b. The utility and pleasure of traveling is promoted, 2. A knowledge of the geography and statistics, as 3. Preliminary information concerning the most re- c. Precautions to be taken :— 1. In hotels, it is sometimes well to give our valuables into the safe keeping of the landlord. 2. To be on our guard in forming new acquaintances (smooth-faced rogues, &c.). 3. To be well acquainted with the dangers commonly experienced in traveling. 4. To keep a diary, or daily record of events. III. He who travels in such a manner may be sure that he travels not only with advantage, but that he also enjoys the pleasures which traveling is able to afford. He who neglects these precautions is liable to meet with difficulties and disappointments. 14. KEEPING A DIARY. I. Memory is the storehouse of many beautiful ideas and pleasant thoughts. a. This storehouse may have its riches increased, if we accustom ourselves to keep a diary. b. A diary is a book in which we write down remarkable occurrences, as well as observations, thoughts, and actions worthy of remembrance. II. How a diary of this kind may realize its design. It is to be observed, in the first place, that the book is intended solely for him who keeps it: if written for the eye of another, much of the spirit of truth and simplicity which should characterize such a work will be lost. III. What we should, and what we should not, write in a diary. a. Nothing insignificant or commonplace, which would be only a loss of time. b. There are two classes of subjects which may properly receive attention in a well-kept diary: A. As memory begins to fail in later years, we should B. note, a. The occurrences of our own life, which, at some future day, may be of service or interest to us or to our family; as changes from one occupation in life to another, promotions in class and other honors at school or college, our chief employments and those which are occasional, short journeys or more extended travels, new acquaintances, important family events, marriages, sickness, deaths, births, &c. b. Remarkable occurrences concerning our dwelling-places, or things round about us, which may form the materials of subsequent history. Besides these occurrences, we should note with a. Our wishes, perceptions, and feelings. b. Our opinions of events, men, books, &c. c. Occasional thoughts, ideas, and aspirations. d. Reflections on our own thoughts, words, and actions, and on those of others. IV. The diary is for ourselves; otherwise it may become the slave of our vanity, and serve only to make us hypocrites: we should therefore write, — a. With impartial truth and candor towards ourselves, endeavoring, in its privacy, to expose and correct our faults, as well as to note our good thoughts, words, and actions. b. With brevity, writing only sufficient to recall the past to our memory. V. The benefits to be derived from keeping a diary : — a. It affords from time to time an agreeable recreation from severe mental toil. b. It affords pleasing recollections for the future. c. In important matters, it aids the memory. own actions and thoughts, it gives us a more correct knowledge of ourselves, and leads us to avoid faults, and take greater precautions in our actions. e. It enables us to form more reasonable and charitable judgments of others. 15. CONCERNING THE RIGHT OF YOUNG PERSONS TO JUDGE OF THEIR ELDERS. I. In our day, we often hear persons complain, and not without reason, of the forward and decisive judgments of young men. Many affirm that young persons have too much liberty, and talk about things which are beyond their experience. a. On the other hand, older persons frequently commit the error of altogether denying to the young the right of forming judgments concerning matters of general inter est. b. What idea does the term "judgment" convey to the mind? 1. It certainly does not mean the same as " opinion;" for no one could forbid another, young or old, to have an opinion. 2. "To judge" means to have and to utter an opinion in a positive and decisive manner. II. Is it allowed for young persons to judge, in any manner, of the actions of others? Certainly. A. In general: — a. The faculty of judgment belongs to man, for God has given it to him; and it would be wrong not to use it. Its proper use serves to develop the mind. The young man, therefore, as well as the old, has the right to judge. b. If he has the right to judge, he must have the right to express his judgment in words; for the gift of language is also his. c. It has never been denied to the young man to form judgments concerning those of equal age. Young persons associating with one another often know each other's dispositions better than older persons, even better than their parents and teachers. d. But young persons have also the right to judge, in some cases, concerning older persons. 1. The young man who devotes himself to study, who not only loves to read good books, but also gives his mind to reflection, often possesses a higher culture of intellect than older persons. 2. Besides, elderly persons sometimes cling too much to views and opinions of the past. B. But not in all cases may youth pass decisive judgment, or endeavor to make their views prevail. a. Not in things beyond their experience. Many actions present themselves to a young person's mind, without his being yet able to fathom their nature. His judgment must always keep pace with his experience. b. By acting in the contrary manner, he oversteps the limits drawn by his Creator. Besides, these rash judgments are often injurious to his best interests. III. Of what nature should be the judgments of the young? A. Concerning younger persons: a. Impartial and just. b. Not wounding the feelings, or bitter in their nature. c. Gentle and charitable, considering that he himself is yet young, and liable to err. B. Concerning older persons: a. Not too forward. b. Let others judge first, and listen attentively to them. persons. d. To utter his views with becoming diffidence, and ask for information in case he is wrong. e. Not to be rash, not to speak without due reflection, and always with that modesty so becoming to the young in the presence of their elders. IV. Complaints would disappear if the young would keep themselves within these bounds: the prejudice against their forwardness would soon cease, and there would be no need for them to yield their right of thinking and speaking, upon all proper occasions, concerning matters of general interest. 16. REGULATIONS OF A COMMUNITY. I. What is a community? a. An association or collection of many families, acting in harmony for the common good. |