Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1856-01-16
DANGEROUS PSSING THIS WAY.


As started for walk one cold morning
last winter, after heavy snow-storm, and as
usual turned in the direction towards the
Common, l observed handbils posted upon
trees in various parts of it with the above
words in large capital letters. | hesitated,
wondering "what lion was in the way" in a
place usually so secure from danger, look
ed in this direction and in that before / ven
tured through the paling, as / had deter
mined to try the newly trodden foot path, as
short cut to the house of friend. F W m
saw nothing; the sun was shining in its
full glory the unbroken sheet of snow spark
led like myriads Of diamonds. There were
no needless coasters to trip up my heels
no-they were all safely housed in school,
that was blessing. No avalanches to threat
en- my head no-with only the blue canopy
of heaven above me, no danger there-what
could it be? looked around to see if any
bold travellers had braved the danger what
ever it was. | saw men and women tread
ing the toilsome paths with apparent safety.
Why could not /? But there must be
reason for this caution. Why should the
city authorities take all this trouble without
a cause? Because / could not see the dan
ger, should l rush boldly on without needing
the caution of those who speak with author
ity? If SO, must do it cat ney own risk"
according to the handbill Mo- was
too old for that will take the shoveled
path round the common, if it does lengthen
my walk, for | know there is safety in that,
and | shall have time to think out this mys-
terious business, so with my staff in hand |
travelled on" Before l had gone far, how
ever, common sense came to my rescue, and
my mind being settled on that point, l be-
gan to think over the striking words that so
often met my eye. u
Dangerous passing his way. Yes, young
man, thought /, as youth with vigorous
form, and elastic step went by me- many dan
gers beset your path more formidable than
you will meet on Boston Common. Do you
heed the caution? No. The experience of
others is of no use to you. You are strong
aud bold. You are not afraid. But re-
member, when you dash into this pleasure,
and that excitement, reckless of consequent
ces, that you do it, at your own risk.
Dangerous passing this aoay, my fair
friend, gayety and dissipation, the "pomps
and vanities" of the world meet you at every
corner. Do you see the danger? No. The
sun shines brightly-the skies are without
cloud, pleasure lures you on--gay compan-
ions are ahead Of you. Now and then one
falls by the way, to be sure-but that's of
course. 1t will not be your fate-oh no
health, wealth and beauty are yours-every
thing tomake you courageous, but beware,
that path is not the marrow way"
where wisdom points, and you take it at your
n risk.
Dangerous passing this woy-boys! =
Did you hear that oath? that obscene word ?
Did you see that over-reaching game of mar
bles played by those schoolmates of yours p
Were you asked to join Did you see the
storm of anger, and the fight? Ah my
little friends, tremble for you. There IS a
right way. Take heed to the handJiN-that
speaks in capital letters, so plain that she
who runs may read" "This is the way,
walk We in it," Turn not from this sure
guide, if you do, it is at your own risk!
A. II. Youths Companion