of common-sense as will prevent this senseless and
thoughtless conduct.

And now let us consider some of the rewards that will come to those who
give attention to the culture of the spirit. Emerson says that "it is
our manners that associate us," and this is one of his truest
observations. We all wish, or we all should wish, to become fitted for
association with the good, the refined, the intelligent, the cultivated,
with those who have a noble purpose in life. Into such society there is
but one passport--intelligence, and gentle, quiet, cultivated manners,
coupled with a like noble and earnest purpose. Possessed of these, any
person may be sure of a welcome in the best society, however plain in
appearance or dress. Wanting in these, good looks and fine dress are of
no avail to secure the coveted association. Remember I am now speaking
of the society of intellectual, refined, and cultivated people, and not
of mere fashionable society. But to gain friendly and equal access to
this best society, the culture of heart and mind must be genuine; it
must be thorough, deep, sincere. The young person whose education of
mind and heart is shallow and superficial, who has no definite aim in
life, may well fear to submit to the critical tests sure to be applied
by such society.

I cannot better illustrate my meaning than by relating to you two
incidents that have come under my own personal observation. You all know
that in our old Eastern cities, which have so long been the homes of
wealth and learning, is to be found a society almost unequalled for its
high standard of intellectual culture and refined manners as well as for
beneficent actions. Two young Western women whom I have known, aspired
to gain access to and meet with recognition in a certain famous circle
of such people in one of these Eastern cities. Both young women were
graduates of Western universities, and had had really exceptional
advantages for acquiring a thorough collegiate education. One had been
surrounded by every possible helpful condition. Fond parents, possessed
of abundance of this world's goods, and admiring friends, had done
everything in their power to secure for her freedom from all other cares
while she was pursuing her studies. Being thus helped and petted and
praised and encouraged she seemed to feel that all circumstances and
everybody's convenience and comfort must give way for her plans and
interests. The other young girl was the eldest daughter