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PART I.

MORAL MAXIMS.

On the Improvement of the Mind.

1. 'TIS education forms the youthful mind; Just as the twig is bent, the tree's inclin❜d.

Pope.

2. Where we perceive a thirst for information and a habit of attention, we may expect to see a pleasing progress in learning.

3. As wholesome food and constant exercise are conducive to the health and strength of the body, so useful knowledge and frequent meditation promote the vigour and happiness of the mind.

4. There is a vain curiosity, employed about mere trifles, and there is a laudable and inquisitive curiosity, which is the noble spring of all improvement.

B

tion. Solon's thirst after knowledge continued to the last, and it was his common saying, I grow old learning many things.

On good and bad Tempers and Dispositions.

19. Selfishness is a swamp that sucks in all and gives out nothing.

20. Pride is a cold, stormy, barren mountain; humility, a warm, serene, fruitful valley.

21. Melancholy is an overclouded sky, settling into thick fogs or heavy rains; cheerfulness is the sunshine of life, which scatters our vapours and cares.

22. Meekness repairs the mischiefs done by anger; and instead of the bloody spear, sends the olive branch of peace.

23. One mild word, says the proverb, will quench more heat than a bucket of water.

24. A generous disposition is at an equal distance from avarice and prodigality, as boldness is from timidity and rashness.

25. Be open and ingenuous. Cunning is the mere ape of wisdom, and all hate its low tricks.

Locke.

26. Envy and hate are the bane of the mind; Good will and love are the bliss of mankind.

27. He who repines at the success, and rejoices at the misfortunes of another, is a villain ready made, and ripe for mischief.

28. None but the amiable can be loved.

Lavater.

29. Revenge should into charity be changed, Because it costs too dear to be revenged; It costs our quiet and content of mind, And when 'tis compass'd, leaves a sting behind. Dryden.

30. There is no discord so unpleasant as harsh, and no harmony so sweet as amiable tempers.

31. The choicest feast is insipid where the seasoning of good humour is wanting.

32. One bad disposition produces another, and habit is the nurse that feeds and strengthens them all.

33. He who indulges ill tempers, warms and nourishes a nest of vipers to wound himself and his friends.

34. Would you keep your garden clear of weeds, pluck up some every day.

35. Would you preserve your mind from irritable and fretful humours, shun those occasions which ruffle and inflame it.

36. Let it be your aim to unite solidity of judgmen with softness of temper; firmness of resolution with tenderness of conscience; attachment to truth with indifference to trifles.

37. If good we plant not, vice will fill the mind, And weeds take up the space for flowers design'd; Those very passions that our peace invade,

If rightly govern'd, blessings may be made.

Mrs. More.

On Obedience to Parents and Teachers.

38. Children owe respect to the aged, and submission to the authority of their parents.

39. How can we expect those to win strangers, who wound and injure the dearest relations and friends?

40. Those young persons who are sullen, perverse, and obstinate at home, are generally idle, vicious, and odious abroad.

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