docile patient I ever saw."

11. ITS BRIGHT SIDE.--We have thus far spoken of shyness as a defect. But
there is another way of looking at it; for even shyness has its bright
side, and contains an element of good. Shy men and shy races are ungraceful
and undemonstrative, because, as regards society at large, they are
comparatively unsociable. They do not possess those elegancies of manner
acquired by free intercourse, which distinguish the social races, because
their tendency is to shun society rather than to seek it. They are shy in
the presence of strangers, and shy even in their own families. They hide
their affections under a robe of reserve, and when they do give way to
their feelings, it is only in some very hidden inner chamber. And yet, the
feelings are there, and not the less healthy and genuine, though they are
not made the subject of exhibition to others.

12. WORTHY OF CULTIVATION.--While, therefore, grace of manner, politeness
of behavior, elegance of demeanor, and all the arts that contribute to make
life pleasant and beautiful, are worthy of cultivation, it must not be at
the expense of the more solid and enduring qualities of honesty, sincerity,
and truthfulness. The fountain of beauty must be in the heart more than in
the eye, and if it does not tend to produce beautiful life and noble
practice, it will prove of comparatively little avail. Politeness of manner
is not worth much, unless it is accompanied by polite actions.

[Illustration]

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Influence of Good Character.

"Unless above himself he can
Erect himself, how poor a thing is man!"--DANIEL.

"Character is moral order seen through the medium of an individual
nature--Men of character are the conscience of the society to which
they belong."--EMERSON.

The purest treasure mortal times afford,
Is--spotless reputation; that away,
Men are but gilded loam, or painted clay.
A jewel in a ten-times-barr'd-up chest
Is--a bold Spirit in a loyal breast.--SHAKSPEARE.

1. REPUTATION.--The two most precious things this side the grave are our
reputation and our life. But it is to be lamented that the most
contemptible whisper may deprive us of the one, and the weakest weapon of
the other. A wise man, therefore, will be more anxious to deserve a fair
name than to possess it, and this will teach him so to live, as not to be
afraid to die.

2. CHARACTER.--Character is one of the greatest motive powers in the world.
In its nob