THE TRUE FREIND.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXV, Issue 37, 14 January 1898, Page 5

THE TRU E FREIND.

The true friend must, ab ivc .ill, bo stem in dealing 1 with our fault", extenuating naught, and getting naught down in malice, but directing us in season and out of s-eason, and warning 1 us of the perils to which our rashness may expose xiy. Coxira<re then in the i'aithtul discharge of this duty is a prime requisite of true friendship, for the true friend is often calL d on to wound us in order in sa\e u»\ and to u'-e the cautery even when the pain us keenest. This is th > scwriry ot f rum Khip, but beneath its stern mien the trentle spirit of true love lurk--, and the eye that seems to look dagger-, at us may at the s.une moment be melting 1 with tenderness. For not only should a iriend bear a friend's infirmities, but he should pour the balm of a deep affection into his wounds, even \vh nthiygiipo the widest, and incur both dangers .aid losses to sirve and to save those whom he holds dear. PLIiSM LiIAM i;. We need not be ashamed to learn, And our first efforts show ; For in tins world from little things The gre ite->t ol tin '.toa'. There s not a burned e.ige that lives-, Whatever his decree. Who did not at the first begin With simple A, 13, C.

Then upward, onward, step by step, With perseverance rise : Bend mind and will to every task, No first attempts despise. 'Tib idleness alone despairs, And never will aspire, But industry still presses on With patience naught can tire.

P .gin while life is bright and young, Work out each noble plan ; True knowledge lends a charm to youth, And ui^ui^t ■* l'm iua... Then upv.'ard, onwaid, step by step, ! With perseverance rise ; And emulate, with hearts of hope, The good, the great, the wise. A WORD TO YOUTH. You need the experienced advice of your parents to prevent mistakes which the young are sure to make if they depend entirely upon their own judgement upon all occasions, and it is no insult to your manhood or womanhood to offer such advice. You need even more than your seniors to frequent the sacraments which will imbue you with the right spirit and strengthen you against the " temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil." All sorts of things are written about love ; but the Christian ought to recognise that true love is never a passing fancy ; seldom a sudden inspiration ; but always an appreciation of the goodness of the object loved. But to appreciate, one must first become thoroughly acquainted. Love does not go further, and seek possession of the loved object, without weighing the consequences of the desired union to the loved object to the lover in his or her proposed relations to the beloved, and to all who will be necessarily affected by such a union. SIX THINGS A BOY OUGHT TO KNOW. 1. That a quiet voice, courtesy and kind acts are as essential to the part in the world of a gentleman as a gentleman. 2. That roughness, blustering, and even foolhardiness are not manliness. The most firm and courageous men have usually been the most gentle. 3. That muscular strength is not health. 4. That a brain crammed only with facts is not neoessarily a wise one. 4. That the labour impossible to the boy of fourteen will be easy to the man of twenty. 6. The best capital for a boy is not money, but the love of work, simple tastes, and a heart loyal to his friends and his God.