74 3. A family conversation-On the slavery of the negroes, 71 4. The father redeemed from slavery by his son, Sect. 1. We destroy pleasure by pursuing it too eagerly, 2. On sisterly unity and love, 9. Insolent deportment towards inferiors reproved, Sect. 1. The looking-glass; or, ill-humour corrected, 3. The Brother and Sister; or, mental excellence su- 4. The Lamb and the Pig; or, nature and education, 118 18. Trust in the goodness of God, 20. The dying Christian to his soul, 21. Epitaph on a poor and virtuous man, 23. The dangers and snares of life, INTRODUCTION TO THE ENGLISH READER. 141 PART I PIECES IN PROSE. CHAPTER I. SELECT SENTENCES AND PARAGRAPHS. SECTION LA To be good is to be happy. Vice, soon or late, brings misery. We were not made for ourseives only. A good person has a tender concern for the happiness of others. Modesty is one of the chief ornaments of youth. Deceit discovers a little mind. Cultivate the love of truth. No confidence can be placed in those who are in the habit of lying. μην Neglect no opportunity of doing good. Idleness is the parent of vice and misery. Cleanliness promotes health of body and delicacy of mind. A contented mind is an inestimable treasure. 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 H. OUR reputation, virtue, and happiness, greatly depend or 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. We should accustom ourselves to bear small injuries patiently; we shall then be better able to support great ones. When provoked by the follies of others, think of your own imperfections; be patient and humble. Without frugality none can be rich; and with it very few would be poor. The good or bad disposition of children, often shows it. |