How to Succeed

In a country like ours, where the road to wealth is open to all, it is not strange that the love of money, and money making should be predominating traits. But money, with all of its power and influence, is as naught when compared to Character.

A sure means of building up character is to practice the virtues of honesty, temperance, and frugality. It is better to be honest than rich. Wealth is a blessing or curse as it is used for good or evil. You should combine with uprightness of character a determination to succeed and a disposition to do right under all circumstances.

Let me impress upon you the priceless value of character. It is one of the noblest possessions a man can have. Build upon it, for it carries with it a power and influence that always tells. No money can measure its value, and no man can rob you of it without your own consent. Success, in its general acceptation, is almost valueless without character. I esteem the spotless character bequeathed to me by my honored parents, more than if they had left to me great wealth: houses and lands may be lost, but character lives after marble monuments crumble with time. A good name is one of the heritages of character, and is more to be desired than riches. Then strive to make for yourself a name free from reproach; if you value a good name and the respect of the virtuous, avoid bad company. "Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men."

Young men should see to it that they sow good seed. "Whatsoever a man soweth, that also shall he reap." If the young would but consider how much their parents and friends are interested in their welfare and happiness, they would be stimulated to live correct lives, and to make for themselves character above reproach.

The humblest person that I address has father, mother, sister or some one who feels an interest in his or her welfare. Have an ambition to do right, and you will be respected. Remember, young man, that in all of your wanderings, the eye of God is constantly upon you; remember, also, that your actions, whether good or bad, are scrutinized by those from whom you seek employment. A youth who is seen with the idle and dissolute of either sex, will not find favor with business men of correct principles. I have known some noble youths who have been ruined by wicked, intemperate associates. Alas! our cities and towns are filled with such characters; few young men can withstand the temptations of city life. Intemperance has been the curse of the land.

No man who habitually gets drunk can be trusted with important interests, for in time of greatest need he will utterly fail; his intentions may be good, and he may strive to do right, but if he drinks to intoxication he is on the broad road to ruin. His dissolute habits bind him as with a chain of iron. There is little or no hope of reforming him. Then "look not upon the wine when it is red; at the last it biteth like a serpent and stingeth like an adder." Remember that the hand of the diligent maketh rich, but the glutton and drunkard shall come to poverty. Drunkenness has become such a vice all over the land, and is entailing such untold miseries upon society, I feel that I must, before dismissing the subject, add a few more words of warning to our young men.

Temptations to dissipation are always increased by idleness; no brain can stand total stagnation.

There is a painful vacuum in the lives of the idle. The body or mind must be employed to be healthy and happy. Too frequently the idle resort to tobacco, opium, or whiskey. Thus fearful pernicious habits are formed. I have long been of the opinion that the use of tobacco, considered by many so harmless, is the first step to dissipation. It is said that the dryness of the mouth caused by smoking, excites an artificial thirst which requires frequent draughts of liquid. Water becomes insipid, and brandy is added. In this way, the first step to dissipation often begins, which ends in ruin both to soul and body. This warning is intended as much for the minister of the gospel who smokes and chews, as for the youth just beginning life.

G. W. W.

Nacoochee Valley, Ga., Sept., 1878.