which they graduate. Each exercise of strength we
take in resisting temptation, is the moral gymnastics that redoubles
that power against the next encounter, and adds muscle and fire to all
the capabilities of life. Each exercise of sense we take to
discriminate between true and false life, true and false pleasure, true
and false charmers, is a training of the intellect and judgment to more
delicate discernments, and more virtuous and vital joys. A man enters
the city as Hercules entered the world; the characters that go forth to
meet him are like the true and false goddesses that met that hero and
determined his choice; and that fine old fable shows that even the
exercise of mind which is impelled by the two voices, will add new
strength to one's being, cut out the blurs from his eyes, and make the
judgment more active and perception more keen."

"That is all very true," said the Squire; "and your own life is an
illustration. But if I should enter a city to live, I fear it would
cool off my sympathies, and harden my heart."

"I should not fear that of you, Matthew," said William; "although it is
the case with thousands. We need not be cooled or hardened. We see
more of the evil side of life, to be sure; but it does not harden all.
John Howard and Elizabeth Fry saw more of the evils of life than most
city people. They visited the very dens of suffering want and
imprisoned crime; but to them such sights were nobly instructive, and
they grew great-hearted and noble while reading the lessons. Their
sympathies were softened and warmed; their interest in humanity was
redoubled, and their love for our race quickened and expanded, until
they found no rest so sweet, as after long rounds of philanthropic
labor; no delight so pure as kindness; no beauty so divine as charity;
and no riches so ample and enjoyable as those laid up for benevolence,
and those received back to the generous soul in return for gifts and
deeds of good."

"You delight me, William," said the Squire; "and if you will go around
lecturing the country people, you will see them all flocking to the
town."

"The more, the better for us," said William. "They are the best
materials of which the town can replenish its numbers and forces.
Their great good sense; their healthy and generous instincts; their
large and throbbing hearts; their picturesque minds and memories need
only the discipline and finish of city life, to round them up into
robust men and