UNCHASTITY 265 



mind so trained stands upon an eminence from which 

 all evil men and devils combined cannot displace it, so 

 long as it adheres to its noble principles. 



Mental Culture.— The cultivation of the physical 

 organization must not be neglected. Healthful mental 

 discipline should receive equal attention. By healthful 

 mental discipline is not meant that kind of superficial 

 "cramming" and memorizing which constitute the 

 training of the average school, but sound culture; a 

 directing of the mind from facts to underlying i^rin- 

 ciples; a development of the reasoning powers so as 

 to bring the emotions and passions into subjection; the 

 acquirement of the power to concentrate the mind, one 

 of the best methods of cultivating self-control,— these 

 are some of the objects and results of sound culture 

 of the mind. 



To supply the mind with food for pure thoughts, 

 the child should be early inspired with a love for na- 

 ture. The perceptives should be trained, the child 

 taught to observe closely and accurately. The study 

 of the natural sciences is a most valuable means of ele- 

 vating the mind above grossness and sensuality. To 

 be successful in this direction, parents must cultivate 

 a love for the same objects themselves. Take the little 

 ones into the country, if they are not so fortunate as 

 to live there, and in the midst of nature's glories, point 

 their impressible minds upward to the Author of all 

 the surrounding loveliness. Gather flowers and leaves, 

 and call attention to the peculiarities and special beau- 

 ties of each, and thus arouse curiosity and cultivate 

 habits of close observation and attention. 



Early Associations.— As children grow older, 

 watch their associations. Warn them of evil influences 

 and evil practices. Make home so attractive that they 



