gion there is no one thing which enters more deeply into the warp and woof of our character than the books we read. One of the greatest blessings that can come to any life is the love of books. The practice of keeping, especially before the young growing mind, beautiful and uplifting images and bright, cheerful, healthy thoughts from books, is of inestimable value. Next to the actual society of a noble, high-minded author is the benefit to be gained by reading his books. The mind is brought into harmony with the hopes, the aspirations, the ideals of the writer, so that it is impossible afterward to be satisfied with low or ignoble things. The horizon of the reader broadens, his point of view changes, his ideals are higher and nobler, his outlook on life is more elevated.
"The importance of having great models, high ideals, held constantly before the mind when it is in a plastic condition can not be overestimated. The books we read in youth make or mar our lives. Many a man has attributed his first start and all his after success in life to the books read in his youth. They opened up to him his possibilities, indicated his taste, and helped him to find his place in life.
Seekest thou for bliss?
Lo! here it is —
In quiet nook,
With well-loved book.
