and heal, and bless,
Are scatter'd at the feet of man like flowers.
--WORDSWORTH.

1. MEMBERSHIP IN SOCIETY.--Many fail to get hold of the idea that they
are members of society. They seem to suppose that the social machinery
of the world is self-operating. They cast their first ballot with an
emotion of pride perhaps, but are sure to pay their first tax with
a groan. They see political organizations in active existence; the
parish, and the church, and other important bodies that embrace in
some form of society all men, are successfully operated; and yet these
young men have no part or lot in the matter. They do not think of
giving a day's time to society.

2. BEGIN EARLY.--One of the first things a young man should do is to
see that he is acting his part in society. The earlier this is begun
the better. I think that the opponents of secret societies in colleges
have failed to estimate the benefit which it must be to every
member to be obliged to contribute to the support of his particular
organization, and to assume personal care and responsibility as a
member. If these societies have a tendency to teach the lessons of
which I speak, they are a blessed thing.

3. DO YOUR PART.--Do your part, and be a man among men. Assume your
portion of social responsibility, and see that you discharge it well.
If you do not do this, then you are mean, and society has the right
to despise you just as much as it chooses to do so. You are, to use a
word more emphatic than agreeable, a sneak, and have not a claim upon
your neighbors for a single polite word.

4. A WHINING COMPLAINER.--Society, as it is called, is far more apt
to pay its dues to the individual than the individual to society. Have
you, young man, who are at home whining over the fact that you
cannot get into society, done anything to give you a claim to social
recognition? Are you able to make any return for social recognition
and social privileges? Do you know anything? What kind of coin do you
propose to pay in the discharge of the obligation which comes upon you
with social recognition? In other words, as a return for what you wish
to have society do for you, what can you do for society? This is a
very important question--more important to you than to society. The
question is, whether you will be a member of society by right, or
by courtesy. If you have so mean a spirit as to be content to be a
beneficiary of society--to receive favors and to confer none--you