The young man's way, to intelligence, respectability, honor and usefulness

Front matter

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

THE

Preface

The circumstances which have occasioned the writing of this work are simply these. Two years since the Author delivered a course of sermons, on Sabbath evenings, to the young people of his congregation, in which an effort was made to point out the course which all young persons should pursue, if they ever hoped to obtain character and standing, or wished to be of advantage to the world. Soon afterward, a society of young men was formed in the neighborhood, calling themselves the " Atwood Literary Institute." The first knowledge the Author had of the circumstance was, his being called upon to suggest a suitable motto for the society, after it had been formed, and its constitution fixed.

Subsequently he was waited on by a committee of the society, and requested to

VI FREFACE.

deliver a sermon to young men, on an evening designated. A copy of which was afterwards requested for publication, which was for various reasons declined. Then was introduced the subject of a small book for the special benefit of young persons, which though short, should embody all the most important matters necessary for them to know and keep constantly before their minds.

The Author was not unaware of the amount of labor and time the preparation of sueh a work would require when he agreed to undertake it, or the slang that its publication might call forth from the idle or envious. Yet encouraged by the hope of doing some good, to those for whom he has for years, felt a deep and abiding interest, the work was commenced in the fear of God and with a humble reliance upon his blessing.

It is not pretended of course, that all is said upon any one of the topics introduced, that might have been. This would require a larger work, the price of which would

PREFACE. Vll

have placed it out of the reach of the very class for whose benefit it was intended, and thus defeated the Author's design. Besides, it would have required more time than he had to spare from other and pressing engagements.

Imperfections will doubtless be found both in thought and style, by many who may chance to peruse it. If, however, the object of the writer is gained, and the work is useful to those for whose improvement it has been undertaken, he is quite careless of other consequences. He wishes neither to preach nor write for show. Professing to be a utilitarian in all respects, it is hoped that no other feeling has influenced him in penning a solitary sentence herein found. The most that has been aimed at, is clearness and force. No book written for the popular good, should in the Author's deeming, contain a sentence, requiring to be read twice in order to be understood. The meaning should stare the reader in the face at once, or it will not be long remembered. Young persons of but little leisure, spe-

Vlll PREFACE.

cially require such a style. It is believed, this has not been lost sight of from first to last.

After this remark the Author need not say, that the work is principally intended for the working classes, on this point it speaks for itself. These, if any, are the neglected ones. Their parents are too apt to neglect their intellectual cultivation, and themselves are prone to think too little of their own powers and capacities. As a consequence, they fail to use the necessary efforts to develop their own native energies. Circumstances in their view, preclude the possibility of their ever being men of general intelligence, or rising above the humble prospects of their birth. They have not time to read, as it is all devoted to toil and manual labor. And they are so beset by other difficulties and temptations, as to be prone to yield to necessity or the force of circumstances, and therefore, use no efforts to rise to respectability and intelligence. In these pages an effort is made with such to banish discouragement, inspire with hope,

PREFACE. IX

and lead to activity and diligence, in the improvement of every fragment of time allotted them, in faithful application to study. The Author himself would have been thankful for such a work, during his minority. And he indulges the belief that no one possessing the least ambition, can read it without advantage.

He also hopes that parents and guardians, will feel sufficient interest in the present and future well-being of those committed to their care, to purchase a copy for each lad in their families, allow him make it his own property, and faithfully advise him to read it. Its perusal may inspire ambition where there is none existing, and create an appetite for general reading, where otherwise it would never have existed.

Sabbath School Teachers may find it to their advantage to read this small volume. It will not occupy much of their time. And if it shall induce greater reading habits, and provoke a worthy emulation in doing good, the time and labor thus bestowed will not be lost. From the ranks of Sabbath

X PREFACE.

School Teachers, are doubtless to arise many useful ministers and influential members of society. They should, therefore, improve the present in faithful preparation for the future. Time lost now, will be a serious source of regret at a not very distant day.

The work is exclusively the property of the "Literary Institute" above named. They bear the expense and responsibility of its publication, and the profits, (if any,) are theirs, to aid them in furnishing themselves with a useful library. The Author has been at the trouble of writing and passing it through the press, solely for their benefit and that of young men generally who may take the pains to read it.

And he sends it into the world accompanied by his fervent prayers for its usefulness. That it may lead some at least, into " the good and right way," and tend to preserve many others from those vices which have already ruined thousands.

THE AUTHOR.

Philad., Dec. 17th, 1841.

Chapter I. 13

Responsibilities of the young, — Interest they awaken in society — Influence they will have in future — Obligation to parents — Apprenticeship — Object of it.

Chapter II. - - - - 35

On intellectual attainments. — Education defined — Moral education — Way to obtain it — Discipline necessary — Discouragements — Too late to begin — Edmund Stone — Want of time — Economy of time — Want of taste — Taste cultivated — W. Scott's letter to son — Bad memory — May be strengthened — Want of means — Inducements.

Chapter III. 84

On the importance of character. — Study useless without it — The man without a shadow — Self-respect — Personal appearance — Respect for others — . Morality and Religion — Benefits of early piety — Attention to Church — Benefit of a firm faith — Energy of character — Dr. Franklin, &c. — Toil useful — Honesty — Economy — Kindness and good nature — Manliness always to be preserved.

XU CONTENTS.

Chapter IV. - - - 125

Dangers common to youth, — Antagonist influences — Ambition — Habits of useless intercourse — Gambling — The road to ruin — An example — Profanity — Infidelity — Light reading — Amusements — Theatres — Disobedience to parents — An awful example — Politics.

Chapter V. - - - 177

Duties of young men. — Usefulness — Support Churches Sabbath Schools — Temperance — Responsibilities.

THE YOUNG MAN'S WAY TO HONOR,

Chapter I. Relative Importance And Responsibili- Ties Of The Young

Every one should duly know his condition and feel his responsibilities, at every point in his history, if he wishes at the close of his life to review the past with any satisfaction. The principal part of the misery and regret experienced in advanced life, if traced to its source, would be found to originate in carelessness and early personal neglect. The importance of youth is learned by observing its bearing upon after life. And this observance, with the course to which it leads, constitutes, mainly, if not

14 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE YOUNG.

entirely, the difference between men, as to honor or dishonor, success or failure. The lad who sees in himself all the lineaments of the future man, though now in miniature, and wisely commences their full development in early life, will stand among Princes. On the contrary he who lives by no rule, carelessly suffers the years of youth to pass away, and grows up as "nature's own child," without meditating his important relation to the world in which he lives, will in nine cases out of ten, be a useless cumberer of the ground.

I would have the young reflect on the interest they awaken in society. Almost every movement, either great or small, has them for its object. The man of business, whos*e energies, both of body and mind, are taxed to the extent of their bearing, whose time and talents are continually occupied in the pursuit of gain, does not do ali this barely for himself. For his own support and comfort he has enough already, and could retire and take his rest for the balance of his days. But he looks to his

INTEREST TAKEN IN YOUTH. 15

children with an eye of parental fondness, and wishes to provide for them. The mind of the philanthropist, which is ever intent on the lasting good of community, seeks it not so much in efforts, having their bearing on those of mature years, or advanced age, as on the young and growing. He well knows that the former will soon be no more, and the latter must occupy their places in every department of society. For whose benefit are schools and colleges erected, and maintained at such a vast expense of time and treasure ? On whose account are so many books written and published, on every subject within the range of human knowledge and research, simplifying every science, and opening all the mysteries of nature to the common eye ? For what are Sabbath Schools maintained and promoted in almost every church in the Christian world ? The object of the whole is the improvement of the youthful mind and heart, and through them] the bettering of the mental, moral, and social condition of mankind.

16 IGNORANT OF WHAT WE MAYBE.

And is all this a light matter to be carelessly heeded and little appreciated by those for whose benefit the whole exists ? Will they, can they be so reckless as to dash the cup of blessings from their lips, and disappoint the cherished expectations of those who seek their best interests now and throughout their being ? Whatever may be the course of some, I am persuaded by present indications, that the great majority of young men who receive the impulses of this enterprising age, and the educational advantages which it affords, will be properly roused to activity in the faithful improvement of their lofty advantages. The qualifications necessary to meet these vast responsibilities, are not to be gained by a listless course of inaction — nor by luxuriating in the dreamy paths of fashionable ease and idleness. This will rust out the better faculties of our nature, as well as fix ruinous habits, to destroy which the regrets of a whole life will be wholly unavailing.

The author of our being and directer of our lives has wiselv concealed from us fu-

IGNORANT OF WHAT WE MAY BE. 17

ture circumstances. It is not in the power of man to tell what responsibilities he will have to bear, or what offices he will have to fill in the nation or church. Could this be ascertained at an early period of life, each one would naturally pursue the studies which would confer a qualification for that specific employment, and shut himself out, more or less, from all other knowledge. But as the tendency of this would be to cut society up into various professions, and by interposing an impassable bar between each, would disunite and estrange the members of a great family from each other, Divine Providence has forbidden it. As no man, therefore, can foresee what will be required of him in the future detail of life's affairs, common prudence admonishes all to be ready for almost any thing that can in propriety be required of a man. I once knew a lad who lived in the country, and attended a country school some three months in each year ; where the principal branches taught, were reading, writing, and arithmetic. But few in that school deemed

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18 A PLACE FOR EVERY ONE.

it necessary to go further than this. All other learning than that immediately required in ordinary country business was supposed to be useless, and even deleterious, as it fostered human pride. The lad referred to, had somewhere seen a small geography, and became desirous to have some knowledge of it ; but his friends discouraged and finally prevented him from undertaking it, alledging that it could not possibly do him any good, as he would never be placed in circumstances where such knowledge would be required. But how were they mistaken, for in the arrangements of the wise disposer of events, that same lad became a minister of Jesus Christ, to dying man. And what his padents deemed unnecessary, and therefore, not only neglected to teach him, but refused to let him learn, he had to acquire at a great disadvantage when engaged in the responsible and active duties of his profession.

Nor is this a solitary case — scores of the same character might be adduced was it deemed necessary ; but it is not. No man

A PLACE FOR EVERY ONE. 19

can tell until some experience has furnished him the material of calculation, what part he is to act, or what place he is naturally or habitually best fitted to occupy. The world is before every youth, and although all offices and places may seem occupied and so filled up that no place is left for him, yet those laws are always at work which having made way for those before, will clear a place for him also. But little did Patrick Henry or his friends, dream of the part he was destined to occupy, when he was lounging about some stream with his angling rod, or traversing some wood with his gun. There can be no question, but that he frequently regretted in after life the manner in which he had spent his boyhood and youth. He was a great man it is true, but his greatness was that of the mountain torrent, rather than the steady fertilizing stream. His grasp upon a subject was strong and tremendous, but not continuous. Had he accustomed himself to hard study, and disciplined his mind in early life, he would have been a far different man, and

20 ALL HAVE INFLUENCE.

most probably, much more useful to his country.

Every man is more or less responsible for the doings of the world. Each individual is a constituent part of general society, and has influence somewhere for which he will have to account either in this life or the one which is to follow. It is when viewing youth in this light, that they are magnified into the greatest importance. They no longer appear isolated and solitary, but are seen rising to the exertion of a power of most fearful consequence to themselves and others.

It was this that led Mr. Wesley to say — " I reverence a young man because he will live and act when I am dead." This is the sentiment of every real philanthropist, who instead of looking barely upon himself — thinks and feels for his race. Young men are the strength and hope of the nation. Our fathers who formed our laws, and fashioned those institutions of which we are so proud, and of which we are wont to make our boast, are dead, or dying, and it

ALL HAVE INFLUENCE. 21

is a question of no small interest, who shall rise up to take their places of honor and trust ? The rising generation must do it. But will they be qualified to stand in their places and discharge their duties with respectability and honor — to their own, and the country's advantage ? It has ever been true, < that when the wicked rule, the people mourn/ And such is the present state of politics in our country, that the unworthy and vicious are most apt to gain the ascendency. Having no fixed moral principles to serve as a restraint, they are at liberty to descend to the low arts of trick and bribery, — loud huzza's and street broils, to effect their purposes. While the upright citizen, guided by correct principles, and taking no step but what is strictly honorable ; is frequently prevented from reaching the place for which he is well qualified, because he will not meet the vulgar on their own ground.

It was a remark of a distinguished man in our nation's history, that " in a government founded on the public will — where

22 VIRTUOUS PRINCIPLES.

the voice of the people, can build up or pull down at pleasure, it is a truth of plain and fearful import, that this will must be under the regulation and control of sound and enlightened principles, or virtue will verysoon have no defence, and vice no check. In no age of the world, has there been greater need of high moral and intellectual culture. What else shall restrain the excess of passion, or check the outbreakings of misrule and licentiousness ? Vain will be the majesty of our laws, and unavailing their sanctions, if religion shall be despoiled of its authority, and conscience lose its influence. Let these foundations be destroyed, and the main pillars of our institutions, must sink together,in one general ruin, and history add another page to the sad record of departed republics."

Thus will every youth, see that he cannot live to himself, confine his influence at pleasure, nor shake off the weight of responsibility which is placed upon him without his consent ? Your parents to whom you are indebted for your being, and all the

OBLIGATION TO PARENTS. 23

Cares which early childhood required, look to you for some return, for their vast expenditure of time and toil, in your behalf. A life of virtue and manly rectitude — reflecting honor and credit upon them, will be the only reward which to them will be satisfactory. Obedience and filial affection on your part, is indispensable to their happiness and to yours. Let no youth, on arrivingat majority — deem himself absolved from the necessity of further obedience to^ parents. Though he is permitted to act for himself — to appropriate at pleasure the proceeds of his own labor, yet is he not free of the law of his parents. Nor will he be until they are laid in the dust. The same law that required them to bear with his youthful follies, and watch over him night and day, in sickness and health, now binds him to reciprocate their acts of goodness, and lend the supporting hand of kindness, to tottering age. Obedience to parents is the first commandment with a promise, whilst disobedience and neglect, is visited with Heaven's severest retributions. It is seldom,

24 MUCH NOW DONE FOR YOUTH.

indeed, that the disobedient and unkind to parents, live out their full time, or are as successful in temporal business as other men. They are generally unhappy in marriage, and their children in turn, treat them with the same carelessness and disrespect. Thus do miseries and misfortunes seem to cleave to the family, as by an entail, like the leprosy of Gehazi. If but one word of advice to youth were allowed me, I would say, be obedient to parents, and never bring a disgrace on those who best love you.

Much is now doing for the youth of our own country, and of the civilized world. Lyceums and Literary Societies, abound every where, and are still increasing, in number and usefulness. Time and money thus lavishly expended, are far from being wasted, though many efforts may seem to fail. Much seed thrown into the ground, is destined to perish, by a combination of circumstances, but still the husbandman is rewarded, by what comes to maturity. So that no one should give place to discouragement in view of the ruined about him. Too

OBJECT OF IT. 25

much labor cannot be bestowed upon the youthful portion of community ; too much careful supervision on the part of parents and guardians, cannot be had.

If I could awaken in every youthful bosom, a true sense of the dignity of his being, the magnitude of his duties, the responsibilities of his situation, and induce him to look well to his future destinies, as a man and an immortal being, my purpose would be fully realized. What each one is to be hereafter throws around him an overwhelming interest now. It is principally this, which gives such an importance to all young persons. The design of these pages, is to arouse their activity if it slumbers, to call out their energies, by early and well directed exercises ; that when their muscles, and whole physical form shall be fully developed, they may be intellectually and physically, men. Men qualified for any, and every station in life, to which they may be called by the voice of their fellows, or the providence of God.

26 APPRENTICESHIP.

APPRENTICESHIP.

It should never be thought a disgrace to be an apprentice. If it be called bondage, it is an honorable bondage. I see but little difference between the rich and the poor, in this particular. All have to pass through a course of preparation for after life. The more affluent send their sons to school from early youth,, to the first stages of manhood. During this time, they are virtually apprentices, subject to strict rules, which they dare not transgress ; under continual fear of superiors ; tasked during the whole day, and sometimes for a good part of the night, to the utmost stretch of their abilities, they have but little time they can call their own. Like apprentices to a mechanical business, they are generally away from home, and the indulgent influences of parental kindness ; have to eat at a common table, but illy supplied with luxuries, and barely sufficient in quantity to meet and satisfy the calls of nature.

The difference you perceive is more in

HONORABLE. 27

name than reality. Nor is the toil of the student at College, a whit less severe and laborious than that of the lad apprenticed, to learn any ordinary mechanical business. It is therefore difficult to see why the condition of one should be less reputable than the other, or why the common apprentice, should be esteemed and looked upon as an inferior to the College student. Both are learning a business, which is to prepare them for after life, that they may be serviceable to themselves, and the community in which they are to live. Nor can it ordinarily be said with truth, that professional men are more important to the world, than industrious and upright workingmen.

It is the lot of every man to work his way through life in some form, for this, he must seek a preparation during minority. All men come into the world alike ignorant of either mechanics or science, and have to be taught by those who were once as destitute as themselves. Can that, therefore, be deemed disreputable which is the common lot of all, and is to prepare for the doings

28 OBJECT OF APPRENTICESHIP.

of manhood, and the acquisition of wealth and comfort? The prejudice gainst labor is as unnatural as it is unphilosophical and wicked. It has injured society more than all the revolutions that have ever occurred.

In becoming an apprentice it is true ; a man is put under the power and control of another, but it is to gain power for himself. It is a brief and voluntary surrender of liberty for the sake of future gain, and should be considered as purchasing what another has to sell, at a given price. In all such transactions, there are two parties, both having rights, which each is bound in all fairness and honor to respect. The master is obligated to teach, instruct and fulfil all his promises, and the apprentice is equally pledged to reverence and obey. There is however in some instances a restlessness on the part of the latter, a desire of freedom and independence before the alloted time, wholly inconsistent with either his present happiness, or future well being.

The indulgence of this discontent is most disastrous in its consequences. It shuts

DISSATISFIED. 29

out all desire of intellectual improvement, renders him who harbors it, constantly miserable, sours his disposition, prevents his faithfulness, and in some cases leads him meanly to abscond. Among all the cases which have come under my observation where this has occurred, I have not been able to discover one that has eventuated well. This rash step, generally taken in haste, is often followed by the most serious consequences, and I believe always by sincere regret. Such in general, have but half learned their trade, so that it is difficult for them to find employment ; are thrown among strangers who feel little or no interest in their welfare, and are therefore exposed-to misery and humiliation, a thousand times worse than that from which j they have fled. Add to these, the fear of pursuit and detection, the constant sense of shame, and fearful burden of conscious disgrace, which are ever haunting the mind, and you have some idea of the wretchedness of him who has broken his obligation, by fleeing from his employer.

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SO GOOD CONDUCT REWARDED.

I cannot too strongly guard you against such a course. If you wish to sustain character and win the respect of those about you, now and hereafter, you will conduct yourself very differently. Strict conscientious obedience which will not allow you to " answer again," is the duty of all, in your circumstances. The way to honor, is humility. He who humbleth himself now shall be hereafter exalted. The master mechanic who now has the direction of several hundred hands, was once in your condition. By compelling himself contentedly to submit to his lot then, he learned his business, obtained the good will of his employer, and established a character which has served as a passport to his present standing and influence.

If the promptings of a praise-worthy ambition lead you to hope for similar eminence and standing, the way is open before you. In order to such a result the right course must be taken now. Rise early and be at your work, spend no time in idleness and careless chat, carry about you an open

SEEK EMPLOYERS INTEREST. 31

and frank countenance, and treat all your fellow apprentices with due respect. Be ever seeking the interest of your employer as you would desire others to do by yourself, if placed in his circumstances. By this course you will gain his confidence and secure his favor, a matter of vast importance to every apprentice. Nothing so effectually injures and blasts the earthly prospects of those in your situation as to be called " eye servants/' This you are to avoid by determined diligence, and the most resolute faithfulness. Your work should be done as well and with as much speed, when alone ; as when under the eye of your employer.

Strict truth and honesty, in small matters as well as large, should be ever maintained. The reverse of this, will ruin you forever, however industrious you may be. For every falsehood you tell now, and every penny's worth, directly or indirectly abstracted from your employer, you will have to pay a fearful interest, in the future details of life.

It is quite possible that you may deem

32 DISCIPLINE GOOD.

your work too hard, the labor too severe, and the discipline too stern and rigid. But of this you are at present, not a good judge. It may be for your good, by giving you a hardy constitution, preventing evil habits, and teaching you the way to success in business when of age. At any rate, you will see the reason for this hereafter, and it may serve a valuable purpose in the future direction of your life. A present seeming evil may be the germ of lasting good. Never repine under your circumstances, but always be cheerful and kind. In the place of business, in the family, among your associates, always be ready to lend such assistance as may be required, and thus win upon the affections of all. In serving others, ever bear it in mind, that you are also effectually benefitting yourself. When you come of age, these acts of goodness, together with a character of honesty, veracity and industry, will not be forgotten. The employer will feel that he cannot spare you from his business. And during revulsions in trade, whilst thousands are out of employ,

KINDNESS. 33

you will generally find work enough to keep you busy. And when you desire to start business on your own account, the character which has been established by the toil of years, will be found serviceable, in raising up friends to assist, and stand by you in the hour of greatest need.

While preparing for the future scenes of active life, you will do well never to forget the interest the world has in you, and the important claim it has upon you. In a few years you will be free of those restraints which now confine your influence to a small circle. The knowledge now possessed may serve present purposes, but as you will soon have much more to do with mankind than at present, you should be constantly enlarging your knowledge of men and things. Your evenings therefore ought not to be spent in trifling amusements, but in reading history, attending lectures, or in some way of intellectual or moral improvement. This is your best, and perhaps your only time. Improve it while you may, or you will certainly have many seasons of unavailing