Discretion.
135
V
'
press and free speech, never forgetting
Hint one is the medium of the other, and
Hint the harmony of both is nu essential
clement of civilization. C.
DISCRETION.
"There arc ninny more shining quali
ties in the mind of man, hut there is none
so useful ns discretion." The above
words though penned ninny venrs ago, by
one illustrious for his good sense mul wise
counsel, nevertheless seems to enjoin on
us n careful examination of this most use
ful quality found in the mind of man: nor
none the less do they admonish us, in the
formation of character, to give thereto the
attention of which this quality is so emi.
nently deserving.
The discreet man possesses immense ad
vantage over his neighbor who is indis
creet, and who, not being able to see this
advantage, and wherein it lies, is aston
islied at the " luck," as he is pleased to
call it, of his neighbor as compared with
his own. As oelbre said, he is unable to
understand why his neighbor should be
more successful than himself. But the
problem must be solved, at least satisfac
torily in bis own mind; and, alter a time
he concludes that the only rationi'l cause
of the difference is, that he has been born
under an " unlucky star," and his neigh
bor under a "lucky one." Hut in reality
the difference between them h.is not been
caused by stars or anything else of that
sort. The real cause is found In an entile
ly different direction. For though he
may have all other qualities to perfection,
be can never be successful s. long ns he
lacks discretion. It is discretion that
gives to the other qualities motion; it is
discretion that points out to its possessor,
the pleasant and profitable paths, leading
along the road of life; hence becoming
of inestimable value to him, and may
well therefore be called a most upeful
quality. Now it is self evident that few
qualities alone in an individual, cannot
make him successful in life.
Itjs only by a judicious combination
of nil good attributes, that n satisfactory
result is attained in life. But if he have
other qualities in moderation, and this in
perfection, lie is already equipped for a
successful journey on the highway of life.
When the discreet man first sets out on
the journey of life, he pnuses ns if in fear.
Others rush by him, wondering whnt hns
caused him thus to stop, while yet in the
beginning of his journey. But it is not
fear that has caused him to pnuse. What
then Is it? At first he seems lost in deep
meditation. He sees countless numbers
of his fellow beings hurried on, whither
they know not. lie hesitates, wondering
if he too must lustcn on in the darkness.
Nay, it cannot be, that men must travel
this dangerous road blindfolded, ns it
were, lie glances around, mm nis eyes
rest on a seemingly few among the host,
who seem to advance witli firm and steady
tread, lie eagerly watches their progress,
observing the freedom and security with
which they proceed. These are not un
frequently seen to pause (only, however to
make greater progress afterward,) and
look carefully down the rond, examining
every object likely to fall in their wny:
thus avoiding the obstacles constantly be.
setting their fellow trnvellers. Such, it is
needless to say, are the discreet travellers.
Our traveller of course adopts their mode
of trnvulling. He is now encouraged to
proceed. But before starting, he looks
far ahead; and when he has made a thor
ough survey of the ground over which ho
purposes travelling, then, nnd only then
does he venture on. He keeps in view
the remote objects, as well as those
more near. Disco ion tenches him
to look to the future; it inspires him with
motives high and noble; it continually
makes him better, nobler, wiser.
So we perceive, that there is more than
one wny of walking in life. At least,
we have in mind two, namely; that way
in which the discreet man travels, and
that other way, in which nrc invnrinbly
found misfortune, disappointment nnd a
train of other evils, all of which every
HI
1
-."i
