Iron County register., 1898-03-03
ENcoURAeEMENTIN THE HOME
Where the Foundations of succes.fuI
Lives Are Laid

"here the Foundations of Successful
Lives Are Laid.
Ihat "a prophet is not without honor
save in his own country" is a true if
somewhat trite saying. Of all places.
the home should be the one where
talent, genius or ability looks for en-
.couragement, for inspiration and i'm
petus. Yet how often is the ardent en-
thusiasm of brilliant child or young
person nipped in embryo because of
the thoughtiess criticism of older MEM
-bers of the family.
The artistic temperament, in what
ever form 1t may develop, is exquisitely
sensitive, not only to beauty, as pre-
sented to the mind or to the outward
vision, but 10 whatever of mental ex-
perience may come in its way. A word
of encouragement from a trusted friend
has often been the pivot upon which
has turned the life work of noble soul.
y single phrase of cold, careless criti-
-cism from some one i'll fitted for the
task has likewise often operated as
would an icy spray upon delicate
plant, retardiEg, if not effectually pre-
venting, its further development
If closely studied by those having it
In charge, the natural tendency of a
schild's taste will usually manifest itself
along the line where the best success
may be attained. But these indication
are too often disregarded, and the pos
rsIble teacher. artist, musician, poet,
statesman even, becomes a complete
failure in some mercantile establish
.ment. On the other hand, because of
the mistaken ambition of some fond
parent, the child who might have de-
-veloped into a clear-headed, active man
sot business, because very mediocre
incumbent of some profession for
which nature never intended him.
Upon whatever line of achievement
the young life may enter, if it be
worthy, in the best sense, do not fail
to speak the encouraging word. Many
n young person, and older one, too, for
that matter, comes to point where
further effort seems useless, where re-
suits seem so far away, so unattainable,
that they are tempted to relinquish the
struggle. They lose confidence in them
selves, in their chosen methods, and
look in vain for light upon the prob
lens which confront them. 1t is then
only the possessors of indomitable en-
ergy and will can emerge unscathed
from the chilling influence of adverse
comment.
1t is said that "great men have great
mothers" Does not the greatness
of the latter oftenest consist in the clear
insight which enables her to, perceive
the ability, the possibilities latent in
her boy, and which, with the unswerv-
ing faith which characterizes the no.
fbiest type of wcmanhood, prompts her
to speak the encouraging word at the
right moment. thus so inspiring him
with the belief in his powers and his
ultimate success as to safely tide him
.over the critical time when so little
might turn the scale?
Not only in the home, but in the
larger circles of social and business
life is our influence potent for encour-
agement or repression. In these larger
relations we often find ourselves in
contact with some one without home
influences or home ties, yet who has
'''hitched his wagon to a star" and is
struggling bravely on alone and un-
aided To such an one the encouraging
word spoken at critical moment may
prove of untold value. The opportuni-
ties are all about US, and we have only
10 improve them to attain the blessings
for ourselves which always arise from
rthe consciousness that we have inspired
some soul to better effort.-Eliza beth
zRobbins Berry, in Boston Budget.