There can be no greater tribulation than for one to be born with a nature that is intrinsically false, fickle, passionate, impulsive—­in a word, such a nature as “Dodd” naturally possessed—­a nature far away from the line of truth and right; a nature such as multitudes of boys are born with in this wide, wide world of ours.  To guide safely into the port of rest souls thus weighted down with depravity is a task for gods and men to compass—­if they can.  The chances of wreck are many fold to one; but now and then the harbor is made, thank God!

It has seemed best to me to tell the tale of one such voyage of life.  There is no denying that the journey was a perilous one, such a one as would probably wreck ninety-nine out of one hundred crafts attempting it; yet, for all of that, there is joy over the one that comes through.

I am aware that “Dodd” Weaver has had more chances than any one person ought ever reasonably to expect.  But Providence is sometimes bountiful in opportunities, even to prodigality.  “Dodd” doubtless had more chances than he ought to have had, in the strict line of justice; but we must all plead guilty to the same charge, in a greater or less degree.  It is likely, however, that no more opportunities have come to any of us than were necessary to bring us safely to our journey’s close.  “There is a divinity that shapes our ends.”

I am glad “Dodd” Weaver had as many chances as he had.  I am glad he didn’t need any more of the same sort, for they might not have been forthcoming.  There is such a thing as being too late.

My hope for you, beloved, is that you, too, may have chances, and that you may take them while you can.  I would that you might reach the goal of success in life by a shorter route than “Dodd” had to take; but if not, then may you come by the way he trod.  The road is not unused, you will not be alone in your travels.

One last word regarding the public school, for whose sake all this has been set down: 

In the evolution of character, in these last days, this institution has come to be a most important factor.  To it has been assigned a task equal to, if not exceeding that of any other agency that has to deal with human nature.  It is more important than can be set forth that it do its work well.  It is not so doing now, however, to nearly the extent of which it is capable.  Too much it has become a mere machine, a mill for grinding out graduates.  As such it is unworthy its high estate.  As such it now exists, in multitudes of cases.  As such it should no longer be tolerated.  From such a condition it must be redeemed.

The system has largely lost sight of the grandest thing in all the world, namely, the individual soul.  It addresses itself to humanity collectively, as a herd.  In this it makes a fatal mistake, one that must be corrected, and that speedily.