262 PLAIN FACTS FOB, OLD AND YOUNG 



and lively imaginations of childhood penetrate the rot- 

 ten mysteries of such foul subjects at a much earlier 

 age than many persons imagine. The inquiring minds 

 of children will be occupied in some way, and it is 

 of the utmost importance that they should be early 

 filled with thoughts that will lead them to noble and 

 pure actions. 



The White Cross Army.— This is the name of an 

 association first organized in England in 1883 by the 

 Bishop of Durham, Rt. Rev. J. B. Lightfoot, D. D., 

 well known through his excellent commentaries on the 

 New Testament. Some of the Y. M. C. A. Associations 

 have undertaken to effect an organization of the 

 same sort in this country. The object of the association 

 is thus stated in its constitution: ''The object of this 

 Army shall be the promotion of purity among young 

 men, the elevation of public opinion regarding the 

 question of personal purity, and the maintenance of 

 the same standard for men and women." 



All who join the organization are required to sign 

 the following pledge: 



"I promise by the help of God— 



"1. To treat all women with respect, and endeavor 

 to protect them from wrong and degradation. 



' ' 2. To endeavor to put down all indecent language 

 and coarse jests. 



"3. To maintain the law of purity as equally bind- 

 ing upon men and women. 



''4. To endeavor to spread these principles among 

 my companions, and to try to help my younger brothers. 



''5. To use every possible means to fulfill the com- 

 mand, 'Keep THYSELF pure.' " 



At a meeting held for the purpose of organizing 

 this association in New York City a few years ago, 



