The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1894-08-16
INFLUENCE.
"Men'S evil manners live in brass:
Their virtues we write in water"

Their virtues we write in water'
Many are the lives of men unwritten
which nevertheless have as powerfully
influenced civilization and progress as
the more fortunate great whose names
are recorded in biography.
Even the humblest person who sets
before his felloWmen an example of in
dustry, of society, and honesty of pur-
pose, has a future as we'll as present
influence. For his life and character
pass unconsciously into the lives of
others and propagate good for all time.
AS insects take the color of the plants
On which they feed, so do we imbibe
the knowledge, the character of our
associates.
Human character is moulded by a
thousand subtle influences: by example
and precept by life and education; by
friends and neighbors; by the world we
live in, as we'll as by the spirit of our
forefathers, whose legacy of good deeds
we inherit.
Example is one of the most potent
instructors, says Lou r. Brown in the
Wadena Journal though it teaches
without tongue,-far greater than
precept, more fOrcible than words.
Precept may point out to us the way,
but silent, continuous example, con-
veyed to us by habit, carries us along.
Good advice has its weight, but un-
less accompanied by good example has
comparatively little influence. Ex-
ample in conduct therefore is of no
slight Importance, inasmuch as it is be-
ing constantly interviewer in the lives
OF others and helps to form the charac-
ter of those about us for better or for
worse.
The men Of our day in our own land
who have aided in shaping the political
sentiment, in swaying the masses in
peace or in war, in elevating and edu-
eating the people, have been greatly
influenced by our institutions and the
freedom of our own broad land.
All nations are made what they are
by the influence of the thinking and
working of great men. Dear old father
Washington who carved republic out
OF the dependency of monarchy, Alb
raham Lincoln with his colossal intel
lect and heart to match, Beecher. En-
erson OF our own country: Gladstone,
the embodiment of the highest civil
lzatlon OF England; Charles Kingsley,
the benefactor of London's poor. Grevy
from the tropical temperament of
France; Garibaldi the Italian patriot
covered with fame and glory, are the
fairest and best specimens of humanity
who are worthy of commentator, and
have left a lasting influence on their
several nations. A prominent man can
not be recognized as star unless he
shines with steady light. An eccen-
trio meteor wandering in space outside
the laws that should govern a heavenly
messenger, merely vanishes and leaves
no sign, as it is apt to lead us astray it
can not be considered a Trustworthy
guide.
When great and good man, great in
his goodness and good in his greatness.
comes to the front, he adds to the cap
ltal OF hearts and brains; he bestows
on his fellow men the advantage of his
learning and culture, his experience
and eloquence, his talents and genius.
1t is character rather than mankind
which perpetully tends to renoyate
mankind. The character of parents
and teachers are being constantly re-
produced in the children. Actions of
selfdsnial, of effeetion, of industry and
of discipline which they daily exempli-
fly, remain undestroyed when all else