SOCIAL DUTIES.
Man In Society is like a flower, Blown in its native bed. 'Tis there alone His faculties expanded in full bloom Shine out, there only reach their proper use. —COWPER.
The primal duties shine aloft like stars; The charities that soothe, and heal, and bless, Are scatter'd at the feet of man like flowers. —WORDSWORTH.
1. MEMBERSHIP IN SOCIETY.—Many fail to get hold of the idea that they
are members of society. They seem to suppose that the social machinery
of the world is self-operating. They cast their first ballot with an
emotion of pride perhaps, but are sure to pay their first tax with
a groan. They see political organizations in active existence; the
parish, and the church, and other important bodies that embrace in
some form of society all men, are successfully operated; and yet these
young men have no part or lot in the matter. They do not think of
giving a day's time to society.
2. BEGIN EARLY.—One of the first things a young man should do is to
see that he is acting his part in society. The earlier this is begun
the better. I think that the opponents of secret societies in colleges
have failed to estimate the benefit which it must be to every
member to be obliged to contribute to the support of his particular
organization, and to assume personal care and responsibility as a
member. If these societies have a tendency to teach the lessons of
which I speak, they are a blessed thing.
3. DO YOUR PART.—Do your part, and be a man among men. Assume your
portion of social responsibility, and see that you discharge it well. If you do not do this, then you are mean, and society has the right to despise you just as much as it chooses to do so. You are, to use a word more emphatic than agreeable, a sneak, and have not a claim upon your neighbors for a single polite word.
4. A WHINING COMPLAINER.—Society, as it is called, is far more apt
to pay its dues to the individual than the individual to society. Have
you, young man, who are at home whining over the fact that you
cannot get into society, done anything to give you a claim to social
recognition? Are you able to make any return for social recognition
and social privileges? Do you know anything? What kind of coin do you
propose to pay in the discharge of the obligation which comes upon you
with social recognition? In other words, as a return for what you wish
to have society do for you, what can you do for society? This is a
very important question—more important to you than to society. The
question is, whether you will be a member of society by right, or
by courtesy. If you have so mean a spirit as to be content to be a
beneficiary of society—to receive favors and to confer none—you have
no business in the society to which you aspire. You are an exacting, conceited fellow.
5. WHAT ARE YOU GOOD FOR?—Are you a good beau, and are you willing to
make yourself useful in waiting on the ladies on all occasions? Have
you a good set of teeth, which you are willing to show whenever
the wit of the company gets off a good thing? Are you a true, straightforward, manly fellow, with whose healthful and uncorrupted nature it is good for society to come in contact? In short, do you possess anything of any social value? If you do, and are willing to impart it, society will yield itself to your touch. If you have nothing, then society, as such, owes you nothing. Christian philanthropy may put its arm around you, as a lonely young man, about to spoil for want of something, but it is very sad and humiliating for a young man to be brought to that. There are people who devote themselves to nursing young men, and doing them good. If they invite you to tea, go by all means, and try your hand. If in the course of the evening, you can prove to them that your society is desirable, you have won a point. Don't be patronized.
6. THE MORBID CONDITION.—Young men, you are apt to get into a morbid
state of mind, which declines them to social intercourse. They
become devoted to business with such exclusiveness, that all social
intercourse is irksome. They go out to tea as if they were going
to jail, and drag themselves to a party as to an execution. This
disposition is thoroughly morbid, and to be overcome by going where
you are invited, always, and with a sacrifice of feeling.