Ambitious parents sometimes try to make lawyers, doctors, preachers and statesmen out of boys nature meant for plowmen. How often do we find misfits! There is nothing more pitiable than to see a man whose mind and heart are completely wrapped up in one thing and yet condemned by circumstances to do another.
1484
The cavalry captain Kurtzhagen was invited to dine with King Frederick II. "From what noble house are you descended?" asked the king. "From none whatever," replied Kurtzhagen. "My parents are only poor country people, but I would not exchange them for any other parents in the world." "Well said," replied the king. "Woe to him who is so mean as to be ashamed of his parents."
1485
"Father," said a young man on his death-bed, "you have been very good to me. You have given me a fine education, and you have placed me in a fine social position; you have done everything for me in a worldly sense; but, dear father, you never told me much of a hereafter. Now I am dying."
1486
If any one toil for a parent, it is not fitting to bear remembrance of the toil.
1487
The good conduct of the father and mother is the blessing of the children.
1488
ALL FOOLS NOW.
A little Boston girl was encouraged by her parents to study so much that her brain gave way, and she is now an idiot. This is a sad result, but the parents must find some consolation in the thought that they have made their daughter like themselves.
1489
It so falls out, that,
What we have we prize, not to the worth,
While we enjoy it; but being lack'd and lost,
Why, then, we rack the value, then we find
The virtue that possession would not show us,
Whilst it was ours.
—Shakespeare.
Note: Applicable to one's parents.
1490
PARTING.
We twain have met like the ships upon the sea,
Who hold an hour's converse, so short, so sweet;
One little hour! and then, away they speed
On lonely paths, through mists, and cloud, and foam,
To meet no more.
—A. Smith.
1491
PARTING FROM FRIENDS.
When forc'd to part from those we love,
Though sure to meet to-morrow;
We yet a kind of anguish prove,
And feel a touch of sorrow.
But oh! what words can paint the fears
When from those friends we sever,
Perhaps to part for months—for years—
Perhaps to part for ever.
1492
Control your passion or it will control you.
—Horace.
1493
Nothing overcomes passion sooner than silence.
—French.
1494
Remember, three things come not back;
The arrow sent upon its track—
It will not swerve, it will not stay
Its speed; it flies to wound or slay;
The spoken word, so soon forgot
By thee, but it has perished not;
In other hearts 'tis living still,
And doing work for good or ill;
And the lost opportunity
That cometh back no more to thee.
In vain thou weep'st, in vain dost yearn,
These three will never more return.
1495
Let by-gones be by-gones; let the past be forgotten.
—Dr. Webster.
1496
Every one utters the word "past" with more emotion than "future."
—Richter.
1497
The beaten path is the safe one.
—From the Latin.
1498
A pearl is often hidden in an ugly shell.
—Chinese.
1499
The pen is the tongue of the mind.
—Cervantes.
1500
HOW TO WAKE THE PEOPLE.
An old peasant in a German village had to leave his children alone in the house for the day. "If a thief comes," he said to them, "do not cry 'Thief!' For everybody will be afraid and will say to himself: 'After all, it's not my property that's being taken.' No, my children; shout 'Fire!' The whole village will run to help you, for everybody will be afraid the fire will spread."
—Saturday Evening Post.
1501
Perfection none must hope to find
In all this world—in man or woman-kind.
1502
As the sun's shadow shifts, so there is no permanence on earth.
—Chinese.
1503
By persevering, mountains will often become only mole hills.
1504
SCOTTISH PERSEVERANCE.
Scottish perseverance has itself become proverbial; we remember to have met with a story which is said to be connected with the foundation of an opulent mercantile house which has flourished for some generations. Saunders, the traveler, entered a shop in London and enquired for the head of the house; one of the clerks asked what he wanted; the answer of Saunders was, as usual, a question, "Want ye aught in my line, sir?" "No," was the prompt reply, accompanied by a look of contempt at the itinerant Scotch merchant. "Will ye no tak' a look o' the gudes, sir?" was Saunders' next query. "No, not at all; I have not time. Take them away—take them away!" "Ye'll aiblins (perhaps) find them worth your while, and I doubt na but ye'll buy," said Saunders; and he proceeded to untie and unstrap his burden. "Go away—go away!" was reiterated more than once by the clerk, but the persevering Scot still persisted. The master of the establishment overheard all that had taken place, and now he stepped forward, and, moved by some compunction for the treatment the traveler had received, and some admiration, too, for the patience and perseverance of the man, he consented to look over the contents of the pack, found them to be exactly the goods he was in want of, purchased them all, and gave a very large order; and thus, says Chambers, who tells the story, assisted in the foundation of a large mercantile house.
But is not this the stuff of which also the Livingstones and the Macleods are made? Was not this the spirit which set the brave Sir Walter Scott to work, when sinking into his later years, to overtake his fearful loss of one hundred thousand pounds? Is it not a commentary upon that especial proverb which we have said so illustrates the Scottish character, "He that tholes (or endures) overcomes?"
—Chambers Journal.
1505
Better ask twice than lose your way once.
1506
THE FATE OF PETITIONS.
Petitions not sweeten'd
With gold, are but unsavoury, oft refused;
Or if received, are pocketed, never read.
—Massinger.
1507
Jenny Lind was frequently known to pass unobserved from her residence, as if to make a visit, and had been traced to the back lanes and cottages of the poor, whose wants she ascertained and relieved. Several times she had been remonstrated with, and warned by her intimate friends against being imposed upon. She always replied, "Never mind; if I relieve ten, and one is worthy, I am satisfied."
1508
NAME OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN.
A philanthropist, when a candidate for the ministry, was traveling on one occasion from Strasbourg. It was in the winter time. The ground was deeply covered with snow, and the roads were almost impassable. He had reached the middle of his journey and was among the mountains; and by that time was so exhausted that he could stand erect no longer. He was rapidly freezing to death, and sleep began to overpower him. He commended himself to God, and yielded to what he felt to be the sleep of death. He knew not how long he slept, but suddenly became conscious of some one rousing him. Before him stood a wagon-driver in his blue blouse, and the wagon not far away. His rescuer gave him a little wine and food, and the spirit of life returned. He then helped him upon the wagon, and brought him to the next village. Oberlin, the philanthropist, was profuse in his thanks, and offered money, which his benefactor refused. "It is only a duty to help one another," said the wagoner; "and it is the next thing to an insult to offer a reward for such a service." "Then," said Oberlin, "at least tell me your name, that I may have you in thankful remembrance before God." "I see," said the wagoner, "that you are a minister of the Gospel. Please tell me the name of the Good Samaritan." "That," said Oberlin, "I cannot do; for it was not put on record." "Then," replied the wagoner, "until you can tell me his name, permit me to withhold mine."
1509
A Sensible Answer.—A story is told about Wendell Phillips—a story that must have made even the serious-minded Abolitionist laugh heartily: He was in a hotel in Charleston, had breakfast in his room, and was served by a slave. Mr. Phillips spoke to him as an Abolitionist, but the waiter seemed to be more concerned about the breakfast than about himself. Finally Mr. Phillips told him to go away, saying that he could not bear to be waited upon by a slave.
The other remonstrated: "Scuse me, massa, but I's obliged to stay yere, 'cause I's 'sponsible fo' de silverware."
1510
MY FIRST PATIENT.
A lady sent for me in haste to come and see,
What her condition for a cure might be.
Dear me! a patient—what a happy tone,
To have a patient, and one all my own—
To have a patient and myself be feed,
Raised expectations very high indeed—
I saw a practice growing from the seed.
—Wm. Tod Helmuth.
1511
Fretting is the doctor's best friend all over the whole world.
1512
Temperance and toil are the two real physicians of mankind.
1513
The purse of the patient frequently, alas! protracts his cure.
—Zimmerman.
1514
Physic, for the most part, is nothing else but the substitute of exercise and temperance.
—Addison.
1515
To pity distress is but human; to relieve it is Godlike.
1516
The thirsty earth soaks up the rain
And drinks and gaps for drink again;
The plants suck in the earth, and are
With constant drinking fresh and fair.
—A. Cowley.
1517
THE BREVITY OF PLEASURES.
Pleasures are like poppies spread,
You seize the flower, its bloom is shed;
Or, like the snow-fall in the river,
A moment white, then melts forever.
—Burns: Tam O'Shanter.
1518
There is a certain dignity to be kept up in pleasures as well as in business.
1519
The greatest pleasure I know is to do a good action by stealth, and to have it found out by accident.
—Charles Lamb.
1520
To make pleasures pleasant, shorten them.
—Buxton.
1521
Pleasures make folks acquainted with each other, but it takes trials and griefs to make them know each other.
1522
Our sweetest pleasures—oft
Are in our memories.
1523
A man would have but little pleasure if he did not sometimes flatter himself.
1524
The most delicate, the most sensible of all pleasures, consist in promoting the pleasures of others.
—La Bruyere.
1525
ONE WAY OF AVOIDING PNEUMONIA.
When the fire in your room goes out, drop your pen, or, if reading, your book, and go out too; If you remain, and continue your work, you may regret it. Many a student in the universities, anxious to get on with his studies, has worked in a cold room and paid the penalty with—Pneumonia, ending sometimes in death.
—Observer.
1526
Modern poets mix much water with their ink.
—Goethe.
1527
Avoid all haste; calmness is an essential ingredient of politeness.
—Alphonse Karr.
1528
A BUDDING CHESTERFIELD.
A small boy was at a table where his mother was not near to take care of him, and a lady next to him volunteered her services. "Let me cut your steak for you," she said; "if I can cut it the way you like it," she added, with some degree of doubt. "Thank you," the boy responded, accepting her courtesy; "I shall like it the way you cut it, even if you do not cut it the way I like it."
1529
TRUE POLITENESS.
The following beautiful incident is related of the late Prince consort. On one occasion a humble but very worthy man who had befriended the Prince in early life called to see him, and was invited to come to the family table. He began to eat with his knife, as he had always been accustomed to do, and this excited a little quiet merriment among the young people. Prince Albert looked round upon them, as if to say, "Stop that!" and at once began himself to eat with his knife, and continued to do so to the end of the meal. After dinner, one of the children asked him why he did so. The Prince replied: "It is well enough for us to observe the etiquette of the day; but it is far more important to avoid insulting people. I wanted my old friend to enjoy his dinner, which he could not have done had he seen you laughing at him. He is accustomed to use his knife, and it would doubtless be quite difficult for him to use the fork instead."—This was genuine politeness, and the world would be happier if the same feeling were always shown.
1530
Politeness is as natural to delicate natures as perfume is to flowers; it smoothes wrinkles.
1531
Ceremonies are different in every country; but true politeness is everywhere the same.
—Goldsmith.
1532
Dr. Johnson:—"Politics are now nothing more than means of rising in the world. With this sole view do men engage in politics, and their whole conduct proceeds upon it."
—Boswell's Johnson.
1533
Few, save the poor, feel for the poor.
1534
Poor folks' wisdom goes for little.
—Dutch.
1535
He that thinks he can afford to be negligent, is not far from being poor.
—Dr. Johnson.
1536
Poor and content, is rich and rich enough;
But riches, is as poor as winter,
To him that ever fears he shall be poor.
1537
Speak gently, kindly, to the poor;
Let no harsh term be heard;
They have enough they must endure,
Without an unkind word.
—George W. Hangford.
1538
The poor, the humble, and your dependents, will often be afraid to ask their due from you: be the more mindful of it yourself.
1539
The poor, who envies not the rich, who pities his companions in poverty, and can spare something for him that is still poorer, is, in the realms of humanity, a king of kings.
1540
The man who says, "Let me wait a little, when I have something to spare, I will relieve the poor," will never relieve them.
1541
THE COMPLAINTS OF THE POOR.
"And wherefore do the poor complain?"
The rich man ask'd of me:
"Come, walk abroad with me," I said,
"And I will answer thee."
'Twas evening, and the frozen streets
Were cheerless to behold;
And we were wrapp'd and coated well,
And yet we were a-cold.
We met an old, bareheaded man,
His locks were thin and white;
I ask'd him what he did abroad
In that cold winter's night.
The cold was keen, indeed, he said—
But at home no fire had he;
And therefore he had come abroad
To ask for charity.
We met a young barefooted child,
And she begged loud and bold;
I asked her what she did abroad
When the wind it blew so cold.
She said her father was at home,
And he lay sick abed;
And therefore was it she was sent
Abroad to beg for bread.
We saw a woman sitting down
Upon a stone to rest;
She had a baby at her back,
And another at her breast.
I ask'd her why she loiter'd there,
When the night-wind was so chill;
She turn'd her head, and bade the child
That scream'd behind, be still—
Then told us that her husband served,
A soldier, far away;
And therefore to her parish she
Was begging back her way.
I turn'd me to the rich man then,
For silently stood he;
"You ask'd me why the poor complain
And these have answer'd thee!"
—Old Magazine.
1542
The world caresses the rich, though vulgar and ill-bred, and avoids the poor man of merit in the threadbare coat.
1543
ONE "ALWAYS RIGHT;" THE OTHER, "NEVER WRONG."
A worthy old Ayrshire farmer had the portraits of himself and his wife painted. When that of her husband, in an elegant frame, was hung over the fireplace, the gudewife remarked in a sly manner: "I think, gudeman, noo that ye've gotten your picture hung up there, we should just put in below't, for a motto, like, 'Aye richt!'"
"Deed may ye, my woman," replied her husband in an equally pawkie tone; "and when ye get yours hung up over the sofa there, we'll just put up anither motto on't, and say, 'Never wrang.'"
1544
Not every man who has an easy place has a soft pillow.
1545
CONCEALING POVERTY.
If rich, it is easy enough to conceal our wealth; but, if poor, it is not quite so easy to conceal our poverty. We shall find it less difficult to hide a thousand guineas, than one hole in our coat.
1546
Poverty is the only burden which grows heavier when loved ones help to bear it.
1547
Poverty is in want of much, but avarice of everything.
—Publius Syrus.
1548
POVERTY.
A poor man resembles a fiddler, whose music, though liked, is not much praised, because he lives by it; while a gentleman performer, though the most wretched scraper alive, throws the audience into raptures.
1549
The love of power is an instinct of the human heart.
—Tacitus.
1550
Power often goes before talent.
—From the Danish.
1551
—Massinger.
1552
A partnership with men in power is never safe.
—Phaedrus.
1553
And (strange to tell) he practised what he preached.
—Armstrong.
1554
Praise is the best diet for us after all.
—Sydney Smith.
1555
Just praise is only a debt, but flattery is a present.
—Johnson.
1556
The love of praise, howe'er concealed by art,
Reigns more or less and glows in every heart.
—Dr. E. Young.
1557
Most persons are like Themistocles that never found himself so well contented, as when he heard himself praised.
1558
PRAISE.
How could my tongue
Take pleasure, and be lavish in thy praise!
How could I speak thy nobleness of nature!
Thy open, manly heart, thy courage, constancy
And inborn truth, unknowing to dissemble!
Thou art the man in whom my soul delights
In whom, next heaven, I trust.
1559
Self-Praise.—It is a sign that your reputation is small and sinking, if your own tongue must praise you.
1560
The sweetest of all sounds is,—praise!
1561
No man ever praised two persons equally—and pleased them both.
1562
DIRECTED IN A DREAM.
A zealous divine, who had prayed earnestly that God would teach him the perfect way of truth, was directed in a dream to go to a certain place, where he would find an instructor; when he came to the place, he found a man in ordinary attire, to whom he wished a good morning.
"I never had a bad morning," replied the man. "That is very singular; I wish you may always be as fortunate." "I was never unfortunate," said he. "I hope you may always be as happy," said the divine. "I am never unhappy," said the other. "I wish," said the divine, "that you would explain yourself a little."
"That I will cheerfully do," said the other; "I said that I never had a bad morning, for every morning, even if I am pinched with hunger, I praise God. If it rains, or snows, or hails, whether the day is serene or tempestuous, I am still thankful to God, and therefore I never had a joyless morning. If I am miserable in outward circumstances, and despised, I still praise God; you wished that I might always be fortunate, but I cannot be unfortunate, because nothing befalls me but according to the will of God, and I believe that His will is always good, in whatever He does or permits to be done. You wished me always happy, but I cannot be unhappy, because my will is always resigned to the will of God."
The divine, astonished at the man's answers, asked him whence he came.
"I came from God," he replied. "Where did you find Him?" "Where I left the world." "Where did you leave God?" "With the pure in heart." "What are you?" "I am a king." "Where is your kingdom?" "It is within my bosom. I have learned to rule my appetites and passions, and that is better than to rule any kingdom in the world."
"How were you brought into this happy condition?"
"By secret prayer, spiritual meditation and union with God; nothing below God could satisfy my desires; I have found Him, and in Him I have found Peace and Rest."
—Old Magazine.
1563
A PRAYER "FOR ABSENT RELATIVES AND FRIENDS."
"Our Father, in Thy mercy
Hear our anxious prayer:
Keep our loved ones now far absent
'Neath Thy care."
1564
NO ROOF ON THE HOUSE.
A laborer went to work for a wealthy farmer. It was regarded as something of a favor to be employed by him, as he was a prompt and liberal paymaster, and was look'd upon by his neighbors as a very superior farmer. The man remained with him only a few days.
"I'm told you've left farmer P," said a neighbor.
"Yes, I have," was the reply.
"Was the work too hard for you?"
"There was nothing to complain of on that score."
"What then? Were the wages too low?"
"No."
"Why did you leave?"
"There was no roof on the house!" And he went on his way, leaving the questioner to ponder on the strange answer he had given.
The man's meaning may be found in the saying of an old writer, who affirms that a dwelling in which prayer is not offered up to God daily, is like a house without a roof, in which there cannot be either peace, safety, or comfort.
—Old Magazine.
1565
Prayer in the morning is the key that opens to us the treasures of God's mercies and blessings; in the evening it is the key that shuts us up under his protection and safeguard.
1566
When thou prayest, rather let thy heart be without words, than thy words without heart.
—Bunyan.
1567
A QUAINT OLD PRAYER.
"Oh, that mine eyes might closed be
To what concerns me not to see;
That deafness might possess mine ear
To what concerns me not to hear;
That love my tongue might always tie
From ever speaking foolishly!
But what are wishes! Lord, mine eye
On Thee is fixed. To Thee I cry.
Wash, Lord, and purify my heart
And make it clean in every part;
And when 'tis clean, Lord, keep it, too,
For that is more than I can do."
—Unknown.
1568
Rev. Thomas Guthrie:—"As an ambassador for Christ, I regard a preacher of the Gospel as filling the most responsible office any mortal can occupy. His pulpit is, in my eyes, loftier than a throne; and of all professions, learned or unlearned, his, though usually in point of wealth the poorest, I esteem the most honorable. That office is one angels themselves might covet."
—From Memoir of Dr. Guthrie.
1569
When the preacher seeks fame he is sure to find folly.
1570
Opinions founded on prejudice are always sustained with the greatest violence.
1571
He who never leaves his country is apt to be full of prejudices.
—Goldoni.
1572
Enjoy the Present.—Our advantages fly away:
Gather flowers while ye may.
1573
YESTERDAY, TO-DAY AND TO-MORROW.
We cannot change yesterday—that is clear,—
Or begin on to-morrow until it is here;
So all that is left for you, and me,
Is to make to-day as sweet as can be.
1574
Many delight more in giving of presents than in paying their debts.
—Sir Philip Sidney.
1575
People who strive to appear to be what they are not, only succeed in being nothing.
1576
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
1577
Thou art proud; believest thou thyself to be one of the more exalted beings?
1578
Proud people seldom have friends. In prosperity they know nobody; in adversity nobody knows them.
1579
Never be too much elated.
—From the Latin.
1580
How little do they know of human nature, who imagine, that pride is likely to be subdued by adversity.
—Sir Arthur Helps.
1581
Be unable at all times to forsake your principles.
1582
ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND PRINCIPLES.
Mrs. Campbell, a Scotch lady, was recommended as sub-governess to the Princess Charlotte, and the old King George III formed a high opinion of her. She felt reluctant to accept the post, urging her deficiency in the necessary accomplishments. "Madame," said the king, "I hope we can afford to purchase accomplishments, but we cannot buy principles."
1583
What may be dune at ony time, will be dune at nae time.
—Scotch.
1584
Professing, without practising, will never do us any good.
1585
Honor and profit do not always lie in the same sack.
—George Herbert.
1586
Lord Chatham: "I would have inscribed on the curtains of your bed, and the walls of your chamber, this:—If you do not rise early, you can make progress in nothing."
1587
My deeds, and speeches, sir,
Are lines drawn from one centre; what I promise
To do, I'll do.
—Shakespeare.
1588
There is no piety in keeping an unjust promise.
—From the French.
1589
When you have promised to do any good office, the right of the thing promised, hath passed 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 God'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 ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass."—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:
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 rectitude 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 assents to our opinions; but we love a proselyte.
—Sir. A. Helps.
1605
JAPANESE PROVERBS.
He who knows not, and knows that he knows not, is humble. Teach him.
He who knows, and knows not that he knows, is asleep. Wake him.
He who knows, and knows that he knows, is a wise man. Follow him.
1606
Punctuality is one of the characteristics of politeness. He who does not keep his appointments promptly, is hardly fit for the society of gentlemen.
1607
Punctuality begets
Confidence
and Respect.
—From the German.
1607a
PUNCTUALITY AS A VIRTUE.
It is neither polite nor honest to be behind hand when one can just as easily be on time. An artist solicited and obtained permission to paint a portrait of Queen Victoria. The hour and place for the important undertaking were named. Promptly the queen was present; but the artist was not when the hour came. He arrived at length, but too late, for her majesty had departed, leaving a message that she would not return. The queen had kept her promise, but the artist had failed to keep his, and thus lost the rare chance to win both fame and fortune.
—T. J. MacMurray.
1608
Lord Nelson used to say: "I have always been a quarter of an hour before my time, and it has made a man of me."
1609
Horace Mann said:—Unfaithfulness in the keeping of an appointment is an act of dishonesty. You may as well borrow a person's money as his time.
1610
To be unpunctual is sometimes considered a mark of consequence by little great men, but the truly great have always thought differently.
1611
Purposes, like eggs, unless they be hatched into action, will run into decay.
—Smiles.
1612
CONSUMPTION OF THE PURSE.
I can get no remedy against the consumption of the purse: borrowing only lingers and lingers it out, and I find the disease is incurable.
—Shakespeare.
1613
Who has an empty purse must have a sweet tongue.
1614
Not to oversee workmen is to leave them your purse open.
—Franklin.
