Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1852-03-20
Rectitude and selfRelianee.

1nefe are Times WHeH circumstances ai'oo
to turn the mind to other reflections han the
subjects of politics or the business affairs of
life. To moralize and preach up doctrines for
the guidance of youth, has never been a study
with US; and yet, among the multitudinous du-
ties pertaining to the editorial profession, u
short essay occasionally upon some of the di:
vinest principles of human action and human
government, is equally requisite and legitimate
To the young man emerging upon the broad
ocean of life, there are no two principles more
necessary to be cultivated and guarded than
Rectilude and Self.Reliance. Combined in one
mind, they form a barrier impervious to the
attacks of worldly misfortunes, and the best
safeguard against the Vaccinations of evil
men, who pant for the overthrow and destruc-
ton of a prosperity which they have never
been enabled to reach. Rectitude, in the dis
charge of all the various obligations encum-
bent upon us as good and correct citizens, will
adisarm wrath, and draw forth approval from
the breasts of those whose respect is worth
HAVING, aIu aittiouSH lieIe aie- Wv
brows may become more Contracted the bright
er grows your reputation, and who, gifted with
a certain talent and genius, delights in acts of
chicanery and subterfuge, and lays the train
to undermine not only your worldly prospects,
but your fair and honored name, depend upon
it that the additional principle of Self.Reliance
Ill lct ,o, far ohoya tho ipinry which ST1ph
reptiles have it in their power to in
hict.
Young men, while the above principles
should be paramount in your nature-the first
creating a bed of down upon which you can
blissfully repose your wearied mind and body
when they have grown into the "sear and yell
low leaf" and the last bringing up the recolIec-
ton of o score of victories, as you thus recline
in the evening of life-yet, much of your sue
cess and avoidance of evil depends upon a nice
and discriminating judgment of human nature,
which, as a glass, shows you the vicious pro-
p~ensities and passions of those whom you
daily meet in the crowded city or the quiet vii
lage. In this latter community, should the
of those whom you come in contact
with, be particularly scrutinized and studied
not those who are found al their Industrious
vocations, but the loungers on the sidewalks,
he street-meddlers and babblers, the oily
jack of-alLtrades men, and dema-
,ogues with a smattering of law and latin in
heir empty craniums. In the city it is differ
there the burglar and the migrate may
meet you without premeditating evil; but in
country village it requires the utmost of
uman ingenuity, and the constant adherence to
,ectitude, backed by Self-Reliance, to thrawt
he dastardly workings of the low, theaunprin-
pied and the wicked.
Thus, young men, if you would prosper i"
f, cherish the principles above recorded, and
that the less compact the community
which you live, the greater the necessity for
,ch virtues, as well for the happy position of
dependence, dear to every true heart, as for
lie proud career worked out by rigid honor, {
idomitabIe energy, and ceaseless industry. {