THE BLADE AND THE EAR. CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION. ITHIN the few years lying between the nonage of boyhood, controlled by parental care, and the crowning period of full manhood, are compressed those moulding, all-decisive influences. which make or mar the future man. The horticulturist is pleased to see his trees clad in the bright livery of a copious blossom; but his chief anxiety is, that the tree grows right for fruit. When the blossom of a mother's prayers and influences, a father's counsels, and Sabbath teachings, are past,-"How do the young man's blooming traits and qualities now tend ?"—that is the question of all questions. Such, manifestly, was the view of the Apostle John. "I have written unto you, young men," he says, "be cause ye are strong," a reason pertinent then, and pertinent in all ages. Time was when the aged, the Nestors and Priams, bore the chief sway among men. Once, too, those in middle life were looked to for counsel, and were deferred to by their juniors. But, with the advance of the world, the controlling power of men and affairs has passed, more and more, into the hands of our young men. Who of our own people lead the van in the broad column that moves steadily abroad into the fresh untilled regions of the world? And in commerce and manufactures, to the enhancement of private and public wealth, who take the lead? young men; and it is so in all occupations and pursuits, manual, intellectual, moral, and religious. He, therefore, who would do much for his race now, must address himself, primarily, not to the aged, nor yet to those in the meridian of life, but to the class just approaching the station and responsibilities of manhood. He must so arouse them to a sense of their commanding position, and so impress them with a sense of loyalty to God as well as to man, that, while they are stimulated, they shall not be intoxicated by the grandeur of their power and prospects. They shall be not only bold to embrace, but wise to pursue their glorious opportunity; and, while they go resolutely forward, shall be willing to take counsel of their elders, and to energy join prudence and discretion. In looking at the springs of influence in society, we sometimes imagine it is wielded chiefly by those in middle life. But such is not the law of this magic power. The child moulds others to his own will and his own way. The boy, especially, leads off in very |