Many thousand families are supported by the simple business of making mats. We should subject our fancies to the government of reason. If thou art seeking for the living amongst the dead, thou weariest thyself in vain. If we have denied ourselves sinful pleasures, we shall be great gainers in the end. We shall not be the happier for possessing talents and affluence, unless we make a right use of them. The truly good mind is not dismayed by poverty, afflictions, or death. RULE IV. See Vol. 1. p. 24. Vol. 2. p. 28. It is a great blessing to have a sound mind, uninfluenced by fanciful humours. Common calamities, and common blessings, fall heavily upon the envious. The comeliness of youth are modesty and frankness; of age, condescension and dignity. When we act against conscience, we become the destroyers of our own peace. We may be playful and yet innocent; grave, and yet corrupt. It is only from general conduct, that our true character can be portrayed. RULE V. See Vol 1. p. 24. Vol. 2. p. 29. When we bring the lawmaker into contempt, we have in effect annulled his laws. By deferring our repentance, we accumulate our sorrows. The pupils of a certain ancient philosopher, were not, during their first years of study, permitted to ask any questions. We all have many failings and lapses to lament and recover. There is no affliction with which we are visited, that may not be improved to our advantage. The Christian Lawgiver has prohibited many things, which the heathen philosophers allowed. RULE VI. See Vol. 1. p. 24. Vol. 2. p. 29. Restlessness of mind disqualifies us, both for the enjoyment of peace, and the performance of our duty. The arrows of calumny fall harmlessly at the feet of virtue. The road to the blissfull regions, is as open to the peasant as to the king. A chilness, or shivering of the body, generally precedes a fever. To recommend virtue to others, our lights must shine brightly, not dully. The silent stranger stood amaz'd to see RULE VII. See Vol. 1. p. 24. Vol. 2. p. 30. The warmth of disputation, destroys that sedateness of mind which is necessary to discover truth. All these with ceaseless praise his works behold, Both day and night. In all our reasonings, our mind should be sincerely employed in the pursuit of truth. Rude behaviour, and indecent language, are peculiarly disgraceful to youth of education. The true worship of God is an important and anful service. Wisdom alone is truly fair: folly only appears so. RULE VIII. See Vol. I. p. 24. Vol. 2. p. 30. The study of the English language is making daily ad vancement. A judicious arrangement of studies facilitates improvement. To shun allurements is not hard, To minds resolv'd, forewarn'd, and well prepar'd. RULE IX. See Vol. 1. p. 25. Vol. 2. p. 30. Every person and thing connected with self, is apt to appear good and desirable in our eyes. Errors and misconduct are more excusable in ignorant, than in well-instructed persons. The divine laws are not reversible by those of men. Gratitude is a forcible and active principle in good and generous minds. Our natural and involuntary defects of body, are not chargeable upon us. We are made to be serviceable to others, as well as to ourselves. RULE X. See Vol. 1. p. 25. Vol. 2. p. 31. An obliging and humble disposition, is totally unconnected with a servile and cringing humour. By solacing the sorrows of others, the heart is improved, at the same time that our duty is performed. Labour and expense are lost upon a dronish spirit. The inadvertences of youth may be excused, but knavish tricks should meet with severe reproof. RULE XI. See Vol. 1. p. 25. Vol. 2. p. 32. The passover was a celebrated feast among the Jews. A virtuous woman looketh well to the ways of her household, These people salute one another, by touching the top of their foreheads. That which is sometimes expedient, is not always so. We may be hurtful to others, by our example, as well as by personal injuries. In candid minds, truth finds an entrance, and a welcome too. Our pastimes should be innocent; and they should not occur too frequently. CHAPTER II. Containing corrections of the false ORTHOGRAPHY, promiscuously disposed. SECTION 1. See the Exercises, p. 33. NEGLECT no opportunity of doing good, How shall we keep, what sleeping or awake, Neither time nor misfortunes should erase the remembrance of a friend. Moderation should preside, both in the kitchen and the par lour. Shall we receive good at the Divine hand, and shall we not receive evil! In many designs, we may succeed and be miserable. We should have sense and virtue enough to recede from our demands, when they appear to be unreasonable. All our comforts proceed from the Father of Goodness. The ruin of a state is generally preceded by a universal degeneracy of manners, and a contempt of religion. His father omitted nothing in his education, that might render him virtuous and useful. The daw in the fable was dressed in pilfered ornaments. A favour conferred with delicacy, doubles the obligation. They tempted their Creator, and limited the Holy One of Israel. The precepts of a good education have often recurred in the time of need. We are frequently benefited by what we have dreaded. It is no great virtue to live lovingly with good natured and meek persons. The Christian religion gives a more lovely character of God, than any religion ever did. Without sinistrous views, they are dexterous managers of their own interest. Any thing committed to the trust and care of another, is a deposite. Here finish'd he, and all that he had made, It deserves our best skill to inquire into those rules, by which we may guide our judgment. Food, clothing, and habitations, are the rewards of industry. If we lay no restraint upon our lusts, no control upon our appetites and passions, they will hurry us into guilt and misery. An Independent is one who, in religious affairs, holds that every congregation is a complete Church. Receive his counsel, and securely move: Following life in creatures we dissect, The acknowledgment of our transgressions must precede the forgiveness of them. |