ESL Blogs

That a peculiar interest attaches to the boyhood of great men will hardly be denied by any one who has given the slightest attention to the subject. The early exploits and aspirations of those who have performed memorable services to their country and their species, led mighty armies into the field, advanced the progress of humanity and civilisation, achieved important triumphs in literature and science, or associated their names honourably and indissolubly with some great profession, are matters fraught with instruction to the young, and with interest to all. The object of the following pages is to place before the reader brief narratives of the career of those who have fought their way to eminence and distinction in various walks of life; and thus to develope in the mind of youth noble tastes and high principles, as well as to inspire and sustain that spirit of industry, which is essential to the attainment of any position worth striving for. Youth is the season of generous impulses and high resolves; the career of the boy usually foreshadows that of the man; no day passes without experiences which will lead to good or evil, just as they are neglected or profited by; and the importance of directing the attention to laudable pursuits, by actual examples, at an age when the heart and mind are peculiarly susceptible of lasting impressions, can scarcely be questioned.