1850.
Precious Vords to Awaken the Age.
235
To give alms to a person who is in straitened circumstances, is more grateful than a seasonable shower. To speak words which wound the feelings, is more to be dreaded than the dark hailstorm.
If one word will destroy the peace of heaven and earth, then it must not be uttered. If one action will destroy the happiness of a whole life, then it ought not to be rashly performed.
If you inquire respecting the wealth of my ancestors, how I shall be able to enjoy it, this I should say was as difficult as the accumula- tion of an estate by my own effort. But if you inquire concerning the happiness of my posterity, whether or not I shall bequeath to them my possessions, then I should say this would be as easy as toruin an estate.
The happiness of the obstinate and self-willed is small, but the man of a liberal and comprehensive mind secures a large emolument. He who is tyrannical and oppressive has an untimely fate, but the officer who rules with moderation and wisdom shall see many years.
When the mind is excited by delight, we are in danger of disregard- ing the truth; and when our words are prompted by anger, we are in danger of losing our self-respect. It is well therefore that we should always be on our guard.
If we rely upon our extraordinary talents to help us forward in the world, then we must beware of the venomous reptile of envy behind our backs; and if we assume a fair countenance in order to impose upon our fellow-men, it is likely there will be a mirror. held before us in which our real courage will be reflected.
In attacking men's vices be not too severe, if you wish to have them think it worth receiving; and in persuading men to be good, set not the standard too high, if you would have them listen to your admonitions.
If you praise men for their virtues to their face, although they may be inwardly pleased, still they will not perhaps be very profoundly moved: but if behind their backs you extol their good qualities, then their ex- pressions of approbation will know no bounds.. If you reprove men's faults to their faces, although they ma, not be pleased, still perhaps their anger will not be very deep: but if you reproach them for their faults behind their backs, then their expressions of resentment will be unmitigated. This is the general disposition of mankind.
The aristocracy who dwell in the country are liable to many incroach- ments from the vulgar. It is always the case more or less; and yet, after all, [to suffer it] is more for my advantage. For if I so act. that men when they see my shadow keep themselves out of the way, and venture not to pluck a single ear of corn from my field; though it
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