Elizabeth-Town gazette. [volume] (Elizabeth-Town, N.J.) 1818-1821, 1818-10-20
From the Philadelphia True american.
LECTURES OF FATHER PAUL


LECTURES OF FATHER PAUL.
eyes" said the man in black, g / have
seen great deal, and among all that
have Witnessed, nothing has given me
more pain, than TO behold young man,
who might have passed through life with
usefulness and honour, hurried away by
passion, in the pursuit of imaginary plea
sure, TO a premature grave.
attended an exhibition of the acade-
my some years ago. Among the students
there appeared one who seemed to be
about sixteen, His form was very per-.
feet; his features expressive, open and
ingenious; his manners unaffected and
modest. A lively blush spread over his
cheeks on appearing before so large an
assembly. 1t was easy TO see that he was
his preceptor's pride; and sensible
young lady beside me observed that he
was indeed lovely boy He spake !;
every ear was fixed With attention. en-
|quired VINO was the happy father of SO
promising a son; and learned that he was
an old friend, distinguished for his wealth,
and learning, and virtue, and that Alfred
was his only son.
"Four years after / saw him. His
form and port were those of man. His
countenance was strikingly interesting,
and his manners graceful and progresses
ing, yet methought his eyes flashed those
fires, that indicated temper which the
fondness of perennial affection had neglect
ed to chasten. Love destroys more than
hatred. The undue indulgence of the
desires Of youth is secret poison, wear
ing the appearance of kindness, but proving
10 its consequences the most affecting
cruelty. Can those who are not restrain
ed in childhood, be expected, when freed
from parental authority, and their passions
have gained a seven-fold force, to control
them? Those who have never been taught
to obey, seldom know how TO govern
themselves or others. What is young
man of twenty master of his own will,
through the indulgence of those who
should govern him {; his judgment yet
weak, his fancy warm, and his passions
wild, but vessel upon the ocean, with
out rudder? And what but miracle
can save him from destruction T?
"Another year ran down the course Of
time, and mingled its moments in the
ocean Of eternity, when / returned to the
city. Passing public house, 10! heard
the well-recollected voice of Alfred, sing
ing in tones sweet and harmonious, but
rendered tremulous by ebriety.-
sc Can sorrow from the goblet flow,
g Or pain from beauty's eye"
Evening came; / spent it with his
father, with whom was formerly intimate.
But amidst all the luxuries that wealth
could furnish, and the utmost exertion OF
politeness, it conld not be concealed that
the minds of my friends were exercised
with the most painful inquietude.
Have you seen Alfred this afternoon ?
said his mother wistfully 8 he has not
been in to tea The conversation would
often anguish the father seemed musing,
and when one Of the company spoke Of
the exhibition where Alfred had gained so
much honour, tear stole down the cheek
Of the good man. Every noise at the
door seemed to startle them. An impress
sion it was evident rested upon their
| minds, that although they we're wretched
at his absence, they should dread his
return.
eye votaries Of pleasure, ye gay sons
Of riot and dissipation, do you ever reflect
on the anguish you implant in your
parents breasts; or are your hearts, with