PITFALLS OF YOUTH.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20267, 9 August 1937, Page 8

PITFALLS OF YOUTH.

THE BEGINNINGS OF LIFE. LECTURE BY DR. W. PETTIT. Dr. W. Pettit, of Auckland, tn the Theatre Royal yesterday afternoon, addressed a large and representative gathering of men on ‘‘The Peril# oi Early Manhood.” The Rev. R. B. Tinsley presided, and In introducing the speaker, explained that the address was being given under the auspices of the Hamilton Ministerß* Association, and he was extremely pleased to welcome Dn, Pettit, who could -speak with authority on a theme of paramount importance to young people. Mr S. Clinton Williams, of Auokland* sang the solo, “ The Lord le My Defence,” very pleasingly. Dr. Pettit dealt with his theme In a most interesting and frank manner, his remarks being illustrated with a number of slides showing the results of unchaste living. He pointed out that man was different from the brute. In that the latter were guided by Instinct, but man was endowed with the power of choice, and could make either a wreck or success of his life, according as he chose a low or high ideal of his life.

He urged that youth should be instructed on the problems that confront them by competent teachers on scientific lines, as much trouble now encountered was the outcome of ignorance or information derived from contaminated sources, and he recommended certain books for the instruction of Juveniles and also for Bibleclass libraries. If these were procured and studied they would prove a blessing and counteract the unsavoury Influences now operating by giving a clean and Idealistic view of the beginning of life. The Moral Law. Dr. Lyttelton, the eminent educationist, had averred that boys In hia schools from homes where they had received sane and careful instruction on this matter were not so prone to be inj fluenced by pernicious practices as j were those who had been permitted. I to remain In Ignorance on matters perj talnlng to sex. He urged the young men to order their lives according to I the moral law as laid down in the j Bible. I As a young lad he had been greatly ■ Impressed by two texts: "Remember now thy Creator In the days of thy I youth when the evil days come not.” ; nnd “Wherewithal shall a young man I cleanse his way?—By taking heed thereto according to Thy word.” That } was sound doctrine. He asserted emI phatlcally that, despite what some ! averred, there was no danger In continence and chastity, but there was In the other direction. Observance to the moral code as laid down In Scripture meant physical and mental equally with j spiritual well being. lie advised strict adherence to the j laws of health, ample exercise, rest. ! and sleep, and regular habits of body, J abstention from alcohol (tho smallest i quantity of which he declared lessened the resistance of the blood stream »o disease germs), combined with tho J observance of moral principles as necessary for tho building up of a ; strong and virile manhood. The lecture, which occupied upwards of an hour in delivery, was attentively followed.