He believes that much of the vandalism exhibited in many of the higher institutions is due to the lack of good moral culture in the lower ones. He believes in Sunday Schools, but doubts whether the teaching of one hour, of one day in seven, if ever so valuable, can counteract the evil influences of the remaining six days of the week. He believes, religiously, in the fundamental principles of our American system of government, as the best adapted to the American people, and that the permanence of this system depends upon the intelligence and virtue of the citizens. He believes that, "Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people; and that a nation's sins are but the aggregate reproaches of the individuals who compose it. He believes that the principles of our government must be taught constantly and thoroughly to promote true patriotism. He believes that the self-control necessary for the good citizen must be based upon the principles and practice of a good school; for a school is but a state in miniature. He believes that the gentleman and lady must be distinguished by good manners, and that good manners are the outgrowth of good morals. He believes that educators generally appreciate the necessity of regular instruction in morals and manners as an important auxiliary in the government and discipline of the schools; but he is not aware of any systematic text book on moral and social law which is adapted to the use of grammar and intermediate schools, and of families. Therefore he has prepared this manual. If it meet with the acceptance which the importance of the subject demands, he will feel that he has not written in vain. EVANSVILLE, IND., 1873. MORAL LAW. CHAPTER I. "He that walketh with wise men, shall be wise." GOOD SOCIETY. "What must I do to secure a place in good society?" is a question that often perplexes the minds of the young as they begin to mingle with the world. The answer depends upon what is meant by the term. People differ as to what constitutes good society, and therefore a variety of definitions of it may be given, depending upon the diversity of their views. One supposes good society to be an association of those who are rich and able to afford the luxuries of good living and elegant houses; of fashion and fine dress. Another thinks it consists of those who trace their family name and history back through generations of honored ancestors. Another imagines that official position or prosperous business gives a sure title to good society. The society of the Good.-While wealth, good family connections, office honorably obtained, and flourishing business are very desirable, yet any of these alone, or all combined, do not make their possessors fit to enter such society and enjoy its benefits, without having some other and better What is the subject of this chapter? Repeat the text. What question commences the chapter? Why do people differ in their ideas of good society? What is a true definition? (7) qualifications. The definition we shall give of good society is the SOCIETY of the Good. People are like birds: they go in flocks, each kind by itself. Those of similar feelings, tastes, and habits associate together. The good prefer to mingle with the good, and the bad are generally found with each other. There is truth in the old proverb, "Tell me the company you keep, and I'll tell you what you are." The Good.-But who are "the Good?" The answer is: "They who are educated to know, and trained to practice, the rules of good morals and gentle manners." Neither high birth, nor station, nor wealth, nor fashion, nor even intelligence alone can make the gentleman or lady. These proud titles properly belong to those who are "first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy." To be a lady or a gentleman is a high distinction, and worthy the study of every one who possesses an honorable ambition. There is not a boy in the land so poor, nor a girl so humble, who may not aspire to the knowledge which will secure this enviable superiority. That it is a most important study, all who reflect upon the subject must admit, since it enables us to be good and to do good. Not a day passes in the company of others, in which we are not called upon to practice the lessons of morality and exhibit our knowledge of good manners. These lessons in goodness and politeness are necessary, if we would enter good society; for they are practiced only in its circles. Counterfeit gentlemen and ladies are as common as counterfeit money; if there were no value in good currency, nobody would take pains to imitate it; so, if there were no real men, gentle-men, there would be no shams. Why are people like birds? Who are "the good?" Why may we tell a man's character by his company? What are the characteristics of a gentleman? Who may learn to be a gentleman? Why should we study this subject? Who are counterfeit gentlemen and ladies? |