God said to Robert, “Today you must watch over your life, the life-house in which you dwell.” Let this square that I draw on the blackboard stand for Robert’s life, and this straight mark in front of it stand for Robert himself, as he takes up his position, erect, firm, and confident, to keep watch over himself during the day.
The first enemy that came up as Robert stood on guard over himself was Master Pride. I will draw a long, straight mark to represent him. Master Pride was so tall and held his head so high that Robert had to look far up at him, and while Robert was holding his head so high, as Master Pride caused him to, a little demon crawled into his life, one that he could not see because he crept along at his feet.
The next enemy that came up was Master Anger, a sharp fellow, whom I will represent by this angular line. Master Anger ran straight at Robert, his sharp angle striking him hard, and the first thing Robert knew he was fighting, and while he was fighting another little demon crept into his life-house.
The third enemy was Master Selfishness, who came as soon as Master Anger got out of the way. I will represent him by this capital “I.” And Master Selfishness held Robert firmly while another little demon entered, and these three demons that were now in pitched out of the window of Robert’s house all the good thoughts and good feelings that were in there before, and Robert was so busy with Master Selfishness that he did not see it.
Master Covetous came next. I represent him by this slanting line, because Master Covetous is always leaning forward, trying to reach something that he does not have. Master Covetous got Robert to running with him after a fine toy that a boy was carrying by, and while Robert was away a fourth demon crept into his life-house.
Then came Master Greedy. This big circle will stand for him. He held out apples and candy and nuts, and enticed Robert away so that another demon crept in.
Master Impatience was the next, and this crooked line, dashed off hastily, will stand for him. He bade Robert not waste his time standing guard in such a stupid way, but lock up the door of his house and go off and leave it. So Robert obeyed, and locked in all the demons that were there.
The seventh foe was Master Lazy,—this horizontal line,—and he called Robert to come and lie down with him and go to sleep in the pleasant shade of a tree, and while Robert was asleep, still more demons got in at the window of his house. Now when Robert wakes up, he will find his house full of demons,—so full that he cannot get in himself.