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Literary
January 14, 1785
Fowle's New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
A collection of moral maxims offering guidance on pursuing honor through virtuous emulation, prudence in speech and actions, frugality, and cautious trust in others to lead a worthy life.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
Rules for the Conduct of Life.
If thy soul thirsteth for honor, if thy ear hath any pleasure in the voice of praise: - take thyself from the dust whereof thou art made, and exalt thy aim to something that is praise-worthy.
The oak that now spreadeth its branches towards the heavens, was once but an acorn in the bowels of the earth.
Endeavour to be first in thy calling, whatever it be, neither let any one go before thee in well-doing: nevertheless do not envy the merits of another, but improve thine own talents.
Scorn also to depress thy competitor by dishonest or unworthy methods; strive to raise thyself above him only by excelling him: so shall thy contest for superiority be crowned with honor, if not with success.
By a virtuous emulation, the spirit of a man is exalted within him; he panteth after fame, and rejoiceth as a racer to run his course.
He riseth like the palm-tree in spite of oppression; and as an eagle in the firmament of heaven, he soareth aloft, and fixeth his eye upon the glories of the sun.
The examples of eminent men are in his visions by night; and his delight is to follow them all the day long.
He formeth great designs, he rejoiceth in the execution thereof, and his name goeth forth to the ends of the world.
Hear the words of prudence, give heed unto her counsels, and store them in thine heart: her maxims are universal, and all the virtues lean upon her; she is the guide and the mistress of human life.
Put a bridle on thy tongue, set a guard before thy lips, lest the words of thine own mouth destroy thy peace.
Let him that scoffeth at the lame, take care that he fall not himself: whosoever speaketh of another's failings with pleasure, shall hear of his own with bitterness of heart.
Of much speaking cometh repentance, but in silence is safety.
A talkative man is a nuisance to society, the ear is sick of his babbling, the torrent of his words overwhelmeth conversation.
Boast not of thyself, for it shall bring contempt upon thee: Neither deride another, for it is dangerous.
A bitter jest is the poison of friendship, and he that cannot restrain his tongue shall have trouble.
Furnish thyself with the proper accommodations belonging to thy condition; yet spend not to the utmost of what thou canst afford, that the providence of thy youth may be a comfort to thy old age.
Let not thy recreations be expensive, lest the pain of purchasing them exceed the pleasure thou hast in thy enjoyment.
Neither let prosperity put out the eyes of circumspection, nor abundance cut off the hands of frugality: he that too much indulgeth in the superfluities of life, shall live to lament the want of its necessaries.
Trust no man before thou hast tried him; yet mistrust not without reason, it is uncharitable.
But when thou hast proved a man to be honest; lock him up in thine heart: as a treasure, regard him as a jewel of inestimable price.
Receive not the favours of a mercenary man, reject the proffered kindnesses of him that is wicked; they will be snares unto thee, the obligation shall be grievous to thy soul.
Use not today what tomorrow may want; neither leave that to hazard, which foresight may provide for, or care prevent.
If thy soul thirsteth for honor, if thy ear hath any pleasure in the voice of praise: - take thyself from the dust whereof thou art made, and exalt thy aim to something that is praise-worthy.
The oak that now spreadeth its branches towards the heavens, was once but an acorn in the bowels of the earth.
Endeavour to be first in thy calling, whatever it be, neither let any one go before thee in well-doing: nevertheless do not envy the merits of another, but improve thine own talents.
Scorn also to depress thy competitor by dishonest or unworthy methods; strive to raise thyself above him only by excelling him: so shall thy contest for superiority be crowned with honor, if not with success.
By a virtuous emulation, the spirit of a man is exalted within him; he panteth after fame, and rejoiceth as a racer to run his course.
He riseth like the palm-tree in spite of oppression; and as an eagle in the firmament of heaven, he soareth aloft, and fixeth his eye upon the glories of the sun.
The examples of eminent men are in his visions by night; and his delight is to follow them all the day long.
He formeth great designs, he rejoiceth in the execution thereof, and his name goeth forth to the ends of the world.
Hear the words of prudence, give heed unto her counsels, and store them in thine heart: her maxims are universal, and all the virtues lean upon her; she is the guide and the mistress of human life.
Put a bridle on thy tongue, set a guard before thy lips, lest the words of thine own mouth destroy thy peace.
Let him that scoffeth at the lame, take care that he fall not himself: whosoever speaketh of another's failings with pleasure, shall hear of his own with bitterness of heart.
Of much speaking cometh repentance, but in silence is safety.
A talkative man is a nuisance to society, the ear is sick of his babbling, the torrent of his words overwhelmeth conversation.
Boast not of thyself, for it shall bring contempt upon thee: Neither deride another, for it is dangerous.
A bitter jest is the poison of friendship, and he that cannot restrain his tongue shall have trouble.
Furnish thyself with the proper accommodations belonging to thy condition; yet spend not to the utmost of what thou canst afford, that the providence of thy youth may be a comfort to thy old age.
Let not thy recreations be expensive, lest the pain of purchasing them exceed the pleasure thou hast in thy enjoyment.
Neither let prosperity put out the eyes of circumspection, nor abundance cut off the hands of frugality: he that too much indulgeth in the superfluities of life, shall live to lament the want of its necessaries.
Trust no man before thou hast tried him; yet mistrust not without reason, it is uncharitable.
But when thou hast proved a man to be honest; lock him up in thine heart: as a treasure, regard him as a jewel of inestimable price.
Receive not the favours of a mercenary man, reject the proffered kindnesses of him that is wicked; they will be snares unto thee, the obligation shall be grievous to thy soul.
Use not today what tomorrow may want; neither leave that to hazard, which foresight may provide for, or care prevent.
What sub-type of article is it?
Essay
What themes does it cover?
Moral Virtue
Temperance
What keywords are associated?
Moral Maxims
Virtuous Emulation
Prudence
Frugality
Silence
Trust
Honor
Literary Details
Title
Rules For The Conduct Of Life.
Key Lines
If Thy Soul Thirsteth For Honor, If Thy Ear Hath Any Pleasure In The Voice Of Praise: Take Thyself From The Dust Whereof Thou Art Made, And Exalt Thy Aim To Something That Is Praise Worthy.
The Oak That Now Spreadeth Its Branches Towards The Heavens, Was Once But An Acorn In The Bowels Of The Earth.
Put A Bridle On Thy Tongue, Set A Guard Before Thy Lips, Lest The Words Of Thine Own Mouth Destroy Thy Peace.
Of Much Speaking Cometh Repentance, But In Silence Is Safety.
Use Not Today What Tomorrow May Want; Neither Leave That To Hazard, Which Foresight May Provide For, Or Care Prevent.