The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1895-12-05
SOME GOOD ADVICE.
MAKE YOURSELvESsPURE IN THOUGHT,
WORD AND DEED.
Wholesome Suggestions to Young
People and Old Ones AS WeII-"By
Thine Words Thou Shalt Be Con-
demned and By Thy Words Thou
Shalt Be Justified"


men and women it is plainly to be
seen what kind of thoughts they have
for their constant companions, for they
take root in the heart and spring forth
into the life. We are not responsible
for the people who pass our door bu,
we are responsible for those whom we
invite into our homes to enjoy our
llreslde and our society, even SO we
are not responsible for the thoughts
that fit through the mind, for the evil
one is forever casting his fiery darts al
us, If haply he may obtain a footing,
and destroy that which is good, but we
are responsible for the thoughts which
we entertain and harbOr. An impure
thought or temptation may flash
through the mind but if cast out imme
j dlately it is no sin and can do no
harm, but if it is thought of and rolled
as a sweet morsel under the tongue it
becomes sin and does harm. A little
leak has sent many noble ship to the
| bottom of the sea; SO an evil thought
has sent many a soul to perdition. The
heart IS the foundation upon which we
build character: AS we build our
magnificent buildings upon a solid
foundation, and are careful to have it
secure, SO in building character that is
not built for a generation but for eter-
nifty it behooves US to see that the
foundation is sure and secure. Doubt
less, thought is the greatest power be-
longing to mortal man. 1t is by
thought that greatness is achieved, vic
tories gained, that empires rise and
fall. The greatest things that have
ever been given to the world, all in
ventions and discoveries have been by
thoughtful minds. Very few things
have been stumbled upon accidentally
by idle, thoughtless men; if apparent
accidents have happened it has been to
those who have searched long and ear
nestly and in every direction tor the
secret that was at last untolded
We can often tell by the faces Of
those whom we meet what are the
thoughts of the heart, for thoughts
leave their tell tale marks upon the
face as well as upon the life. There is
one with proud and naughty look,
there is o. with sensual lines, another
who has CovetouS or avarlCious look,
cunning and selfish, another with
pleasant face, or honest, or pure and
good. 1t SO happens that by the aid
OF these things our tellowmen know US
better than we imagine. Be pure then
that the face and life may bear their
messages Of love to the world. 1t so
happens that there is certain class of
young men who think it is a disgrace
to be pure or even to be thought of as
such. When they meet their worst
side is seen; if there is anything to be
spoken of 1t is the impure things, hid
ing the good if there is any good in
them, they attempt to make them
selves out to be worse than they really
are. They think it is not manly to be
pure minded, while those who try TO
be pure and dare to show it are often
called "sissy boy" Perhaps from
fear or ridcule the pure is hidden from
sight. The world stands in need of
courageous young men who dare to be
and do right because right is right. 1t
it very easy to be good and do good
at times, to say kind and polite things
and to act the part of a gentleman,
l., f,,t1 ~(
ness, haired and murder What we
desire to see is a life of purity. The
impure thoughts may be kept out of
sight Tor long time, they may smoul-
der away for months, but if allowed to
shoulder they will surely burst into a
fame and the world see the Conflagra
ton. The bank cashier was tempted
long time before he yielded, he
watched his opportunity, but at last it
came and the world knew Of his sin.
Therefore be pure in thought.
BE pure in word, "for out of the
abundance Of the heart the mouth
speaketh." Thoughts affect US directly
and others indirectly, while words af
feet others directly. Confer short
time with a young man and you will
be able 10 tell much of his mind, for
he will be sure to speak Of the things
| that interest him most. How the first
! impure word that we uttered or heard
others utter shocked US, but after
awhile those same impurities become a
delight, showing that 'the heart is de-
Cietful above all things" If the pure
minded are shocked and panied when
| obliged to listen to what is impure,
how must it be to a pure and holy
God. The power of words upon men
and the lives of men are being tested
daily, by one person pefsuading
another either to do evil or to do good.
BY words men are led to give up evil
habits, to reform, or a throng Of peace
full citizens may be melted until they
become bowling mob, taking ven
geance upon innocent mortals. Some
homes are very impure, things that
ought never 10 be mentioned are spo-
ken Of as if there were no lines to be
drawn. The other day young mar
ried lady said to me, 81 would not
want my little girl to live in such a