Page:Moral Pieces in Prose and Verse.pdf/111

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hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no wisdom, knowledge or device, in the grave whither thou goest."







ON YOUTH.


YOUTH is the season when habits are most easily formed; when principles are most permanently established. That knowledge which expands the soul, and enlarges its capacity for happiness, is more easily acquired at the period of youth; because the mind is then usually unburdened with care, and unsoured by disappointment. This is the period for improvement of every description; a period which, if neglected, will occasion future disgrace, and, if mispent, may be lamented, but can never be recalled. It has been very elegantly and truly said, "If the Spring put forth no blossoms, in Summer there will be no beauty, and in Autumn no fruit; so if youth be trifled away in indolence, maturity will be contemptible, and old age miserable." Let