The Wilmingtonian., 1824-01-22
ADDRESS TO YOUTH.


YOU 10 be the support and solace of their decln-I
ing years You are the props on which they nope
to lean as they walk with trembling steps towards
the grave! with solicude and atfectlonate in'e
rest they watched your childhood, and directed
the wayward steps Of your advancing years. FROM
vou they expect the same affection and tender
mess. m their years ofinfrmty. Disappoin' them,
and YOU will hurl an arrow, carrying with 1t m
tense anguish, to the inmost souls OF those who
gave YOU birth. Disappoint them, and you VIII
bring down their grey hairs with sorrow to the
grave. :.
If YOU cannot endure the thoughts Of thus dis
tressing these best of friends, be virtuous be P'
Gus; make the Bible your guide, and the God o.
l,he Bible your friend. Pursue the path OF hea
vcnly wisdom, which is the path OF peace and
bappiness. Think of the value of the passing
moments of the precious days of youth In TIM
period you have much to do to prepare for tbs
important events chat are before you. With yot
these are emphatcally "days OF preparation" no
only for time, but for eternity. You are sinners
sins must be forgiven; you have wicked hearts
these hearts must be softencd, and renewed b.
divine grace. To be happy here and hereaf'''
IXOu nave much 10 w.
My young friends, you are now just starting o.
Journey to eternity. There are two roads to go
lone is the broad road to ruin, the other IS the mar
row way to life. Satan is the captain OF thos
f|who go in the broad way, and Jesus Christ Q
those who go in the narrow way. One is the wa
4 lof sin, the other is the way Of holiness Our ev
hearts point us one way, and the Bible the otbei
(which way will you got Whom will you serve!
But some are ready to enquire. Is there not
way that we can pass from one OF these roads t
1.-The other' May we not go on in the broad roa
awhile, and then turn and get safely into the MAI
Irow path
Yes, there is way from one OF these roads
|the oher-the way of repentance. But this
1.-The fact between these paths there is wild an
Igloomy wilderness and as you advance on yol
Tourney through life, this becomes wider, mor
hlreary, and the passage is more difficult to hn
Many have delayed for years, and then have a
tempted to pass from the broad road into I'll
harrow way of life, but have been discourage
lby difficulties, and turned back others have wal
|ered on in the labyrinth, till oveItaken by tlar
Iness and last. But few who walk on in the broa
way till the meridian of life, or old age. ever fiji
he narrow path. But for you. my young friend
1.-The way is now comparatively easy. Be resolve
10 start Immediately. Take the Bible for yo
compass, and the God Of heaven will assist "
and direct your course
Now the blood flows rapidly in your veins "
are vigorous, and in your health. The gold
period of youth is the time for enterprise and I
fort. By.and-bye your arms will be feeble, yo
knees totter and your frame will be decayed al
broken. Under such circumstances would y
lcommence a tedious journey, or be fitted to 81
mount dangers and difficulties Can you wr
l'y devote the vigor of your youth, the best
your days TO the service Of the worst OF maste
and only give to God the decrlpitude OF age
the fragments Of liiel Surely you cannot II
now at my reproof Behold now is the acce
ed time, behold now is the day OF sal' alton.