The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1891-06-11

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;rsined, must be centered upon this one
object Of life, oar profession. Such hab-
10 as these lead TO happiness in our oc.
,upations instead Of everlasting discon.
tent
The pith Of an old adage is, Heaven
helps those who help themselves" This
signifies spirit Of self-help, which is the |
root of genuine growth in the individual, |
and, exhibited in the lives of the many,
constitutes the true source of natural vig-
or and strength. Even the best institu-
tions OF learning can give no active help.
Their main purpose 10 to cultivate and
tram proper habits, and set the youth
fairly on the road TO success and future
Development
Yet great a. all external influences arc
acknowledged 10 be, it il equally clear
that they must BE- the active agents Of
their own well. being and well-doing.
Without such q spirit Of self-help, our
efforts are almost useless a. Q means Of
promoting our own interests. This spirit
includes number Of factors, such a. dill.
igence, industry, practicability and com.
mon sense.
The extraordinary results effected by
dint Of sheer industry have led many 20
doubt whether the gift Of genius is such
an essential endowment a. il is usually
supposed TO be. This, however, would
not be full appreciation Of genius, since
We know that no amount OF labor, with.
out the original endowment Of heart and
brain, could have produced Shakespeare,
q Michael Angelo or Newton. Yet I
verify believe that in the man, the secret
OF success consists in iDdefatigable and
dlligent industry. HE that is slothful is
also brother to him that is great
waster." And again, "4o to the ant,
thou sluggard; consider her ways and be
wise" Further, Poor Richard says, dill
igence is the mother OF good luck"
Some one has said that, il we only had
the wisdom to look for them, we would
find many excellent opportunities in store
for rs. Although many OF these are hid.
den from our view, some are plainly visi-
BILE upon tho horizon Of good fortune,
and should be used to good advantage.
Shakespeare has we'll observed: "There is
q tide in the affairs of men, which, taken
at the food, leads on to fortune; omitted,
all the voyage OF their lives is bound in
shadows and in mlseries."
One more element is necessary in prac-
teal life. The topic has often been treat
ed OF. but by no one more briefly and ct.
fectively than Bulwer in the lines: 1.-The
talent Of success is nothing more than
doing what you can do we'll, and do
ing we'll whatever you do, without one
thought Of fame" Although some may
attain success and happiness by simply
beinglthe possessor Of few virtues. there
is yet one, without the possession Of
which, no man can realize an honorable
life. This is truth. As beautifully ap
propriate in all your life's endeavors
cherish we'll the motto, cardinal in q
double sense, BE just and fear not
Life and its occupations will be thus up
held by conscious aud ever present in
centive to higher and better standards.
Polonius, in giving advice to his son
said:
This above ALTO thine own self be true;
And i must follow a = the e night the day,
have before suggested that every in
dividual, however moderate or zealou
in ambition, is essentially the architec
OF his own character and fortune; and
knew Of no more enduring materials FOL
/ the construction Of character and for thu
harvest Of an honorable and successful
life than the examples OF those who hav
won for themselves the approval Of thei
own self-consciousness and the respect 9
the wise and good around them.
Let me, in conclusion, ask you to con
slider we'll aud emulate the virtues an,
commendable characteristics OF the great
the successful and the good. Adopt an,
cultivate their strong points-shun tn
pathways to failure and remorse. Cul
tivate at the starting point the virtue
that are excellent, and the ambitions tina
purify and ennobie. Select your path
ways by the light OF the eminent live
that have gone before. And thus, an
thus only, may you fortunately find a.
occupation where all prospects please.