Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1876-09-23
THE AVERAGE BOY.

I own to q feeling of profound SYM
pathy with and respect for the average
boy. He rarely figures in Sunday
school books, never in dime novels; is
the hero of no hairbreadth escapes or
romantic adventures, and is not likely
to create any demand for photographs
of his early home or a miuute biography
of his deeds or misdeeds.
The average boy is bent on having a
good time without regard to being SEN
sational or melodramatic. If he is re-
proved by his parents he does not i'm
melistely concoct some plan for run
ming away, rehearse the prodigal son,
or fire off pistol to terrify those who
have dared to call him to account. He
has no fancy for sleeping out of doors
under fences and in carts, just for the
fun of the thing; and although he has
taste for the sea; and is fond of boats,
he prefers to set sail in a legitimate
way, that he may never have to regret
his youthful folly.
The average boy escapes great deal
of unwholesome fattery and vicious en-
couragement, aud early learns to know
the chink of the true metal He is not
unreasonable in his desires, and so has a
greater capacity for enjoyment, and is
not blase before he is out of his teens.
He has good sense enough TO see that
everything has boundaries; that he can
not expect to occupy larger estate than
he has inherited or purchased; and SO
learns to respect both law and liberty.
He has boyish tricks, of course, and is
full of mischief, but he avoids "ways
that arc dark" and is careful of the
commandments.
The average boy looks at prison
with feeling of horror, and while he
has curiosity to enter its doors he has
no disposition to become familiar with
the steps of crime. He grows, but
grows naturally and symmetrically, pre-
ferring to be stately oak rather than a
sprawling deformity, if there is any pre-
ference about it. It is Mt his nature
to be erratic, and he never works against
nature.
The other boys plan to go to the Cen
tennial, collect money in some myster-
ious way, and start off on foot with all
the energy and enthusiasm of "youne
crusaders" Without q sign he sees
them depart, fully assured that he viii
be able to do the Centennial in a more
respectable manner by going with
father, or, mother, or friends who lool
after his interests because he is modest
about looking after them himself, and
because they are willing and anxious te
crafty the natural desires of o boy who
seldom grumbles, and is never exacting
The average boy is unconsciously
fitting himself for an important place
in society. The forces that keep hin
from going up like arocket, or flying of
at tangent, are training him to habits
of steadfastness and consistency, ano
Strengthening the balance-wheel of men
tai and moral activity. Commonplace
people are not necessarily dull and
stupid; and the average boy is more
likely to turn out solid man than il
the harum-scarum fellow who early be-
comes familiar with vice, and being
always "without fear" is never with
out reproach."
1t is cruel to slight and snub the
average boy who may be slow to Learn
but has most retentive memory. Re
member the fable of the hare and thu
tortoise, and keep your eye on the boy
who, if he fail to astonish the world with
any unusual display of brilliancy. viii
very likely give more comfort to hii
friends. and establish reputation fol
himself that will be more substantial
than that of many a rival.-Sunday
| School Times.