Life and Literature Part 115

--_From the French._

1589

When you have promised to do any good office, the right of the thing promised, hath pa.s.sed over from you to another; consequently, you will esteem yourself obliged to stand to the performance of your word, though it may be to your own prejudice.

1590

A man who means to keep his promises can't afford to make many.

--_Rousseau._

1591

He that gives away his property before death must prepare to suffer.

1592

FULFILMENT OF A PROPHESY.

The minuteness and accuracy of G.o.d's program of the ages is often overlooked. There is a singular and striking instance of this in the triumphal entry of our Lord into Jerusalem. [1592:A]The command to go into the village nearby and bring the colt that would be found tied there, was in fulfillment of a prophesy made five hundred years before by Zachariah, 9th chapter, 9th verse:--"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion: shout O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an a.s.s, and upon a colt the foal of an a.s.s."--That same donkey colt was so essential to the transaction of that day, that the pageant could not have gone on without it.

--_Rev. L. W. Irwin._

FOOTNOTES:

[1592:A] _Mark xi, 2v._

1593

Let those who propose, be willing to perform.

1594

As distant prospects please us, but when near, We find but desert rocks, and fleeting air.

--_Sir Sam'l Garth._

1595

Now that I have a sheep and a cow, everybody bids me good morrow.

1596

Prosperity often creates selfishness.

--_Thos. D. Brown._

1597

Hard work is still, and always will be, the only road to prosperity.

1598

If you know how to spend less than you get, you have the philosopher's stone.

1599

In ascending the hill of prosperity, may we never meet a friend.

1600

Prosperity makes friends; Adversity tries them.

--_Publius Syrus._

1601

Prosperity makes some friends, and what is too true, many enemies.

1602

Prosperity in business is not always a sign or proof of the rect.i.tude of one's principles.

1603

It shows a weak mind not to bear prosperity as well as adversity, with moderation.

1604

We are pleased with one who instantly a.s.sents to our opinions; but we love a proselyte.

--_Sir. A. Helps._