Reformed Covenanter
Cancelled Commissioner
Moreover, youth is a season of inexperience; and this constitutes another source of danger. Every one knows that our most valuable knowledge is derived from experience; that it is far more accurate, more deep, more practical than any other. But of this the young, from the nature of the case, cannot, in a great degree, avail themselves; as it is the exclusive prerogative of riper years. They have had but little experience of their own hearts; but little opportunity of tracing out the sources of human conduct, of becoming acquainted with the evil principles which lurk within them — the treachery, perverseness, rebellion, which constitute the elements of man’s depraved nature.
They have had but limited experience of the world, and are very inadequate judges of its true character. They have ordinarily seen only its bright side; have not often been pierced by its ingratitude, or betrayed by its faithlessness, or stung by its neglect. Of its temptations, too, of the stratagems of the wicked, of the serpentine influence of worldly pleasures, they know comparatively little. How manifestly does this want of experience give the world which they are entering a powerful advantage over them. ...
For more, see William Buell Sprague on the danger of youthful inexperience.
They have had but limited experience of the world, and are very inadequate judges of its true character. They have ordinarily seen only its bright side; have not often been pierced by its ingratitude, or betrayed by its faithlessness, or stung by its neglect. Of its temptations, too, of the stratagems of the wicked, of the serpentine influence of worldly pleasures, they know comparatively little. How manifestly does this want of experience give the world which they are entering a powerful advantage over them. ...
For more, see William Buell Sprague on the danger of youthful inexperience.
