The herald., 1912-07-25
THOUGHT FOR THE MORALS
OF OUR BOYS.

One of the greatest duties of all |
good citizens is to look to the moral |
condition of our growing youth; the
thought and care for their condition
means much for the development of
society and insures the happiness and
prosperity of those whom God has
given into our keeping.
To impress upon them what are the
general rules which should determine
their actions, and what sentiments
should govern their journey through
life, can be best accomplished by
teaching them to observe the results
of the conduct of others.
A regard for these general rules of
conduct is what may properly be
called a sense of duty and is prin-
ciple of the greatest consequence in
human life; in fact, the only good
principle of directing their actions.
Without this sacred regard for gen.
eral moral rules, there is no man
whose ultimate condition can be clear
" foretold; it is this which constitutes
the most essential difference between
a man of honor and principle and
worthless fellow; the one adheres
steadily and resolutely to his maxims,
passing a thoughtful life with an even
tenor of conduct, while the other acts
in an uncertain manner and accident
tally, depending on whether humor, in
clination or self interest chances to be
uppermost.
The most scrupulous observance of
moral dictates should be called to the
attention of our young men, and that
, on their rules of conduct depends the
very existence of human society,
which would crumble into nothing if
J mankind was not generally impressed
with a reverence for them. Also, it
, should be further inculcated into them
minds of our young men that the ac-
: cepted rules of morality have been
formed by constant observation of the
fitness and property of action in other
/ men who have attained distinction in
Jail ages.
That which is fit to be done, and
that which excites universal applause,
not only calls forth our own approba-
ton, but creates within us a spirit of
I emulation.
. That which ought to be avoided We
discover in the general feeling of de-
Hesitation which attends the perpetual
ton of crime.
! There was established, long ago,
+ general rules for the regulation of our
| conduct, rules which received the full
confirmation and endorsement of the
matured opinions of the rest of man.
kind; it was thus that the fundamental
. principles of morality were formed and
y the minds of our young men and
3 women should be led to observe and
6 select the best and most beneficial to
, guide them in their dealings with their
' fellow creatures.
! We might says that the first and
. most important lesson of morality for
children, as well as the most impor.
tant to persons of all ages, is the one
which cautions us never to do an in.
Jury to another; even the positive pre-.
cept of doing good should be subordi
nate to this.
> 1t may well be asked, who is he
who does no good; all the world, even
a vicious man, does some good to
some one," even he might, il unre
strained, make at least one person
happy though at the expense of max
ing many miserable and hence arises
many of our calamities.
Oh, how much good must that mar
= necessarily do to his fellow creatures
v if such man there be, who never die
u any of them harm.
In conclusion, may say that, dur
ing the passing years that have beer
q permitted to officiate as a member Of
r the board of education, my unceasint
a thoughts have been for the welfare
Vt and the moral condition of those wht
8 attend our public schools. To i'm
r press upon them a sense of duty and ;
l. high and constant regard for truth