Towanda daily review. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1879-1921, 1881-05-18
Judge Ingham's Lecture.

The seventh and last lecture Of the Insti-
tute course was delivered on Monday evening
by Hon. Judge Ingham. The subject of the
lecture was "Success in Life" In commenc-
ing, the lecturer said, a weather-prOof audi
ence like this deserves to be entertained. He
was sorry to be compelled to read lecture
for there is something which is never found
written, in the tone and glowing thought of
au eXtempOraneous speaker. There are some
advantages, however, in having lecture
written; correct expressions are used and the
results of careful thought are clearly eX-
pressed. We often hear it remarked That
this or that man is "successful." The Ordi-
nary meaning is that he has accumulated
property or achieved fame. Such success is
only for the few; the success L mean is for
theImauy. 1t is the attainment Of that degree
of happiness which the Creator has placed
within reach of human beings upon this
earth. If there are any who suppose that
this happiness comes as naturally as the
winds and tides, they have been dull observ-
ers of the ways of men. Some hold that we
are creatures of fate; others that every indi-
ydual controls his own destiny. Ordinary
observation teaches that while we are sur
rounded by uncomfortable circumstances yec
there is q wide field wherein we may choose
our own paths for good or evil. We must,
as individuals, accept the situations in which
we are placed. The conaltlon may be made
better or worse, and the resOlute endeavOr of
every one should be to make it better. The
Young should look first with intelligent eyes
al their own surroundings and then deter
mine their course of action. Their object III
life should be wisely considered and clearly
defined in their own minds and the paths by
which they hope to reach it carefully select
ed. Wealth and fame may be desirable; but
the road to happiness does not necessarily
lead to such ends. The wealth that comes as
the result of honest labor is desirable; the
honors which are heaped upon those who un-
selfshly labor to benefit their country or
mankind are more desirable than the bright
est Jewels that adOrn crown. The ancient
teachings tended to stimulate the young to
achieve fame; their idea of Immortality was
the Immortality of great name. The i'm
mortality which wise men now prize is the
happy Immortality of the soul; and no plan
of a successful life can be formed which does
not include that.
Some of the general points which should be
considered by all young persons are health,
education, habits, business, marriage, poll
tics and religion. Health is the basis Of hap
pness and the usual basis of all solid achiev-
ments. Those who have good constitutions
may easily preserve health; but it often hap
pens THAI they are the most prodigal of ma
ture's priceless gift The human organism.
the temple of the soul was made for use, not
abuse No laws of health can be broken wi, h
impunity, and they who will not obey must
suffer the penalty. This penalty may be
mere discomfort; it may be settled disease;
III may Dc early uGtJu- OuCCcSS III IlC uC"
pends largely upon good and steady habits.
Gen. Grant in speaking of his grand move
ment which resulted in the capture of Vicks-
burg said: IA great deal can be accomplished
in eight days." Those who at times must
make exceptionally great efforts, will fiud a
vast reserve of powers in systematic habit.
Learn to do things Systematically and YOU
will save much valuable time. In all The
works of life habits adapted to the place are
essential to success. Having said SO much
for good habits it is unnecessary to add, avoid
forming bad habits. A young man might as
well hope for success in life with lad habit
as wrecked mariner to swim when loaded
with lead. If you have a bad habit get rid of
it at once. Be masters Of yourselves, remem-
bering that he who rules his own spirit is
better than he who taketh city. The edrca-
tion which conduces to success in life is that
culture of mind and body which enlarges
and strengthens the natural powers, it may
be obtained in schools, in the fields and in the
work shops. The opportunities of acquiring
knowledge are now so widely ditfused THAI
the young have only to reach out determined
hands and grasp what they need. Schools
and colleges afford the best opportunities for
the epest and widest culture; but neither
schools nor masters can drive true education
into the heads of beedess, idle and vain
scholars. Education does not consist in the
parrot like repetition of other peoples words