American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1845-01-10
Fer the American Republican,

since IN your paper communication from the
"Social Circle" | have yenturcd, by permits.
sion of the author, to offer you the following
article from the slime source for place N
your columns. Aud would remark, that in
thus bringing it before the public, it is not from
any desire to give notoriety to the little circle,
for whose benefit it was originally intended;
but, believing that the evil spoken of is one
which has found its way too generally in the
society of young perscus as well as among
those more advanced i'll years, | indulge the
hope that the valuable suggestions contained in
it, might prove the means of arousng others o
the importance OF more useful and profitable
occupancy Of time and talents. Z.
CONVERSATION.
Ii was the advice of DR.. johnson, for regu-
lating our conversation, that we should not
speak, unless what we should say might be of
advantage to ourselves or others This restric-
ton upon us, it might be supposed, would keep
the tongues OF many very still. Aud suppose
II were the case, the community would be ben
Gifted, and the individual would be the gamer.
If we are not doing that which is good we
, must be engaged in that which is evil The
mind is ever active, and seeking for something;
and if we do not give it wholesome food, it
will seize upon that which is perncious, con-
sequently, if we are engaged in conversation
that Is OF advantage to no one, we must be say
ing something either to the injury Of our neigh
bors or ourselves. If we are occupied in re-
failing SANDER, our friends may suffer, or if we
are using profane language, without direct ref;
erence to any individual, we will be the losers
And how often do we find company of young
persons discussing, with the greatest freedom,
the merits or dement's Of their neighbors.-
This forms the principal topic of conversation,
aud often it is the only one on which they ven-
lure, unless it be the latest fashions or the last
ball, or party, or wedding, that has taken place
or likely soon to occur; these are faithful themes
for discussion. Surely such persons had better
say nothing they would then, at least, have no
Idle talk to answer for. Many remain silent
during the greater part Of an evening, though
IN the midst of company because they know
not what to say, or they do not wish to join in
with the ridiculous nonsense they hear. The
former is i'll consequence of not having improv-
ed the mind, the latter is worthy of imitation
by proper attention to the cultivation of the
intellect, we may so increase our knowledge as
to be able ~ join in conversation on any useful
subject and derive advantage from our inter-
course with each other.
Alter an evening spent in refined converse
ton, how much purer is eur qualification than
when it is tfified away, by engaging in the idle
ence at our evening parties. We feel no re-
morse, for we have improved our time, and
have not slandered our neighbor; and or gra-
tihcation is heightened from the consciousness
Of having received real and practical informa-
ton, and from having secured the friendship of
the wise and good. society like the present
will tend to fill our minds with stock of ideas
that will always afford subject for an agree
able and profitable interchange of thought and
feeling Let social circles be formed in every
community, and let the members OF each set a
high standard of excellence, and aim at that
which is dignihed and exalted, and renova-
ton will soon take place in society. Unless
we aim at excellence, we will fall short of me-
diocrity; unless we cultivate the tender and re-
fined sentiments, feelings, and affections, the
rougher passions of our nature will obtain the
mastery, and we will remain sullen and selfish,
as we'll as ignorant But here every thing
tends to improve the mind and better the
heart: we become sociable, more intelligent
and more humane, and our dispositions are
brought to harmonze with each other. GAS
iron sharpeneth iron, so does the countenance
of a man his friend" This may fifty apply to
us, as we meet for the purpose of sharpening
each other in intelligence, in virtue, and in all
those great and ennobling qualities which can
truly adorn and dignity the mind of man. By
meeting with our friends, for the purpose Of
Improvement, we are enabledto see our def
ciencies, and this stimulates to renewed exer-
ton. We are led to believe that what others
have done may be done by US, and thus with
ardent souls and undimmed eyes, we press for
ward The individual who does this will come
forth in the bright sunshine of literature and
science, and stand erect with the consciousness
that God has given him faculties to work out
high and glorious destiny. Why should we
hesitate to try? Why hold back with indiffer-
ence when the golden prize is before you, and
others arc marching on to the realization of
their fondest hopes Why not start up and at
tempt to take the lead?-for recollect that he
who is content to lag behind, was never made
to walk before. What constitutes the vast
difference there is between different individuals
in the same community IT'S habit. This
simple principle has made more distinction
among mankind than any disparity in their
natural talents. Put in practice what you pos
sess, indulge in nothing that has tendency to
enervate the powers Of the mind; let your gaze
be upward, and your watchword onward, and
your minds will soon be filed with images and
Illustrations, with deep and sound views of
men and things, and all that you desire will
be obtained.
And what vast field of usefulness, does
our little society display before you. The rich
pastures ofaterature and science, invite you on
to be partsifers of their bounties, and to rcyel
amidts TN / sweets. With these bright pros
poets and assurances of success, what Shall de-
tor you? You haze the company and encouy-