[Illustration:  A PARLOR RECITATION.]

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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.

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 social privileges?  Do you know anything?  What kind of coin do you propose to pay in the discharge of the obligation which comes upon you with social recognition?  In other words, as a return for what you wish to have society do for you, what can you do for society?  This is a very important question—­more important to you than to society.  The question is, whether you will be a member of society by right, or by courtesy.  If you have so mean a spirit as to be content to be a beneficiary of society—­to receive favors and to confer none—­you have no business in the society to which you aspire.  You are an exacting, conceited fellow.