Abbeville press. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1860-1869, 1865-11-10
A WORD IN SEASON.

W N ho'SanI"e mHioT, 10 30 PreSnuqL
with wholesome truth and ADVICE, that we
will,not submit it to the "boling down
process" but present it in full, and ask all
OF our readers to give it a careful, thought
FIJI perYsal:
There is nothing more distressing to the
thoughtful gaze of good citizen than the
spectacle of wasted health and time which
the life tf our American youth presents.
Notwithstanding the fact that four millions
of young people, Of both sexes, are every
DAY gathered into our free schools and pla-
COS of Juvenile instruction provided by en-.
ligbteued charity, while nearly million
1nore are Eeceiving tho benefit of our mum.
'berless colleges, high schools, academies,
and private classes; the amount of idleness.
dissipation and misdirected energy thet
detorns tile scene is positively alarming.
Yet, where on earth do young men enjoy
such advantages, or behold before them
.Auca' high incentives to exertion and in
dustry as in this favored land Born un-
der the freest institutions in the world, they
are Immediately on the attainment of their
majority made welcome to all the rights
and franchises Of a glorious system which
humanity struggled in vain, elsewhere,
during thousands Of years, to reach, aud
tor which other nations are at this moment
preparing, with but little present hope.
They commence life at once, politically
and socially, the equals of the highest
fnnctionaries and nabobs Of li,e land. No
lnvidious distinctions of birth or title hold
them back, or bar the way to fame. On
every aide innumerahle channels of wealth
.distinction and happiness are open TO them,
stretching away over blooming continent
free from polar ices to the tropic gulf. and
fnll Of every precious mineral deposit and
superficial growth. Their own country.
now first in liberty, majesty and power
among the nations, exacts the admiration
and respect Of all mankind outside her
limits, while at home. her beauty, her abun-
dance and her liberality command the love
of all her native or adopted children.
With such inducements, then, our young
men, particularly those engaged in mer-
camille pursuits, have every conceivable
reason 10 rejoice in the prospect that opens
before them. But all these priceless ben
.efits are of little avail unless those to whom
they are offered have sufficient wisdom to
appreciate and apply them. "Paul may
plant, and AppolIos may water" yel;.if
'ste spirit of honesty, sobriety, thrift and
inddstry be not there, the harvest will not
come. It is for the young men in our
warehouses and counting rooms, them
selves, to say what is to be their destiny.
The viscissitudes of life are, indeed, many;
our temptations great; our trials contin-
.ual, and weakness is an inherent part of our
mortality; but, oh there is still a strength
III the fervent devoted heart, the pure mind
and the manly will that can move away
the mountains Of trouble, and strew the
wilderness Of disappointment with golden
sheaves. Let us depict a scene of frequent
occurrence IN our city. Look at tie tall
warehouse youder, towering above the Busy
street See how it is packed with precious
products FROM far off clmss, and how busy
thhen hasten to and fro through its passages
and doorways. Every eye is bright wish
thought; every hand is occupied will,
aonest and cheerful toll. Within at some
qu'ss desk, sits the head Of the prosperous
establishment. He is still iu tie prime of
youthful manhood, yet, to-day, lis voice
and name are influential among the ..mer,
chant princes of the land; his judgment is
respected, his opinion sought for, and his
example cited among the most substantial
honorable, and eminent on Change. The
commerce be controls and guides is recop.
nized in the great mart around him far
awsy in distant common wealths. The
businsss.of bis firm is immense, and at any
ttims good for thousands. Yet, this very
Hsn was, but few years ago, poor clerk
Ike hosts Of Others who will read this ar.
!.icie: What, then, was tho secret of his
progress2 What thstoagic toucllstoae by
which he has converted the commodities
he deals With into pearls and diamonds of
honsr 70 decorate his nauel The secret
Hes losa put shell. Diligence. persever-
anee, uprghtness, stsadiuess were the step.
pingstones Of. his nrocye.. R....,.I,,
soonsmy and perfs.t honesty wen. hand
in hand with him as chosen companions,
Frisulous amasen,snts, idle -comrades, ,ex:
tray.gsnt !sxpsctasious he sscbewad from
fhs. beginning Fickle dssire., change 81