lest embodiments, it exemplifies human nature in its highest
forms, for it exhibits man at his best.

3. THE HEART THAT RULES IN LIFE.--Although genius always commands
admiration, character most secures respect. The former is more the product
of brain power, the latter of heart power; and in the long run it is the
heart that rules in life. Men of genius stand to society in the relation of
its intellect as men of character of its conscience: and while the former
are admired, the latter are followed.

4. THE HIGHEST IDEAL OF LIFE AND CHARACTER.--Commonplace though it may
appear, this doing of one's duty embodies the highest ideal of life and
character. There may be nothing heroic about it; but the common lot of men
is not heroic. And though the abiding sense of duty upholds man in his
highest attitudes, it also equally sustains him in the transaction of the
ordinary affairs of every-day existence. Man's life is "centered in the
sphere of common duties." The most influential of all the virtues are those
which are the most in request for daily use. They wear the best, and last
the longest.

5. WEALTH.--Wealth in the hands of men of weak purpose, or deficient
self-control, or of ill regulated passions, is {74} only a temptation and a
snare--the source, it may be, of infinite mischief to themselves, and often
to others.

On the contrary, a condition of comparative poverty is compatible with
character in its highest form. A man may possess only his industry, his
frugality, his integrity, and yet stand high in the rank of true manhood.
The advice which Burns' father gave him was the best:

"He bade me act a manly part, though I had ne'er a farthing,
For without an honest, manly heart no man was worth regarding."

6. CHARACTER IS PROPERTY.--It is the noblest of possessions. It is an
estate in the general good-will and respect of men; they who invest in
it--though they may not become rich in this world's goods--will find their
reward in esteem and reputation fairly and honorably won. And it is right
that in life good qualities should tell--that industry, virtue, and
goodness should rank the highest--and that the really best men should be
foremost.

7. SIMPLE HONESTY OF PURPOSE.--This in a man goes a long way in life, if
founded on a just estimate of himself and a steady obedience to the rule he
knows and feels to be right. It holds a man straight, gives him strength
and sustenance, and forms a mainspring of vigorous act