A true religion does not consist in a mere profession of faith, nor in church membership, but in that which is the leading principle of our lives; in that which binds us to achieve an ultimate aim; in that which calls into exercise all our moral powers, and harmonizes our lives with the requisitions of the divine law. Yet any religion is better than none. Even the pagan is not destitute of a religion of some sort, however debased it may be. It is simply the refinement of a higher civilization which has made the difference between the pagan and the Christian. Nothing can be more important, therefore, than the kind of education which is bestowed on us in childhood, or the kind of self-culture which we choose to bestow on ourselves. And though circumstances may be adverse to our interests, it is our duty to conquer circumstances, and take into our own hands the fabrication of our fortunes. In this life every day brings with it new lessons; and though some of them may be pernicious, all of them have their value. If there were nothing evil, there would be nothing good,--for the reason that there would be no contrast, no standard of comparison. And yet between good and evil there is no halfway house, no "happy medium." In every question of right and wrong there are but two sides. The one or the other we must take, either directly or indirectly. We cannot take a neutral stand if we would; nor can we identify ourselves with both sides. Sincerity and hypocrisy are not born of the same parentage, and cannot therefore walk hand in hand, nor take the same social position. They are marked by a different sign, and by their sign they are readily recognized. Appear where they will, the one will be respected, the other despised. If you would excel in anything, in any particular pursuit, you must first resolve to excel, and then persevere, cost what it will. If you encounter lions in your path, exterminate them. In ascending mountains, make difficulties your stepping-stones, and never look back until you reach the summit, and can breathe freely in a pure atmosphere. If you would reach the stars, construct your own ladder, and climb until you not only reach them, but are crowned with them. The soul never becomes truly heroic until it becomes truly godlike in its aspirations and purposes.