Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1886-03-26
College Life
[ruHSisHED BY REQUEST.

Among the periods Of ones life there Is
perhaps none that leaves more lasting impress
SONS than the ilie spent ut school. No
doubt, the urchin who carelessly idles away
his time at school enjoys more Of the real hap
piness Of life than any other creature
But as age steals over him, as his mird be-
comes more mature, as care begins TO leave
the marks thowever slght) Of her presence
upon his brow, il is then that his ideas, ard
thoughts begin TO take shape, and bis future
course is decided upon. He is to 20 to college
A simple country lad, perhaps, his imagina..
ton inhamed with the accounts he has read q
college life, he is a-glow with pleasant antiei-
pations OF future pleasure.
Then comes the pain Of departure, last
embrace mothers parting KISS. Il lingering
look, and the speeding train is fast bearing
him 10 his destination. Once arrived there
among strangers his thoughts, control them as
he will, wander back and dwell with PEN
sve melancholy upon the scenes, and, de-
lights, and endearments of the home circle
that now for the first time--he realizes to be
past, and, "Weayes a song Of melancholy
joy" in contemplating his departed boyhood.
And now he resolves that no act Of his no
neglect Of duty on his part shall ever give
cause for regret that he has been placed in his
present position. But like many other good
resolutions they are, alas, very hard to keep.
For time he has no difficulty, but MS he be-
Games more and more, acquainted, and intiu'
enees Of rule-breaking tendency are brought
TO bear upon him, the strength Of his home
teachings is put more aud more to the test
and upon it depends, in great measure, bis
future life If this training be strong and in
the right direction he has received IA goodly
inheritance and one whose influences for good
will exercise controlling sway over him for
the rest Of his life. Aud that this result may
be best secured the restraints OF p,ternal care
should not he removed until they become
unnecessary.
But what is the object in sending boy to
collegr2 To acquire AN education, to improve
mentally. General advancement. In fact,
the aim is education. To give grea
er degree of culture to society in gem
eral, TO develop the human intellect, ard to
elevate the mind Of man above what is sensual
and sordid.
For as the decree of excellence of a machine
depends on the adaptation and construction
Of its individual parts, so does society depend
for its general tone upon the individuals wan
compose it. But are the above ends always
accomplished Do not evils in GU: education
al institutions BY which the plant min ol
youth is influenced, and which if not checked
will ultimately destroy the foundation of So
ciety itself-Relgion. The prevalence OF
Atheistic doctrines has grown to such an ex-
tent, that during the past year numerous arti-
cles have appeared in the papers OF students
being supplied with tracts and pamphlets from
the followers Of Bob lngersOd. 1t is impera-
tive that Ime restraints should Ie put upon e
tendencies Of the times; the safety OF the state
and of its institutions depend upon it; it is
the duty Of every citizen. from the humalest
to the highest, to jim in throttllng and de-
stroying this banefui monster which, IL may
here be remarked, seems TO have gained the
greatest he,dway in the United States Acad- |
emleS We are glad to say, however, that a
movement IN this direction which il followed |
up will lead TO the best resu Is J has begun in |
some OF our Western States.
But 10 return to our subject how often is |
tie youth, who has mapped out cole. 9
course for himself aud WAC at the same tue
is earning consider tbie salary, persuaded |
from his purpose Uy the advice wo lid Ue
trie ads, VINO puiut OFT TO him the p-eunary |
Disadvantages resulting therefron who tr, |
TO impress upon him that 1t Won d Ue four |
ears Ut his life lost, AMI refer him ~ the
many great men that have risen without ever
entering u college, cut, when these yer, men |
AlC NOuSulltu Ou tiiG hlltCi3 ticl Will III 1
you that the greatest misfortune vi tlel |
lives, and the one that has aft cttd them most
was the want vi Il lberal education. Young |
meal Listen not to the IempliIs voice of tlt
desire To get rich qulcklyl let not the OPP
pr y OF collegiate education perhaps |
the only one t your lie pass ny unlmprovcd.
For, hln wno is thus anne /. The battle Of ity
beoomeS comparatively easy and victor.
doubly secure.
And once you have entered the portals Of
college halls, let your mJtto he diligence,
perseverance, aud determinations Keep TN,
always UeIore you; im. prove each, ''su.nin5
hour and success Is assured.
And wnen you s,Irtt nave p fssad TIE lurrIds
ian Oi life, 1t vii derghL you to look bark
upon your well spent ume, ami in rejecting
Oh what ; 'urce vi perpetual enjoyment anu
O.nrtit Jour application to study, wnie al
college, has been. PRMUs.