Self-reflection is like the action
of a mirror held up to nature. Some are always throwing their
reflections in their neighbors’ faces; others concentrate
them on themselves. A fool’s eyes are to the ends of the
earth; those of the wise are introverted. The former are ever
talking about the faults of their neighbors; the latter consider
their own. Those who make persons the subject of their conversation,
will be slanderers of their neighbors; those who discuss principles
may amend themselves.
When a house is fastened against thieves and robbers, it should
not be forgotten that the greatest of enemies often lodge within.
We shall rob and deceive ourselves, unless we set a double guard
on the spiritual foes that lurk in every bosom.
Moral principle is the citadel of the heart. All education,
therefore, which is conducted irrespective of this, is but the
erection of outworks to besiege the stronghold of virtue. The
company we keep, the books we read, the conversations we hold,
our paths of pleasure, our walks, our employments, all should
be made to furnish enlistments for our moral defense.
Truth is a diamond which should always glitter in the crown
piece of every door, like the blood of the Passover on the lintels
of God’s elect. The destroying angel is commissioned to
honor that token. She who says, through the agency of her servant,
“I am not at home,” is false, and teaches falsehood
to her dependents.
As we know a man by the company he keeps, we may also know
the heart by the conversation it dictates; for “out of
the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” She who
can keep silence, holds the control of her conduct; but the
conduct of a perpetual talker is controlled by her tongue.
One who seeks causes of offense will find them sown by the winds,
and borne on every breath, while it will be found difficult
to insult one who is careful not to insult others.
She who considers herself immortal, will act from high and
inspiring motives; while she who lives only for time, must be
groveling and limited in her plans of benevolent enterprise.
To estimate this world as our home, and its things as deserving
our principal regard, is to reverse divine wisdom, and substitute
time for eternity.
The female who usurps the place which belongs not to her, will
soon belong to the place for which she was not originally designed.
Those who insist that the intellectual education of daughters
shall be conducted amid a routine of fashionable amusements,
will find the influence of the latter too strong for the lessons
of the masters, and personal accomplishments will secure the
attention which is due only to the mind. Education may be made
a pleasure, but it cannot be made a pastime.
How will the soul wither under remorse and self-reproach in
the coming world, for misspent time and neglected duty here!
How will it mourn over privileges abused, opportunities omitted,
good despised, and bad habits cherished! Have always something
on hand suited to small portions of time. Never be idle, because
you may have a great object which cannot be interrupted when
begun, and therefore not begun at all.
She who rises with the sun, and puts her house in order, employs
nature’s pencil to give tint and color to her cheeks, will
be sure to eat a good breakfast, and may defy poverty and old
age.
