Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1847-03-25
For Young Ladies and Gentlemen.
Temptations of Young Men.

The young must form friendships, and have
their iM!:M.1a3ts with those 81 their cgvn are :
and it is not in the nature of an ingenious youth,
to distrust professions Of kindness, or be indifer
ent to manifestations of Partially. He cannot
very easily suspect snare beneath a smile
And indeed it is not always easy for men of
mature years to resist the influence of acts of
generosity on their judgement and resolution, in
questions of character, of right, and OF duty
For a gitt doth blind the eyes Of the mise, and
pcruer the w0rdS Of the righteous. How much
greater the danger when a young man, unprac-
ticed, inexperienced, and full Of generous impul-
sas, is met by one of those decoyers, who, if not
like the arch-deceiver transformed into an angel
Of light, yet commends himself by politeness and
afTability greets him with the wish of all posi-
bic happiness, and is ready to pay for his pleas
urcs for the sake of his society And how flat
tering, oftentmes, it is to his pride to be select
ed as companion by one whom he regards as
occupying station in life above him 4" 70 de-
cline his friendship" he says to himself. " be-
cause he is net exactly what he should be, would
be very unkind TO shun his intimacy when
honored with his confidence, would be very un-
civil To refuse to share his pleasures, when
t34aered free Of cost, would be very ungrateful
have, indeed, said | would not NEEDLE with in
toxlcatng drinks but ] cannot be so impolite as
to refuse to return the health of friend-
And, as it would have the appearance of mean
ness not to reciprocate his generosity, | must en-
terrain him in my turn, and must drink again
1t is true, ! have regarded smoking as a savage
pleasure, selfish qualification, enjoyed almost
always at the sacrifice Of ether peoples rights,
and withal a very expensive habit; and have
said never would indulge in it; but must not
dsobige by resisting the generous importantly
of companion, in a matter in which compliance
can do me so little harm, | was brought up to
regard the Sabbath as sacred to religious duties,
and to attend on the worship Of God but my
friend has offered me a ride with him tomorrow,
and, as he may not only laugh at my scruples,
or take offence at my refusal | will 90 this once
Ny mother when left my home, warned me to
shun the theatre but my friend assures me it
can do no harm merely to sec and hear play,
which is nothing more than an exhibition Of a
remarkable passage of history have been ac-
customed to look with a sort Of horror on the
gaming table ; but my new aCqualntanCes assure
me that though they amuse themselves with cards,
they never GAMBLE and as they want my assist
ance to make out their game, it would be very
rude to deny them it is true trifing stake is
sometimes laid on the table, but it is merely to
add little more interest to the amusement; and
what is asked Of me, know it will not hurt me
to lose. There are places have heard good
deal about if | could merely see one of
them, only once, my friend )"
But need net pursue this parley and COM
promise,--this war Of vice in ambuscade, any
farther. 1t is in the very essence of temptation
to put on fair exterior. 1t was whcn the Uoman
sow that the tree mas good far food, and that 1t
was pleasant to the eyes, and tree to be desired
to make one ooiSe, that she tack Of the fruit there
of, and did eat. Vice is monster of too fright
full mien, to obtain access to the ear of virtue
without disguise The mask which it wears is
the seat of its power. Wickedness must give
her progeny soft names to get them into good
company; and movements Of i'll intent must be
made with words of promise. So " Joab took
Abner aside, in the gate, to speak Nth him qui-
etly; and smote him, that he died :" and Judas
saluted the Saviour with " Hail Master" and
betrayed him with kiss
My young friends, do you wish to escape the
dangers that beset you? And DO you wish to
make the most of life, by so spending it as best
to answer llfe's great end Then resist, firmly
resist, all solicitations from loose immoral young
men to initiate their practices or share their sim
ful pleasures. My son, if sinners entce thee, con-
sent thou nOt.-ReU. r. W. CuShman.