FACILITY OF THE YOUTHFUL MIND.

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nerves of the universe of intelligence are strung about us beneath the visible creation, and we touch them, turn which way we will. Every touch from every human creature produces a wide sensation, either pleasant or unpleasant, agreeable or painful, according to the wisdom or folly of the touch, or its virtuous or vicious nature. He who stands any of the nervous centers of this universal body of intelligence, of course produces the greater sensation according to his position.

in

These thoughts can not fail to impress us with our personal responsibilities, and ought not to fail to affect duly and deeply him who occupies any position among the instructors of youth.

One may talk to age, and the opinions, and habits, and states of mind held and cherished for years unaltered, will prevent his words from making any impression deeper than that which trembles on the ear-drum.

So he may lecture to manhood in its vigor, and the world will roll its great ball of business, fame, and sin between him and the souls he would reach, and well-nigh drown his words, though they may be pregnant with wisdom and love. But the ear of youth is open, and ready to catch every sound, and to be impressed with every thought.

This adds additional responsibility to the adviser of youth, but at the same time urges him on to nobler efforts in their behalf. Responsibility, when properly felt, crushes not into silence and inactivity, but goads to effort.

Yuth, impressible, ardent, earnest; full of glee and

12

AUTHOR'S SYMPATHY WITH THE YOUNG.

gladness; just out from innocent childhood; swelling with ardor, ambition, and hopefulness; without experience, wisdom, or discretion; pressing toward manhood, eager to do its great work-who does not love it?

The world is soon to be theirs; who does not love to assist them to be in readiness for its duties? Where else can a word of wisdom and encouragement do so much good?

How beautiful is youth! Even the old remember it with joy, and recount its doings with grateful emotions, mingled a little with a feeling of uncensurable pride.

To me youth is full of rosy life and developing charms. I have scarcely passed its season of budding promise and flowing hope. All the impulses, hopes, anticipations, and aspirations peculiar to this ardent, sanguine, yet inexperienced age, are yet fresh in my mind. They are the memories of yesterday. They are mingled with the solemu. duties of opening manhood. Hence the interests of youth are my interests; their feelings are my feelings; their good is my good. Our sympathies flow together; our objects in life are (or should be) the same. Our similarity of age forms between us a congeniality of spirit, thought, and action. This fact makes me feel that I may talk as a brother to my youthful friends, upon the realities of life which we are entering so nearly together. Will they not listen because I am one of them, if not for the wisdom of my words? If I have passed a little farther into the broad sea of life then my young friends, where the billows begin, to roll and the breakers to rise, and am yet within speak

ing distance of them, and remember well the reefs I have passed, the shoals I have escaped, and the dangers I have seen, is it not my duty to send back over the waves my voice of warning and encouragement? Is it not my duty to speak in affectionate entreaty and counsel, as one fearfully conscious of the glories and dangers of the deep, deep sea of life, and solemnly impressed with the importance of every word he utters?

We are

Life is a fixed fact, a stern and solemn reality. voyagers upon its broad, wild sea. Our bark is launched by other hands than ours. The currents of this great sea are all setting outward from the port we have left. The winds are off-shore, strong, and unchangeable. Go we

must.

We can neither stop nor turn back. The journey must be performed, whether we will or not. Resistance is as vain as it is impossible. It becomes us, then, to make the best of our voyage, to make it as profitable, pleasant, and delightful as we can. Regrets are idle; sighs are useless; murmurings are unwise. We can make it intensely delightful and almost infinitely profitable; or we can make it miserable, and a prodigal waste of the most precious means of enduring wealth. Wisdom's voice is for the most active diligence for both the profit and the pleasure of the voyage. She crieth against folly, sin, and a waste of precious time and energy. Minutes are diamonds. Strength is wealth. Opportunities are angelvisits of fortune. All should be seized upon with avidity, and turned to a good account.

The vessel we have set sail in is "fearfully and wonder

other, though it may be on the same subject. The sight of one scene of beauty gives us a taste for another. The formation of one friendship warms the heart for another.

Every writer can write for some minds, and no one can write for all. In hopes that a kindred chord may be struck in the minds of some Youth, which shall awaken them to a higher life, and a deeper realization of their own importance, and the beauty and immense utility of virtuous living, this work is sent out. Go, little book, and as thou dost go, speak of thy mission to the Youth thou dost meet; and the Father's blessing be upon thee!

G. S. W.

ST LOUIS, M›

CONTENTS.

LECTURE I.

INTRODUCTION.

Responsibility of the Teacher's Mission-Importance of a Single ThoughtFacility of the Youthful Mind-Author's Sympathy with the Young-The Sea of Life-Life, a Scene of Progression-Anticipations of the Young-Dangers in Life's Journey-Youthful Fear and Instability-True and False BraveryMoral Courage-Free Institutions, a Nursery for Youth-Self-made or Never Made-Good and Bad Luck-Youth, the Seed-time of Age-Age, the Harvest Season of Life-The Young, Heirs to the Past and Future-What will you do with the Future?-An Answer demanded-Duties and Rewards of the Young...

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LECTURE II.

MEDITATION.

The Seed-thought of Future Usefulness-True Mode of Meditation-Mental Impulses-Vacillation, the Ruin of Thousands-Pioneers of a New and Better Era-Propriety a Jewel-What Constitutes Virtue-The First Lesson of Youth-The Hopes and Glories of Youth-Noble, Self-poised Mentality-Power of Temptation-Self-denying Energy-A Truly Noble Character-A Pattern of

Excellence...

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LECTURE III.

THE DANGERS OF IMPULSE.

The Dangers of Impulse-Obstacles to Virtue-Evils of Ungoverned Passions→→ Criminality the Fruit of Impulse-Restraint of the Animal Passions-Enthrone ment of Morality and Intelligence Self government the Soul of Progress--Publle Evil flows from Individual Vice-Our Future in the Hands of our Youth. 43