e wise and strong, happy and able to make
others happy, to love and to be loved, and to do my part in the
world's work.

During my infancy loving hands cared for me, gave me food, clothing
and shelter, and protected me from harm. I am grateful for this care,
and I want to be worthy of the love and confidence of my mother and
father and to do all I can to make them happy.

I will be obedient to my parents and teachers; they are wiser than I
and thoughtful of my welfare.

I have already learned that good health is necessary to strength and
happiness, and that in order to be well and to grow strong, I must
have good, wholesome food, ample exercise and sleep, and abundant
pure water and fresh air--nature's free gifts to all.

My whole body I will keep clean and each part of it as sound as good
care can make it.

I will have respect for all useful work, both mental and physical. I
must learn to be helpful that I may know the joy of service and the
dignity of work well done.

I will begin now to earn some of the things I use. I must learn how
to spend, and how to be generous.

Waste is the mother of want, and even though the want may not be
mine, if I am extravagant I am likely to bring suffering to others.
Waste of time is as wrong as waste of things; I will not be an idler.

I will not put unnecessary burdens upon my associates by untidy,
careless habits; orderly ways save my own time and things as well as
those of others.

I will take thought for the comfort and welfare of our animal friends
and will always avoid cruelty.

I will strive for courage to speak the truth and for strength to be
fair in all my work and play, to be true to my word and faithful to
my trust. I hate lying and cheating; they are signs of cowardice and
greed. I will not seek pleasure or profit at the cost of my
self-respect. I will be considerate of the rights and feeling of
others as I would have them respect mine.

I will try to control my temper and to be cheerful, kind, and
courteous in all my dealings.

I will strive to be pure in thought, speech and action.

My country has provided laws and civil officers to protect me,
schools for my instruction, and many other aids to a happy, useful
life. I am grateful for these benefits and will show my patriotism by
obeying the laws and defending my country against evils, b