Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1859-03-14
For the Patriot.
IVY LEAVES 80. By RANDALL.
NO Iv.-EARLY MANHOOD.

NO WEAKLY MANHOOD.
Young men. like travellers just entering on
a journey, need directions; they see, spread
out before them, many roads, each one having
some point of beauty about it that seems to
hold out stronger inducements than the others.
In this position they stand not knowing
what to do; the mind becomes confused. and
they naturally rush in that state careIessly
on, till they reach the end Of their journey.
weary and toll worn, and dissatisfied with the
Improbable exertions they have made. But
hold young man, remain where you are, and
reflect; nature has endowed you with tacul-
ties, exercise them. You were not sent into
this world without the power of controlling
the reins of your life; nature, for the accom-
plishm,.nt of her desires. has planted in you
violent passions, but, because they are violent,
should you study to inHtme them! No; when
nature gave you those passions she also gave
you superior power over them, and they
are subject to your control; but hold them
firmly, guide them with an eager eye, and
you will reach the harbor of safety victor
Youth, the bud of life. how oft is it blasted
by the tanned brecZeS of dissipation; how off
rs il is just ripening into flower, ard Ready
to bloom in all its lovelinesS. does il wither
and die, o. draw the-mantle of virtue
closely around il. and shield it from such
piercing wind>; let not It's tender nature be
hardened by the pelpeiual tossing OF the
ocean of the world. whose waves roll on. one
after another, spangled with dazzling stars
OF brittle pleasures. whose lives. lihs the
waves that bear them. are lost in the bosom
of the deep.
Early manhood possesses senshility in
perfection; its habits are (unlrss polluted by
vicious associations) generally virtuous. aud
innocence leaves the mind free to soar after
all that j. noble generous aud sublime.
Endowed with natural susceptibility aud
aloof ir"m all acquired obstacles. the mind is
then i'm the most favorable condition 10 ~
c,.ive instruction and for learning how 10
live; but, sad TO say, the greater part of the
young men of the present age. he, d not the
dictates of naturally virtuous consci. nee.
The kind aud affectionate advice of a father,
the tears aud prayers of loving mother, the
mild and teHder entrtaties Of sisters. are all
thrown to the winds ard they. in the midst OF
ali this unpaid for affection. knowingly and
willingly sacrifice 10 momentary Qualifications
the comfort peace, aud happiness that
should sweeten the remainder of their lives,
they trample under their feet all the pure
and fragrant flowers that bloom along the
winding path of life. What a sad picture they
will b. To look upon, when age has blown his
chilling breath apon them. winding their way
towards ih'ir graves beneath burden OF
grief wick dnes-, aud vice.
But let the principles that were taught you
by the faithful guide OF your youth. urge you
Ia continue to sail Ia the same stream into
which you were launched by her hands Fear
not the lempests Ot the world, they are bai
wind and must cubs de 10 the ruling power of
truth. honesty and virtue; have sense and
resolution enough TO avow your meaning at
all times: fear not the censare OF the vicious;
true you will desire TO please. but you will
only drsire TO phase Tbs worthy. and truly
none bas worthy actions eau effect that end.
Love the truth and sp ak IL At all hazards;
be not afraid 20 appear singular, Tor singular
you maa be II yoa are truly virtuous, aud
virtue 10 the nectar OF early manhood.
NASHVILLE. March IL, 1859.