And the principles of character which would render the man a valued brother and friend, like those which would make him a worthy and dutiful son, must be incorporated into his nature in his childhood, and in his youth. He must be the obedient son, the affectionate brother, and the firm friend in his boyhood, or the probability is that he will never be so at all. There is some truth in the adage, that friendships, to be pure, and disinterested, and lasting, must be formed in youth, and that those which are formed in more matured years are not so. I say there is _some_ truth in this adage, though, to the credit of man’s nature be it spoken, it does not universally apply. And the truth of the adage is proved by faithful and honorable exceptions. And there is reason in the thing, though that which is most generally given is not so well expressed as it might be. The reason assigned in favor of early attachments and early friendships is that because in youth the feelings are full, and fresh, and free, and warm, and that the young heart is surcharged with gushing sympathies. This is even so. But I will state the reason in another form, which is more suitable to my subject, and which, I have no doubt, will be more useful to you. It is because in early life the character is formed, and the principles incorporated into the subject which produce his character. And with this in view, I would encourage you to adopt and practise such principles as are pure, and high, and holy, and then your friendships will be well selected, and you will yourselves be valuable, aye, inestimable, as friends. MAN’S SOCIAL EXCELLENCE SEEN IN HIS ESTIMATE OF THE FEMALE CHARACTER.