udgment, and
weaken the power of restraint. Avoid what is called good living: it is
madness to allow the pleasures of the table to corrupt and corrode the
human body. We are not designed for gourmands, much less for educated
pigs. Cold water bathing, water as a beverage, simple and wholesome
food, regularity of sleep, plenty of exercise; games such as cricket,
football, tennis, boating, or bicycling, are among the best possible
preventives against lust and animal passion.

15. BEWARE OF IDLENESS.--Indolent leisure means an unoccupied mind.
When young men lounge along the streets, in this condition they become
an easy prey to the sisterhood of shame and death. Bear in mind that
evil thoughts precede evil actions. The hand of the worst thief will
not steal until the thief within operates upon the hand without. The
members of the body which are capable of becoming instruments of sin,
are not involuntary actors. Lustful desires must proceed from brain
and heart, ere the fire that consumes burns in the member.

[Illustration: YOUNG LINCOLN STARTING TO SCHOOL.]

* * * * *

A PRIVATE TALK TO YOUNG MEN.

1. The most valuable and useful organs of the body are those which are
capable of the greatest dishonor, abuse and corruption. What a snare
the wonderful organism of the eye may become when used to read corrupt
books or look upon licentious scenes at the theatre, or when used
to meet the fascinating gaze of the harlot! What an instrument for
depraving the whole man may be found in the matchless powers of
the brain, the hand, the ear, the mouth, or the tongue! What potent
instruments may these become in accomplishing the ruin of the whole
being for time and eternity!

2. In like manner the organ concerning the uses of which I am
to speak, has been, and continues to be, made one of the chief
instruments of man's immorality, shame, disease, and death. How
important to know what the legitimate uses of this member of the body
are, and how great the dignity conferred upon us in the possession of
this gift. On the human side this gift may be truly said to bring men
nearer to the high and solemn relationship of the Creator than any
other which they possess.

3. I first deal with the destructive sin of self-abuse. There can be
little doubt that vast numbers of boys are guilty of this practice.
In many cases the degrading habit has been taught by others, e.g.,
by elder boys at school, where ass