and take for granted;
nor to find talk and discourse; but to weigh and consider. This being
self-evident, we should ever remember that whatever is worth reading at
all is worth reading well. Hence, inasmuch as reading matter is always
the expression of some author's thoughts, it follows that the object of
reading at all is to learn the thoughts of the writer. So we may well
aver that to read understandingly requires thought and industry. For
reading availeth not unless done understandingly. Therefore, an article
is not read, in the full sense of the word, until it is understood.

I will close by reading an article from an old scrap-book. When it is
read I trust it will accomplish a double mission, viz: that we more
thoroughly comprehend the necessity of putting thought into our
reading; and that the real virtue in thought is acting in harmony with
the knowledge or right. The article to which I refer is entitled "An
Angel in a Saloon." I will now read it:

"One afternoon in the month of June, 1870, a lady in deep mourning,
followed by a little child, entered one of the fashionable saloons in
the city of N----. The writer happened to be passing at the time, and
prompted by curiosity, followed her in, to see what would ensue.
Stepping up to the bar, and addressing the proprietor, who happened to
be present, she said:

"'Sir, can you assist me? I have no home, no friends, and am not able
to work.'

"He glanced at her and then at the child, with a mingled look of
curiosity and pity. Evidently he was much surprised to see a woman in
such a place begging, but without asking any questions gave her some
change, and turning to those present, he said:

"'Gentlemen, here is a lady in distress. Can't some of you help her a
little?'

"They cheerfully acceded to the request, and soon a purse of two
dollars was made up, and put in her hand.

"'Madam,' said the gentleman who gave her the money, 'why do you come
to a saloon? It isn't a proper place for a lady, and why are you driven
to such a step?'

"'Sir,' said the lady, 'I know it isn't a proper place for a lady to be
in, and you ask me why I am driven to such a step. I will tell you in
one short word,' pointing to a bottle behind the counter, labelled
whiskey, 'that is what brought me here--whiskey!'

"'I was once happy and surrounded with all the luxuries that wealth
could procure, with a fond, indulgent husband. But in an evil hour he
was tempted, and not possessing th