SELF-RESPECT.



A GENTLEMAN hearing a person remark on the "good luck" of certain boys in obtaining places, replied that it was not "luck" that gave a boy his rise in life, but something else; and then he told the following story: 

My father was a chair manufacturer. He had a very large establishment, and employed many workmen and boys. He used to pay them according to their work, that is, the number of chairs each made was counted at the end of the week, and tested to see if they were well made. If chair "passed," or met the requirement, the man or boy was then paid for making it.

In our employ were two boys whose names I well remember, Rufus Londes and Henry Mallin. Both worked very well, and hardly ever had a chair fail.

One day, father wished to select an under-superintendent for the boys' department.

"Now," thought father, "I desire an honest, conscientious boy."

And how do you think he set about finding one? He assembled all the boys in a large room, and told them that, until Further notice, no test would be required; each boy should make his chairs, and at the end of the week obtain his pay according to the number made.

"Now," thought father, " I shall discover what boys make their chairs well simply for pay, and what ones do their work for conscience’ sake."

At the end of the week he found that far more chairs had been made than usual, but he paid each boy in full; yet unbeknown to them he had the chairs of each carefully marked and placed by themselves. 

At the end of three weeks they were all examined. It was then discovered that, although Rufus Londes had not made a larger number, they were just as strong as before; while those of the other boys were more or less defective. "Ah," said father, "Rufus is my man," and to him he gave the position.

"Doing right when there is no one to watch you but your own conscience," says the S. S. Visitor, after quoting the above incident, "is the kind of self-respect that wins the respect and confidence of others, and the smile of God."

If you would have the love and respect of others, and the approval of Heaven, young friends, live so as not to lose respect for yourselves.



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SELF-RESPECT.


WHEN we think of the several organs of the human body, their uses, and the wonderful manner in which they can be strengthened and developed; the powers of the mind which control the body, and the capabilities of the soul, we cannot fail to feel some degree of reverence for ourselves. A proper estimate of one's own merits is praiseworthy, while a too high opinion of one's self leads to egotism, pride, and haughtiness, and is despicable.

A very poor person may possess self-respect. Large farms, fine houses, and sums of money do not give self-respect. It is the inner life, the formation of right habits, and the constant performance of duty that impart moral worth and lead to self-respect. 

Children should early seek to cultivate this important quality of the mind.  Neatness, cleanliness and purity of thought and deed tend to give self-respect. An ill-tempered, fretful person has no self-respect. A dishonest, unkind person has no self-respect. A mean, vulgar person has no self-respect. Children who when alone open bureau drawers, pry into boxes, and in other ways meddle with things belonging to others, have no self-respect. Those who respect themselves, scorn to do acts when alone which they would be ashamed to have made manifest.

A proper self-respect saves many a heart-ache. I once heard of a certain wise man, who when treated coldly by strangers would remark: 

"I comfort myself with the thought that it is not myself that is slighted, but my old shabby coat and hat; and if my coat and hat choose to fret, let them, but it is nothing to me."

This shows that self-respect may dwell under poor, threadbare clothes and be possessed by men of little renown.

Those who are honest, true and faithful will not feel offended, unhappy, or degraded if others do not appreciate their labors. The consciousness of right-doing gives self-respect.

Those who seek to imitate the noble, self-denying life of Christ cannot fail to have self-respect and true happiness. 





ELIZA H. MORTON.