Self-Effort

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1883 edition. Excerpt: ... 'Reflect that life and death--affecting sounds--Are only varied modes of endless being; Reflect that life, like every other blessing, Derives its value from its use alone. Not for itself, but for a nobler end, The Eternal gave it; and that end is virtue. When inconsistent with a greater good, Reason commands to cast the iess away. Thus life with loss of wealth is well preserved, And virtue cheaply saved with loss of life."--Johnson. HE attainment of success depends upon what has been the purpose and object of life. There may be a failure in the realization of success in consequence of the goal being unattainable, placed too high, or out of the reach of the possible. Success is assured to all who will take the means to attain it, --but only that success which is attainable. Success in the accumulation of property depends upon circumstances and surroundings and the efforts made to take advantage of favourable circumstances. While honest and industrious effort is certain of reward, wealth and distinction, honours and large emoluments, may never be realized. It is absurd to suppose that all that is needed to attain success in any given direction is a fixed and resolved purpose. The success which may be achieved is the success which is possible of attainment. A young artist may look long and lovingly upon the works of Reynolds, Constable, or Turner, and his study and careful observation of their paintings will no doubt improve his own work; but he ought not to suppose that he has failed in obtaining success because his work does not equal the productions of England's greatest painters. Success, however, in the true sense, is within the reach of all, whatever the condition or lot in life may be. It will be admitted that intellectual improvement...