Life and Literature Part 15

199

As daylight can be seen through very small holes, so little things will ill.u.s.trate a person's character.

200

CHARACTER SHOULD NOT BE BELOW HOME STANDARD.

Alexander Simpson, the elder brother of Sir James Simpson, watched over the boyhood of the latter with parental care. When the social usages of the town and the prevalent free mode of living presented strong temptations to the boy, Alexander would put his arm round his neck and tenderly warn him: "Others may do this, but it would break a' our hearts and blast a' your prospects were ye to do it." After one such warning, "Jamie was greatly troubled, and cried nearly a' the nicht (night) like to break his heart." He obeyed the warning, and became a celebrated physician in Edinburgh.

201

LITTLE THINGS.

Small kindnesses, small courtesies, small considerations, habitually practiced in our social intercourse, give a greater charm to the character than the display of great talents and accomplishments.

--_Kelty._

202

_Character_--After I have named the man, I need say no more.

--_Pliny the Younger._

203

Oaths are not the cause why a man is believed, but the character of a man is the cause why the oath is believed.

--_Aeschylus._

204

There is no man suddenly either excellently good, or extremely evil.

--_Juvenalis._

205

He who aspires to public position, offers his character for a football.

206

No character is more glorious, none deserving of universal admiration and respect, than that of helping those who are in no condition of helping themselves.

207

Prosperity tries the human heart with the deepest probe, and brings forth the hidden character.

--_Tacitus._

208

The history of a man is his character.

209

The firm foot is that which finds firm footing; The weak falters, although it be standing upon a rock.

210

To be thoroughly good natured, and yet avoid being imposed upon, shows great strength of character.

211

The charitable give out at the door, and G.o.d puts in at the window.

--_From the German._

212

CHARITY--IN WORD ONLY.

When thy brother has lost all that he ever had, and lies languis.h.i.+ng, and even gasping under the utmost extremities of poverty and distress, dost thou think to lick him whole again only with thy tongue?

--_South._

213

CHARITY.

That charity begins at home is true, Yet this is rightly understood by few.

But, lest you should not easily discern, I counsel you, my friends, this lesson learn; The home of charity is a mind possess'd Of wishes to relieve whoe'er's distress'd; In town, or country, or on foreign sh.o.r.e, She's ne'er from home when pity's at the door.

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