He is your boy, perhaps, your son for whom you have the highest ambitions, and your bosom swells with pride at the thought that he is your boy, and that you have opened the door to opportunity for him.
Some young man just out of college, just out of the refining process, is on the high road to position and honor, and is already making a name for himself, may become the leader or some leader along the many fields open to him.
Can you say that it will not be yourself? Who knows that it may not be you, your brother, nephew, cousin, or some valued friend? Give yourself the benefit of the doubt if there be any doubt, and there need not be, and take hold of the intellectual plow, and till the field of opportunity. It is waiting for you and for yours.
Do not throw straws in your own and in the way of those you know and to whom you may be related by the ties of blood or friendship. Why not put them and yourself in the way of opportunities? Give yourself and them a chance to prepare for opportunity, every one possesses the chance, and he must prepare for it, it is in the future, perhaps it is waiting now, are you ready for it? Do you think you will be ready when it calls? If not get ready by keeping your ear close to the ground and watch for the signal. Keep in touch with the people, their needs, necessities and demands; observe the signs of the times and study the shaping of events.
These are progressive times, and age of hustle, and the man who stands out in front will win the race, for he has the advantage of place and position, also readiness to start at the first sound of the signal.
THE CHURCH OFFERS HIGH INDUCEMENTS
The Church offers the highest inducements to a life of usefulness and honor. It is guided by men of distinguished ability and humanity. The Bishops and clergy of the various denominations have taken advantage of the new lights of the twentieth century, and are striving to bring their fellow men of the same race, up to the highest standard of right living.
The heights they have attained must be maintained like a protective rampart in a great battle. Their successors are the ones to continue the work of defence, and advance the lines still farther into the country of the enemy of humanity and morality.
The army and navy have had their share of brave Colored men, and has opened its ranks to more of them who are distinguishing themselves and ennobling their race. In the school of army and navy discipline, the Colored man has proven himself to be a man in every sense of the word. Faithful and true to his duty, he honors and loves the country under whose flag he is ready to draw his sword, and lay down his life.