ADVICE TO YOUNG MEN

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 7, 1878

ADVICE TO YOUNG MEN.

Young man, pay attention! Don’t be a loafer; don’t call yourself a loafer; don’t keep loafer’s company; don’t hang about loafing places. Better work than sit around day after day, or stand about corners with your hands in your pockets. Better for your own health—better for your own prospects. Bustle about, if you mean to have anything to bustle about for. Many a poor physician has obtained a real patient by riding after an imaginary one. A quire of blank paper, tied with red tape, carried under a lawyer’s arm, may procure him his first case and make his fortune. Such is the world; to him that hath shall be given.

Quit dreaming and complaining; keep busy and mind your chances.

Seize every moment for improving your mind.

Be careful in choosing your companions.

To whatever occupation you may be called as a means of obtaining a livelihood, determine to understand it well and work heartily at it.

Accustom yourself to act kindly and courteously to every one.

Carefully avoid all extravagant habits.

Determine to possess a character for honesty.

Cultivate a strict regard for truth.

If your parents are living, do your utmost to promote their happiness.

Recollect your progress in life must depend upon your own exertions.

Respect religion, and do unto others as you would that they should do unto you.

Shun the tippling shop, and other vile cesspools of vice and misery.

Be temperate in all things.

Avoid all obscene conversation.

Be especially regardful of the Sabbath, and on no account desecrate it.

Make yourself useful.

Respect your parents’ advice, but aside from this rely upon your own judgment. First be sure you are right, then go ahead.

Above all things, preserve a clear conscience; unless already hardened by crime, its gentle promptings will guide you aright in the paths of wisdom and honor.—Selected.