CHAPTER XVI.
GUARD YOUR WEAK POINT.
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty: and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
-- BIBLE.
The first and best of victories is for a man to conquer himself: to be conquered by himself is, of all things, the most shameful and vile.
-- PLATO.
The worst education which teaches self-denial is better than the best which teaches everything else and not that.
-- JOHN STERLING.
Most powerful is he who has himself in his own power.
-- SENECA.
The energy which issues in growth, or assimilates knowledge, must originate in self and be self-directed.
-- THOMAS J.MORGAN.
The foes with which they waged their strife Were passion, self and sin; The victories that laureled life, Were fought and won within.
-- EDWARD H.DEWART.
"I'll sign it after awhile," a drunkard would reply, when repeatedly urged by his wife to sign the pledge; "but I don't like to break off at once, the best way is to get used to a thing." "Very well, old man," said his wife, "see if you don't fall into a hole one of these days, with no one to help you out." Not long after, when intoxicated, he did fall into a shallow well, but his shouts for help were fortunately heard by his wife.

"Didn't I tell you so ?" she asked.

"It's lucky I was in hearing or you might have drowned." He took hold of the bucket and she tugged at the windlass; but when he was near the top her grasp slipped and down he went into the water again.

This was repeated until he screamed: "Look here, you're doing that on purpose, I know you are." "Well, now, I am," admitted the wife.

"Don't you remember telling me it's best to get used to a thing by degrees?
I'm afraid if I bring you up sudden, you would not find it wholesome." Finding that his case was becoming desperate, he promised to sign the pledge at once.