Middletown transcript., 1874-01-17
LETTERS
To the Boys and Girls Of the Middle
town Academy, Delaware.
LETTERS
ny REV. JOSEPH WILSON.
No. 6.-REspoNsIBILITY.

No. 6.--REspoNsIBILIrY
My Young Friends The inhabitants
of earth are divided into two classes, the
rational and the irrational, or those who
possess the faculty of reasoning and those
who do not Man is the only creature on
earth who can reason because the only one
Of whom it is said that he was made iD
the - likeness and image of God. God
is perfect Reasoner, and can make no
mistake, because He is possessed of inf.
mite rcc.itudc and intelligence. Being
possessed Of reason, man il responsible for
the right exercise of that power and for
the performance Of the duties that reason
prescribes. The faculty Of relson is not
equally strong and perfect in all. Some
are naturally possessed Of greater reason
ing powers than others, and there are
few who are born idiots q. e. incapable Of
reasoning) and few others prived Of
reason by disease Of the brain or other
cause. Both these classes of persons are
not held responsible for Il cir conduct, nor
are they punished for nets called bad in
others. Our responsibility is in propor-
ton to our mental powers-the knowledge
we possess-ard the situation in which
divine Providence has placed US.
So a'so as it respects time of life and
change Of circumstances and situation.--
There are peculiar responsibilities attached
to chi dhood and youth. to parsntage, and
TO official position, as teachers, magistrates,
physcians. etc.
But, will not trouble you further with
general remarks. have to do at present
wi the responsibilities Of girls and boys
going to school, AMI what | wish to i'm
press on your minds is, that you are re
sponsible for the right use Of your time
and advantages.
Have you seriously thought on this OBJ
legation !? or have you Gas fear some do)
been thinking to yourselves. s.Well. l will
get along with my dry studies as easily as
can. shall soon be free from school,
and then shall have pleasant times"
My young friends, that is not the right
way to think. You should rather think,
II am accountable for my time and talents
and opportunities, and therefore will be
diligsnt and do my best to improve" If
you admit or acknowledge your RESPONSE
| bility, perhaps you are ready to ask-''To
whom or to what authority are we respon-
sible."
will try to show you this as briefly as
I can: First. you are responsible to your
parents or guardians. Anxious for your
mental Observation-Disclosures and honor
in society-and for your own happiness,
your parents send you to school. that you
may learn thiags which may be an advan-
tage and blessing to yeu as long as you
live. They deny themselves your help in
the family. and spend much money to
clothe and feed you, and to provide for
you suitable teachers.
This they do, not grudgingly but will
lingly and joyfully, because they love you
and I hope that you will be a comfort and
joy to them when they are old. Now.
should you not be thankful to such par
ents and try daily to honor them by good
conduct and diligence in your studies?
The girls and boys who idle away their
time and neglect their studies are ungratcful
and a dishonor to their parents, and will,
probably, come to some bad end at last !;
while those who do their duty may expect
the blessing Of the Lord and the respect
and love of society.
Second, you are responsible to your
teachers. In the school room. the teacher
occupies the place Of parent. and has par
entail authority over his pupils. Next to
your parents, your teachers desire your
Improvement and happiaess. They spend
their time. and take great pains to instruct
you and part of the reward which they
have right to receive is your respect to
themselves and attention to your studies,
and no greater pleasure can they receive
than to witness your advancement in know
ledge and virtue
Third. you are responsible ts society.
Gods command says. Thou shalt love
thy neighbor as thysclf." This means
thou shalt do no harm to thy neighbor,
but, with good will, do him all the good
you can.
All your fellow beings. and especially
those living near you and within tho sphere
|. Of your influence. have claim upon you.
, and it is your duty to serve them in the
best way your abilities and opportunitie,
J will permit You should try to acquire
knowledge that you may be good and ase-
: full citizens. and that your country may b.
benefited by your example and labors,