night on the wildly
tossing waves. In the morning the wind gradually died away, and the
weary, seasick crowd made their way home.

When Bessie learned of their serious experience, she appreciated more
than ever the Lord's goodness in leading her to stay at home.

CHAPTER IX.

SELF-CONTROL.

Mrs. Worthington was greatly encouraged when she saw what a blessing her
little girl had received from what appeared to be a sore trial. She felt
that the time was opportune to plant the seed of self-control within the
young heart. In a little while she found an opportunity to begin.

"Bessie," she began when ready for the talk, "I have some important
things to tell you today. I wish to speak of your future. There comes a
time in the life of every girl when she must change from childhood to
womanhood; she can not always remain a child. Until this time arrives,
she is very dependent and must lean entirely upon her parents' advice;
but as her mind begins to mature, she should be taught the necessity of
weighing matters well and of finding out God's will.

"Until the present time all you have done has been at the suggestion of
your parents, but it will be different in the future. With your
teaching, you are able to look to God for a part of your direction. I
shall continue to advise, and, if necessary, to punish you; but I want
you to take things to the Lord in prayer and become satisfied within
your heart that my advice is according to the Word of God. You must not
think you haven't needed the teaching and the guidance you've had thus
far in life; and you'll need more careful training than you've ever had.
The point I want to impress upon your mind is that there's an element
within you, called self, that you must learn to control. At times self
will arise and cause you to feel that you know some things even better
than Mama. That is the time to remember that Mama has had more
experience than you; that her judgment is better than yours; and that
you must rely upon it until God helps you to see a matter as she sees
it. That was the way you gained the blessing from that experience a few
days ago. In this way you will learn the lessons that are so important
to your future.

"There are many other things, my dear, that I want to talk to you about
soon, but you must be patient a little longer. In the meantime, however,
you may ask me any question you please, and I'll answer you. Don't go to
other girls with these things, but c