The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-11-20


the encouragements and helps he may
ind. / am ALWAYS profoundly interested
In young men. j recognize the fact that
they are in TIE springtime of life, aud
that atinomentous consequences are pivoted
upon the manner a. which they use aud
abuss these early opportunities.
"rhese early days OF life are in their
importance rs compared with later
periods OF life. like the marvellous In age
which Nebuchadnezzar saw. The oppor-
tunities Of life in youth are more numer-
GUS and more valuable than afterwards.
Youth is the golden period.
''It is indeed n misfortune that yonng
men do not see life's opportunities and
appreciate them better. But they appear
TO DO oblivious TO the fact that they are
passing through the most valuable stage OF
human existence. The brevIty Of these
youthful days should prompt young men
20 appreciate and improve them. Why,
even life, at the longest, IS OF short dura-
lion.
"Now let MS notice some Of the advan-
tages, favorable winds enjoyed by
young men. Ia our land and in our times
young men are peculiarly favored in
regard TO education. How diff rent are
they we're half century ago. To obtain
knowledge then. in regard TO the sciences
required considerable means aud
ha work. Now the doors Of the
temple OF knowledge are wide open, and
whosoever will may enter. The facilities
for disseminating knowledge are
greater than ever before. The pub
lie schools today are equal Co
IL
consider the amount OF knowledge
that II conveyed through newspapers,
magazines and books. Surely, when you
reflect, You must he convinced that the
young men OF our tine have opportunities
for obtaining knowledge Tar in advance
OF the young men OF any previous epoch
in the worlds history.
my next proposition is to improve the
advantages you have now for building up
a good charac er. There Is a marked diff
ference between character and reputation. I.
but as rule the reputation and charac
ter are intimately related. Still it may
lie that a man will be evil spoken OF, who
does not deserve il. The best man who
ever lived on earth, the Christ was ma
ligned. History proves that good men
have often been the victims OF abuse. NY
advice 10 young men 10. be sure you are
right. Maintain character beyond just
reproach. A spotless character is every
thing TO a man. 1t will serve him at every
turn in life's path. With n we'll discip-
lined aud we'll furnished mind aud a
good character, the young man possesses
two important elements OF success.
"There are counter currents, unfavor-
able winds, one of which is the breeze
blowing from the the crowd. Beware OF
it It rs so easy TO lose your indivuality
and be lost in the sea of popular senti-
mept, IL you would attain to noble
and honored IN an hood you must preserve
your seli-respect. Do not be swept away
by some current OF popular excitement.
BE mani Have a mind OF your owni
Think for yourself aud act for yourself
"If young men will use these favorable
winds, these opportunities OF early man
hood, They may look forward hopefully
to success. In lie. Every young man, In a
sense, holds his own destiny in his hands,
If he wills 1t, he can so mould his charac-
ter that he will surely succeed, aud he
can also cripple himself and fail of any
pronounced success In the race of life.
Success In life is made certain by the
young men becoming christians. "A
christian is the highest style OF man |
You may have other good qualities but
they will all be emphasized and illumi-
mated bv religion. IL you undertake TO
sail life's ocean without religion you
will be like a vessel trying to navigate the
mighty deep without ballast to steady you
pilot to guide you. or port OF destina'
tion in view"