Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1858-01-09
; YOUNG. MEN. =.

30 eare rs We efue wealth ndspfosperity OF
people consists in the value and extent of its pro-
dactiohs wheeler they BE- of the farmer, mechanic
>rananufaetnrer- slso. does our moral greatness
depend upon the character and stability of our
young men. In fact, young men form the pillars Of
our countrys greatness nd to their safe keeping is
entrusted its future destiny and importance. We
know OF no swiiter or surer road to ruin, in q ma
tion than a disregard for the moral culture of its
young men-the downfall of q people is not the
blight of corn-the weight and impetuosity, of hail
stone-nor inundation and Storm pestilence or fam
inc for few years, perhaps few months, may
cover all traces Of such calamity; but that coun-
try is too surely ruined in which the morals of its
young men are totally neglected. Americans are in
reality selfmade people-the poor Of to-day are
the rich of to.morrow-and to the high moral char
acter given to young men, by forefahers is this
result mainly attributable. 1t too often occurs that
our young men are neglected and that their claims
unon society are dsregarded and overlooked amidst
the excitement and buxtle of business. But to &C.
casionally review their condition is duty which
the thoughtful owe to society and civilization
Apart from the social and mental requirements of
young men, much of their success in life rests with
themselves and the amount of determination and
purpose which is applied in individual undertake,
ings. We can inherit riches-but renown, distinct
ness and usefulness comes from application and in
dustry alone. Some young men orc too hopeful and
selfconfding others too inactive and compla-
cent Purpose. SO important to all young men, is
Thus do we find them engaged in callings and I'M
dertakings that they are neither physically
tally adapted to, in the vain hope Of attaining ends
which they fancy the natural course of events would
not bring about. ',s .%.h t:i.t
On entering life every young man should first as
certain his predictions whether for science art
and then form his resolution to that calling,
and crown it with purpose to obtain distiction
through it. 1t is this :aste for refined occupation
which make so many helpless and profgate young
men, and which will in time reduce us to " nation
of shopkeepers." instead of remaining an agricuI-
farming should be more generally engaged in by
young men, and learned particularly and theorecti-
cally; and such young men should be taught to
feel that these engagements equally profitable
and honorable as any other. But, in opposition to
this, we know it is a prevalent conclusion with
many that tradesmen and farmers should necessa-
riy be poor and that the dispensers of and sci.
ence have more promise Of wealth and distinction.
No greater error could seize possession of the youth
full mind The daily occurrences of life contradict
it; and a thousand statesmen, writers, and million
aires can be brought forward in opposition to such
a conclusion.
All wealth, position and fame springs from indus
try, having labored at its fountain head; and the
young man who seeks advancement or riches through
any other source than spontaneous application to
some calling in life, has but feeble reed to rest his
future upon Young men must be workers. We
muscles strength, and in every way, by mental and
physical endowment adapted US for the performance
of labor. The dreams of suddenly acquired wealth,
50 prevalent in the youthful mind, are but the
lures of imagination the waftngs of idle stories
nurtured in indolent minds. And young men are
too often led by such fantasies into paths of ndo.
lence and composure, with a determination to
"await the good time" which is to come. But no
greater and deluson exists-for labor is one
of the richest blessings vouchsafed to man, and
through it alone do we realize anything approaching
happiness in this world
We close with a quotation the author of which
we cannot recall. 1t is, however, one of those gems,
which ever float uppermost in the retentve mind.
HE that floats laziiy down the stream of time in
pursuit or something borne along by the same cur.
rent. will find himself indeed move forward; but
unless he lays his hands to the oar and increases
his speed by his own labor, must be always at the
same distance from that which he is following
alton (Ill) Telegraph.