Life and Literature Part 2

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There is nothing more difficult than the art of making advice agreeable.

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Every man, however wise, sometimes requires the advice of a friend in the affairs of life.

--_Plautus._

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He who gives advice to a self-conceited man, stands himself in need of counsel.

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Pouring water on a duck's back. (Fruitless counsel or advice).

--_Chinese._

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Most people, when they come to you for advice, come to have their own opinions strengthened, not corrected.

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CLERICAL AFFECTATION.

In man or woman, but far most in man, And most of all in man that ministers And serves the altar, in my soul I loathe All affectation. 'Tis my perfect scorn; Object of my implacable disgust.

What! Will a man play tricks, will he indulge A silly fond conceit of his fair form And just proportion, fas.h.i.+onable mien, And pretty face, in presence of his G.o.d?

Or will he seek to dazzle me with tropes, As with the diamond on his lily hand, And play his brilliant parts before my eyes When I am hungry for the bread of life?

He mocks his Maker, prost.i.tutes and shames His n.o.ble office, and, instead of truth, Displaying his own beauty, starves his flock.

--_Cowper._

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_The Cure of Affectation_--Is to follow nature. If every one would do this, affectation would be almost unknown.

--_J. Beaumont._

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Affectation of any kind, is lighting up a candle to our defects.

--_Locke._

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Affectation is the vain and ridiculous attempt of poverty to appear rich.

--_Lavater._

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How sad to notice in one--changed affections, A cold averted eye.

--_Observer._

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AFFLICTION.

Be still, sad heart, and cease repining, Behind the clouds the sun is s.h.i.+ning; Thy fate is the common fate of all; Into each life some rain must fall--, Some days must be dark and dreary.

--_Longfellow._

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_Affliction_--For every sort of suffering there is sleep provided by a gracious Providence, save that of sin.

--_J. Wilson._

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Affliction's sons are brothers in distress; A brother to relieve, how exquisite the bliss!

--_Burns._

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_Affronts_--Young men soon give, and soon forget affronts; old age is slow in both.

--_Addison._

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