The Monitor-register., 1897-05-07
Plain Talks to Big Boys.
BY ARCHER BROWN.
THE INFLUENCE OF COMPANIONS

THE INFLUENCE OF COMPANIONS.
Most men let others mark out their
course for them. Most boys are what
other boys make them. Most characters
are formed by accident, not by mature
purpose. Nearly every failure is caused
by another's influence. Is there a
smoker in the land who did not get his
friendly start from a boy companion
around the fence corner or behind the
barn ? Is there a drinker who started
the habit alone and because he wanted
to ? Is there a business or social wreck
who cannot, in part at least, trace bis
misfortune to the influence of a false or
misguided friend ? If 80, the exceptions
prove the rule.
Companionship is a leading force in
life. Every boy of health and spirit has
his friends. They are of two kinds-the
helpful and the hurtful. Rare it is thDt
the influence of a fellow-b ing, vi ilAe
age and habits, crossing oae's life in
youth, does not distinctly mlr or improve
the character. 1t is as natu al for "a boy
to like another boy and waut to be With
him as it is for him to breathe. 1t is
quite as natural, also, for him to absorb
from that other boy whatever of good or
bad he has to give of. Any man who
remembers his boyhood need not be told
that the chance influence of a companion,
picked up on the street, in the school, or
in the shop, may strike deeper and last
longer than the Thousand times reiterated
advice of mother or father or minister.
All this is a queer phase of human
nature, but it is true, and, being true,
must be reckoned with In the plans
which surround every youths life. My
point is that the wise boy will bride this
force and put it to work for him, rather
than let it creep in aud undermine bin.
Later in life we know it is easier to dis
criminate and select among our associ-
ates. But then our character is formed
and their power over US is limited. 1t is
unfortunately in the period from twelve
to twenty, when the nature is plastic and
impressions form quickly, that compan-
ships come mainly by pure chance. The
real time to select and discriminate is at
the outset. l truly believe that as much
hangs upon what kind of a boy you
select to run with, to get deep into your
inner life and confidence, my young
friend, as upon the selection of your
school, your Sunday school, or even
your church. Shall this companion then
be the one who happens to live nearest in
the block, or sit nearest in school, or ride
the same bicycle?
How will you utilize this influence for
good? Here is the way: By manly in.
dependence, backed by a little judgment.
Be yourself the leader, not the trailer.
Set the standard as conscience dictates.
Then you will mold instead Of be nodded.
Associations will form on the line of
natural selection. The boy of impure
thoughts aud habits will not take long to
find out that who are not his kind, and
he will hunt another fellow. In his
place one will turn up who has aspira-
lions and ideals like your own. If he
does not turn up, hum him up. You
will find he wants you, for friendships Of
the higher SOFT are not so common
Cultivate and elevate such a friendship
when formed. Help each other in ever y
little thing that holds up Christian man
hood. Encourage each other to despise
the mean. the shiftless, the uncleau.
Surprisingly quick others will see this
type of manliness (Which, after all, is
attractive to boys). and you will be the
nucleus of an ever widening group You
will make sure your own character, and
become a silent preacher of the Gospel
of the manliness of Christ Christian
AdUOcdte.