Middletown transcript., 1873-12-13
LETTERS
To tho Boys and Girls Of tho Middle
town Academy, Delaware.
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No. 8.--CoxsrlrurIosA TaAirs.
My Youag Friends IL have spoken.
in the preceding number. Of tho fact tha.
different constitutional traits or disposi-
tioss exist ia different individuals. The
variety is very great, asd can only treat
Of few Of the more prominent ones. Some
few are born with au aniabls disposition
sr temper, inherited from ono or both par
snts. Or perhaps originating with them
selves in some mysterious wsy. unknown
to rs. The favored possssssrs Of this best
Of natures gifts. arc inclined to lsvs and
desirsus Of being loved, and with them the
task Of forming . gentle character will be
comparatively easy. since the work 10 a.
ready more than half accomplished.
Sabmissireness to parental and other
lawful authority, Distinguishes others. In
such. occasions may ariss whom resistance
to the commands Of parents Or teachers
may manifest itself; but sseh resistance is
easily subdusd and may auslly disappear
as reason gains sway. This qualification
is absolutely necessary in young persons
pursuing course Of aesdsaicsl iustruc-
tion.
Tmidiy is frequent trait Of dispssi-
tisu, and may be both an advantage and
disadvantage to the possessor, as /. may
influence either to good or evil. It mani
tests itself more strongly in early child
hood and youth. but is never completely
eradica,ed. 1t is advantageous when il,
deters youth from pursuing an c,il
course, and it may exhibit tho properties
Of true courage when under its influence
the girl or boy can say, II am afraid to
do wrong lest ! dishonor my parents or
vcx my teachers" On the other hand
timidity may be great disadvantage when
a youth is afraid Of the ridiculs Of his com.
panions or schoolinates. should he reject
their bad advice or not fellow their evil
example. He that fears to do wrsng need
not fear anything else.
Teachatieness 10 smother excellent trai,
wh.n found in either young or old. but 10
especially commendable in the young
Youth is the peculiar tims to receive in
struc,ion, for then the memory is most re-
,entye and all tho mental powers mos. inn
pr.ssiblc. The young should remember
that they are unavoidably ignoran. Of many
things which it is importan. for them to
know. and that they caano. be known
without a teachable disposition and close
application to study. Teaohableness is.
indeed. trait to be cherished through life.
and that person ought to bo considered =
fool who thinks himself too wise TO learn
smything more.
Among the good traits I have cla.s.d
generosity, by which menn the DISPOSE
.ion to bestow favors on others and give
due praise to tho worthy. A generous
person is willing aud happy to share with
others tho blessings he enjoys, and such a
person is highly respected and esteemed
by friends and all classes Of society.
how set before yoa Eve good traits oil
disposition, and, il upon candid esamina-
lion Of yourselves. you find that you ars
possessed Of one or more of them, you
ough. to bo thankful to your Creator for
their bes.owal, and try to improve them
| mus. also mention fiye bad traits, which
are Freifulness, Irascibiiity. Selfshness
Cosetousness. and Quorrelson,encss can
not dwell upon these. for there is no plea-
sure in thinking Of them as secn in til.
character Of pretty girls and good looking
boys. ! will only say, il you find any o.
these bad things in your hearts don't b,
discouraged and let them alone. but 6gh
against them every day. and by-and- By
Jou will obtain the victory over them. l
your parents or a faithful friend sheult
point out something wrong in disposition
be thankful for their kindness, and .r,
ysur best to improve. And II . school
mate or other person should accuse yos o
being stingy, or ill-natursd or quarrslsome
don't bs angry and sCold back. but ra,hc
ask yourself. Am l guilty" An snem,
even may possibly know our character bet
ter than We do oursclves; and the ssyinl
10 good enc, 1T 10 lawfsl 10 learn frou
an enemy"