When it is known that a young man is well-informed, industrious, attentive to business, economical, strictly temperate, and moral, a respecter of the Sabbath, the Bible, and religion, he cannot fail to obtain the good opinion and the confidence of the whole community.  He will have friends on every hand, who will take pleasure in encouraging and assisting him.  The wise and good will bestow their commendation upon him; and parents will point to him as an example for their children to imitate.  Blessed with health, such a youth cannot fail of success and permanent happiness.

But let it be known that a young man is ignorant or indolent, that he is neglectful of business, or dishonest; that he is given to intemperance, or disposed to visit places of dissipation, or to associate with vicious companions—­and what are his prospects?  With either one or more of these evil qualifications fixed upon him, he is hedged out of the path of prosperity.  To cover up such characteristics for a great length of time, is a moral impossibility.  Remember this, I beg you.  It is beyond the power of mortals to conceal vicious habits and propensities for any long period.  And when once discovered, who will repose confidence in such a youth?  Who will trust him, or encourage him, or countenance him?  Who will give him employment?  Who will confide anything to his oversight?  Who will render him assistance in his business affairs, when he is straitened and in need of the aid of friends?  Behold his prospects!  How unpromising, how dark!!  It is impossible for such a young man to succeed.  No earthly power can confer prosperity upon him.  He himself undermines his own welfare, blackens his own name, and dashes down the cup of life which a wise and good Providence has kindly placed to his lips, and calls upon him to drink.

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If a good character, a spotless reputation, is all-essential to the prosperity of a young man, what must it not be to a young woman?  A well-established character for morality and virtue is of great importance to people of every class, and in all circumstances.  But to a young lady, a “good name” is a priceless jewel.  It is everything—­literally, everything—­to her.  It will give her an attraction, a value, an importance, in the estimation of others, which nothing else can impart.  In possession of a spotless character, she may reasonably hope for peace and happiness.  But without such a character, she is nothing!  Youth, beauty, dress, accomplishments, all gifts and qualities will be looked upon as naught, when tainted by a suspicious reputation!  Nothing can atone for this, nothing can be allowed to take its place, nothing can give charm and attraction where it exists.  When the character of a young woman is gone—­all is gone!  Thenceforward she can look for naught else but degradation and wretchedness.