not an argument for abandoning it."

"By no means, sir."

"The same individual whom Vertot might intoxicate, would most
probably be intoxicated by more dangerous stimulants. Everything,
however, depends upon the habits of self-control which a man has
acquired in his boyhood. The habit of self-control is the only
habit which makes mental power truly effective. The man who can not
compel himself to do or to forbear, can never be much of a student.
Students, if you observe, are generally dogged men--inflexible,
plodding, persevering--among lawyers, those men whom you always
find at their offices, and seldom see anywhere else. They own
that mental habit which we call self-control, which supplies the
deficiency in numerous instances of real talent. It is a power,
and a mighty power, particularly in this country, where children
are seldom taught it, and consequently grow up to be a sort of moral
vanes that move with every change of wind, and never fix until they
do so with their own rust. He who learns this power in boyhood will
be very sure to master all his companions."

The darker expression of sadness passed over the countenance of
the ingenuous youth.

"I am afraid," said he, "that I shall never acquire this habit."

"Why so? In your very fear I see a hope."

"Alas! sir, I feel my own instability of character. I feel myself
the victim of a thousand plans and purposes, which change as soon