The Van Buren press., 1875-09-28
Our Young Men

The following advice to young men is
from the New London Telegram, but
will suit any meridian
There is no class of persons in the CON-
munity that sustains such important rcla
tions and occupies such responsible po.
sition as our young men. In the ardor
and buoyancy Of youth and the desire of
present enjoyment these relations and
this responsibility on their part are not
unfrcquently forgotten. 1t is, ncverthe-
less, inevitable. The young men of the
former generation are now doing the
great heart work Of the nation The
offices of state, the halls Of legislation,
the institutions of learning the bar the
bench and the pulpit are mostly filed by
those who, a quarter of century ago,
were the young men of the country.
Then, as now, their important relations
MS to character. attainment and position
in society were scarcely appreciated by
themselves, and how many have made
shipwrcck OF their hopes, opportunities
and privileges. Probably the largest
number now Of those who fill the most
important Offices and honorable positions
ia the community we're much less distin-
guished as young men than many, very
many who have sunk in obscurity, be-
come droncs 10 society, or worse, have
filled unhonorcd and forgotten graves
They did not, while young, realize the
Importance Of effort, industry, perscyer-
ance and virtueus principle. And their
experience is being repeated In the case
Of others, too often, it may be, from n
needless or thoughtless disposition. This
is all wrong. There was never time
when the young men Of our country had
better opportunities or fairer prospects
for lives Of usefulness and distinction
They have the bright examples of the
past and passing generation for their en-
conragement. The gates Of emolamcnt
and honor are open before them. Many
even among the poor and slnos friend
less OF our youth have arisen from OBJ
seurty and established for themselves a
world wide reputation. They depended
on their own efforts. entered upon life
with good will, maintained strict integ
rity, were governed by upright and un-
Yielding priaciple, and have won for
themselves names and characters that
will be cherished and honored through
all time Instances are not rare when
Young men under the most unto ward and
discouraging circumstances have by their
own persevering efforts and untiring in
dustry achieved imperishable honor. II
you are poor. be in no wise discouraged.
Remember that many OF the brightest lu-
minarics Of literature and science Of
which this age can boast have sprung
fro the humber walks Of life. II you
are among the favored few possessed Of
wealth bestir yourselves and let notyour
easy and comfortable position cncrvate
your mind or paralyze your energies.
The attainment Of knowledge and posi-
ton Of usefulness is a noble one. The
battle of life is an honorable warfare. An
undertaking course of integrity and vir-
tue must and will gain the respect and
esteem Of your fellow men, and give you
an Influence that will be known and felt
wherever you may be. Let this be re-
membered and the determination on your
part once formed and these principles
carried out, with truth and sincerity as
your motto and inilcxible virtue yonr
guiding star, you will not-cannot--fail
Of success.