem to lack in importance. Just as
all the daily drilling OF troops in times
of peace enables them to face the enemy
with confidence in the day of battle, SO
meeting and overcoming the little
beset mankind, are the best means OF
acquiring those virtuous principles that
will support them in the hour OF great
est danger. The little duty is step.
ping-stoDe to the higher. As he who
should despise the simpler problems
of Euclid, because they seem SO Ineagre
In their results, could never. reach the
higher mathematics, or make those
far-reacbing calculations npOn which
so much OF practical science depends,
30 he who deapises the minor virtues
and duties of life, which arethe found
atoms of nearly all practical good, can
never attain to an experience of the
higher. 7 -
The man who is scrupulous in hon
esIy TO fraction, and steadily reslsts
every temptation to uverreach in the
smallest matters, Will gradually ac.
quile a principle SO firm, that no OPP
portHnity, however alluring, could for
moment even tempt him to sacrifice
his integrity. And the same Is true
with all the virtues. High aims and
constant minute endeavors TO follow
up the standard OF perfection in every
thing, archie great means of progress.
i've Improvement. It is true that this
Implies a daily struggle and effort that
may seem hard to many. 1fantn inward
love for excellence and a strong will to
pursue 1t do not enter into this strug-
gle, no progress in virtue will be made.
In making perfection their aim, they
must daily strive to live up practically
to what they hold theoretically. When
they become conscious of any duty II
must be done fearlessly, thoroughly,
and at whatever sacrifice. In every
part OF their conduct, their company,
their reading. their habits OF any kind,
In the health of their bodies, the inn
provement fIheir minds, and the full
fiilment Of every social and religious
duty, while they aim at a perfect I'M
derstanding of the most excellent way,
they must accurately practice each
new lesson as fast as they gain it. 1t Is
thus that all Announcements in knowl.
edge become vitaliZed. -1