The way that last coachman felt about the precipice is the way for boys
and girls to feel about temptation. Some things that are wrong are like
thin ice: they tempt you to see how far you can go, and the first thing
you know you are in. A boy, especially, is tempted to be what is known
as a "daredevil;" that is, one who is not afraid of anything. But there
is nothing in it, boys. That sort of thing is not courage: it is
rashness, which is just another name for foolishness.
Shakespeare once said:
"I dare do all that may become a man,
Who dares do more is none."
The really brave boy is not the one that blusters and brags: the brave
boy is usually quiet, but, as we say, "all there" when the pinch really
comes.
Christ was one of the bravest men the world ever knew, and yet He told
us to be afraid, actually afraid, of things that hurt our souls.
Do not see how near the fire you can go without getting scorched; don't
see how near sin you can go without getting caught. It is poor business.
Take this as your motto when you are inclined to tamper with wrong: "Who
eats with the devil needs a long-handled spoon." The farther you keep
away from him, the better.