“Sweet is the early dew
      Which gilds the mountain tops,
    And decks each plant and flower we view
      With pearly, glittering drops;
      But sweeter far the scene
      On Zion’s holy hill,
    When there the dew of youth is seen
      Its freshness to distill.”

Is there a youth in the audience who does not desire to occupy a position so elevated and so honorable?  Do not imagine it is beyond your reach.  Every one can attain to it by proper exertion.  It is not difficult of accomplishment.  With pure desires, and right intentions, nothing is more feasible.  In fact, so to conduct as to secure such a character, and attain to such a position, is the most easy, pleasant, and happy path in which the young can walk.  All others are full of difficulty, vexation, trouble, and wretchedness.  All others yield fruit the most bitter and poisonous—­fruit which, however luscious and tempting it may appear to the eye, like the apples of Sodom, will turn to ashes in the hand.

If the young are looking simply for a peaceful and happy life, where prosperity will be the most likely to attend them, and where the richest and choicest blessings will be showered on their pathway, they will find it in the practice of religion.  So far from being a heavy burthen, a grievous cross, it is the lightener of all burthens, the easiest of all yokes, the kindest, truest friend, to help along the rough spots, and smile and cheer in the darkest hours of man’s earthly pilgrimage.  Listen to the representations of religion found in the Word of God:  “Wisdom is more precious than rubies; and all things thou canst desire are not to be compared to her.  Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honor.  Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace."[5] “Come, ye children, hearken unto me.  I will teach you the fear [reverence] of the Lord.  What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?  Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.  Depart from evil, and do good.  Seek peace and pursue it."[6] “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.  But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate, day and night.  And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season.  His leaf also shall not wither.  And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."[7] There is nothing sad and gloomy in these views; but everything pleasant and inviting.

[Footnote 5:  Prov. iii. 15, 16, 17.]

[Footnote 6:  Ps. xxxiv. 11-14.]

[Footnote 7:  Ps. i. 1, 2, 3.]