DISCIPLINING AN EMPEROR'S SON.
CZAR Nicholas was a stern disciplinarian, and not infrequently gave his only son, the late Czar, a severe lesson. When the late Czar Alexander was a lad of fourteen, he was made sub-lieutenant of the Imperial Guards. His new epaulets soon got him into trouble.
One day when in uniform, he happened to cross
one of the halls of the palace where the highest dignitaries of the realm were
assembled. As he entered, they arose
and bowed. This mark of respect from the oldest soldiers of the empire
flattered the boy's vanity.
In his glee he repeatedly passed through the room, expecting the same recognition from the courtiers. The latter took no further notice.
Vexed at what he considered a breach of etiquette, the young Grand Duke complained to his father of the treatment he had received. Nicholas took him by the hand, and led him to the hall.
"These men whom you want to honor you," he said, " are the men you should honor. You should regard any mark of respect they pay you as an excess of kindness. What you have done shows that you are too young to wear the epaulets of an officer. I deprive you of them."
All entreaties were in vain. Alexander was degraded in the presence of the assembly; to be made, however, colonel in the Grenadiers of the Guard, at the age of sixteen.
Before honor is humility; and the greater Son of a mightier Ruler than Nicholas of Russia, took upon him the form of a servant," and "learned obedience by the things he suffered; "and gave his life a ransom for his foes.' "
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name."
Are we willing to walk in the path of humility till God shall crown us with eternal honor? or do we prefer that pride which "goeth before destruction," and the haughty spirit that prepares us for a fall.
Selected.
Good deeds will shine as the stars of heaven.