Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1856-08-06
Young Men.

Our OWN leeG are put just stepping over on
the afternoon slope of manhood, yet we ven
ture thought or two to the young man whose
eye may possibly rest upon them.
That this IS day of progress, we are glad
to believe. But the currents in the great
tide, are not all forward In the language
of the venerable DIR. Watt, there never was a
day like this to live. Within the period of
our own brief life we can remember time
when there were but few of the educational
advantages which SO sgnally mark the hsto-
ry Of to-day. The small, weather-beaten
structure on the hillside, was the only alma
mater of the masses. The writer never saw
the walls of any other; and many a time in
later years, while attending gatherings in
more favored structures, and looking upon
the facilities for acquiring a thorough edu-
cation-facilities within the reach of all-the
eye has flooded, and choking sobs struggled
upward from the swelling heart. We did not
grudge the youth their advantages-no no
but how different in our own school days
We remember the bare walls-no maps or
charts no blackboard or philosophical ap-
paratus no school books but the spelling
book arithmetic, and geography. Even gram
mar was a sealed book to the writer, and to
this day, he has never looked into its pages.
i That he has not since, is his own fault but
I between two eras, and that when once man
is in ife's harness and face to face with its
business realities, he is not apt to turn aside
to mend the gaps in his early education.
This is a day of privileges. The most
bounteous provision has been made for the
benefit of our youth. There is no excuse for
not acquiring education, for the better class of
the common schools of this day ARE superior to
so-called higher institutions of thirty years
since. A good education is not only within
reach, but also general intelligence, and even
refinement. Books, magazines, and newspa-
pers fill the whole land. And yet, in the midst
of all these advantages, is it not a truth that
a large number Of our youth utterly neglect
them? The fact is apparent to the most
careless observer. One cannot mingle in the
public or convivial assembly, or even travel
the highway without meeting with the most
painful evidences of ignorance and ill-breed
ing. The whole land reeks with their row.
dylsm. 1t assumes a thousand shades anC
grades, but always coarse and repulsive -
The unassuming manner and courteous
speech of the gentleman, makes room fol
the half-swaggering gait and slashing inso
lence of the dramshop. A civil question il
not always civilly answered. The young
man talks coarsely of his own parents as tht
H.
teemed creditable to sneer at home and it
quiet and holy,,infuences. The aged are trea
ted with pert insolence, ifnot insult Thei
old-fashioned habits and manner of speech
are made subjects of ridicule. 1t is deeme,
creditable to spurn the old-fashioned virtue
which really shed SO much luster upon ou
common manhood, and keep up with tn
fashions by trampling them under foot. Al
observer has but to listen to the conversation
of large class of our young men, to imbib
gloomy thoughts of the future, and feel tn
blood creeping hotly over the cheek. Thes
are the citizens of to morrow, the bone an
muscle which is to sustain the institution
which are so sacredly cherished. And ho'
many a portentous seam and gaping chasm
there is in their moral structures
"Good girls are scarce" remarked an al
tiquated bachelor friend of ours "NC
scarcer than good boys !" retorted an homes
spoken old matron. The mother spoke tn
truth. Our young men are not up to th
privileges which surround them. Whethe
on the farm on in the shop every young ma
can become gentleman and nobleman.-
We do not speak of mastering the set form
of fashionable life but when man is maj
ly, upright, truthful, courteous, and well il
formed, he cannot be otherwise than gentl
manly ana noble. Irue mannOOQ IN tE
heart, will leave its broad impress upon ev
ry action in the intercourse of life."
There is moral sublimity in the attituC
of young man of integrity and moral wort
"a moral beauty which ever wins confdent
and esteem We would instil pride into Il
heart of every young man-not pride of DIRE
or empty display-but pride of character,
our common country and the privileges v
enjoy. A man cannot 60 through life wit
out leaving footprints. His influence mu
be either good or bad, and will widen Iii
the wavelets which circle away from the pc
BILE tossed in the stream touching from hea
to heart long after the fountain has ceased
beat. Let the young man feel himself
important pillar, as he is, in the structu
of society. Let him be proud to be ever trut
full, frank, and honest, adding to the comm
: veal instead of wasting the life God has g
! en- him.
: Yoang friend aim for full developed ms
: hood. There will be comfortable refecti
u by and by-that you have not been m,
drift-wood upon the current, without aim
/ use, but have given dignity and beauty
IS life, made the world better for your livi
p and left a record which will be honorable
?, your own good name, and worthy the i'm
tion of others.-Repabliean, Jefferson, Ris