I have said many things in relation to the present struggle for our national life. May its speedy and successful termination, accompanied by a broad freedom and a lasting peace, soon render these the counsels of the past; and inspire our young men with a fresh love of liberty with order; and brace them with an abiding moral, as well as mental vigor for the future. If any word of mine shall, under God, contribute to that great result, my object will be accomplished.

NEWBURYPORT, Nov. 1, 1864.

THE BLADE AND THE EAR.

I.

INTRODUCTION.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE YOUNG MAN.

W

ITHIN THE few years, lying between the non-age of boyhood, controlled, directed, impelled, or restrained by parental care, — and the crowning period of a full manhood, responsible, self-reliant, and self-guiding, are compressed those moulding, shaping, 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 set well for fruit. When the blossom of school-day lessons, Sabbath-teachings, a mother's prayers and influences, and a father's counsels are past,-"How do the young man's blooming traits and qualities now set?"—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, "because 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 take the van in the broad column that moves, steadily as the hours, into the fresh, untilled regions of the West? And in commerce and manufactures, in the coercion of fire, water, wood, and iron, to the enhancement of private and public wealth, who take the lead? Our young men. I have no question, that of the ten thousand inventions and patents of the day, the major part are the work of those not yet on the summit of life's hill. 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 very child moulds others to his own will and his own way. The boy, especially, leads off in one direction or another; he guides, perhaps often insensibly, but still he does guide and form, to a greater or less extent, those around him. It is so, we can all see, with the bad boy. Let any one, for example, in a school, use profane language, and though it may shock many on the first hearing, yet very soon one and another are heard uttering the half-oath; and now this or that boy ripens to the bold swearer. So do untruthfulness and deception propagate their own kind. A boy who defrauds his employer, cannot keep it to himself; he whispers to others, and boasts of his success; and the method is soon learned, and the sin soon

practised by them.

And, on the other hand, he who is pure enough to love the right, and has the courage to put it steadily in execution, will never pass unheeded. Steel is not more true to the magnet, than the incorrupt to feel this polar attraction. As with the child, so with the youth; no one can, if he would, at that period, live wholly to himself. If the evil he does is noticed and imitated, so also, to some extent at least, will be the good. No one can look without interest on a conscientious young man. See him ride like a bright star across the moral heavens, breaking through the clouds of allurement and sin, and shining out in his sphere; now tempted, but resisting, struggling, and, at last, coming forth clear. Meteors may rise, flash, and fall all around him; but he holds steadfastly on his course. And no one, I repeat, can see such a spectacle with indifference; it fixes the eye; it wins the soul.

A virtuous youth, true to God and true to himself, is an Ithuriel's spear, testing the worth of all around him; and to one and another he is a Heaven-directed power, awakening in their bosoms noble resolutions, and spurring them on to high, moral excellence.

For many and cogent reasons, we look on this period with special regard. We are won to it by its peculiar characteristics.

It is an impressible age. Good and evil now stand