One writer says of a woman who had cultivated the sense of proportion with regard to her work: "We felt all the while the cheer and gladness and brightness of her presence, just because she had learned to make this great distinction,--to put some things first and others second.

She had mastered the great secret of life." This talk of mine reminds me of a prosy preacher who chose one Sunday as the text of his sermon, "It is good to be here," and began his discourse with the announcement, "I shall employ all the time this morning in telling of the places in which it is _not_ good to be.

If you come to hear me to-night I will tell you where it is good to be." So we will consider the things which must not be put aside.

Some duties are plain, self-evident, and heaven-appointed.

Such is the care of children.