The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1902-02-05
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maloknd Mr ell - BE-
) CHARACTER.
Hints for Young Men In Business

Hints for Young Men in Business.
Character tells i'll all conditions of
life. 1t is the crown and glory of life.
1t is mans noblest possession, con-
stituting rank in itself, and an estate
in the general goodwill; dignifying
every station, and exalting every posi-
ton in society. 1t exercises a greater
power than wealth, and secures all the
honor without the jealousies of fame.
It carries with it an influence which
always tells; for it is the result Of
proved honor, rectitude, and consist
ency,-qualities which, perhaps more
than any other, command the general
confidence and respect of mankind.
Character Is human nature in its
best form. 1t is moral order embodied
in the individual. Men Of character
are not only the conscience OF society,
but in every well-goyerned State they
are its best motive power; for it is
moral qualities in the main which rule
the world. Even in war, Napoleon
said the moral Is to the physical as ten
to one. The strength, the industry,
and the civilization of nations, all de-
pend upon individual character; and
the very foundations of civil security
rest upon it. Laws and institutions
are but its out-growth. In the just
balance of fnature, and. races, will OBJ
tain lust so much as they deserve, and
no more. Ard as effect finds its cause,
20 surely does quality of character
amongst people produce its betitting
results. Though man have compar-
atively little culture, slender abilities.
and but small wealth, yet,sif his char
acter be of sterling worth, he will al
ways command an influence, wether 1t
be in the workshop, the counting-house
mart, or the senate. Energy OF char
acter has always a power to evoke
energy in others. It acts through
sympathy, one of the most influential
Of human agencies. The jealous, en-
ergetic man unconsciously carries
others along with him. His example
is contagious, and compels imitation.
He exercises q sort of electric power,
which sends a thrill through every
fibre, flows into the nature of those
about him, and makes them give out
sparks of fire. The same qualities
which determine the character of in
dividuals also determine the character
of nations. Unless they are high
minded, truthful, honest virtuous,
courageous, they will be held In light
esteem by other nations, and be with
out weigh in the world. Character is
one of the greatest motive powers in
the world. In its noblest embodi-
ments, it exemplifies human nature in
it's highest forms, for it exhibits man
at his best. Although genius always
commands admiration, character most
secures. The former is more the pro-
duct of brainpower, the latter of heart
power and in the long run 1t is the
heart that rules in life. Men of fgenius
stand to society in the relation Of its
intellect, as men Of ofcharacter of it's con-
science; and while the former are ad-
mired, the latter are followed. A life
exclusively occupied in affairs of busi-
ness insensibly tends to narrow and
harden the character. 1t is mainly oc-
cupied with self-wstching for advan-
tages and guarding against sharp prac-
tic on the part of others. Thus the
character unconsciously tends to grow
suspicious and ungenerous. Character
is property. 1t is the noblest of pos
sessions. It is an estate in the general
good will and respect of men; and they
who invest in it-though they may not
become rich in this worlds goods-will
find their reward in esteem and reputa-
ton fairly and honorably won. And
it is right that in life good qualities
should tell-that industry, and good
ness should rank the highest and that
the really best men should be foremost.
The best sort of character can not be
found without effort. There needs the
exercise Of constant self-watchfulness
self-discipline, and selfcontrol. There
may be much faltering. stumbling,
and temporary defeat: difficulties and
temptations manifold to be battled
with and overcome; but if the spirit be
strong and the heart be upright, no
one need despair of ultimate success.
The very effort to advance-to arrive
at higher standard Of character than
we have reached-is inspiring and in
vigorating; and even though we may
fall short Of it, we can not fail to be i'm
proved by every honest effort made in
an upward direction. Without princi-
pie, man is like a ship without rud-
der or compass, left to drift hither and
thither with every wind that blows.
He is as one without law, or rule, or
order, or government. Integrity of
word and deed ought TO be the very
cornerstone of all business transac-
tions. To the tradesman, the mer-
chant, the manufacturer, it should be
what honor is to the soldier, and char
ity to the Christian. In the humblest
calling there will always be found
scope for the exercise of this upright
ness of character. Hugh Miller speaks
of the mason with whom he served his
apprenticeship, as one who put his
conscience into every stone he laid"
Narrow-mindedness in living and in
dealing is generally short-sighted, and
leads to failure. The penny soul, it is
said, neve came to twopence. Gener-
osity and liberality, like honesty, prove
the best policy after all.