The West Virginia journal. [volume] (Charleston, W. Va.) 1864-1877, 1869-01-13
"DOing Nothing"
From tho Philadelphia Lcdger.l


Many young persons are growing up
with the ilea that industry-espccially
manual industry-is not quite respecta.
bio. There is no modern notion that
more completely cuts at the root Of
wholesome sentiment md Of national
or individual prosperity than this.
Whether idlcncSs takes tho form of
street lounging and gossip that bcgcts
more active vices, or Of tho dreamy
sentimcntalism that frIttcrs away llfo
IN vague fancies, or tho busy idlcness
that occupies itself In hundred ways
to avoid tho steady, energetic pursuit
Of regular duty, 1t Is equally culpable
in Its character aud pcrnicious III its
objects. To some degree, circumstau-
ccs may tend to produce this evil.
Some climates and some seasons Of
the year, induce lassitudo; some con-
stitutions have less energy and power
of will than others; and many diseases
deprive the body of Its strength and
mind Of its elasticity. Even in these
cases, tho complete surrender to such
influences Is the surest method Of In
creasing their power, whilo q steady
resistance will gradually weaken md
often rcmovc much Of the cause. In
by far the larger number Of Instances,
tho yicc Of idleness results from tho
indulgence Of luxurious habits, which
breaks down tho native energy Of the
character. The person who regards
momentary qualification as tho chief
good, will soon lose the vigoS and en-.
terprise necessary to undertake, and
tho perseverance 10 carry through any
schcme requiring, industry and self.
command. Some, from paucity Of
ideas, lack enterprise and become tor.
mid, being unable TO see tho utility OF
proper undertakings; whilo others,
overwhelmed with q vast, conception
of what is to bc done, sit down III The
inaotion OF despair. Others there ,are
who begin with carnestncss md hope,
but, lacking perseverance, arc intilni-
dated by tho first difficulty, and &c
complish nothing because they have
not the courage to face obstacles. -"
The want or method and habit ia
early life Is largely answerable for this
evil. Those accustomed In youth TO
regular and industrious employment
will seldom lose such habits In after
life; while those who have been suf-
fered TO pass. o dcsultory, childhood
will require all extra fortitude OF
character to become pcrsevering, ener.
getic aud industrious In after life. A
resolution OF character, q flruhness OF
principle, Which seeks to do what is
right, rather than what IL, = tempo
! rarily agreeable, 10 tho great safeguard
against this dangerous evil. ImpuIsivc
exertlons may produce magnificent
deeds; but without.G amethodicsl ,aud
steady resolutton, without system and
habit snd strength Of will, but littls
that is permanently useful will ever bt
accomplished. - Our : natures are 60
constructed that It iS only in the cult.
vation and Improvement eEss--Ail., !, on.
faculties that VIC; can&properly enjoy
any OF, them. !. o. n ,,;.,; 4. u. 81:
The lisness iethargy shown BY many
| young people 3is prod dtttivS ! otS SmS1l
evlls. TO the body itstS, aupfOdiapo,
sins eapsa Of many forms Of idilS -;
ltho want .of healthy excitement sAA<
loceppat lon leads too: often 20 1ntenapef,
lanes 81 eating aud drinking g 20 ~