When Henry Ward Beecher Learned a Lesson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. · Aug 1, 1912

When Henry Ward Beecher Learned a Lesson

HENRY WARD BEECHER used to tell a story of how he was taught, when a boy, to depend on himself.

"I was sent to the blackboard, and went, uncertain, full of whimpering."

" 'That lesson must be learned,' said my teacher in a quiet tone, but with terrible intensity. All explanations and excuses he trod underfoot with utter scorn. 'I want that problem; I don't want any reason why you haven't it.'"

" 'I did study two hours.'"

" 'That's nothing to me; I want the lesson. You need not study it at all, or you may study it ten hours, just to suit yourself. I want the lesson.'"

"It was tough for a green boy, but it seasoned me. In less than a month I had the most intense sense of intellectual independence and courage to defend my recitations."

"One day his cold, calm voice fell upon me in the midst of a demonstration, 'No!'"

"I hesitated, and then went back to the beginning; and on reaching the same point again, 'No!' uttered in a tone of conviction, barred my progress."

" 'The next!' I sat down in red confusion."

"He, too, was stopped with 'No!' but went right on and finished; and, as he sat down, was rewarded with 'Very well.'"

" 'Why,' whimpered I, 'I recited it just as he did, and you said "No!"'"

" 'Why didn't you say "Yes," and stick to it? It is not enough to know your lesson; you must know that you know it. You have learned nothing until you are sure. If all the world says "No," your business is to say "Yes," and prove it.'"

One of the greatest delusions that a human being could ever have is that he is permanently benefited by continued assistance from others.—Selected.