Constantine republican. [volume] (Constantine, Mich.) 1836-1838, 1837-02-15
YOUNG AMERICANS.

on their own hooks, and must stand or fall
according to their own measure of shrewd-
ness and natural ability. This is certainly
an excellent provision in our social system.
1t is calculated to bring forth clear, vigorous
minds, hardy constitutions, high minded
men, and in many cases this has evidently
been the effect of this state Of things.
There is pretty fashionable folly, how
ever, which is doing much to counterfeit
tho good effect of this arrangement, and
creating great deal of mischief in our Re-
public; we allude to the rage for show, and
display in dress and household ornaments,
and the extravaganza of the people gener-
ally. Newly married mechanics, with an
income Of less than $500 per annum, some-
times support matrimonial establishment,
good enough for wealthy broker; jour-
neymen too, who receive the highest wages
that workmen at their Lasiness ever CON-
mand, become the victims of foolish extra
vagance, and dissipate the rich rewards of
industry, like dust in the breeze and even
apprentices, with just enough to keep them
selves well clothed, initiate their seniors, and
finish the period of their apprenticeship, (if
indeed they finish it at ally poorer in purse
than they commenced.
Well, and what of it, Mr.. Preacher p
have not people right to do as they please
with their property? Oh, certainly-and
they have right to reap the reward of
their folly, too, if they choose land re-
main poor and distressed with want, as
long as they live, if they prefer such
course. We hear people complaining of
hard times, and wondering what can be the
cause Of such an extreme and continued
pressure. Look at the history of these
same grumblers, and sec how much valuable
time, and how much hard money they throw
away-squandered foolishly-whie young
men ane women, trying to "keep up ap.
pearances"-when every body around them
was laughing at their folly, or envying their
condition, instead of respecting them for
the fine cloth they wore, and the costly or
naments they were able to purchase.
Depend upon it, young men labor under
a serious delusion in regard to wealth and
worldly appearance. We are surprised
that amongst all the homilies that have been
written for the education and moral instruc-
ton of young men, so few have touched
upon the subject-a sad defect in the sys-
TENS of your moral philosophers. Poverty,
and the causes which led to it, in our OPT
Mon, have more effect upon the spiritual in
terests of mankind, than any single cause
in the morals of the world. Next to wis.,
dom, in the scale of important subjects, we
should place economy. We can never
think Of this topic, and the miseries which
result from q neglect os q, without recol.
Letting golden maxim in the writings of
the immortal Burns, which should be stamp
ed indelbly upon the heart Of every Ame-
rican child. He says -
ITO win dame fortunes golden smiles,
Assiduous wait upon her,
And gather gear by every vile,
That's justified by honor
Nor for to hide in a hedge,
| Nor for train attendant,
But for the glorious privilege
Of being Independent.
And this glorious privilege, which is with.
in the reach of all who are blessed with O
common degree of health and ability, how
many fail to obtain! How very many, who
might have passed pleasant, happy life
and died good men, and respected citizens
60 through this moral existence, toiling like
poor muck worms, and squandering the
proceeds of their hard labor, with the most
consummate folly, and depart poor and
destitute, cursing their hard lot, and almost
blaming their Maker for theirwa ofworld
ly comforts. This is sad picture, bu
alas it is true. The remedy is simple
Let young men and young women too re-
J solve to break away from the silly customs
of society, which compel them to live life
of poverty and sorrow, in order that they
I may for q time, appear little better thar
they can honestly afford to. Let them re
! solve to obtain possession of the GLORIOUS
privilege which Burns speaks of, before
( they begin to indulge in extravaganza ant
7 luxurious living; and our word for it,
!, they adopt this course they will never know
, what want is. 1t is said that when the frs
!, deposit is made in savings institution, tn
' depesitor's fortune is made. This is, il
one sense, true. 1t is as true that he VIII
: is the maker of his own fortune, will neve
g become spendthrif, unless, perchance, h
h should fall under the blghting influence G
t intemperance. Then, indeed, we canno
s undertake to say what may not be his fate
d In short, it is moral obligation, rel
d gious duty, and of the highest personal in
it portance, to attend to the dictate of reaso
II and common sense, with regard to prl
8 dent use of this worlds goods. 1t is sir
! gular fact that whatever is of the greats
a Importance in the moral constitution {
d things, that men are the most apt to neglec
Witness, in proof, the extreme apathy vii
n which so large portion Of mankind tre
IS the subject Of religion subject, that the
y are told, involves their destiny for age
g thousands, in the giddy whirl of pleasur
Of and the engrossing cares Of business, new
Of stop to examine with half the interest tn
n they would look over new dress, or son
W simple article of trade. And SO it is wi
a. the subject Of living, and personal oconom
r. Many young people come into life mo
st like thoughtless butterflies, than thinkir
ks reasonable beings. No wonder then, tn
when the storms Of life como on, they fiji
themselves poor and destitute. Would III
rs, they could condescend to take lessons of d
all humble ant We should thon hear le
ty complaint about hard times, and there won
nd be great many more happy tables in {
We world--and, (it is not too muchto add) mo
is happy souls in the world to come.--Dt
en- ham Patriot.