p. 355 | TWO CLASSES OF MEN by S. S. Times

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jun 16, 1887

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 13, No. 23.

TWO CLASSES OF MEN.

By S. S. Times

THERE are difficulties in the way of doing anything one has to do in this world; and there is a possibility of compassing the difficulties in the way of anything one has to do in this world. One man, when he is asked to do anything he is set to do, looks first at the difficulties in the way of its doing, and speaks of those difficulties as if they were barriers to its accomplishment. Another man, when he is asked to do anything he is set to do, looks first at the possible way of doing that thing; and, if he says anything at all, he speaks of the way in which he intends to do that thing.

These two classes of men are found in every sphere of life. Men of the first sort are both discouraged and discouraging persons. Even if they finally do their work successfully, they have made themselves, and they have made those who are over them and those who are about them miserable while they were doing what they were set to do. Men of the other sort are cheery, and are cheering workers. If they succeed, they both please and are pleased; and even if they fail, they fail in such a good-natured way that they cause less discomfort than they would if they succeeded after the gloomy and depressing manner of the other sort of persons. Here is a distinction which you ought to have in mind in whatever undertaking you are called to. If you see difficulties ahead, don't say anything about them. Go ahead, and do the best you can. If you succeed, all right. If you fail, fail smilingly—and die striving to do.