Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1828-1831, 1829-02-07
FORMATION OF CHARACTER.

II is ever to be kept in mind that good name is in
all cases the fruit of personal exerton Il is not in
herlted from PARENTS 1t is not created by external
advantages; 1t Is no necessary appendage of birth
or wealth, or talents, station; but the result of
ones own endeavors-the fruit and reward of nood
principles, manifested i'll of vrtuous and hon
orabe action This Is the more important 10 be re-
marked, because it shows the attainment of rood
name, whatever be your external circumstance ia
entirely within your power. No young man. howe
Yer humble his BIRTH obscure his condition is OK
Guided from the invaluable boon. He has ONLY to
fix his eye upon the prize and press toward it. in n
course OF vrtuous and useful conduct and IL ia
And is interesting to notice how many of our wor
finest and best citizens have risen to honor and use
1iness oy amt OF their Persevcrng exertions.-
They arc to be found in great numbers, in each of
the learned professions, and in every department of
business, and they stand forth, bright and animatnp
examples OF what can be accomplished by resolution
ana effort. Indeed my friends in the formation of
character personal eXertion is the first, the second
and the third virtue. Nothing great or excellent ca IN
be acquired without it. good name will not come
without being sought All the virtues of which j, is
composed are the results Of untring application and
industry
Thousands of Young men have been ruined by re-
lying tor good name on their honorable parentape
or inherited wealth, or the patronage of friends-
rIattered by these distinctions they have felt as if
they might live without efort-mereIy for their own
qualification and indulgence. No mistake is more IA
tai 1t always issues III producing an inefficient and
useless character On this account il is that cha
IdCIeT wealth. continue the fafnl-
iy moro than two or three generations.
In the formation of good character it is of rreat
Importance that the early part Of life be improved
and guarded with the utmost carefulness. The most
critical period of life is that which elapses from four
teen to twenty-onc years OF age. More is done
during this period to mould and settle the Character
Of the future man. than in all the other years of life
II young man passes this season with pure morals
and fair reputation, good name is almost sure to
crown his maturor years. and descend with him to the
close of his days-On the other hand if n vounp
man in his spring of life neglect his mind and
heart; If he INDUCES in vicious courses, and forms
habits ofinefHcacy aud .slothfulness he experiences
loss which efforts retrieve, and brings stain
upon his character which no tears can wash away.
Youthful thoughtIesness, know, is wont TO re-
gard the ndiscretons and vicious nulrencies of this
period, as Of very little Importance. But, believe
me- friends they have great influence in forming your
future character, and deciding the estimation in
which you TO be held in community. Thoy are
the germs Of bad habits and bad habits confirmed
are ruin to the character and the soul. The errors
and vices ola young man, when they do not RI
pen into habit, impress blot upon the name which
is rarely effaced. They remembered in subse-
quent ie the public eye is often turned buck to them
the stigma is sccn it cleaves fast to the character
md It's unhappy effects felt to the end Of his days
a fair reputation, IL should be remembered is .
plant delicate in It's nature, and by means rapid in
It's growth" a character which has cost many
years to establish, is ofton destroyed in single hour
minute. Guard. them with peculiar vigil
lance thus forming, fixing Of your existence.
HI1ncs Lectures TO Young Men.