The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1875-10-28
Stupids.

If a teacher has any special cause for
thankfulness it is for the "stupids.
Now do not disagree. Think moment
Who have turned out well of that class
which you had fifteen years ago? Is it
the brightest scholar who learned his
lessons by intuition. who never needed
to study; who could keep himself in mis- |
chief, his associates in stew, you in a |
worry and recite his lesson well, all at !
the same time? Or is it the slow good |
natured youth of whom you did not ex-
pect much? He never worried you. He
studied hard at his lessons, never recited
well, was slow to comprehend any point
you might present, often discouraging
you with his dullness. Yet he was dill
gent He was reliable, too He was al
ways on time. He retained pretty we'll
what he once learned, but it was dread
full work getting it. He was one of the
faithful ones. If any special work was
to be done and the teacher needed as
sistance he would be on hand, not to say
much, but to do "power."
How often we have wondered what be-
comes of the "brilliantsa in our classes.
We thought them quite wonderful. We
prided ourselves on them; were always
glad when visitors recognized them; have
promised them a glorious future and
senguinely hoped they would do us hon
or But with the closing of their school
life they seem to disappear and settle
back; are entirely out of sight.
But in their stead we hear of that slow
going John occupying some position OF
trust and responsibility; of that dull,
vet faithful William welding a great
power of influence and money. And
most likely they have the reputation OF
solid learning and indeed of brilliant
powers Why is this? you question.
But you think again, and the solution
is easy. That stupid pupil learned of
his stupidity the lesson of patience and
perseverance. That bright pupil learned
of his quick powers the lesson of laziness
and want of application. The one who
had to work to learn learned to work,
the other who did not have to work to
learn, did not learn to work.
Industry is genius. There is no talent
like genuine work. Ten out of every ten
successful men are workers. Nine out
of eyery ten workers will be successful
men. Genius, like the oratory of De-
mosthenes, is action action action!
We have often said that the worst mis-
fortunes that can befall child is to be
born smart, pretty and wealthy. Not
one out of ten such children will amount
to anything.
On the other hand the greatest bles'
sings are stupidity, ugliness, and poverty
The person who has them to contend
with and contends with them is. as sure
of success as he is of difficulties:
So then teachers, be thankful for your
stupid scholars. Work for them and
they will work for you. Believe IN
them, improve them, encourage them
and you will certainly have your reward
Theodore Hook was delighting a lev
friends one summers cvenin at Fuiham
by an extempore comic song, when II
the middle of it the servant entered
with. please, sir, here's Mr.. Winter, the
tax gatherer, he says he has called fol
taxes" Hook would not be interrupted
but went on at the pianoforte as if moth
ing had happened, with the following
stanZa:
Here comes Mr.. Winter, collector o
taxes,
I'd advise you to pay him whatever h
axes
Excuses won't do, he stands no sort o
fummery,
Though Winter his name is, his process
is summary.