In a large and respectable school near Boston, two boys from different states and strangers to each other were compelled by circumstances to room together. It was the beginning of the term, and the two students spent the first day in arranging their room, and getting acquainted. When night came, the younger of the two boys asked the other if he did not think it would be a good idea to close the day with a short reading from the Bible and a prayer. The request was modestly made, without whining or cant of any kind. The other boy, however, bluntly refused to listen to the proposal. "Then you will have no objection if I pray by myself, I suppose?" said the younger. "It has been my custom, and I wish to keep it up." "I don't want any praying in this room, and I won't have it," retorted his companion. The younger boy rose slowly, walked to the middle of the room, and, standing upon a seam in the carpet which divided the room nearly equally, said quietly: "Half of this room is mine. I pay you for it, and I will have it. You may choose which half you like the best; I will take the other, and I will pray in that half or get another room. But pray I must and will, whether you consent or refuse." The older boy was instantly conquered. To this day he admires the sturdy independence which claimed as a right what he had boorishly denied as a privilege. A Christian might as well ask leave to breathe as to ask permission to pray. There is a false sentiment connected with Christian actions which interferes with their free exercise. If there is anything to be admired, it is the manliness that knows the right and dares to do it without asking any one's permission.—Selected.