The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1876-12-01
The Average Boy.

i own 10 feellnB OF profound SYM
pathy with and respect for the average
boy. He rarely figures in Sunday
school books-never in dime novels he
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 minute biog-
raphy of his deeds or misdeeds.
The average boy is bent on having a
good time without regard to being SEN
sational or melodramatic. If no is re-
proved by his parents he does not i'm
mediately concoct some plan for
running away, rehearse the prodi-
gal son, or fire off pistol to terrify
those who have called 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 a taste for the sea, and is fond of
boats. he prefers to set sail in legiti-
mate way, that he may never have to
regret his youthful folly.
The average boy escapes great deal
of un wholesome hattery and vicious en-.
enlargement, and early learns to know
the chink of the true metal. he is not
greater capacity for enjoyment, and is
not bldse before he is out of his teens.
He has good sense enough to see that
everything has boundaries I; that he can
not expect to occupy larger estate than
he has inherited or purchased and 80
learns to respect both law and liberty.
He has boyish tricks, of course, and is
full of mischief, but he avoids "ways
that are dark, and is careful of the COM
mandments.
The average boy looks at prison with
curiosity to enter its doors he has no dis
position to become familiar with the
steps of crime. He grows, but grows
naturally and symmetrically, preferring
to be stately oak rather than sprawl
ing deformity, if there is any preference
about it. 1t isn't his nature to be er-
ratio, and he never works against nature.
The other boys plan to go to the Cen
tennial, collect money in some mysteri-
GUS way, and start off on foot with all
the energy and enthusiasm of "young
Crusaders" Without sigh he sees
them depart, fully assured that he will
be able to do the Centennial in more
respectable manner by going with father
or mother, or friends, who look after his
interests because he is modest about
looking after them himself, and because
they are willing and anxious to crafty
the natural desires of boy who seldom
grumbles, and is never exacting.
The average boy is unconsciously fit
ting himself for an important place in
society. The forces that keep him from
going up like rocket, or flying off at q
tangent, are training him to habits
of steadfastness and consistency, and
strengthening the balance wheel OF
mental and moral activity. Common.
place people are not necessarily dub and
stupid; and the average boy is more
likely to turn out solid man than is the
harum- scarum fellow who early becomes
familiar with vice, and, being always
without fear" is never "without re-
proach."
It is cruel to slight and snub the avert
age boy who may be slow to learn, bu
has a most retentive memory. Remem
Der the fable of the hare and the tortoise
and keep your eye on the boy, who, i
he fail to astonish the world with any
unusual display OF brilliancy, will yer,
likely give more comfort to his friends
and establish reputation for himsel
that will be- more substantial than tina
OF many a rival.-Josephine Pollard, a
| s.. S. Times.