The purest treasure mortal times afford,
Is--spotless reputation; that away,
Men are but gilded loam, or painted clay,
A jewel in a ten-times-barr'd-up chest
Is--a bold Spirit in a loyal breast.
--SHAKESPEARE.


1. REPUTATION.--The two most precious things this side the grave are
our reputation and our life. But it is to be lamented that the most
contemptible whisper may deprive us of the one, and the weakest weapon
of the other. A wise man, therefore, will be more anxious to deserve
a fair name than to possess it, and this will teach him so to live, as
not to be afraid to die.

2. CHARACTER.--Character is one of the greatest motive powers in the
world. In its noblest embodiments, it exemplifies human nature in its
highest forms, for it exhibits man at his best.

3. THE HEART THAT RULES IN LIFE.--Although genius always commands
admiration, character most secures respect. The former is more the
product of brain power, the latter of heart power; and in the long run
it is the heart that rules in life. Men of genius stand to society in
the relation of its intellect as men of character of its conscience:
and while the former are admired, the latter are followed.

4. THE HIGHEST IDEAL OF LIFE AND CHARACTER.--Common-place though it
may appear, this doing of one's duty embodies the highest ideal of
life and character. There may be nothing heroic about it; but the
common lot of men is not heroic. And though the abiding sense of duty