CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION. The station in society occupied by young men, is one of commanding importance and deep responsibility. In the course of nature and by the usages of mankind, to those who are now young men, must soon be committed in trust, under Providence, all the important interests of community. If the institutions of our country—its civil and religious freedom—the numerous advantages and facilities which it affords for the improvement of mankind in useful knowledge—are to be preserved and perpetuated, it must be mainly through their exertions. Upon their arm the nation depends to repel the foreign foe, and to quell the spirit of domestic discord. They will soon compose our legislative and other deliberative councils. It will speedily devolve upon them to enact laws and to execute them. In fine, ere long, they must give tone to our national voice and national character. When the infamous Cataline conspired to wrest from Rome her liberties, his first effort was to corrupt the young men ; well knowing that when they became ripe for misrule, the work of desecrating the altar of Liberty, could easily be accomplished. And true it is, that as the young men of a nation are enlightened and virtuous, or corrupt and ignorant, so are the prospects of its future prosperity, or of its speedy overthrow and ruin. How necessary that young men should become aware of the important responsibilities resting upon them, and of the necessity of qualifying themselves to discharge them faithfully? The condition of young men, in regard to their future character, is much more perilous than that of the other sex. Being brought by their occupations, in frequent contact with the unprincipled and profligate, they are subject to influences extremely deleterious, and to temptations of a seducing and dangerous character. Absorbed in the pursuits for pleasure, or in the strife for wealth or fame, they are liable to be led into a carelessness as to the means employed to secure their ends. Blindfolded by passion, interest, or a thirst for enjoyment, thousands rush headlong into those vicious practices that plunge their votaries into the deep vortex of wretchedness. And yet there is a safe path, open for all to pursue, which will most certainly lead to respectability, enjoyment and peace—a path which none ever yet followed, without escaping many of the evils of life, and experiencing a prosperity, and an amount of hap piness which are wanting to all who pursue a contrary course. Young men, will you listen, while I endeavor to point out that path, and lay before you some of the inducements which call upon you to walk therein? While I may not have time or space to go over the whole ground pertaining to your duty and interests, still I will engage to bring forward motives sufficiently powerful to induce every wise and discreet young man, to be cautious and watchful, as to the measures he adopts to secure prosperity and enjoyment. Your attention is first solicited to— THE SELECTION OF COMPANIONS. Man is by nature a social being. He delights to mingle with his race, and to interchange sentiments and offices of friendship and kindness.-This disposition is peculiarly evinced by the young. Every young man selects some one or more of those who are of his rank and condition, to become his companions or associates. At every opportunity, he seeks their company, to find that enjoyment which he supposes he would fail to obtain by mingling with others. The influence exercised by the companions with whom you intimately associate, will be powerful and enduring. "Show me your company, and I will show you your character," is an old adage and true. The character of the associates with whom you mingle, will evince to a good de |