and storm, and punish, with
unsparing severity, every transgression, under the influence of
irritation and anger, must not expect that he can win over his pupils to
confidence in him, and to the principles of duty, by a word. But such an
appeal will not be lost, when it comes from a man, whose daily and
habitual management corresponds with it. But to return to the story:

The teacher made some farther remarks, explaining the nature of the sin,
not in the language of execration, and affected abhorrence, but calmly,
temperately, and without any disposition to make the worst of the
occurrence which had taken place. In concluding what he said, he
addressed the boys as follows:

"Now boys, the question is, do you wish to abandon this habit, or not;
if you do, all is well. I shall immediately forget all the past, and
will do all I can to help you resist and overcome temptation in future.
But all I can do, is, only to help you; and the first thing to be done,
if you wish to engage in this work of reform, is, to acknowledge your
fault; and I should like to know how many are willing to do this."

"I wish all those who are willing to tell me whether they use profane
language, would rise."

Every individual but one, rose.

"I am very glad to see so large a number," said the teacher; "and I hope
you will find that the work of confessing and forsaking your faults, is,
on the whole, pleasant, not painful business. Now those who can truly
and honestly say, that they never do use profane language, of any kind,
may take their seats."

Three only, of the whole number, which consisted of not far from 20, sat
down. It was in a sea-port town, where the temptation to yield to this
vice is even greater, than would be, in the interior of our country,
supposed possible.

"Those who are now standing," pursued the teacher, "admit that they do,
sometimes at least, commit this sin. I suppose all, however, are
determined to reform; for I do not know what else should induce you to
rise and acknowledge it here, unless it is a desire, hereafter to break
yourselves of the habit. But do you suppose that it will be enough for
you merely to resolve here, that you will reform?"

"No sir," said the boys.

"Why? If you now sincerely determine never more to use a profane word,
will you not easily avoid it?"

The boys were silent. Some said faintly, "No sir."

"It will not be easy for you to avoid the sin hereafter," continued the
teacher, "even i