es of a parent thicken round you.

It is painful to see--every where--the most unquestionable evidence
that this department of education is unheeded. Do you ask how the
evidence is obtained? I answer by asking you how the physician can
discover,--as undoubtedly he can,--the progress of the drinker of
spirituous liquors, by his eye, his features, his breath, nay his very
perspiration. And do you think that the sons or daughters of
sensuality, in any of its forms, and at any of its stages, can escape
his observation?

But of what use is his knowledge, if he may not communicate it? What
person would endure disclosures of this kind respecting himself or his
nearest, perhaps his dearest and most valued friends? No! the
physician's lips must be sealed, and his tongue dumb; and the young
must go down to their graves, rather than permit him to make any effort
to save them, lest offence should be given!

The subject is, however, gaining a hold on the community, for which
none of us can be too thankful. I am acquainted with more than one
parent, who is a parent indeed; for there is no more reserve on these
subjects, than any other. The sons do not hesitate to ask parental
counsel and seek parental aid, in every known path of temptation.
Heaven grant that such instances may be speedily multiplied. A greater
work of reform can scarcely be desired or anticipated.

But I must draw to a close. Oh that the young 'wise,' and that they
would 'consider!' 'There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but
the end thereof is death.'

There is, then, but one course for the young. Let them do that which
they know to be right, and avoid not only that which they are sure is
wrong, but that also of which they have _doubts_. Let them do this,
moreover, in the fear and love of God. In the language of a great
statesman of the United States to his nephew, a little before his
death, let me exhort you, to 'Give up property, _give up every
thing--give up even life itself, rather than presume to do an immoral
act_.' Let me remind you too, of the declaration of that Wisdom which
is Infinite;--'HE THAT SINNETH AGAINST GOD, DESTROYETH HIS OWN SOUL.'

[16] What inadequate ideas are sometimes entertained by young
professors of religion, and even by those more advanced, in
regard to the purity of character which _is_ indispensable
to the enjoyment of a world of bliss--a world whose very source,
sum, end and essence, are _