Myself and I

MYSELF AND I By James E. Talmage, of the Council of the Twelve and President of the British Mission I have to live with myself more than with anybody else. My self and I are inseparable companions' for this life, aye, and beyond, for we are immortal, myself and I, and shall dwell together as one in eternity. Do we know each other as we should? Are we congenial and reasonably happy in this companionship, or do Kve become ;irritating, annoying and disagreeable? I Much of the sweet or the bitter in life 'depends upon the com- pany we keep, whether that company be of our own choosing or the result of conditions beyond our control. In what sort of a company am I when nobody but myself is near? ) Some there are whose self-companionship is distressingly harm- ful. Every hour they spend alone — together — Is* an hour to the bad. Left to themselves they think of evil, mutter wickedness to each othe,r, and revel in pernicious gossip. (In the dim secrecy of pelf- communion they foment loathsome quarrels and concoct ill-smelling discord. Intoxicated with their own foul brew they see only dis- tortion in the acts and motives of others, whose most worthy efforts appear to their blear eyes as of sinister purpose. In thought they indulge debasing lusts and stain their souls with sins of the heart. It would be better for them were they never alone. They do not deserve the blessed privileges' of solitude, albeit a prison cell with a watchful warden ever by their side would be to their advantage. Let us be grateful for the contrast of those whose best company is that of themselves. There are many such, otherwise this world would be worse than it is. I know some of these, and not a few — men and women who live in the high and refined society of their choice selves, who are veritably a benediction unto themselves!, and there- fore inevitably unto others. To them an hour of solitude is an hour to the good. Their thoughts are ennobling, their soliloquies in- spiring; and to their fellows they impute, in just measure, the worthiness of their own sterling attributes. The sacred privacy of their communion with self is glorified by rectitude in purpose and effort. Illumined by divine light such as is invoked by their probity of desire and so graciously shed upon them, they view the things of life with clear vision and normal perspective. When alone they bask in the sunshine of righteous ambition, and yet further whiten their souls by holy contemplation. Occasionally myself and I are permitted to visit in the cozy heart-homes of some of these blessed ones, and there we learn how to make our own sanctum more inviting and inspiring. We are all

MYSELF AND I 229 affected by our surroundings though in varying degrees; a clean and orderly environment is conducive to cleanliness and order of the per- son placed therein. Thus it becomes not only worth-while but in- dispensable to our well-being that we keep in the best possible state that little alcove of the soul into which we retire for self-examination and personal communion. I . \ How is your private chamber furnished and beautified? And how is mine — the room wherein myself and I ensconce ourselves to think alone, talk with each other, and together pray? It should be comfortable and in every [way pleasing. ,The floor is cold, hard, or soft-carpeted with the memories of good deeds — which? There are pictures on the walls, whether the apartment be poverty-stricken or palatial, yes, pictures of the past; but what do they show? They may depict scenes we never should have witnessed, sins that should have remained to us unknown; or each may be a masterpiece in unfading colors immortalizing deeds in which the angels have joy. Myself and I should know each other well. We should visit together often; and between us there must be unreserved confidence and implicit trust. I must have such respect for myself as to do all that I ought to do, and refrain from doing anything that I ought not to do, though no mortal but myself may know of the act or the omission. i And so it is with yourself and you. Don't you think so? — Millennial Star. When a Man Offers To give diamonds or jewelry worth several dollars for only a dollar, don't believe it. To give away the knowledge of a sure cure for disease by merely sending him a stamp to prepay postage, don't believe it. To make you rich for a small investment in mines or stock, don't believe it. To give you something of great value for something of less value, don't believe it. To take you as a partner with a small investment, and make you realize five hundred per cent profit, don't believe it. There are too many persons advertising on purpose to filch people of money gained by hard labor. Before entering any speculation take advantage of every means at your command to ascertain the facts with reference to the proposed business before you invest even a postage stamp. D. C. RETSLOFF, San Diego, Calif.