Page:Cyclopedia of illustrations for public speakers, containing facts, incidents, stories, experiences, anecdotes, selections, etc., for illustrative purposes, with cross-references; (IA cyclopediaofillu00scotrich).pdf/781



Dr. Buchanan, of Randolph-Macon College, tells of a lady who planted a rare rose-*bush, worked around it, fertilized it, watered it, and yet saw no reward of her labors. But presently it was found that shoots from this bush had pushed through to the other side of the wall and were blooming in splendid beauty there. "Work on, undiscovered ones," he says. "In the unseen world you may find your unseen roses in full bloom, scenting the air with fragrance." (Text.)

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UNSELFISHNESS

There was a party of twenty-five boys and girls going upon a picnic, and when about to get into the carry all which was to convey them to the picnic grounds, it was found that, with the utmost crowding there was room for only twenty-four, and one little girl was left standing on the ground, and was to be left behind. The disappointment was too great for her to control her feelings, and the tears began to fall, when one of her companions, named Alice, jumped out and said, "Don't cry, Sadie; you get in and take my place; I have been many times, and do not care so very much." The children had a very happy afternoon, but what do you suppose they thought and said about Alice?—, "Character Lessons."

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This helpful poem is from The Outlook:

I thank thee, Lord, for strength of arm To win my bread, And that beyond my need is meat For friend unfed. I thank thee much for bread to live, I thank thee more for bread to give.

I thank thee, Lord, for snug-thatched roof In cold and storm, And that beyond my need is room For friend forlorn. I thank thee much for place to rest, But more for shelter for my guest.

I thank thee, Lord, for lavish love On me bestowed, Enough to share with loveless folk To ease their load. Thy love to me I ill could spare, Yet dearer is thy love I share. (Text.)

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See ;.

UNSELFISHNESS, EXAMPLES OF

When Peter Cooper, who founded the Cooper Institute, New York, had completed his apprenticeship, his employer esteemed him so much that he offered to give him the capital to start in business, but Cooper refused because of his invincible repugnance to debt. At the end of three years he had saved up $500, but his father being prest with debt, young Cooper gave the entire amount for his relief. He purchased a glue factory and soon obtained the reputation of making the best glue in the country. He became interested in many successful enterprises, employing thousands of men, and conceived the idea of an educational institute for the advancement of the sciences. Abram S. Hewitt, with a son of Peter Cooper, took over the father's iron business, and at one time over 3,000 men were employed, and for six years they ran the business at a loss of over $100,000 a year rather than bring upon their employes the distress incident to shutting down the plant. Partly for this reason the business was run for forty years with only sufficient profit to pay the men, and still by judicious foresight in buying iron the firm cleared over $1,000,000 in one year. Their policy toward their workmen was always to take them into their confidence.—, "Character Lessons."

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UNSELFISHNESS IN BIRDS

Sidney Lanier tells of a mocking-bird six weeks of age being kept in a cage with another young bird who was so ill he could hardly move. One day food happened to be delayed in coming, and Bob got furiously hungry. He called and screamed and made a great row. At last it appeared, and he took in his beak the ball of egg and potato, snatching it out of the hand, and then, instead of eating it, ran across the cage and gave the whole of it to his sick friend.—, "The Bird Our Brother."

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UNSELFISHNESS, POWER OF

The way in which an unselfish example can inspire a like desire in others is seen in this incident:

We two students roomed over on the north side of the building where the sun never entered, and we were often chilled to discomfort and we would not stand it longer. The