The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1840-10-17
From DR.. Witherspoon's Works.
GOLDEN ADVICE THE YOUNG.

But have II III lurther view 10 leeo'"
mend TO you all, without exception
life Of diligence and application. Avoid
slo,h as dangerous enemy. Fear IT,
hate it, aiA dcspise it. II is common
saying tha, men do not know their own
weakness; but it is as true, and truth
more Important, that they do not know
their Own strength. Idesire that you will
receive the following iuforma,i9Ae from me-
which l dare say every person OF J"ds-
ment and experience will confirm, that
multitudes of moderate capacity have been
useful in their generation, respected by
the public. and successful in life' while
those of superior talents from nature, by
mere slothfulness and idle habits, or self
indulgence have lived useless, and died
contemplate: There is also disposition
in young people. which you know have
often set myself to oppose, to think that
loose irregular follies, and sometimes
even vicious liberties, are sign of spirit
and capacity. The very contrary is the
truth. hrjRwrcs no genius at all to do
mischief. Persons Of the greatest ability,
have generally been lovers of ORDER
Neither is there any instance to be found
of mans arrivingSt great reputation or
usefulness, be his capacity what it might
without iadustry apd application.
Suffer me here, in particular manner,
to recommend to you frmness of mind
and steady perseverance, as Of the utmost
moment to your progress and success
Whatever mans talents from nature may
be, if he apply himself to whaever is
not altogether unsuitable to them, and
holds on with steadiuess and uniformity;
he will be useful and happy; but if he be
loose and volatile, impatient of the slow
ness of things in their usual course, and
shifting from project to project, he will
probably be neither tho one nor the other.
lam somewhat at loss 10 say as to
character and regulations; yet it is so i'm
portant point that il must not be omitted.
True religion should furnish you with
nobler and higher principle, to govern
your conduct, than the desire Of applause
from man. Yet. in subordination to what
ought to be the great purpose of life, the
appreciation of the supreme Judge, there
is just and laudable ambition to do what
is praiseworlhy among men. This ought
not to be ex,inguishcd in Tire minds Of
youth; being powerful spur and incite-
ment to rirtuous or iIluslrious actions.-
A truly good man will seek no praise but
by honest means, and will be superior
even to disgrace itself, if brought upon
him by adherence to his duty. Yet he
will also be tender, and careful, not to
give just cause to any to impeach his con-
duct. Ii might be permitted 10 direct
your views upon this subject, would say,
consider that your character is already
TO form. Every step you take
further in life, will both ascertain and
spread it. You ought also to be informed
that Notwithstanding all the &ackneyed Of
The par,iality and sensoriousness Of
the world, mans real character, in point
of ability, is never mistaken, and but
seldom in point Of morals. That there
are many malicious and censorious per-
sons, agree; but lies are not half so du-
rable as truth. There is an impartiality in
a diffusiye public, which will show itself
where means of information are afforded
to it. Therefore. reverence the judg-
ment of mankind without idolizing it,
Be as cautious as possible to do nothing
that deserves censure, and as little con.
cerned as possible what reproaches may
fall upon you undeserved. 1t is not
contradiction, but perfectly consistent to
say man should be tender, and even
Jealous of his character, and yet not gree
dy of praise. There is an amiablencss
and dignity in the first, but meanness
and iitleness in the last.