The Serpent Of Appetite

It ia au oíd eastern fabjo that a certain king once suffered thc devil to kiss him on either ahoulder. ímmediately therosprung therefrom two serpents, wbo furious witn hunger, attacked the man and strove toeat into his brain. The now terrified king strove to tear them away and oaat tlicm f'rom him, when he saw to his horror that they had become a part of hiinself. Just so it is with eyery one who becomos a slave to his appetite. He may yield in what seems a very little thing at first. Even when he finds himself attacked by the serpent that lurks in the glass, he may faney that lie can cast him oil. But, alas, he finds the thirst for strong drink has become a part oi' himself. It would be aluiost as easy to cut off his right hand. The poor poet, Burns, said that if a barrel of rum was placed in one coroer of the room and a lqadcdcannon in the other, pointing toward him, ready to bo fired if heapproached the barrel, he had no choice but to go for the rum. The person who first torupts you to take a glasH may appear very friendly. It was not a dart that satan aimcd at the fated kiug ; hc only gave him a kiss. But the serpent that sprang Irom it was just as doadly for all that. Oh, be careful of lettin thin serpent of appetite get hold of you, for it will be a miracle ofgrace indeed if you aro everable tn shake him off. Guard against every sin, howcver small. Let it not ain a liold upon you. Pray to be kopt from temptation in every forin, and think not that in your owu strength you can battle agaio&t it.