24. The Divine Being knows and sees every thing, INTRODUCTION TO THE ENGLISH READER. PART I. PIECES IN PROSE. . CHAPTER I. SELECT SENTENCES AND PARAGRAPHS. SECTION I. To be good is to be happy. Vice, soon or late, brings misery. We were not made for ourselves only. A good person has a tender concern for the happiness of others. Modesty is one of the chief ornaments of youth. Cultivate the love of truth. No confidence can be placed in those who are in the habit of lying. Neglect no opportunity of doing good. Idleness is the parent of vice and misery. Cleanliness promotes health of body and delicacy of mind. The real wants of nature are soon satisfied. A contented mind is an inestimable treasure. Deliberate before you promise. Boast not of the favours you bestow. Merit the approbation of the wise and good. It is a great blessing to have pious and virtuous parents. The most secret acts of goodness are seen and approved by the Almighty. SECTION II. OUR reputation, virtue, and happiness, greatly depend on the choice of our companions. Good or bad habits, formed in youth, generally go with us through life. We should be kind to all persons, even to those who are unkind to us. When we acknowledge our misconduct, and are sorry for it, generous and good persons will pity and forgive us. Our best friends are those who tell us of our faults, and teach us how to correct them. If tales were not listened to, there would be no tale-bearers. To take sincere pleasure in the blessings and excellences of others, is a sure mark of a good heart. We can never treat a fellow-creature ill, without offending the gracious Creator and Father of all. A kind word, nay even a kind look, often affords comfort to the afflicted. Every desire of the heart, every secret thought, is known to Him who made us. SECTION III. He that cares only for himself, has but few pleasures; and those few are of the lowest order. We may escape the censure of others, when we do wrong privately; but we cannot avoid the reproaches of our own mind. Partiality to self often hides from us our own faults; we see very clearly the same faults in others. Never sport with pain and distress in any of your amusements; nor treat even the meanest insect with wanton cruelty. Vicious pursuits may yield a few scattered pleasures; but piety and virtue will make our whole life happy. Fancy paints pleasures at a distance, with beautiful colours; but possession often takes away their beauty. |