and honor.

Colbert's first step to distinction was an act of honor and honesty
which deprived him of the means of earning his daily bread. If there was
ever a case, which, to human appearance, would seem to contradict the
old proverb, and show that honesty was not the best policy, one would
think his was such a case. But the event proved its truth. And to this
single trait in his character may be traced all his greatness. His
honesty and integrity made him faithful to his employers. This raised
him in their esteem, and contributed to strengthen and confirm this
trait of character. This he carried into public life; and his honesty
there led him to regard the public benefit as paramount to private
interest. The whole of this story may be found in Chambers' Miscellany,
published by Gould, Kendall and Lincoln.

Would you be _great_? Honesty and integrity of character lie at the
foundation of all true greatness. You must cultivate sincerity, honesty,
and fair dealing in early youth, if you would lay the foundation of
future greatness.

_Two opposite examples_.

Two boys were passing an orchard on their way from school, in which
there were some plum trees, full of nice fruit. "Come, Thomas," said
Henry, "let us jump over and get some plums. Nobody will see us. We can
scud along through the tall corn, and come out on the other side."
Thomas replied, "It is wrong. I don't like to try it. I would rather not
have the plums than steal them, and I will run along home." "You are a
coward," said Henry. "I always knew you was a coward; and if you don't
want any plums, you may go without them. But I shall have some very
quick." Just as Henry was climbing the wall, the owner of the field rose
up from the other side. Henry jumped back and ran off as fast as his
legs could carry him. Thomas had no reason to be afraid, and he walked
along as if nothing had happened. The owner, who had heard the
conversation between the two boys, then asked Thomas to step over and
help himself to as many plums as he wanted.

This story teaches two lessons: (1.) It shows the advantages of
_honesty_. An honest person is not afraid to look others in the face;
and honesty, in the end, always turns out more to one's advantage than
dishonesty. (2.) It teaches wherein true courage consists: It is, in
being _afraid to do wrong_. Henry called Thomas a coward, because he was
afraid to do wrong; but he himself sneaked away like a whipped spaniel,
the moment he