PRINCIPLES SHOULD BE FIXED.

When a young man arrives at the age of twenty he looks around him in the wide world and discovers that opinions, sentiments and principles of action are very various and different. With respect to each subject presented to his consideration, and each course of conduct offered to his choice, he can take but one course, or else he must remain in a wavering, undecided state. Indecision is the bane of healthy conduct. Hence it behooves every one to choose some particular course to pursue with regard to his opinions and systems of conduct as they individually present themselves. And, if, by further investigation, he finds that he has adopted the wrong course, let him choose the right one. In order to make a proper choice of the stand which he will take, much research and reflection will be necessary. Let him, therefore, examine one subject at a time, and having made his decision respecting that, let him go on to the consideration of something else.

For example, let him investigate the subject of Slavery and its influence upon our country, etc., until by a careful comparison of the arguments that each sect and party on the subject of Slavery bring forward, he is able to decide according to the merits of the case what ought to be done in relation to Slavery. Then, having once satisfied himself, he will always be ready with a reason for the opinions, to urge upon those who may differ from him, and if he is ever called upon to act in relation to the subject, he will know how to act, and will not act blindly. Truth and utility combined ought to be the object for which we

seek in every investigation. Many have an opinion respecting such subjects, but do not know how they came by it-possibly their father or friends think so—and, therefore, they think so also; possibly their own interest is concerned and biased their judgment; possibly they have latent prejudices that decide them, but whatever it be, unless they have carefully investigated and impartially judged the subject, they are not fitted to converse on it in promiscuous society, nor are they safe in adopting the conduct which their opinions shall at any time dictate.

After having examined and disposed of one subject. let him proceed with another, until the more important of those which are agitated in the society of which he is a member have been canvassed by him.

He will generally be able to find materials and facts to guide his investigations in the publications that the subject elicit and in the perusal of history. With these data and sound sense for his guides, he will generally deviate very little from the road to truth, safety and ultimate honor. (October 17, 1835).

P. S.-I might add a list of subjects on which a young man would do well to decide in the present times. Some follow Abolitionism, Colonization, Consolidation in Policy, Democracy, Intemperance, Benevolent Associations individually, Methods of Education, Religious equality, Extension of Liberty of the Press, Utility of Monopolizing Associations, Lotteries, etc.,

etc.

FAMILY HAPPINESS.

How much the happiness of life depends on refinement in taste, and the cultivation of those accomplishments which gives a charm to the domestic circle! If I wished to depict a happy family, I would describe it as one, not only in which general intelligence and virtue prevails, but in which the arts of taste are sufficiently cultivated to be appreciated and enjoyed; in which vocal and instrumental music are practised, and conversation is varied by narration and discussion, and ever improves in expression and tone; in which poetry, painting, sculpture and architecture are subjects of intelligent study and comment; in which the courtesies and amenities of life are never forgotten, and religion and morality are never slightingly mentioned, and in which affection, mutual forebearance and gentleness form the habitual atmosphere. How can anything bad or deformed come from such a source? It is the seat and fountain of social order and goodness; of noble character and honorable achievement. (1875).

HOME, DEFINED.

The English word "Home" cannot be fully defined by a single word or phrase. The following is an attempt at a definition made forty years ago, which I find on the fly leaf of one of my old hymn books.

Home, the house and place where a family permanently dwells; where they bring together the comforts they can command, and where their family attachments and memories center.

The language is not precisely accurate, and may be modified thus:

Home, the house where a family permanently dwells, collects its comforts, and forms its attachments and memories.

November 14, 1876.

HAPPINESS.

Happiness is the result of the harmony of all the faculties in their co-existence and operation. It is thus in the animal; it is thus also in the moral nature of man. Discord in the operation of the animal functions produces pain; in the moral, dissatisfaction, mental uneasiness-greater or less in proportion to the disorder that prevails. Perfect health is the perfection of animal nature, and the basis of the greatest physical enjoyment. Perfect harmony of the mental faculties produces contentment, peace of mind, happiness. In this the whole moral nature must combine-the intellect, the affections and passions, and the conscience. If either is disturbed, the man is disturbed. As in the body, if every organ is perfect, except the heart, and that is disordered, the whole system suffers. So in the soul. If every part is in perfect activity except one of the passions, and that is disturbed by undue excitement or improper exercise, the whole man is distressed and unhappy.

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The principle is universal and invariable in its application. Like gravity in the physical world, which pervades the universe, and is always felt and only felt when resisted.

A man is most happy when he is most perfect, and he is most perfect when all his faculties are proportionately and harmoniously developed. Thus developed, nature and art and society supply him with a thousand sources of enjoyment. Neither his taste nor his moral feelings, any more than his intellectual faculties, can be neglected without detriment, and without diminishing his enjoyment of existence. The ear should be tuned to harmony, the eye educated to the perception of beauty and grace, and the heart instructed in the precepts of duty and religion; and these should all be graduated and correlated to each other. With a body well developed and trained to healthy exercise and agreeable recreations, a mind cultivated and stored with useful and various knowledge, an educated taste and a heart formed to love and follow all that

is good and generous and exalted, the result is physical and moral health, and the purest and most perfect happiness which the earth affords.

The acquisition of an accurate and easy conversation, of some skill in music, and in pure and healthful diversions, are of great benefit in fitting one for social intercourse, in which one of the greatest sources of pleasure is found.

The active and cheerful performance of every duty, the assumption and discharge of every proper relation in life, are also necessary to the perfection of the man.

Such a man brings with him and spreads around