1850.
Precious Words to Awaken the Age.
237
Every man in his conduct should endeavor to set an example of con- descension and amity. In conducting his family, no matter whether he be rich or poor, the master ought to show himself a pattern of such virtues. This is like the glorious brightness of a vernal sun, under which all things spring up and grow luxuriantly. But if you once allow yourself to be crabbed and exceedingly precise, although you may not be guilty of anything actually wrong, still such a temperament can not appear otherwise than as the sour and gloomy aspect of autumn, when all things are withered and sere. Such are the natural remunerations of justice; the decrees of Providence and the affairs of men always mutually correspond.
When you are sitting at table as a guest, you ought not to seem to know everything, and should especially avoid talking carelessly about everything you may happen to think of at the time, or bawling out a man's name; lest you inadvertently appear to be disrespectful to the name of the father or elder brother, in the presence of his son or young- er relatives; or perhaps speak of faults which those in the company are conscious of having been guilty of themselves; in this way you would not fail to bring trouble upon yourself.
In order to secure that men should praise you to your face, no means is so effectual as to give them no occasion to speak evil of you be- hind your back: and that you may obtain the occasional approbation of mankind, no method is so certain as avoiding their permanent dislike.
He who created things, in forming man gave him two hands, two ears, and two eyes, and but one tongue, thus signifying that he should see, hear, and do a great deal, but should say little. His tongue was closely shut up in his mouth, the teeth being in the place of a wall, the lips as suburbs, and the beard like palisades, the tongue thus being surrounded as it were with a triple guard. If you truly desire to enjoy life then you must give heed to your words.
When there is a tumult in the street, let others go forward, but I will fall back. When a controversy arises, others may use their tongues, but I will use my ears.
Should any one perchance speak evil of me, then it would be well for me to retire and inquire of myself whether I have done anything to deserve it; if so, he has but spoken the truth, if not, then he has lied. In the former case, I have no occasion to be angry with him; and in the latter, he can not have done me any real injury. Why then should I wish to retaliate?
Whenever men fail to treat each with strict politeness, there must
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