Does the judge know the story of the spotless fur that lines his robes of State? Does the society leader realize the sacrifice which makes possible the lovely ermine wrap which lies so gracefully about her shoulders? Do they know that the little animal whose coat they now wear, as he roamed the forest of Asia was as proud as they, aye, inordinately proud of his beautiful snowy coat? And we do not wonder, for it is the most beautiful fur to be found in all the markets of the world!

Such pride does the little carnivore take in his spotless coat, that nothing is permitted to soil it in the slightest degree. Hunters are well acquainted with this fact and take very unsportsmanlike advantage of this knowledge. No traps are set for him. No, indeed! Instead, they seek out his home—a tree stump or rocky cleft and then—be it said to their everlasting shame, they daub filth within and around the entrance. As the dogs are loosed and the chase begins, the little animal naturally turns to his one place of refuge. Reaching it, rather than enter such a place of uncleanness, he turns to face the yelping dogs.

Better to be stained by blood than sully his white coat!

Only a white coat, little ermine, but how your act condemns us! “Made in the image and likeness of God” with minds and immortal spirits; and yet how often, in order to obtain something we desire, our character is sacrificed on the altars of worldly pleasure, greed, selfishness!

Everything is lost when purity is gone —purity, which has been called the soul of character. Keep thyself pure: every thought, every word, every deed, even the motive behind the deed —all, ermine-pure.

I ask this gift of thee— A life all lily fair, And fragrant as the garden be Where seraphs are.