What is procrastination? What is Procrastination? THE VOYAGE OF LIFE. To the Young. THE time of life which is now passing over you is of immense and inconceivable importance. I cannot think of your entering on the busy scenes and numerous temptations of the world, without feeling for you the greatest solicitude. Every step you take is decisive-every action you perform is critical-every idea you form is likely to become a principle, influencing your future destiny! God knows the consequences and results. You remind me of what I have often witnessed with inexpressible delight in the days of my youth-a fine vessel launched upon the waters, its streamers waving in the wind, acclamations rending the air as it passed triumphantly along, expectation and delight beaming from every countenance ! But who could tell its future story-the storms that were to pass over it, the rocks that were to endanger it, or the unknown sighs and lamentations that were to fill the minds and awaken the solicitudes of its inhabitants? And often have I heard of the wreck of the very vessel which I had seen launched; others have returned shattered and almost wrecked by the dangers which they had encountered! Of such thoughts and anxieties it is natural to be possessed on the present occasion. You, my young friends, are just launched; the gale of hope swells your sails; you are looking forward to years of happiness and delight. Oh let me ask you a few questions of infinite moment to your peace. Who is your pilot? what is your chart? how will you steer your course? what is your destined haven? You would deem him ill fitted to superintend maritime or nautical concerns, who was not possessed of all skill, and foresight and prudence; who did not anticipate what was likely to happen, and aim to make suitable preparation. What, then, must be the folly of that youth who is thinking only of the passing moment, only of immediate provision, the delight of the day which is fleeting over him! who manifests no anxiety in reference to the future, the eternal concerns of his soul! EXCUSES. "And they all with one consent began to make excuse."Luke xiv. 18. GOD made a feast and bid his creatures come, While mercy still proclaims th' accepted day; 216 T. B. I MEAN to be a soldier With uniform quite new; I wish they'd let me have a drum, I would go amid the battle With my broadsword in my hand, And hear the cannon rattle, And the music all so grand. MOTHER. And bid some loving father What comfort would your waving plumes When you thought upon his widow's tears, And her orphans' cry of woe! JOHN. Then I will be a president, And rule each rising state, MOTHER. My son! my son! the cares of state The great and gay to him appear He knows how little they are worth— LOUISA. mean to be a cottage girl, And sit behind a rill, And morn and eve my pitcher there And I'll train a lovely woodbine And welcome to my winter hearth |