, 1869-06-18
THE GARDEN OF THE MIND.

In the midst of our attention to mining
stock, wheat growing, railroads aud politics,
another subject of no less importance CONS
mands our respect-that is the future of tho
young men growing up in our midst. We
don't propose to read q lecture, but merely
offer a few suggestions. We know what it
is to have been young, just entering into
manhood, with temptations to do wrong in
viting on every .side-and we know, too,
where we made sad mistakes in cautious
yielding, as well as rash o'erleaping of the
bounds of discretion and propriety; and as
we endeavor to forgive ourselves, SO we ex>
lend charity to those who fall into the same
errors. California is filled with young men
just framing their future lives, and large
percentage of them are fast Californians,'
readily eating the dessert first instead of the
substantial, healthy food of liie's feast-thus
running stomach and mind alike. Young
men cannot be to cautious. 1t is better to flee
from temptation, than to meet and wrestle
with it. 1t is the safest defense. These
little 'nips' at the bar for sociabilitys sake,
and these shakes of dice for few Dimes are
as a general thing the foundation for a dis
reputable life. Common sense and self.re-
spect sometimes, but not always, comes to
rescue, and the fOllies of youth prove the
check guardian for after years But this
chance won't do to trust. 1t is not neces-
sary that our young men to attain respecta-
bility and enjoy the confidence of good citi
zens, should carry hymn books in their pock
cts, sing psalms through the streets, be pre-
sidents of young mems Christian Assoca-
tions, nor high priests in temperance lodges
but it is necessary that they should lead in>
dustrious and moral lives. If young man
is q frequenter of bar>rooms, and addicted to
gambling, no discreet business man will keep
him in his employ, let his education and
qualifications be what they may. Extrava.
gance is a great seducer for dishonesty, and
leads one to incur thoughtlessly little debts,
which he can't conveniently pay, and there
by he earns a bad name. Thus reputation
becomes degraded, and eventually destroyed.
Good habits are what our. young men must
establish if they would become rich and use
ful citizens. Good habits firmly fixed are the
best things to guide the youth through the
journey of life in wise and honorable NAM
ner ; money cannot do it, nor talents or edu-
cation, nor powerful connections aud fashion.
oOIC OOhIO suOulu De c0ecK-
ed others stimulateded some need pruning
and others wedding out, root and branch.
If taken in time it will be pleasant duty to
keep the garden of the mind in order; but
if the weeds get the upper hand, the task
will be one of increasing difficulty. Each
young man should endeavor, by honorable
means, to excel in somethiDg-should apply
himself diligently in whatever trade or pro
fession he has chosen. Honest dealings,
industry and economy will accomplish almost
anything. As related by writer: 'Prince
Talleyrand took part in thirteen revolutions,
and was always the acknowledged leader.
His plan was to watch the tendency ofpublic
opinion, and always to take his stand little
way before the foremost, so that they would
seem to be coming up to him. lie once
said that the secret Of his success in life was
to set his watch ten minutes ahead of tie
rest OF mankind. ldleness is common weed
but is easily kept under, if industrious habits
are formed in time, and he whose day begins
ten minutes sooner than that Of those around
him, will find the benefit of Talleyrand's $
maxim. So, ifa young man in his business
keeps little in advance OF what his employ>
or could reasonably expect of him, his repu-
tation will be assured. = Sacramento Record.