The commercial. (Union City, Tenn.) 190?-193?, 1909-06-11
1lIeAt Brings Ont the stars.

-
appreciation of the value of persever
ance when we see how much can be &C
complished in any given direction b,
the man or woman of but average
ability, who resolutely perseveres in th,
cause of action adopted as the ruling
purposes of their lives. We then ar
rive at just estimate of the value o
perseverance as a factor in success.
The old fable of the hare and the tor
toise only exempliies truth which
we are all ready to admit, when We
once stop to admire those stupendous
works Of nature and art which proclaim
IN us uncertain tasks, the triumph Of
Perseverance. All of the performances
of human art at which we look with
praise or wonder are instances of the
resistless force of perseverance. 1t is
by this that the quarry becomes a
pyramid, the elements level the noun
tains or the constant dripping of water
wears the hardest stone.
How many who have won we'll nigh
imperishable fame in the world Of litera-
ture, art OF science, owe all their great
ness to persevering efforts? There were
hours of dependency when Shakes
peare thought h m e | no poet;
Raphael no painter, when the greatest
minds doubted the excellence of their
happiest efforts, How many of those
whom the world calls Great can say
with Isaac Newton that whatever they
may have been able to accomplish more
than ordinary, has been solely by virtue
Of perseverance.
From childhood to old age, such men
as these knew no such word as fail. De-
( feat only gave them power; difficulty
only taught them the necessity Of re-
doubled exertions, dangers gave them
courage and the sight of great labors
inspired in them corresponding ex-
ertions. 1t has been said by shrewd
observers that successful men owe more
to their perseverance than to their nat
ural powers, their friends or environ
ments. Go to the business men of
worth and influence and ask who
shall have their confidence and support,
and they will tell you men who falter
not by the, wayside," who toll on in
their calling against every barrier;
whose eyes are upward and whose
motto is excelsior" Self-confdence
helps to bring out the stars.
By self-relance is not meant self-con-
ceit; the two are widely different Self
reliance recognizes the problems of life
and calmly concludes it is able to meet
them. Self-conceit on the other hand
knows nothing of the difficulties it has
to contend with and feels above taking
advice. -
1t has been said, God never intended
that strong independent beings should
be supported by clinging to others like
the ivy to the oak. "
The difficulties, hardships, the trials
of life are positive blessings. They
teach him self-reliance just as by wres-
ting with an athelete who is superior to
us. We increase our own strength and
learn the secret of his skill. Il
If we have self-reliance, all diff
fculties come to us as Bunyan says of
like the lion Sampson met.
The first time we encounter them, they
roar and gnash their teeth, but once
we find a nest Of honey in
them. Don't rely upon your friends
nor the name of your ancestors.
Thousands have spent the prime of
life in vain hope of help from friends
and many have starved because they
lad rich father. Rely upon the good
name which is made by your own ex- :,
srtions and remember the best friend :.
you have is self-confdence. Help your
elf and heaven will help you, should be :
he motto of every man in the world,
Who would carve his way to success. y
1t is an old saying: He who has o
ost confidence in self can lose nothing $,
more. Improve your opportunities. al
We can conceive of no spectacle better N
calculated to lead the mind to serious ii
than that of an aged person
rho has misspent long life, and who, &C
then standing near the end of life's h.
looks back over the long years D,
My to recall opportunities unimproved. b.
What different course would he pur- OF
ne, would time but turn backward in o,
is flight and he be allowed to begin
new. But regrets are useless, save as
hen they awaken in the minds of To
docira tO avoid arrorc oO6