Progressive. We must do good to them that hate us, and use us ili; and love those who do not love us. You must not play with bad boys, who throw stones, fight and tell lies: if you do, they will do you hurt: and those who see you. with them will think that you do the same. Bad boys will call names and make game of good boys, and do all kind of bad tricks, and will take from you all your tops, kites and balls; so it is best not to go near them. A good boy does not get whipt, for he does not want it: a word spoke to him will make him good; for he minds what is said to him, and does as he ought to do. If you are a good boy, and strive to learn your book, your friends will be sure to speak well of you: and I am sure it will please you more to hear your friends praise you, than all the fine things they can give you. Beware of vice, whose empire will control your freedom; avoid her snares, where certain ruin waits. The slaves of vice can never be deemed free; and a slave he ever will be who suffers his own bad habits to get the better of him. Freedom is one of the greatest blessings in the world, and life itself is but of little value without it; but it is in vain for any one to suppose himself free who is not also good. If we expect or desire that Heaven should not forsake us, we should not forsake Heaven; and let us always reflect, that there is nothing solid but peace of mind, nothing lasting but virtue. |