The Young Man From Home

simple, artless, and without guile, would have shuddered at the temptation to any of the grossest acts of sin, have at length fallen sacrifices to the powerful influence of evil associates. Man is a social being, and the propensity is peculiarly strong in youth, a season when it requires to be watched with greater care than at any other, because of the greater force which it exerts in the formation of character. Now and then we meet with a youth who is so engrossed with business, so intent on cultivating his mind, or so reserved in disposition, as to have no desire for companions; but by far the greater number are fond of society, and eager to enjoy it, and, if not extremely careful in the selection of their friends, are in imminent peril of choosing such as will do them harm. It is next to impossible, young man, for you to remain virtuous in vicious society. Good morals cannot long be retained in habitual intercourse with those who are gay and dissipated; it is like carrying money into the company of thieves, who will be sure to rob you of it. Your good conduct would render them uneasy : it would reprove them, accuse them, and exasperate them; and they will never cease till they have made you as bad as themselves. The more agreeable, amiable, and intelligent they are, the more dangerous and ensnaring is their influence. A youthful profligate, of elegant manners 5 lively humour, amiable temper, and intelligent mind, is Satan's most polished instrument for ruin...