Preliminary Remarks
The Age of Maturity and Responsibility
Spending Money
Friends and Associates
Improvement of the Mind
Indolence and Lack of Order
Self-Government
Conduct among Men
Music and Dancing
Amusements
Courage
Religion
Bad Habits
Health
Entering into Business
Marriage

PREFACE

This book is the result of an application to the writer to prepare a volume addressed to young men. In reflecting upon the subject, after having agreed to write the book, it was assumed that there are two classes of young men — one made up of those who feel the force of good principles, and are in some willingness to act from them; and the other composed of such as are led mainly by their impulses, feelings, passions, and selfish interests. And it was also assumed that, as society looks to the former as her regenerators, and not to the latter, it would be most useful to present such views of life as would help the former to see and feel the importance of their position, and the necessity there was for them to act from the highest principles. This volume is therefore addressed to the thinking faculty, and seeks to lead young men to just conclusions, from reflections upon what they are, and what are their duties in society, as integral parts of the common body. It is therefore a serious book — or, it might be called a thoughtful book — and should be read in a thoughtful spirit. To those who will thus read it, it is believed that it will prove deeply interesting; and all whom it interests it must benefit.
Satisfied that those who read it as it should be read, cannot fail to have their good purposes strengthened, and their minds elevated into sounder views of life than usually prevail in common society — the writer, having completed his task, dismisses it from his hands, and turns to the consideration of other matters that require his attention.