EAL OF LIFE AND CHARACTER.--Common-place though it
may appear, this doing of one's duty embodies the highest ideal of
life and character. There may be nothing heroic about it; but the
common lot of men is not heroic. And though the abiding sense of duty
upholds man in his highest attitudes, it also equally sustains him in
the transaction of the ordinary affairs of every-day existence.
Man's life is "centered in the sphere of common duties." The most
influential of all the virtues are those which are the most in request
for daily use. They wear the best, and last the longest.

5. WEALTH.--Wealth in the hands of men of weak purpose, or deficient
self-control, or of ill regulated passions is only a temptation and a
snare--the source, it may be, of infinite mischief to themselves, and
often to others.

On the contrary, a condition of comparative poverty is compatible with
character in its highest form. A man may possess only his industry,
his frugality, his integrity, and yet stand high in the rank of true
manhood. The advice which Burns' father gave him was the best:

"He bade me act a manly part, though I had ne'er a farthing,
For without an honest, manly heart no man was worth regarding."

6. CHARACTER IS PROPERTY.--It is the noblest of possessions. It is an
estate in the general good-will and respect of men; they who invest in
it--though they may not become rich in this world's goods--will find
their reward in esteem and reputation fairly and honorably won. And
it is right that in life good qualities should tell--that industry,
virtue, and goodness should rank the highest--and that the really best
men should be foremost.

7. SIMPLE HONESTY OF PURPOSE.--This in a man goes a long way in life,
if founded on a just estimate of himself and a steady obedience to the
rule he knows and feels to be right. It holds a man straight, gives
him strength and sustenance, and forms a mainspring of vigorous
action. No man is bound to be rich or great--no, nor to be wise--but
every man is bound to be honest and virtuous.

[Illustration]

[Illustration: HOME AMUSEMENTS.]

* * * * *

FAMILY GOVERNMENT.

1. GENTLENESS MUST CHARACTERIZE EVERY ACT OF AUTHORITY.--The storm of
excitement that may make the child start, bears no relation to actual
obedience. The inner firmness, that sees and feels a moral conviction
and expects obedience, is only disguised and defeated by bluster. The
more calm a