which lie on the surface, which glitter to the eye, or captivate the fancy, without taking time or measures to form any just estimate of those attributes which alone give ster-> ling worth to the character. With more generosity than wisdom, they give an easy credit to what is plausible; and though assured that counterfeits abound, are usually too impatient and sanguine to apply a test by which they might soon be detected and exposed. If the hints which have been given on this subject are accurate, the choice of fit associates is of incalculable importance to young persons of both sexes. Their principles, their tastes, their tempers, their habits, and pursuits, are all considerably affected and modified by the company they keep. The force of good example exerts an influence over us in books as well as in society, though not perhaps in an equal degree. The position, were it necessary, might easily be sustained by facts; but few, it may be presumed, will require any formal proof in a matter so evident. Taking the point for granted, there is therefore the same reason for the exercise of a discriminative judgment, and a virtuous delicacy, in fixing the preference we give to books, as to friends. He who actually shuns the company of debau chees and blasphemers, yet can relish or even endure lewdness and blasphemy in the form of a novel or a narrative, has no real love to moral purity. Virtue, with him, is a thing of ceremony and show, of interest and expediency. Some writer has said, History is philosophy, teaching by example." The assertion would be more correct as applied to biography than to history; for the latter is too general to answer the purpose, at least, with equal effect. Biography, wisely chosen, supplies a kind of reading, peculiarly interesting and advantageous. It furnishes the best specimens of excellence in every kind, the choicest products of knowledge and wisdom, virtue and piety, from every soil. Biography affords to young people the means of forming a circle of acquaintance, in every respect unexceptionable. They can converse with these freely, dismiss or recall them at pleasure, without giving offence; receive their counsel and imbibe their spirit, without engendering suspicion, or incurring the charge of servility. "How many pictures of the bravest men," says Cicero, "have the Greek and Roman writers left us, not only to contemplate, but likewise to imitate! These illustrious models I always set before me, and have formed my conduct by contemplating their virtues." But in this age, and Christian country, we have brighter patterns of every thing truly great and good, than the philosopher, whose language we have here repeated, had to boast. On the other hand, a good man may be instrumental in diffusing the fruits of righteousness, much farther than his most sanguine thoughts had anticipated. Has he genius and intellectual energy? How powerfully he pleads the cause of truth! While the productions of Voltaire or Hume are scattering poison, his efforts are successfully excited to heal and purify. Has he wealth? How wide a surface does he make it to fertilize and cheer! How much pressing misery does he remove-how much positive good communicate! Has he civil authority? The vicious are repressed, the virtuous encouraged. In a word, while he is intent on supporting the sacred cause of freedom, or of maintaining and promoting, amidst the clamour of prejudice and the rancour of opposition, the claims of justice, of benevolence, and of religion,-his energy, his firmness, his activity, his prudence and perseverance, are kindling in many other bosoms a similar spirit. His light so shines before men, that they see his good works, and glorify God in the day of visitation. If such be the importance attached to example, how ought we to watch and guard our conduct! Property may be lost and recovered; but the influence which character gives, if even weakened and impaired, is seldom restored. What diligence, temperance, and circumspection, are necessary in those who draw many others in their train! Their virtues and graces are strong, in exact proportion as they are bright and fair. To be eminently useful, they must be eminently exemplary. And can we witness a more interesting or animating sight, than a good man finishing the course of life and beneficence, in calm peace and unclouded joy? Like a summer sun, he sinks below the horizon and disappears: but the excellence of his character remains, and sheds a mild and lovely radiance over the whole surrounding scene. |