of mind is very easily impaired. It is sullied by hearing indelicate words, as bright silver is rendered dull by the touch of a soiled finger. Like the soft bloom upon newly gathered grapes and plums, it is destroyed by the slightest touch, and its first freshness and beauty can never again be restored.

A blessing is pronounced by Jesus Christ upon purity. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." The character of the Divine Being is one of perfect purity, and those only who have pure hearts are admitted into His presence. Vileness is an abomination in the sight of God, and an abhorrence to all the good and virtuous upon earth.

The following are some of the instances in which we should be careful to cultivate purity of mind:

1. Purity should be maintained in thought. The mind takes its character from what it is in the habit of contemplating, and thus our thoughts become a part of ourselves. If we allow them to dwell upon scenes of vice, and indulge in impure imaginings, we shall soon be ready to do what at first we permit ourselves only to think about.

2. In words. Low, vulgar and indecent language should never be used, even in repeating what has been uttered by others. If we have

How is purity sullied - destroyed? What blessing upon purity? What is the character of God? How is vileness regarded by Him- by man? First instance mentioned in which we should maintain purity? Why? Second instance? Should we even repeat the vulgar words of others? Why?

unfortunately heard expressions of this sort, it is better either to say nothing about them, or to refer to them as something improper to relate. Such words cannot pass the lips without leaving a stain behind them.

3. "Evil communications corrupt good manners;" therefore the young should avoid the company of those whose language is impure, and whose behavior is immodest. For the same reason, children should avoid books and pictures of an immoral tendency.

In short, true purity of mind loathes vileness and indelicacy, in whatever form it is presented. It is preserved at all times, and in all places; when alone, as well as in the presence of others; in the darkness of night, as well as in the light of day. Its rule is, to do nothing in secret which would cause a blush if known by the whole world.

CHAPTER III.

SELF-GOVERNMENT.

"Unless above himself he can

Erect himself, how mean a thing is man!" SELF-GOVERNMENT consists in controlling our inclinations, when they are opposed to what our own reason, or the judgment of our superiors, teaches us to be right.

Third instance? How is true purity of mind described? Subject of Chapter III.? Motto?, In what does self-gov. ernment consist?

This is a habit of great importance, and one which may be acquired when very young. The little child has power to stop crying when told to do so. When children are not allowed to do just as they wish, they can forbear using cross and angry words, and putting on sour faces. Boys can refrain from playing truant, though they really love play better than school. When a lesson is to be learned, the mind can be kept upon the book, and not suffered to wander off upon play or other subjects. One of the most necessary requirements of school is, that there shall be no whispering, or communications of any kind. This is a rule that scholars are very apt to violate.. There are great temptations to it, and yet they may determine that they will not yield to them, and they can restrain their inclinations to do so.

Self government applied to the control of the temper is one of its most important forms. Scarcely anything degrades a person more, in the estimation of others, than his giving way to ebullitions of anger, flying into a passion at every little offence, indulging in fault-finding and peevishness, or yielding to ill-humor in any of its moods. And, on the other hand, every one admires the calm self-possession and equanimity of one whose temper is always under

When may the habit be acquired? Some instances in which it can be practised? One of the most necessary requirements of school? Are not scholars able to control themselves in this respect? One of the most important forms of self-government? What degrades a man in the estimation of others? What is admired?

his own control, and who does not suffer himself to be fretted by those little annoyances to which all are more or less exposed. A consideration which will very well secure us against anger when we are ill-treated, may be derived from the just maxim, A wise man won't insult me, and no other can.

It is a duty to exercise self-government in not suffering ourselves to be led hither and thither by everybody and everything that comes in our way, without inquiring whether that which we are about to do is right, and refraining from it if it is wrong. Some of the evils arising from the neglect of this duty may be seen from the account which follows.

There is a boy of fine talents, of amiable disposition, and of handsome manners. He is capable of gladdening the heart of his parents, and of being an ornament to society. His great fault is, that he does not govern his inclinations by what he knows to be right, but always does just as he happens to feel at the moment. If he is on his way to school, and meets a boy that tells him of some fine sight at a little distance, away he goes to enjoy it. When he is sent of an errand, he stops by the way-side to talk with men and boys, or to look after horses and carriages, and never returns at the time he is wanted. If he happens to see an article

What consideration will secure against angef, when we are ill-treated? What is duty in regard to self-government? What story illustrates the evils of neglecting self-government?

in a store which strikes his fancy, he gets it, and has it charged, without the permission or knowledge of his parents. In short, he yields to every temptation that comes in his way, and is constantly bringing himself into trouble. He cannot be trusted for the fulfilment of his promises, because he is so easily led astray. The heart of his parents is broken with sorrow and fear concerning him, and if he does not soon change his course, he will cease to be loved or respected by any one.

The government of ourselves is often very difficult. It is indeed a great work; but it is a duty, and must be done. We must exercise it in little things as well as in the most important affairs of life. By yielding to slight enticements to evil, one is often led on to the commission of the most atrocious crimes.

A few of the advantages arising from a habit of self-government will be enumerated.

1. It justly secures the admiration and respect of others. The Bible says, "He that ruleth his spirit is better than he that taketh a city."

2. It promotes success in the business of life. A person who controls himself can be implicitly relied upon in all his engagements, and thus the confidence of those who may need his services is secured.

Is it easy to govern ourselves? Is its difficulty a good excuse for neglecting it? What is said of little things slight enticements? First advantage of self-government? Second?