which, when we have worn
them threadbare, we cast them off, and call for new. When once you profess
yourself a friend, endeavor to be always such. He can never have any true
friends that will be often changing them.

9. HAVE THE COURAGE TO CUT THE MOST AGREEABLE ACQUAINTANCE.--Do this when
you are convinced that he lacks principle; a friend should bear with a
friend's infirmities, but not with his vices. He that does a base thing in
zeal for his friend, burns the golden thread that ties their hearts
together.

* * * * *

Self-Control.

"Honor and profit do not always lie in the same sack."--GEORGE HERBERT.

"The government of one's self is the only true freedom for the
individual."--FREDERICK PERTHES.

"It is length of patience, and endurance, and forebearance, that so
much of what is called good in mankind and womankind is shown."--ARTHUR
HELPS.

* * * * *

1. ESSENCE OF CHARACTER.--Self-control is only courage under another form.
It may also be regarded as the primary essence of character. It is in
virtue of this quality that Shakespeare defines man as a being "looking
before and after." It forms the chief distinction between man and the mere
animal; and, indeed, there can be no true manhood without it.

[Illustration: THE RESULT OF BAD COMPANY.]

2. ROOT OF ALL THE VIRTUES.--Self-control is at the root {14} of all the
virtues. Let a man give the reins to his impulses and passions, and from
that moment he yields up his moral freedom. He is carried along the current
of life, and becomes the slave of his strongest desire for the time being.

3. RESIST INSTINCTIVE IMPULSE.--To be morally free--to be more than an
animal--man must be able to resist instinctive impulse, and this can only
be done by exercise of self-control. Thus it is this power which
constitutes the real distinction between a physical and a moral life, and
that forms the primary basis of individual character.

4. A STRONG MAN RULETH HIS OWN SPIRIT.--In the Bible praise is given, not
to a strong man who "taketh a city," but to the stronger man who "ruleth
his own spirit." This stronger man is he who, by discipline, exercises a
constant control over his thoughts, his speech, and his acts. Nine-tenths
of the vicious desires that degrade society, and which, when indulged,
swell into the crimes that disgrace it, would shrink into insignificance
before the advan