ome to me. I'm always glad to
explain to you anything that seems strange. When you're old enough to
desire the knowledge and to form the questions, you're old enough to
receive an answer to your questions. Come to me often: what seems
strange to both of us we can take to God in prayer, and let him teach
us.

"Another thing you must do is to turn away from bad associates. Avoid
girls who say, 'I'll tell you something if you'll promise not to tell
your mother.' Remember that anything you could not tell me would not be
worth hearing; for it's sure to be something unclean or vulgar.
Conversing with such girls won't help you to draw close to the Lord nor
to know his will concerning you. Much less would it help you to meditate
upon the pure and holy things of God. To elevate your soul, Bessie, you
must become serious, and seek only those companions whose conversation
is kind, gentle, and modest. I believe your desire is to become more
like Jesus and to prepare for heaven. So, my child, meditate upon God,
and you will grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ. Misspent moments
are so much of life and character thrown away; be careful to use them
all in God's service.

"Here's a little poem you may learn. It may help you to control self and
to value your moments as you should."

MY MOMENTS.

_Oh, my precious little moments,
Gliding now so swiftly by;
May I each one spend for Jesus
Ere I see them past me fly.

May I lade each one with something
To be borne to God above,
Fill each full of deeds worth counting,
That will prove my perfect love.

For I would not have them enter
Through those portals bright and fair
Bearing not a single token
For my Master waiting there.

Golden moments, as you carry
Trophies on your upward flight,
Take my character to Jesus;
For I've kept it clean and white._

CHAPTER X.

PARENTAL CONTROL.

Mrs. Worthington was not only a prayerful mother, but a mother wise in
home government. Her wisdom, however, came from God. Many a time she
felt incapable of giving the advice her young daughter needed; but she
always remembered the scripture which reads, "If any of you lack wisdom,
let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth
not; and it shall be given." After she had spent a season in prayerful
meditation, God would supply the words and understanding. Thus she could
say with the apostle Paul, that her strength was made perfect in
weakness, b