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Literary
May 25, 1837
Herald Of The Times
Newport, Newport County, Rhode Island
What is this article about?
An essay advising young people, from age twenty, to cultivate good moral character early through conscience, resisting temptations, and forming virtuous habits to avoid later regrets and ensure happiness.
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OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
FORMATION OF CHARACTER.
As early as the age of twenty, every one should consider the importance of having a good moral character; and should endeavor to form and acquire it. At that age, there is usually maturity of intellect enough to distinguish between good and evil, and to decide on the course to be pursued. Conscience and the moral sense have full power to discriminate and to choose. The right and wrong of actions are clearly perceived and understood; and the different results of each, as to our present being, at least if we were to extend our views no further, may be justly appreciated.
It has been often and justly said, that we are creatures of habit; and habits of moral character are early formed. We have passions, and are liable to temptations; if we yield to evil desires for a time, they become stronger; if we are overcome by early temptations, we shall have less power to resist afterwards. The course began and pursued for a season, will, except by an uncommon effort, or some remarkable occurrence, most probably be produced. It will be natural to continue it. And hence the necessity of setting out right, and of entering the right path early. It is a common error, but a great and dangerous one, that a moral reformation, or change of moral character can, at any time, be easily effected: It is far otherwise. Besides, if there be a right course, and a proper course, (both as our duty and happiness are concerned) the sooner we enter upon it the better. We shall thus show our wisdom, and provide for our interest. Not to do so will be acting on a principle, which, in other, and common affairs of life, every one condemns.
We venture to say to the young then: See to your moral character--'Get knowledge and wisdom; with all thy getting, get understanding.' Seek for useful knowledge, and let this useful knowledge guide you. If a man knows how to pilot a ship, and manage a farm, and yet sleep, or haunts the tavern, when he should be watching or working at his post--what should we think of him? The light of conscience must guide; the moral sense must be the criterion: evil desires, and selfish, irregular passions must be suppressed: Resolutely conform to duty, and habit will soon make that duty pleasant. And the middle and close of life will not be filled up with vain regrets and painful self-denials.
As early as the age of twenty, every one should consider the importance of having a good moral character; and should endeavor to form and acquire it. At that age, there is usually maturity of intellect enough to distinguish between good and evil, and to decide on the course to be pursued. Conscience and the moral sense have full power to discriminate and to choose. The right and wrong of actions are clearly perceived and understood; and the different results of each, as to our present being, at least if we were to extend our views no further, may be justly appreciated.
It has been often and justly said, that we are creatures of habit; and habits of moral character are early formed. We have passions, and are liable to temptations; if we yield to evil desires for a time, they become stronger; if we are overcome by early temptations, we shall have less power to resist afterwards. The course began and pursued for a season, will, except by an uncommon effort, or some remarkable occurrence, most probably be produced. It will be natural to continue it. And hence the necessity of setting out right, and of entering the right path early. It is a common error, but a great and dangerous one, that a moral reformation, or change of moral character can, at any time, be easily effected: It is far otherwise. Besides, if there be a right course, and a proper course, (both as our duty and happiness are concerned) the sooner we enter upon it the better. We shall thus show our wisdom, and provide for our interest. Not to do so will be acting on a principle, which, in other, and common affairs of life, every one condemns.
We venture to say to the young then: See to your moral character--'Get knowledge and wisdom; with all thy getting, get understanding.' Seek for useful knowledge, and let this useful knowledge guide you. If a man knows how to pilot a ship, and manage a farm, and yet sleep, or haunts the tavern, when he should be watching or working at his post--what should we think of him? The light of conscience must guide; the moral sense must be the criterion: evil desires, and selfish, irregular passions must be suppressed: Resolutely conform to duty, and habit will soon make that duty pleasant. And the middle and close of life will not be filled up with vain regrets and painful self-denials.
What sub-type of article is it?
Essay
What themes does it cover?
Moral Virtue
Temperance
What keywords are associated?
Moral Character
Habits
Youth
Conscience
Temptations
Duty
Self Control
Literary Details
Title
Formation Of Character.
Subject
On Forming Moral Character In Youth
Key Lines
We Are Creatures Of Habit; And Habits Of Moral Character Are Early Formed.
See To Your Moral Character 'Get Knowledge And Wisdom; With All Thy Getting, Get Understanding.'
The Light Of Conscience Must Guide; The Moral Sense Must Be The Criterion: Evil Desires, And Selfish, Irregular Passions Must Be Suppressed:
Resolutely Conform To Duty, And Habit Will Soon Make That Duty Pleasant.
And The Middle And Close Of Life Will Not Be Filled Up With Vain Regrets And Painful Self Denials.