Maxims for Meditation, Conceits for Conversation, Gems of Genius, Pearls of Great Price

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1852 edition. Excerpt: ... Do not endeavour to shine in all companies. Leave room for your hearers to imagine something within you beyond all you have said. And remember, the more you are praised, the more you will be envied. If you would add a lustre to all your accomplishments, study a modest behaviour. To excel in any thing valuable is great; but to be above conceit on account of one's accomplishments is greater. Consider, if you have rich natural gifts, you owe them to the divine bounty. If you have improved your understanding, and studied virtue, you have only done your duty. And thus there seems little ground left for vanity. You need not tell all the truth, unless to those who have a right to know it all. But let all you tell be truth. Insult not another for his want of a talent you possess: be may have others, which you want. Praise your friends; and let your friends praise you. If you treat your inferiors with familiarity, expect the same from them. Let all your jokes be truly jokes. Jesting sometimes ends in sad earnest. If a favour is asked of you, grant it, if you can. If not, refuse it in such a manner, as that one denial may be sufficient. Wit without humanity degenerates into bitterneos. Learning without prudence into pedantry. In the midst of mirth, reflect that many of your fellow-creatures round the world are expiring; and that your turn will come shortly. So you will keep your life uniform and free from excess. Love your fellow-creature, though vicious. Hate rice in the friend you love the most. Whether is the continual laugher, or the morose the most disagreeable companion? Reproof is a medicine like mercury or opium; if it be improperly administered with respect either to the adviser or the advised, it will do harm instead of good. Nothing is...