The Columbian fountain., 1846-04-01
EDITED AND
WASHINGTON.
THE YOUNG MANS WAY
10 INTELLIGENCE, RESPECTABILITY, HO-
NOR AND USEFULNESS.


is one ofits important elements. 1t has
ever been true, 6 that with what measure
ye mete, it shall be measured to you again y
The same reason which shows the impor-
tance of self-respect, argues the necessity
OF rendering it to others. The true dignity
OF every man is in the fact that he is man.
! Not because he is rich, or well dressed, or
is heir to throne. The query isis he
man belonging to our species-has he mind
that must live forever? Does he act well
his part in the station in which Providence
has placed him il so, we are bound to re-
spect him. Even the wretched, made SO
by their own wilful misdeeds, may be plied
but never should be despised. | never
laugh at staggering drunkard, though |
often weep for him, because | feel that he
is mao, though in ruins, one for whom
Christ died, and for whose benefit the vast
creation, sun, moon and stars, clouds and
seasons were ordained. Can | therefore
despise him' The fear have for Him
who created him, and my own feelings
will not allow it. In respecting him, |
cherish and fan the flame of self-respect.
Morality and Religion are essential to
good character. put these terms to-
gether for the reason that they are united
by God and nature. | believe it impossible
to separate them without destroying both.
There may be a sort of morality without
the sanction of religion, but it lily deserves
the name. 1t may be heathen, but GER
tainly cannot be Christian morality. The
morality of Socrates and Plato was not
that of ST. Paul. Nor is the morality of
a modern free-thinker or semi-believer,
worthy the name of Christian. 1t must
be baptized in the name of the Father, the
Son, and the Holy Ghost, before it will be
endued with power to forgive enemies, and
those who persecute and evil entreat. Re-
venge was a virtue with heathen moralists,
nor sit far otherwise with bare moralists
now. Christian morality, however, is of
wholly different character.
1t is not, however, my intention to
preach long sermon to those who may
read these sheets, on the subject of religion,
yet do wish to impress the fact on the
mind Of every youth, that religion ought
to be his first business. And in this am
only repeating the instruction furnished
them by the Saviour: "Seek first the king
dom of God and his righteousness, and all
these things temporal good) shall be ad-
ded" The nature of religion, certainly
need not pause 10 explain. In country
| like this, where churches are so numerous,
and the means Of grace accessible to all,
there cannot be any necessary darkness on
this question. Character and standing,
based on religion, "pure and undefled
before God and the Father" is always
worthy and permanent. The heart being
renewed, and the affections running in
right channel, will be almost sure to con-
duct to honor and usefulness, happiness
and peace. The foundation thus laid be-
ing strong, the superstructure reared upon
it will not be likely to crumble down by
age, or yield to opposing powers. Good
moral character commences in the fear of
God, repentance of sin, and firm resolu-
tions of recttude, to be maintained during
life, and is carried out and effectuated by
attention to a regular course of religious
duty This will establish manly principles,
give manly bearing to the whole deport-
ment of life, and efTectually cure and de-
stroy those foolish tastes which lead so
many young persons to ruin. Religion in
early life also throws into good society, and
gives a taste for what is honorable, virtuous,
and of good report
Religion, vital and saving, is important
to all, in every period of life. The bible,
conscience, and the common sonse of man
kind, all unitedly declare this. Yet is it
more especially necessary to those who are
forming character which is to cleave to
thom throughout life But few arrive at
middle age, or advanced years, but have to
regret some youthful folly which they could
wish were botted from the page Of their
history. To do this now IL quite impos-
sble. 1t might have been avoided once,
but cannot uow be erased Many also con-
tract habits and form tastes, which are mat
ters of long and moun(ul regret afterwards.
Early piety, is a safeguard against these.
1t leads into new society, aud saves from
that which is vicious Itsaves from many
temptations and snares, into which the care
less and irreligious are sure to fall So that
he who embraces religion early, is much
more likely to be stsadfast in his profession,
than the one who defers SO important mat
r ter, to more advanced psristl. The for
: mer has but few temptations compared to
the latter, his life therefore is much more