Befriending Young People.
WHEN John Wesley saw a young man in danger of falling into the snare of evil associates, he did not watch him sharply at a distance, and speak of his shortcomings to others, predicting that he was “on the high road to ruin.” He invited him to his table, and by a gentle, affable manner, sought to give him good subjects for thought, or hints for conduct. Advice thus hospitably enforced was very impressive. He would draw out a young man in conversation, and learn what studies he was most proficient in, which were most essential to his success, and then assist him to acquire the mastery over them. Another most valuable way of aiding a young man whom social danger threatened was to make him acquainted with well-disposed, religious young men, who would lead him into good paths. He watched over their future career with a father’s interest and tenderness, and in a very simple manner accomplished a vast amount of good, besides preventing a world of evil.—Sel.