Rensselaer Standard, Volume 1, Number 27, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 December 1879 — Character. [ARTICLE]

Character.

Character consists of those peculia traits and distinctive features in wper son which distinguish him from the general mass of mankiud, and gives him his individuality. Although these qualities may be, In

e degree, the consequence ofaperphysical organization, yet they are chiefly derived from their education, condition in life, the influence of their associations, and the various and changeable circumstances through which they are called to pass, Healtli and sickness, riches and poverty, knowledge and ignorance, enjoyment and suffering, ease and hardship, civilization and barbarism, each have their offloe to HU, and each serve, by •their influence, to mold a person's character. - Such being the case, how-Jneoeesary it is, that everyone place himself, as for as practicable, under those influences, and in those conditions, which will bee* tend to ennoble, elevate and raise him up to a purer And higher standard, To no class of persons are these suggestions of so vital importance as to the young men. They are just at that period of life when their characters are being shaped, and upon the habits which they now font, the principles which they now Inculcate, the associations which they now seek, and the standard in life, intellectually, morally and socially, which they now desire to attain, depends their future prosperity, usefulness, position, and Serai success in this life, and perhaps lr assurance of a life to oome. Young men without their character* folly formed, aud susceptible to their surroundings, are thrown upon their own resources, and subjected to all the evil influences the world affords. Is it any wonder then that so many

to ruin, poverty and disgrace, and go through life aimlessly, without any ambition, and finally end wrecks, victims of their own misformed eharaetsro? Tbs only sure way of making this life a success, is to have some definite object in view, and to exert all our energy in that direction, aud not drift along through life, the mere creatures of oircumstaacee, led hither and thither by oar own fancies or inclinations, which ultimately end in failure. Be oarefiil in chasing your associates; be. careful and place yourself under those influences which you feel will make you purer and better; avoid all associations and habits which tend to degrade and lower your standard of character; always seek to attain the topmost round in the ladder of dfe, and although you may fail short of the goal, yet it is for bettor to be found climbing upward than sitting idly at the bottom, and the Lord will bless and crown your efforts with success.— [iSbndeam.