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Book Excerpts:
The practical
wisdom of Solomon is seen in this
simple precept. The youthful, who
have the slightest understanding of
the journey of life—who have been
impressed, even in the smallest
degree, with the perils to which
they are exposed; the trials to be
endured; the vicissitudes through
which they must necessarily pass;
the obstacles they must overcome;
the deceptions and allurements they
will have to detect and withstand—cannot
fail to acknowledge the wisdom of
seeking for knowledge to enlighten
and prepare for the exigencies which
await the inexperienced traveler
through this world's wayward scenes.
Those who
commence their career without
forethought, or discrimination in
regard to the moral principles by
which they will be governed, and
without selecting the best and
safest path of the many which open
before them, are involved in a
blindness of the most pitiable
description.
They would not
manifest this want of discretion on
matters of much less importance. The
commander of the ship does not
venture his voyage to sea without
his compass, his chart, and a full
supply of stores. We would not
sail an hour with him, if we
believed him ignorant or indifferent
to the necessity of these important
preparations.
How hazardous,
how foolish the youth who launches
away on the momentous voyage of
life, without compass, or chart, or
any preparation which extends beyond
the present moment. True, the ship
destitute of all these essentials,
may leave the harbor in safety, with
her gay pennons flying, her swelling
sails filled with a favorable
breeze, a smiling sun above, a
smooth sea beneath, and all the
outward indications of a prosperous
voyage.
But follow her
a few hours. The terrific storm-king
spreads abroad his misty pinions,
and goes forth in fury, ploughing up
the waters into mountain billows,
and shrieking for his prey. The
gloomy night settles down upon the
bosom of the mighty deep, and
spreads its dark pall over sea and
sky. Muttering thunders stun the
ear, and the lightning's vivid flash
lights up the terrific scene, and
reveals all its indescribable
horrors.
Where now is
the gay ship which ventured forth
without needful preparation? Behold
her, tossed to and fro by the angry
waves. All on board are in alarm!
The fierce winds drive her on, they
know not whither. Hark to that
fearful roar! It is the fatal
breakers! Hard up the helm! Put the
ship about! See, on every hand
frowns the fatal lee-shore!
Pull taught
each rope—spread every sail. It is
in vain! Throw out the anchors!
Haste! strain every nerve! Alas!
It is all too late. The
danger cannot be escaped. On drifts
the fated craft. Now she mounts the
crest of an angry wave, which
hurries forward with its doomed
burthen. Now she dashes against the
craggy points of massive rocks, and
sinks into the raging deep.
One loud,
terrific wail is heard, and all is
silent! On the rising of the
morrow's sun, the spectator beholds
the beach and the neighboring waters
strewn with broken masts, rent
sails, and drifting fragments—all
that remains of the proud ship which
yesterday floated so gaily on the
ocean waters!!
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