Page:Counsels to young men (1).pdf/9

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.

(9)

variety of ways ſubſervient to amuſement and pleaſure; it cannot appear ſurpriſing, if even young persons are frequently infected with a ſordid thirſt of gain, and early learn to ſacrifice their tender affections, and even their generous virtues, on the altar of wealth. Let it not then be thought unneceſſary or unreaſonable, if I earneſtly exhort you, my dear ſon, who are as yet unhacknied in the ways of the world, to beware left you be ſeduced from your ſimplicity, and robbed of your integrity, by the reducing attractions of wealth.

To theſe cautions it is neceſſary to add, Beware of indulging a habit of indolence. Notwithſtanding that natural vigour and activity, which so peculiarly diſtinguiſhes the period of youth, that it might almoſt seem to ſupercede the neceſſity of this caution, it is found in fact, that many young persons, either through ſome mismanagement in their education, or through a natural ſluggiſhness of dispoſition, fall into an invincible habit of indolence. Those who are conſcious of any propenſities of this kind, cannot be too careful not to indulge them; for when once the tone of the mind is relaxed by ſloth, it is ſcarcely poſſible to reſtore it. On the moſt favourable ſuppoſition which can be made, it must be expected that a young man to whom indolence is so far become habitual, that he finds a pleaſure in idle ſauntering or total