88 THE WONDERFUL HOUSE THAT JACK HAS 



sugar habit in the scales of common sense, and see 

 if it really pays. On one side we can place, chiefly, 

 the pleasant taste during the few moments it is being 

 eaten. On the other, loss of interest in school, less 

 skill and enjoyment in play, and impairment of dis- 

 position and good looks, to say nothing of pennies 

 wasted. 



How foolish it is to continue any habit at such a 

 great sacrifice ! A few pieces of candy as part of the 

 dessert at meals may add to the body's energy. A 

 little at any entertainment where it is served will do 

 no harm; but let our motto be, Only a little. "Non- 

 sense!" some children may say: "I eat candy when- 

 ever I can get it, and who can see that I am any the 

 worse ?" In the same way the carpenter might insist 

 on using all the papier-mache he could possibly place 

 in a house. It might be easier and pleasanter to work 

 with, and perhaps look just as well for a time. But 

 he knows if the building is to endure the storms of 

 years, it must be strongly supported with stone and 

 wood. We are building our bodies not for a day but 

 for a lifetime. Food, water, air, exercise, and rest are 

 our materials. Let us daily use them in the way that 

 will make the strongest and most enduring structure. 



The Bible tells of a young man by the name of 

 Esau, who, being the oldest son, was entitled to his 

 father's blessing and his great estate. Returning 

 one evening tired and hungry from a day's hunting, 

 he begged his brother Jacob to let him have the mess 



