efore the saws and with an axe marks out the work for
them, so they can work speedily, and so that every piece that may serve
for posts, long or short, or for fence props or rails, is cut the proper
length.

The boys have worked faithfully and industriously in the timber on
Saturday forenoons. A rest of fifteen minutes has always been given,
about the middle of the forenoon. When the signal is given, they
assemble at some convenient place, where there are several logs suited
for seats; for all are required to be seated as the best way to rest
their weary limbs, during this period.

A pail of fresh water and a paper sack filled with soda crackers is
always provided for their enjoyment at this time. A smile of pleasure
and delight is sure to light up the countenance of every boy, when,
taking his turn, he thrusts his hand into the paper sack and draws
therefrom his appointed number of crackers.

At these periods of rest and lunch all usually seem as happy as if they
were enjoying a regular social picnic dinner. Amid the merriment and
pleasantry of the occasion they seem to forget all consciousness of
weariness, or thought that their work is hard, and resume it again with
pleasure and delight.

XXI

OBLIGATION AND PLEDGES.

OBLIGATION.--ENDEAVOR.--SELP-HELP STUDENTS.--TEMPERANCE.--THE
INTOXICATING CUP.--PRESIDENT LINCOLN.--PRESIDENT HARRISON.

"Thy vows are upon me O God. I will pay my vows unto the Lord, in
the presence of all his people."--David.

I. THE STUDENT'S OBLIGATION

On being received as a student of this institution, I do solemnly
promise, God helping me, that I will be obedient to the rules of this
institution and endeavor to prove myself an earnest student and
thoughtful, faithful worker; that I will be prompt in responding to
every call, pay the cost of repair to any furniture or glass broken, as
a result of thoughtlessness or carelessness on my part; and that I will
refrain from the use of profane or angry words to man or beast; and also
from the use of tobacco, cigarettes, snuff, dice, gamblers cards, and
intoxicating liquors as a beverage, while I enjoy the privileges of the
academy.

II. CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR PLEDGE

Trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ for strength, I promise him that I
will strive to do whatever he would like to have me do; that I will pray
to Him and read the Bible every day, and that, so far as I know how,
throughout my whole life, I will endeavor to lead