Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1915-07-21
THE PITFALLS OF LIFE's WAY
Beware the Hayward Step = Choose
Associates Carefully

we SOW, so we reap" When we err
against this truth, sooner or later do
we come TO a realization Of our wrong
doing and our punishment is melted out
in just proportion to our sin. From
the school of experience, often dearly
gained, our forefathers learned the
truth contained in these few words and
later sounded the note of warning to
the younger generation, but the youth
of our land too often are needless and
scorn advice given by their elders.
They must learn for themselves through
the same experience what could have
been spared them. To some, this try
ing time of impetuosity and needless
ness will bring nothing more serious
than regret over the years spent in
idleness and knowledge of the true
worth of advice given so freely, but
not needed, while again many others
with a blackened soul and furnished
heart never again become. the true
crystal.
Youth is the most thoughtless and
careless period of life. Advice usual
ly is regarded lightly and considered of
little consequence TO the youth who
views life through glasses of sunshine
and roses. If our girls and boys would
Only think deeply before allowing their
hasty judgment TO decide for them,
there would be fewer heartaehes and
failures TO be endured later on. Today,
in every city and village. and we may
add country as well, are to be found
poor weak creatures reaping the her-
vest of their past conduct of sin and
thoughtlessness and oftimess ignorance,
realizing all too late the true analysis
70 70 fxsI 81
cost. Yet while intellect remains
clear and lucid it is never too late to
turn from the downward path and be-
from the heart that is cleansed from
SIN, and great is the rejoicing when
the lost one returns TO the fold.
II is but human to make mistakes,
and some go very far astray but with
a strength of purpose and a power with
in there is no failing or turn back when
once fairly launched on the sea of right
eousness and purity. Many causes are
found for this downward career and it
usually begins in small matters that
seem of no harm. In cities not enough
physical labor and interests for the
young folks and far too many attrac-
tive loafing places where time is idled
away and your associates are of ques-
tionable character. Wrong doing may
be traced in many cases to evil assoc
eiates. Our companions to a certain
degree help to form our character and
uDcOnsciously their good or evil spirit
will be reflected in our lives, and espe-
cially so during the impressionable age
of youth. When doubt>as to continu-
ing friendship splendid rule to fol-
low is this: Avoid those who assassin
ate all our good impulses and whose
compsni0nship, instead of stimulating
US to works of honor and trustanG help.
ing US to fight all evil, bring only Ill
feeling and arouse antsgonism. leading
US on TO an undesirable life. We must
learn to discriminate early in life the
true friend, the one in whom we can
place utmost confidence and feel their
friendship will endure through veal or
woe, and the shallow friend, who poses
as true and steadfast but iri'reality can
not be depended on and we often find
such So called true friends very disap-
pointing.
Again, if W but take the trou-
bic to notice and inquire We will find
one great cause of this step downward
to be the innocent game of cards that
is INDUCED in by our young people.
Stakes are offered for mere pleasure
and to incite interest. Later what does
this lead to? An overwhelming inter-
est, larger stakes are offered, and an
all towering influence draws the pleas
ure seeker into depths, which at the
time he is unaware of and the taste of
the gamblers life has begun. What
is the cost? 1t is beyond estimation
Broken hearts cannot be reckoned in
dollars and cents. Minor costs are Of
ten found 10 be homes sacrificed to
meet the demands of the gamblers
more fortunate associate. Divorces
result from this evil, suicides and drink
may be traced to this as the beginning.
Card parties are popular in cities and
villages; the amusement is carried on
among friends and to all appearances
leads no farther than to late hours
spent working for the prize, but az the
same time are the participants benefit
ing themselves in any way? Is it not
an idle waste of precious hours that
could be spent in so many helpful, and
therefore in more happy manner?
There is no gain mentally, spiritually
or physically in this pastime, and the
influence is not uplifting.
The books we read are either great
help or hindfance in forming character.
A taste for good literature must be en-
couraged and We must learn to distin-
guish between lig ut trashy novels, cheap
magazines and thu standard works of
well known writer's Once realize the
pleasure and companlosship, as well as
educational help of a book or true worth
and value, and the cheap sensational
novel will have no charms. There is
mine of knowledge in books and no
one need plead lack of education, for it
is ours if we but devote our spare mo-
ments to earnest, conscientious read
| ing of good literature on all subjects
of interest. An evil book is curse
and it is a pity they are on the market
or that parents allow their young peo-
pie to read them.
And thus we find many pitfalls in
our journey through life, and if we
fail to choose the right path later we
must count the cost in many ways but
opportunity for the life of true worth
comes to every one at some time and
| if we recognize our chance and not al
low it to pass unheeded later we real
ize the benefits and the training of our
early youth. The test comes when we
are weighed in the balance and not
found wanting. Strive to make each
day little better than the one past,
to accomplish some good, to bring COM
fort or happiness to some lonely heart.
| A kind word carries more cheer often
| than We are aware of. In living for
1 1kh1~, -. r..,v, a zaf,sfarfsor, ord han.