18.  “Right here we want to emphasize the importance of cleanliness.  We verily believe that oftentimes these habits originate in a burning and irritating sensation about the organs, caused by a want of thorough washing.

19.  “It is worthy of note that many eminent physicians now advocate the custom of circumcision, claiming that the removal of a little of the foreskin induces cleanliness, thus preventing the irritation and excitement which come from the gathering of the whiteish matter under the foreskin at the beginning of the glands.  This irritation being removed, the boy is less apt to tamper with his sexual organs.  The argument seems a good one, especially when we call to mind the high physical state of those people who have practiced the custom.

20.  “Happy is the mother who can feel she has done her duty, in this direction, while her boy is still a child.  For those mothers, though, whose little boys have now grown to boyhood with the evil still upon them, and you, through ignorance, permitted it, we would say, ’Begin at once; it is never too late.’  If he has not lost all will power, he can be saved.  Let him go in confidence to a reputable physician and follow his advice.  Simple diet, plentiful exercise in open air and congenial employment will do much.  Do not let the mind dwell upon evil thoughts, shun evil companions, avoid vulgar stories, sensational novels, and keep the thoughts pure.

21.  “Let him interest himself in social and benevolent affairs, participate in Sunday-school work, farmers’ clubs, or any organizations which tend to elevate and inspire noble sentiment.  Let us remember that ‘a perfect man is the noblest work of God.’  God has given us a life which is to last forever, and the little time we spend on earth is as nothing to the ages which we are to spend in the world beyond; so our earthly life is a very important part of our existence, for it is here that the foundation is laid for either happiness or misery in the future.  It is here that we decide our destiny, and our efforts to know and obey God’s laws in our bodies as well as in our souls will not only bring blessings to us in this life, but never-ending happiness throughout eternity.”

22.  A QUESTION.  How can a father chew and smoke tobacco, drink and swear, use vulgar language, tell obscene stories, and raise a family of pure, clean-minded children?  LET THE ECHO ANSWER.

[Illustration:  “SUFFER LITTLE CHILDREN, AND FORBID THEM NOT, TO COME UNTO ME:  FOR OF SUCH IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN-”—­MATT. 19:14]

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THE INHUMANITIES OF PARENTS.

1.  Not long ago a Presbyterian minister in Western New York whipped his three-year-old boy to death for refusing to say his prayers.  The little fingers were broken; the tender flesh was bruised and actually mangled; strong men wept when they looked on the lifeless body.  Think of a strong man from one hundred and fifty to two hundred pounds in weight, pouncing upon a little child, like a Tiger upon a Lamb, and with his strong arm inflicting physical blows on the delicate tissues of a child’s body.  See its frail and trembling flesh quiver and its tender nervous organization shaking with terror and fear.