I need not ask the young men of this audience, which place they would prefer to occupy, the position of the poor inebriate of whom I have spoken, or that of the Vice-President of the United States?  It is instructive to inquire why the one, with opportunities so good, sunk so low, and the other, with early advantages so limited, has arisen so high?  This disparity in their condition is to be attributed to the different paths they selected at the outset of life.  While the one trampled on all his advantages, and foolishly associated with the vicious and unprincipled, the other diligently applied himself to the acquisition of useful knowledge, and was scrupulous to associate with none but those who were discreet and virtuous, and whose influence was calculated to elevate and purify him.

These two cases, drawn from real life, are but a specimen of instances with which the world is filled.  They show how immensely important it is for the young to reflect maturely on the course they would pursue, and the necessity of selecting for their associates such as have habits, tastes, and principles, proper for commendation and imitation.

Most of those who come under the influence of corrupt associates, are led thither more from sheer thoughtlessness, than from any disposition to become depraved.  They fall into the company of those who are gay, sociable and pleasant in their manners; who make time pass agreeably, and who contrive many ways to drive dull care away, which do not, in themselves, appear very bad.  The thoughtless youth becomes attached to their society, and gradually gives himself up to their influence.  Almost imperceptibly to himself, he follows them farther and farther from the path of rectitude, until, before he is aware of it, some vicious habit has fixed its fangs upon him, and made him its wretched slave for life.

The difficulty in these cases, is the want of a due exercise of reflection and discernment.  The young should guard against being deceived by outward appearances.  Beneath a pleasant, agreeable exterior—­beneath sociability and attractive manners—­there may lurk vicious propensities, depraved appetites, and habits of the most corrupt nature.  Hence the young should look beyond the surface, and guard against deceptive appearances.  It should not be enough to make a young man or a young woman your associate, that they are sociable and attractive in their manners, and can make their company agreeable.  Search farther than this.  Strive to know their tastes, their habits, their principles.  Inquire how, and where, they spend their leisure hour’s—­in what company do they mingle—­what practices do they approbate—­what is their general conduct and demeanor?  If in all these respects, they are found to be discreet, virtuous, and worthy of imitation, then hesitate not to associate with them, and allow yourself to be influenced by them.  But if you find them deficient in any of these characteristics, however attractive they may be in other respects, shun their company, and avoid their influence.  The effect of associating with them would be to lead you astray, to your ruin.