The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1849-06-30
For The Cecil Whig.
Companionship.

J
However egotistical man may be in re-
gard to the accomplishment of certain
projects, or the means which he makes use
OF to attain the desired end, it seldom hap
pens, that he is SO engrossed in his selfish
plans as not to seek for companionship with
some kindred spirit. Though his schemes
may be of the most diabolical character,
requiring the utmost secrecy in order to
insure their success, he almost invariably
unbosoms himselfto some one with thoughts
and feelings similar to his own, and solicits
his cooperation.
1t has been said, that heaven itself would
fail to yield us that amount of happiness
which we anticipate, were it not for the
sweet companionship of angels and glori-
fed spirits, which we shall there enjoy.
Certain it is, that in the darkest hour, when
sorrows press heavily upon us, when the
star of Hope seems to have set forever be-
hind the horizon of Despair, when false
friendship grows cold and we turn from the
world with loathing and disgust if we can
but find some tried friend upon whose bos-
ON we may pillow our aching head and
pour forth the tale Of woe, one who will
sympathise and weep with us, who will
endeavor by kind words to bind the broken
heart and hold up to us the hope of better
days: it is happiness which can only be
defined as foretaste of Heaven. The de-
sire for companionship seems indeed to have
been implanted in the breast of man by his
Creator. For we find, that in the begin
ing, ere man had fallen from his primeval
state of bliss, ere one dark cloud had risen
to mar the beauty of his moral sky, or one
breath of passion to faint the purity Of that
heavenly atmosphere, ere sin with all its
awful consequences had descended upon
his head and driven him forth an outcast
"the Lord God SAID it is not good that man
should be alone" [GEN. II 18th
Having as we think clearly proved that
mans natural nclinations prompt him to
seek for companionship with his fellows,
we shall in the next place make some few
remarks drawn from actual observation,
upon the effect which the different kinds of
society that the world affords has upon
men.
Youth is the time when most persons
form habits and associations, to which they
adhere with pertinacity through life. 1t
is therefore matter of paramount import
ance, that young persons should be in
structed in those principles which shall
best qualify them to act well their part in
the great drama of human affairs. But
says one is not this already provided for
are we not well supplied with Schools and
Colleges, all under the superintendent of
men of learning and attainments, eminently
qualified to train up the youth of our coun-
try for future usefulnes! is not the land
flooded with books (Which are within the
reach of every one,) the productions of the
most talented men, upon the various de-
partments of science, philosophy, litera-
tnre and religion? q" To all this l would
yield hearty assent. There is within the
limits of almost every state in our union
institutions for the education flour youth,
of which we have right to be proud. But
book-learning only gives us theoretical
notion OF things, or in other words it lays
the foundation Of education, the superstruc-
ture is only to be acquired by companion
ship with older persons, men who have
been so fortunate as to navigate the sea of
life, without laundering upon any of the
innumerable shoals, which lie hid beneath
its surface. But here lies the difficulty.
men Of experience will not associate with
younger persons, " lest by this undue tamil-
iarity they should be pulled with vanity"
than which a more egregious error could not
have been imagined. Instead of this ia
miliarity tending to inhame their vanity,
It sefxs to quench the smallest spark Of