Rensselaer Union, Volume 10, Number 16, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 January 1878 — The Success es Failure. [ARTICLE]

The Success es Failure.

Nothing succeeds so well as successat 1.-ilhl that is the common opinion 1 But those familiar with biographies know that not unfrequently nothing is more successful than failure. An incident in the life of Lord Tenterden, a distinguished English Judge, illustrates this apparent paradox. In 1776, Charles Abbott, the son of a barber, wasademure, print lad, attending the King’s school in Canterbury. He was quite a favorite with the clergymen of the cathedral, who were nis father’s customers. Through their influence the boy hoped to receive the appointment of a chorister in the cathedral choir, in which there was a vacant place. The boy who is so lucky as to receive the appointment will t>e well provided for, and in the course of time nis salary will be seventy pounds per annum. The lad had a thickness of voice at which the choir master shook his head, adding thereby to the father's nervousness. There was another boy trying for the place, who was said to have an exceedingly sweet-toned voice. Each boy had his friends, and the humblo homes of Canterbury were divided as to the merits of the two candidates. On the third day, Charley chanted Indore all the clergy of the cathedral the Old Hundredth. Then the other boy sang. He had sucked a new-laid egg and was sustained by self-confidence. He sung wito such ease and compass as to delight the judges. In ten minutes alter the trial Charley ran into his father’s shop, and, sitting down on the floor, sobbeu out the news his failure. That failure was his first step in life’s success. Fifty .years later, the Chief Justice of England, accompanied by a friend, attended service in Canterbury Cathedral. When the service had ended, he said to his friend: “Do you see that old man there among the choristers? In him you behold the only person I ever envied. When at school in this town we were candidates together for a chorister’s place. He obtained it, and if I had gained my wish, he might have been accompanying you as Chief Justice, and pointing me out as his old school-fellow, the singing man.” It was Charley Abbott, the disappointed barber’s son, now Lord Tenterden, who thus recalled his early failure. It sent him back to school, and as a “ poor scholar” to Oxford. He worked hard, and attained unto honor. Youth's Companion.