Boys

Boys, by Anonymous

The Project Gutenberg eBook, Boys, by Anonymous
This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org

Title: Boys their Work and Influence
Author: Anonymous

Release Date: October 28, 2007 [eBook #23230]
Language: English
Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOYS***

Transcribed from the Skeffington & Son tenth edition by David Price,
email [email protected]

BOYS: THEIR WORK AND INFLUENCE.
Tenth Edition.

LONDON: SKEFFINGTON & SON, PICCADILLY, W.
PUBLISHERS TO H.M. THE QUEEN AND TO H.R.H. THE
PRINCE OF WALES.
By the same Author, 9d., elegant cloth, 10th Edition.

GIRLS: THEIR WORK AND INFLUENCE.
NEW BOOK by the same Author. 3rd Edition. Elegant cloth, price 1s.
6d., by post 1s. 8d.
HE THAT SERVETH: Counsel and Help for Workers; being Short
Readings, etc., specially, but not solely, adapted for Domestic and other
Servants, etc., Including most of the CHURCH SEASONS; on various
DUTIES, FAULTS, TEMPTATIONS, etc.; CONFIRMATION, HOLY
COMMUNION, etc. The Publishers believe this little book will be
most useful in meeting a very felt want.

INTRODUCTION
The following papers were written at the request of one who had read
the somewhat similar papers addressed to girls. The object aimed at in
both books has been to try and help Boys and Girls of the so-called
working classes to recognize their duties to God and their neighbour,
and to use on the side of right the powers and opportunities which God
has given them.
It seems to the author that advice given to the so-called lower orders,
often partakes too much of patronage, and too little of the brotherhood,
that should be a sign of Christians. "Do as you are told and be
thankful," is too much the tone of the advice, instead of explaining
duties, pointing out opportunities, and recognizing them as
fellow-labourers in the great work.
In God's household everyone has his place assigned to him by the

master, some to govern, and some to serve, but still all are
fellow-servants of that one Master, and brethren in Christ.

BOYS.
What a curious fellow a boy is. I wonder if boys ever think about
themselves. A young monkey is full of mischief, a young puppy is full
of play, a young kitten is always ready for fun, but a boy seems to
combine the qualities of all three, and to have a stock of his own to
jumble up with them. A boy has so many sides, not only an outside and
an inside; he is a many sided being. See him at one time and you would
hardly suppose him to be the same creature that you had seen a little
while before. Now he is a bright nice spoken lad, in a few moments he
is a bullying tyrant, now he is courteously answering those who speak
to him, now words come from his lips that shock the hearer. Now he
would scorn to have his word doubted by a comrade, now he does not
hesitate to lie to escape punishment. Now fearless, now a coward, now
full of spirits, now in the depths of woe--sunshine or joy, wind and
calm, silence and tumult, all seem to have their place, and to make up
that incomprehensible and yet delightful animal a boy.
Now boys, I want you to think of yourselves--not to think how good or
how bad you are--what fine fellows you are, and what important
persons, but what you are capable of becoming. You will not remain
boys always--you are now, in the midst of all your oddities, forming
your character, and shaping your future course, drawing out of the
midst of all your contradictions the character that will make you honest
God-fearing men, like in your degree to the perfect pattern of manhood
which God has set before us in Christ--or you are letting yourselves be
moulded into the selfish sensual being, which too often degrades the
name of man.
Thinking, I know, is not much in your line at present, but you will
perhaps spare me a few minutes, and give me a little of your attention
while I try to point out to you the way in which you may, if you will,
turn your powers to account, and avoid the dangers which have been

the shipwreck of many a lad's bright prospects.

HOME AND SCHOOL
I shall take it for granted that you care for your parents and home, or at
any rate that you would like to have a comfortable home. Well, then,
make it so yourself. You can do a great