How can the young secure a good character?  Its worth, its importance, its blessings, we have seen.  Now, how can it be obtained?  This is a question, worthy the serious consideration of every youth.  Let me say in reply:—­

1.  That a good character cannot be inherited, as the estate of a father descends to his heirs.  However respectable and worthy parents may be, their children cannot share in that respect, unless they deserve it by their own merits.  Too many youth, it is to be apprehended, are depending upon their parents’ reputation as well as their parents’ property, for their own standing and success in life.  This is an insecure foundation.  In our republican land, every individual is estimated by his or her own conduct, and not by the reputation of their connections.  It is undoubtedly an advantage in many points of view, for a young person to have respectable parents.  But if they would inherit their parents’ good name, they must imitate their parents’ virtues.

2.  A good character cannot be purchased with gold.  Though a man or a woman may have all the wealth of the Indies, yet it cannot secure a worthy name—­it cannot buy the esteem of the wise and good, without the merit which deserves it.  The glitter of gold cannot conceal an evil and crabbed disposition, a selfish soul, a corrupt heart, or vile passions and propensities.  Although the sycophantic may fawn around such as possess wealth, and bow obsequiously before them, on account of their riches, yet, in fact, they are despised and contemned in the hearts even of their hangers-on and followers.

3.  A good character cannot be obtained by simply wishing for it.  The Creator has wisely provided, that the desire for a thing does not secure it.  Were it to be thus, our world would soon present a strange aspect.  It is, undoubtedly, much better that it should be as it is.  We have the privilege to wish for whatever we please; but we can secure only that which we labor for and deserve.  Were the traveller to stand throughout the day, at the foot of the hill, wishing to be at the summit, his simple desire would not place him there.  He must allow his wishes to prompt him to proper exertion.  It is only by persevering industry, and patient toil, contented to take one step at a time; that his wish is gratified, and he finds himself at length upon the brow of the eminence.

In like manner, the youthful, to obtain possession of a good character, must earn it.  It must be sought for, by an earnest cultivation of all the graces and virtues, which are commended by God and man.  It cannot be secured in a moment.  As the edifice is erected by diligently laying one stone upon another, until it finally becomes a splendid temple, piercing the heavens with its glittering spire, so a good name must be built up by good deeds, faithfully and constantly performed, as day after day carries us along amid the affairs of life.