, you
should make no apology. You might let your regret appear in your face, but
it would not be proper to put it in words.
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Social Duties.
Man in Society is like a flower,
Blown in its native bed. 'Tis there alone
His faculties expanded in full bloom
Shine out, there only reach their proper use.--COWPER.
The primal duties shine aloft like stars;
The charities that soothe, and heal, and bless,
Are scatter'd at the feet of man like flowers.--WORDSWORTH.
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[Illustration: GIVING A PARLOR RECITATION.]
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 s
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