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 OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA I 
 
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Twentieth 
 Century 
 Musings 
 
 Being Things 
 Thought Out 
 
 By 
 M. Clay Burbridge 
 
 Done Into a Book by The Roy- 
 crofters, at Their Shop, which is 
 in East Aurora, Erie County, 
 New York. April, mcmxiii. 
 
FOREWORD 
 
 is just one objection to this book, 
 and that is the title. 
 
 Twentieth- Century Musings is hardly 
 appropriate. It should have been " Twenty- 
 Second," or " Twenty-Fifth Century Musings." 6+ 
 The author of this book is ahead of her time. She is 
 an exceptional thinker, and does not represent this 
 century, but all centuries. What this woman knows 
 now, may be known to all, two hundred years from 
 now. 
 
 Truth is immortal. It is classic ; and the classic is 
 the thing that never grows old. 
 
 Here we find portable wisdom, nuggets of fact and 
 sentiment fused. 
 
 The proverb, the epigram, the orphic saying, have 
 come down to us from the days of Solomon. 
 Socrates made the world vastly his debtor by such 
 homely commonsense sayings as this : " Do too 
 much for a boy and he will never do much for 
 himself." 
 
 Here is a sentiment that Plato puts into the mouth 
 of Socrates, with the youth Alcibiades in mind. It 
 is one of the things eternally true that has to be 
 reiterated, restated, emphasized again and again. 
 C No thinking person can read these Musings 
 without finding his own ideas here reflected. 
 My good friend, M. Clay Burbridge, says the things 
 that we would all say if we had the mind. 
 When we read them we say, " Yes, yes ; that is 
 what I always held." And there comes to us the 
 dictum of Ralph Waldo Emerson, " Speak your 
 
thoughts today, for tomorrow you shall take them 
 from another at secondhand." 
 
 The genius is the individual who catches the 
 electric spark as it flashes through his mind, and 
 transforms it into words. 
 
 Man is the instrument of deity. He is a divine 
 transformer. And the great desire of Nature seems 
 to be to evolve an individual who can express her 
 meanings to the many. 
 
 This book is a mine of treasures to which literary 
 workers and thinkers will be beholden. 
 Such proverbs as you will find here were never 
 written offhand. 
 
 Thoughts like these come at unexpected times and 
 places ; and the author is the person who has the 
 skill to seize and fix into simple words these eternal 
 truths which enlarge and benefit and uplift our lives. 
 
 ELBERT HUBBARD 
 
BOOK ONE 
 
Twentieth Century Musings 
 
 HE creation of beauty is every one s 
 privilege. None are too rich, none 
 are too poor, and to neglect it is 
 perpetual loss. Forget not that in 
 the glare of wealth and in the stress 
 of poverty words fitly chosen add 
 beauty to daily life. The ear should 
 be served as artistically as the eye. 
 
 2 
 
 It is agreeable to hear priests affirm that the age of 
 miracles is past and it would be more pleasing to have 
 them acknowledge that it never was. 
 
 3 
 Let the wicked world sneer as it will, it adores virtue. 
 
 4 
 
 The presence of deceit is made manifest by its undue 
 attention to intended prey. 
 
 5 
 
 A laudable course to pursue in regard to scandal :. 
 Hear if you must, but be not heard. 
 
 6 
 Crossness, however bedecked, is grossness still. 
 
 7 
 
 Hunger oftener leadeth a man from temptation than 
 toward it, for it turneth him to industry. 
 
 8 
 Violent words fall far short when hurled at peace. 
 
 9 
 
 The thought that takes deep root in the mind usually 
 flowers abundantly. 
 
10 
 
 hills and the vales lying between youth and 
 old age appear interminable when advancing; 
 but when looking backward, age glances from 
 summit to summit, and the way seems but a day s 
 journey. 
 
 11 
 
 Though a cheat don the garb of honesty, it can not 
 be made to fit him. 
 
 12 
 Directness is the child of sincerity. 
 
 13 
 
 When the mind flies high, the body can not remain 
 in the mire. 
 
 14 
 
 Fortune will come to those who plead with persis 
 tency. 
 
 15 
 
 Any one who desires to be good can be God s door 
 is never closed against the vilest. 
 
 16 
 
 The eye of the soul may penetrate the mysteries of 
 godliness. 
 
 17 
 The wisdom of discipline is known to the wise. 
 
 18 
 
 The civilization of one century is the barbarity of the 
 next. 
 
 19 
 Intelligence outlineth the fairest countenance. 
 
 20 
 
 The life-song of many is riches ; of others, pleasure, 
 power or knowledge ; but the truest notes ever sounded 
 are the grand chords of justice. 
 
 21 
 
 When snobbery laughs at rusticity politeness retreats. 
 
 10 
 
22 
 
 Bigotry and credulity roam much together in the 
 ravines of fanaticism. 
 
 23 
 
 Every drunkard dallies with crime, and some day 
 crime may dally with him. 
 
 24 
 A smile frequently fails, but love never. 
 
 25 
 
 For a man to make himself good is furthering the 
 intent of his Creator. 
 
 26 
 The poison of asps lies in the words of deceit. 
 
 27 
 
 The head of temperance is bowed with shame when 
 obliged to consort with intemperance. 
 
 28 
 
 Wherefore should a man wrap himself with iniquity 
 and be vain of the display ? 
 
 29 
 
 The preservation of morals is man s duty to man, 
 but he it is who tramples them under the heel of 
 appetite. 
 
 30 
 
 When crime in its terror cries out for help, the strong 
 arm of the law is its only support. 
 
 31 
 
 Peradventure thou mayest meet a knave tomorrow : 
 sharpen thy wits today. 
 
 32 
 
 Earn thy loaf honestly by day, that thy conscience 
 may sleep at night. 
 
 33 
 
 Exercise thy talents daily, that they forsake thee 
 not for livelier company. 
 
 11 
 
34 
 
 E near unto me at all times,O Thou that guideth, 
 to sustain me when doubt creepeth behind and 
 when fear runneth before. Lead me by the right 
 hand into the wide fields of thought, where I may 
 pluck at will the blossoms of eternal truth. 
 
 35 
 Nothing more offends bigotry than tolerance. 
 
 36 
 
 It is the part of a philosopher to be resigned to the 
 inevitable, and it is thy part to be a philosopher. 
 
 37 
 
 The apology of parsimony the sin of wastefulness. 
 
 38 
 
 Fold thy wings, O troubled soul, and rest thee from 
 worry, that thou mayest be strong for whatever the 
 future holds for thee. 
 
 39 
 Be not swift to win distinction without honor. 
 
 40 
 
 Be not so hopeful of the future that thou forgettest 
 to perform the duties of this hour. 
 
 41 
 
 Labor not for selfishness : thou wilt lose in the end, 
 though the world become thine. 
 
 42 
 
 Why fill thy soul with husks when there is abundant 
 grain in the crib ? 
 
 43 
 
 Fall into a line of action that will lead thee to use 
 fulness and thence to Godliness. 
 
 44 
 
 Find thy true place, if thou canst; for as sure as 
 thou art, theie is a niche for thee. 
 
 12 
 
45 
 
 ^TT^F the Devil of Theology were chained for a 
 |_ thousand years, would sin depart the world? 
 ^ When sin departs it will be at man s own bid 
 ding. Man has more control over sin than has this 
 fallen angel of the imagination, and it were a sin the 
 name were not forgotten and only deity remembered, 
 for any name that conjures evil in the mind, in that 
 same degree shuts out the beautiful. 
 
 46 
 
 Friendship that is brittle should be called by another 
 name. 
 
 47 
 
 flow sweet the sound of our mother-tongue in a 
 foreign land, and as sweet the utterance of a kindred 
 thought in a foreign atmosphere. 
 
 48 
 
 Whatever thou asketh in faith that is well for thee 
 will fall into thy hand if it be constantly upraised. 
 
 49 
 To believe a lie robs one of the truth. 
 
 50 
 As soon as vice discovers virtue it tries to destroy it. 
 
 51 
 
 Every religion advertises to have the safest boat to 
 ferry a soul across the Styx ; but after all, methinks 
 each one has to wade. 
 
 52 
 
 If it be thy pleasure to pursue a line of thought 
 contrary to thy friend s opinion, the less thou tellest 
 him of thy progress the more in peace thou mayest 
 follow it to a conclusion. 
 
 53 
 
 Before thy soul leave thy body on its nightly pil 
 grimage, bid it depart in peace with the whole world, 
 lest hatred bear thee downward. 
 
 13 
 
54 
 
 When a stranger cometh thy way and asketh consola 
 tion, turn not thy face away nor withhold thy 
 sympathy, for perchance the road forks at thy door, 
 the one trailing to destruction, the other to instruction. 
 
 55 
 
 More restful a bed of leaves under the stars than a 
 royal chamber of discontent. 
 
 56 
 
 Jealousy, like a skittish horse, is always running away 
 at nothing. 
 
 57 
 
 Better art thou without friend or shelter than to 
 pillow thy head with vice. 
 
 58 
 
 If thou wilt record thy acts each day, there will be 
 at least one from which thou wilt desire to clip the 
 rough edge. 
 
 59 
 
 The cleanest place in which to dwell is the whiteness 
 of honesty. 
 
 60 
 
 Refrain from parading thy virtues, lest thy neighbor 
 parade thy faults. 
 
 61 
 
 The gateway that leads to Heaven is through thine 
 own soul. 
 
 62 
 
 Individuals are like so many figures in a row or so 
 many letters in a line, and only when combinations 
 are made is it possible to estimate their value and 
 relation to one another. 
 
 63 
 
 The day that thy pride becomes vanity, cut it out 
 with the sickle of reproof. 
 
 64 
 Vulgarity lends an ear to scandal and an eye to folly. 
 
 14 
 
65 
 
 Whatever may be thy fear of dying, it will pass away 
 at the moment. 
 
 66 
 
 If thy thoughts be vile, keep pure thy lips, that thy 
 associates escape contamination. 
 
 67 
 
 Whoso denieth a truth loseth the blessing of knowl 
 edge. 
 
 68 
 
 The fondest memory that can be carried from earth 
 is that of having been just and honorable toward all 
 men. 
 
 69 
 Idleness hath no part in progress. 
 
 70 
 The sting of sin blights the fruit of life. 
 
 71 
 
 Let the people of Earth live without discord and the 
 day of their bondage is over. 
 
 72 
 
 A most commendable thing about skepticism is its 
 determination not to accept any proposition without 
 examination. 
 
 73 
 
 To turn night into day is a conflict with Nature 
 which she oftener wins than thou. 
 
 74 
 
 Fret not thyself because of poverty, but keep thy 
 strength to conquer it. 
 
 75 
 
 The wise dame will see to it that her lord hath his 
 fill before she introduces him to novelty. 
 
 76 
 
 Give thyself only good thoughts, and thou wilt have 
 none other to give thy neighbors. 
 
 15 
 
77 
 
 CHERE is enough love in the universe to clothe 
 all mankind and not exhaust the supply; 
 therefore take ye of it and say to another, 
 " There is enough for thee and thine." 
 
 78 
 Love no evil and thou wilt love all good. 
 
 79 
 Labor is the tonic of the world. 
 
 80 
 
 God knoweth whither He is leading us, yet by our 
 capers we doubt His wisdom and would remain as 
 we are. 
 
 81 
 
 Whenever we are visited by folly we are humiliated. 
 
 82 
 
 The greatest annoyance can be overcome by persistent 
 thought. 
 
 83 
 
 So great is the miser s trust in his gold that he piles 
 it about him, cheating himself into the belief that it 
 will preserve him from the common fate of others. 
 
 84 
 The world is our heaven if we will. 
 
 85 
 
 Make fear subservient to thy bidding and let it not 
 consume thee at any time. 
 
 86 
 Fear is a tyrant that oppresses every class. 
 
 87 
 
 Fear hateth all mankind, and in its company is only 
 misery. 
 
 88 
 
 Fear loveth no man, nor hath it the semblance of 
 affection. 
 
 16 
 
89 
 
 Our lives may be ordered by Fate, but it would seem 
 that we have much to do with the result, and that 
 Fate is ever ready to lean to our suggestions. 
 
 90 
 
 Take ye no advantage over youth nor age. The two 
 extremes the strong must protect. 
 
 91 
 
 Each day gather up the loose threads of thy life, that 
 if thou diest without warning the end will not ravel. 
 
 92 
 
 When the lips form a smile it is a brave frown that j 
 dare approach. 
 
 93 
 
 It is more dangerous to do good amongst the evil 
 than to do evil amongst the good. 
 
 94 
 
 Thou wilt find treachery dwelling in refinement, but 
 thou mayest look for it in coarseness. 
 
 95 
 
 Wisdom delights in tranquillity, but folly delights in 
 noise. 
 
 96 
 
 Sickness runneth before a smile and laughter scat- 
 tereth a host of trouble. 
 
 97 
 
 It is wiser to place thy mind on the morrow s dawn 
 than upon yesterday s close. 
 
 98 
 
 Think only good and thou wilt do only good, for thou 
 canst not do evil whilst thinking good. 
 
 99 
 
 If thou dost sorely need, if thou seekest with both 
 physical and mental energy, thou wilt surely find 
 relief. 
 
 17 
 
100 
 
 [CIENCE smiles at superstition and supersti 
 tion calls science unholy ; but time must bring 
 the latter into a more temperate mood, and 
 the proffered hand of the former will then be accepted 
 in a right spirit. 
 
 101 
 Whoso speaketh ill of another defaceth his own soul. 
 
 102 
 
 Laughter is a merry monarch to sit upon the throne 
 of circumstance. 
 
 103 
 
 Gloom shrinks from laughter and hideth at its 
 approach. 
 
 104 
 Whoso seeketh knowledge seeketh God. 
 
 105 
 
 Whoso lieth maketh an indelible stain upon his 
 character. 
 
 106 
 Whoso trust eth cultivates faith. 
 
 107 
 Whoso grumbleth depriveth himself of ease. 
 
 108 
 Whoso loveth discord inviteth discontent. 
 
 109 
 Whoso maketh mischief loveth iniquity. 
 
 110 
 
 Whoso helpeth another in need receiveth instant 
 blessing. 
 
 ill 
 Whoso gathereth knowledge gaineth contentment. 
 
 112 
 
 As a lost moment can never be found, it behooves thee 
 to be careful of so precious a possession. 
 
 18 
 
113 
 
 is the closing hour of the year, and I ask thee, 
 O my soul, art thou purer than thou wert when 
 the year was ushered in three hundred and sixty- 
 five days ago? And my soul answers, Yea, yet it dost 
 not tell me that it is of a dazzling whiteness ; there 
 fore will I interrogate it one year hence if I be here, 
 and may I receive a prompt and a pleasing answer. 
 
 114 
 Whoso delighteth in anger seeketh destruction. 
 
 115 
 
 Though thy life abound with successes, thou hast 
 failed if thou hast not become acquaint with thine 
 own soul. 
 
 116 
 
 No one on earth admires a scold ; why then cultivate 
 so hateful a habit? 
 
 117 
 
 A beautiful thought when put into words and passed 
 down the ages, though retaining its beauty, loses 
 something of force. 
 
 118 
 
 Quarrels bring discontent, and discontent estrange 
 ments to the very undoing of love. 
 
 119 
 
 Carry me a thousand leagues to sea and there will I 
 find my God and my heaven within my own self. 
 
 120 
 
 Why should I expect sympathy and love from the 
 world when I withhold it, and why should I with 
 hold it when I crave it? 
 
 121 
 
 Let the dew of wisdom fall upon my parched soul, 
 that I may lift mine eyes and behold the bountiful 
 giver of all good. 
 
 122 
 Whoso loveth peace most loveth God and men. 
 
 19 
 
123 
 
 hour of our going out is marked on the dial 
 of life by the hand of the Lawgiver, but the 
 exact moment is withheld from us, lest we take 
 advantage of it by doing too much or too little in our 
 allotted time. 
 
 124 
 
 In our search for happiness we often overlook it by 
 seeking it too far beyond ourselves. 
 
 125 
 
 Sometimes the step from truth to falsehood is so 
 short, that many, not perceiving it, stumble. 
 
 126 
 A liar is a cheat and therefore not respectable. 
 
 127 
 In the night of thy temptation think of the morning. 
 
 128 
 
 As there is probably no end to life, there probably 
 never was a beginning, but that which is always was 
 in the various forms and conditions that Evolu 
 tion adopts in its devious workings toward perfection. 
 
 129 
 To despise that which is false leads to truth. 
 
 130 
 
 Refrain from too frequent confession of thy faults, 
 lest thy hearers forget thy virtues. 
 
 131 
 To adore that which is beautiful is ennobling. 
 
 132 
 
 Show me a man who loves his stomach much and I 
 will show thee selfishness. 
 
 133 
 
 We are but the commonest of soil unless we are 
 growing some beautiful characteristics. 
 
 :20 
 
134 
 
 The final effect of passion on thyself is the shaping of 
 a soul bearing no resemblance to that which thou 
 wert given. 
 
 135 
 
 Fear is augmented by ignorance and ignorance is 
 augmented by fear, and these two enemies of man 
 are leagued to undo him. 
 
 136 
 
 Many times character and reputation are at variance 
 and men are deceived, but the mask eventually falls, 
 revealing beauty, ugliness, virtues and faults that 
 amaze closest friends. 
 
 137 
 
 To reach a conclusion without due process of reason 
 ing is as absurd as pronouncing on the merits and 
 demerits of a picture before it is painted. 
 
 138 
 
 A bad dog loves praise no less than a good dog. If 
 doubtful test this on both man and dog. 
 
 139 
 
 Gather up the fragments of the day s conversation 
 and perchance thou mayest find one helpful thought 
 for tomorrow s need. 
 
 140 
 
 If thou hast an enemy burden him with obligation 
 and he will be less inclined to remain near thee. 
 
 141 
 Whatsoever thou hast to give let love go with it. 
 
 142 
 
 Crime is so costly that no one on earth is rich enough 
 to indulge in it without ruin. 
 
 143 
 
 If thou lettest thy left hand know what thy right hand 
 doeth, let it be solely with the intention of obtaining 
 its assistance. 
 
 21 
 
144 
 
 Salvation depends not upon any belief, but upon the 
 doing of right as ascertained by reasoning from causes 
 to effects. 
 
 145 
 Prudence is economy it costs less than folly. 
 
 146 
 
 Contentment comes to those whose lives are ordered 
 by peace and justice. 
 
 147 
 
 Feebleness of mind comes with feebleness of purpose. 
 
 148 
 
 When thou hast a big porringer thou mayest eat with 
 a ladle, but when thou hast a little porringer a ladle 
 will empty it too soon for thy satisfaction. Therefore 
 let circumstances govern even in small affairs. 
 
 149 
 
 If thou prepare for a storm in dry weather, it will 
 save thee much discomfort and thou mayest also 
 enjoy the storm. 
 
 150 
 
 Be direct. If asked the way to Rome do not point to 
 the moon. 
 
 151 
 To predict the future consult the present. 
 
 152 
 
 The structure we build we must live in forever 
 then let us lay the foundation with care. 
 
 153 
 
 When a man goes to sleep under an apple-tree, 
 trusting that an apple may fall into his mouth, it 
 is an evidence of faith that makes industry marvel. 
 
 154 
 
 The field of knowledge covers the universe, and the 
 grass is always long for those who would browse 
 therein. 
 
 22 
 
155 
 
 He who carries a burden of guilt is bound to an iron 
 master, who will lash him whenever he stops to think, 
 and prod him cruelly when he tries to forget. 
 
 156 
 
 The tiniest thought of evil casts a shadow athwart 
 the soul. 
 
 157 
 
 Whet not the appetite of lust, for verily it will slay 
 both body and mind. 
 
 158 
 
 The early fruit of intemperance is disgust ; the late 
 fruit disgrace. 
 
 159 
 The light of the past, present and future is reason. 
 
 160 
 Reason is to the mind what the sun is to the earth. 
 
 161 
 
 Neither spendthrift nor miser are fit for master nor 
 servant. 
 
 162 
 
 The heavy heel of indifference tramps upon him who 
 falls on the hill to fortune. 
 
 163 
 To obtain the best in life, make thyself the best. 
 
 164 
 
 Give unto every child that asketh a fair answer, and 
 if in doubt be not ashamed to say, " I know not." 
 
 165 
 
 Purity can not abide with sin, and it hath no affinity 
 for aught that finds pleasure in intemperance. 
 
 166 
 
 Be kinder to thyself, O sinner, for the day will come 
 when thou wilt weep because thou hast been cruel to 
 thine own soul and trailed it in the mire of animalism. 
 
 23 
 
167 
 
 Whatsoever there is of good in me I dedicate it to 
 thee, O infinite and indulgent Father ; and whatso 
 ever of evil I have I ask deliverance from it, that I 
 may be able to climb the heights where Thou dwellest. 
 
 168 
 The lesson to be learned today is thyself. 
 
 169 
 
 A chronic faultfinder should be his or her own ser 
 vant; then censure will partly fall where it is due. 
 
 170 
 
 Hatred is a subtle and destructive poison, and its 
 victims are numerous. 
 
 171 
 
 It is easier to catch an expression than to hold it ; 
 easier to grasp a thought than to retain it, and most 
 difficult to keep a resolution after making it. 
 
 172 
 
 Few are the joys of life compared with the griefs, yet 
 t is the griefs that point to the star of hope and the 
 crosses that make us to call upon the All-Wise. 
 
 173 
 Safety is the friend of caution. 
 
 174 
 
 Prepare thy mind to receive one truth each day from 
 the perpetual source and it will be given thee. 
 
 175 
 
 When you are good, be great if you can ; and when 
 you are great, be good. 
 
 176 
 
 There are a thousand gates open to sin, but only one 
 to purity. 
 
 177 
 
 If thy heart is humiliated, though thou mayest nudge 
 the countenance often, it will betray its sympathy. 
 
 24 
 
178 
 
 IF I sigh for love, I am laughed at ; if I beg for 
 it, I am refused ; if I fight for it, I am punished ; 
 if I die for it, I am forgotten ; if I barter for it, 
 I am scorned. There is no way that I can obtain it 
 proudly but by noble effort. 
 
 179 
 
 The pleasure that comes from viewing beauty should 
 be an incentive to create it in ourselves and our sur 
 roundings. 
 
 180 
 
 Place a cannon at the gate of thy conscience if neces 
 sary, to repulse dishonesty. 
 
 181 
 
 Destroy the root of evil in thine own life, and thou 
 hast done much toward bettering the world. 
 
 182 
 
 Helpful is every good resolve, but most helpful when 
 unbroken. 
 
 183 
 
 It is foolish to climb the fence when the gate is open, 
 yet this is what many do when approaching the 
 Father s house. 
 
 184 
 
 Be not laggards. It was decreed in the beginning that 
 man work out his own civilization. 
 
 185 
 
 Without experience and reflection, progress would 
 languish. 
 
 186 
 Directness and sincerity are the offspring of kindness. 
 
 187 
 
 The quickness with which we find a fault should 
 help us to as quickly find a virtue. 
 
 188 
 The price of experience is known to the buyers of it. 
 
 25 
 
189 
 
 Although the world is so full of love, it is so precious 
 that money can not purchase it, nor begging obtain it. 
 
 190 
 
 Forget not thou art mortal, and thou mayest be 
 better prepared for immortality. 
 
 191 
 
 Solitary indeed is the condition of him who has no 
 one to think about but himself. 
 
 192 
 
 Time will turn the most poignant grief into an idyl 
 that is good for the heart to chant. 
 
 193 
 
 Tell me the beginning and I will venture a conclusion, 
 but tell me the conclusion and I may fail to find the 
 cause. 
 
 194 
 
 A lost opportunity can never be found, and most of 
 the failures in life are the result of such loss. 
 
 195 
 
 The light that shines from knowledge is different 
 from that which shines from wisdom. 
 
 196 
 
 Love is the dream of all ages but only the soul 
 knows the dream from the reality. 
 
 197 
 
 The size of a sin is not measured by the provocation, 
 but by the wrong committed. 
 
 198 
 
 Keep a check on thy imagination if thou wouldst 
 have it serve thee skilfully. 
 
 199 
 
 Danger watcheth every hour at Folly s door to gain 
 entrance. 
 
 26 
 
200 
 
 CHE first sip of young love is sweeter than honey, 
 but the dregs of passion are wormwood. Is 
 there then no vintage that men and women may 
 quaff with lasting pleasure ? There is : the love that 
 groweth in the deep soil of the soul beareth fruit from 
 which is pressed the wine of life. It quencheth all 
 thirst and maketh the morning and the evening a 
 delight and the midday a blessing. 
 
 201 
 
 The rulers of peoples, alas ! are neither the wisest nor 
 the best ; they may be likened to the gilded ball that 
 adorns the flagstaff under which floats the glorious 
 flag. 
 
 202 
 
 It is wiser to perfect one gift than to cultivate many. 
 
 203 
 When opportunity raps at thy door, open it. 
 
 204 
 
 Hesitation is as close to success as to disaster. 
 
 205 
 A bright thought is the reflection of a divine ray. 
 
 206 
 He who speaketh to wound must sometime suffer. 
 
 207 
 
 Fear not : All that befalls thee may be added to thy 
 strength and symmetry if thou wilt utilize with skill. 
 
 208 
 Ask not for a deluge, but be content with showers. 
 
 209 
 A forecast of tomorrow is the preparation of today. 
 
 210 
 
 As a last resort, ask yourself of the things that per 
 plex, and thou mayest receive the best advice. 
 
 27 
 
211 
 
 Listen, thou who lovest Nature, she whispers softly, 
 and much that she would impart is lost if ear be dull. 
 
 212 
 
 Language may fail thee when beholding art, but 
 thought never. 
 
 213 
 
 The visions of the mind please as much as the scenes 
 spread before the eye. 
 
 214 
 
 To appear noble before thine own soul is more than 
 thou canst do. 
 
 215 
 
 The doubt of immortality is the present inferno of 
 the doubter. 
 
 216 
 Verily he who serves habit hath a pitiless master. 
 
 217 
 
 Idle curiosity consumeth the hours and maketh 
 waste the mind. 
 
 218 
 
 He who striketh with spite must some day bare his 
 own back to the same rod. 
 
 219 
 
 He who covereth his sins carefully from his friends 
 exposeth his guilt plainly to himself. 
 
 220 
 
 Whoso prepareth a feast and inviteth no man to it 
 hath no joy in partaking. 
 
 221 
 
 When the clerical shepherd slips on the path of recti 
 tude, the sheep bleat and the wolves howl. 
 
 222 
 
 The voice of the imagination whispereth so many 
 strange things that it is often rebuked when it 
 whispereth truly. 
 
 28 
 
223 
 
 The closer thou canst get to the prosperous, the 
 greater thy chance that prosperity may smile on thee. 
 
 224 
 Whoso runneth after an enemy runneth after trouble. 
 
 225 
 
 Whoso bareth his heart inviteth a thrust. 
 
 226 
 
 Silence and thought are the closest of companions: 
 when the world is shut out, they muse by the hour. 
 
 227 
 
 There are none so superficial but what greatness will 
 impress. 
 
 228 
 The source of a gift makes it precious or burdensome. 
 
 229 
 
 Most blest of men is he whom the pursuit of knowl 
 edge satisfies. 
 
 230 
 
 The skill acquired in the art of deception can be put 
 to no other use. 
 
 231 
 
 Generosity begins at the point that selfishness ter 
 minates. 
 
 232 
 
 That which we like not is ever at our elbow. 
 
 233 
 
 Form is eternal, but shapes come and go like the 
 butterflies of the Summertime. 
 
 234 
 Innocence hath much faith in guilt. 
 
 235 
 
 When thou hast learned the art of true living, thou 
 wilt know the best from the worst. 
 
 29 
 
236 
 
 generations of men that come and go upon 
 the earth leave an unseen impress on all things, 
 and the reading thereof would make the true 
 history of man. 
 
 237 
 
 The first thought of the pure mind against the wicked 
 is condemnation ; the second, pity ; and the last, love. 
 
 238 
 Occasional falsehoods make frequent doubts. 
 
 239 
 
 Humiliation follows debasement until the moral 
 nature is ossified. 
 
 240 
 Defeat runs after chance oftener than after method. 
 
 241 
 
 He who walks with prudence walks with good com 
 pany, and though perchance not always brilliant it 
 never leads to dishonor. 
 
 242 
 
 Whichever way men go trouble interferes to prevent 
 perfect pleasure. 
 
 243 
 
 In the pathway of chance the least coveted springeth 
 up, whilst the most wanted speedeth afar. 
 
 244 
 
 Be thyself, whatever and whoever confronts thee, 
 and thou wilt feel better than to play a part. 
 
 245 
 
 It is more agreeable to commend than to complain, 
 and were there more commending the causes for 
 complaints would diminish. 
 
 246 
 
 Bitterness follows every moral defeat as naturally as 
 ecstacy follows victory. 
 
 30 
 
247 
 
 CHE domain of science is wide enough to con 
 tain all the religions of earth, and into it will 
 they all eventually slip and become scientific, 
 and then may they hope to live alway. 
 
 248 
 
 The greatest of thieves is slothfulness : it robs of 
 time, industry, energy, pleasure and the achievement 
 of anything that life holds precious. 
 
 249 
 
 The fiercest storm that beats is against despoiled 
 virtue. 
 
 250 
 Inasmuch as ye are not just ye are degraded. 
 
 251 
 A Liar is a robber of Truth. 
 
 252 
 
 Inexperience has no defense against the wiles of 
 experience, and what is often condemned as lack of 
 sense is really too great faith. 
 
 253 
 
 The next life is a sequel to this, and the closing 
 chapter of the first book is an indication of the open 
 ing chapter of book second. 
 
 254 
 
 Wherever thou findest a fault, immediately look for v 
 a virtue. 
 
 255 
 
 To coerce a man to accept views contrary to his 
 reason is like thrusting his head into a cask and 
 expecting demonstration of joy thereat. 
 
 256 
 Inability to select ancestors should make us decent. 
 
 257 
 
 When the people are careless the weeds grow tall. 
 
 31 
 
258 
 
 When sporting with riches, have a care lest thou 
 strike against the sharp corners of uncharitableness. 
 
 259 
 
 Freedom is not wholly ours until we can form our 
 own opinion without the bias of dictators. 
 
 , 260 
 
 Be thyself, however odd, rather than an imitator of 
 another. 
 
 261 
 
 Without discrimination we grope in darkness, and 
 when we fall we blame the obstacle which tripped us, 
 instead of berating ourselves as we ought. 
 
 262 
 
 From the high mountains of science are the new 
 writings to be given to the waiting multitude below. 
 
 263 
 
 Ethics inhere in the constitution of man, and when 
 developed and comprehended he will require no 
 restraints and demand no liberties, for he will know 
 the code. 
 
 264 
 
 When thou findest peace thou hast found a jewel of 
 heaven. 
 
 265 
 
 Free expression of thought makes vigorous growth 
 of mind. 
 
 266 
 
 Miracles will be wrought when chance supersedes 
 order, therefore they are neither probable nor 
 desirable. 
 
 267 
 
 A lengthy debate does not argue ability, nor an angry 
 one wisdom. 
 
 268 
 
 The truth is abrupt when frequently a falsehood is 
 polite, which is the only thing pleasing about it. 
 
 32 
 
269 
 
 walking in pleasant avenues amid the 
 exotics and the fragrance of life, we scarce think 
 of the toilers on the dusty highways and those 
 who live in the swamps of crime or beg on the barren 
 planes of want ; but should our own steps be turned 
 hitherward by a freak of misfortune, we would then 
 perceive that there are the same gradings and shadings 
 of character in unpleasant as in pleasant places. 
 
 270 
 
 The design of making man is not very apparent, but 
 we know it was not for idleness but for work. 
 
 271 
 Improvidence is the almshouse turnpike. 
 
 272 
 
 The riches of the rich and the poverty of the poor are 
 not sins ; but the manner of arriving at these antipodes 
 may count against them in the great day of their 
 demise. 
 
 273 
 
 Society is not regulated by its extremes, but by the 
 great middle public, who harmonize the two antago 
 nistic ends. 
 
 274 
 
 To arraign poverty against wealth is to apply the 
 consuming torch to the arts and sciences. 
 
 275 
 
 Society of all grades admires itself and looks with 
 distrust upon outsiders. 
 
 276 
 
 For riches to grind want is to sharpen the blade where 
 with to decapitate itself. 
 
 277 
 
 On the margin of thy memory write duty, and on thy 
 heart write love ; then art thou ready to be inter 
 rogated by thy conscience and acquitted of neglect. 
 
 33 
 
278 
 
 once awakened to the fact that danger 
 lurks in every error, there will be more indi- 
 vidual thinking along religious lines, and less 
 willingness to accept without investigation the cut 
 and dried systems of a less enlightened era. 
 
 279 
 
 The opening of a flower is the spirit within seeking 
 material expression, the better to perform its beauti 
 ful mission. 
 
 280 
 Hunger is the shadow of imprudence. 
 
 281 
 
 Meddlers will scratch in the domestic garden despite 
 all efforts to keep them out. 
 
 282 
 
 With truth thou mayest go to the ends of the earth 
 with safety, but it is dangerous to travel a league 
 with a lie. 
 
 283 
 
 Twenty bad men wield not so much influence in a 
 community as one good man who speaks his con 
 victions and lives his principles. 
 
 284 
 
 Give a dog a bad name if he bites, but call him a good 
 dog as long as possible. 
 
 285 
 
 If thou hast set the target of ambition high it is 
 foolish to aim low. 
 
 286 
 
 Harmony proceedeth from all Nature, but whence 
 cometh melody to man? It seemeth not to be by his 
 own skill, but an inflow from the source of perpetual 
 supply. 
 
 287 
 The valley giveth repose, but the mountains inspire. 
 
 34 
 
288 
 
 declareth himself made in the image of 
 God ; of this, he hath no evidence, but when he 
 shall have passed through the countless changes 
 ahead of him, he must be more beautiful, and then it 
 may be less vain to claim resemblance than in his 
 present plainness and crudity. 
 
 289 
 All words that picture evil are creative of evil. 
 
 290 
 
 Youth is frolicsome ; but age is not as tolerant of 
 play as it were well to be when nearing the great 
 leap of life. 
 
 291 
 
 Keep young, though thy years be counted by gener 
 ations. 
 
 292 
 
 If thou hast words and the freedom to use them, thou 
 needest little defense beside. 
 
 293 
 
 A lesson in prudence may be gained by youth by 
 asking of age. 
 
 294 
 
 To quarrel with thy brother offends the majesty of 
 thy being. 
 
 295 
 
 The closer a man lives to his convictions, the closer he 
 lives to his God. 
 
 296 
 
 Full many an hour of torture in facial embellishments 
 is spent, only to make vanity the greater and time 
 more revengeful. 
 
 297 
 
 The passage across the channel of death may be one 
 of pleasure, anxiety or distress, but it is tolerably 
 certain that travelers will reach the farther shore in 
 about the same condition of mind that they leave this. 
 
 35 
 
298 
 
 r ACH day gather up the kind words and kind 
 deeds and tie them in a bundle, and gather the 
 unkind words and acts and tie them in another 
 then weigh them in the scales of justice to determine 
 thy shortcomings. 
 
 299 
 
 Acquaint thyself with thy relation to Nature and thou 
 wilt be more respectful to thy body. 
 
 300 
 The way to happiness is always upward. 
 
 301 
 
 Soul -growth depends on the thought-soil in which it 
 is embedded. 
 
 302 
 
 Because Selfishness is extant, there is no human 
 judgment that is impartial. 
 
 303 
 
 Is thy soul white, or is it black ask thyself this 
 question often and answer it candidly until the answer 
 causeth thee no shame. 
 
 304 
 
 He who labors for hire hath little of enthusiasm, but 
 he who executes the commands of his own brain hath 
 most there is. 
 
 305 
 
 Be not in haste to overcome the sins of others until 
 thou hast partially overcome thine own. Whereas a 
 missionary may proselyte he can not make better 
 unless practising his precepts. 
 
 306 
 
 We are a little nearer heaven when we live in the 
 upper stories of the mind than when we stay in the 
 cellar. 
 
 307 
 The solace of a broken heart is the promise of death. 
 
 36 
 
308 
 
 The easiest way is the best way only when the best 
 way is the easiest way. 
 
 309 
 
 Wherever thou dost find want, thou wilt find vice 
 not afar. 
 
 310 
 
 The present enlightenment of the world came not by 
 chance but by design not through the back brain 
 but through the development of the intellectual 
 faculties. 
 
 311 
 
 As the third and fourth generations will bless or curse 
 thee, be never swift to sever the conjugal tie nor in 
 haste to tie it. 
 
 312 
 
 The fate that awaits the seducer is the same with 
 embellishments that awaits any thief. 
 
 313 
 
 The exercise of patience in regard to a fault is well, 
 but exercise it not until it becomes endurance, for 
 then it is nigh to sanctioning wrong. 
 
 314 
 The privilege of want is asking, and the privilege 
 
 of nlentv is cm/incr 
 
 ^_ _ o _ 
 
 of plenty is giving. 
 
 315 
 
 Enter no more into worry, e en though the door be 
 open wide and the mistress of calamity stand within 
 the portals calling thee. 
 
 316 
 
 Meet the ills of life like a true disciple of reason, know 
 ing that that which has befallen thee can not be 
 changed and that that which threatens may never 
 be if today due precaution be exercised. 
 
 317 
 The full sweetness of love comes after separation. 
 
 37 
 
318 
 
 I SAY unto thee, O sufferer, though thou mayest 
 think life a burden too heavy to bear, stay with 
 thy body until Nature severs the cord that 
 binds thee to the lower kingdom and ushers thee to 
 the higher life, but go not unbidden, for it will not be 
 well for thy soul s happiness. 
 
 319 
 
 The highest achievement has been attained by man 
 when he is absolute monarch of himself; then his 
 health and happiness are subject to his own rulings. 
 
 320 
 
 The proprieties of life are best conserved by kind 
 ness and love. 
 
 321 
 
 Be not profligate of time, for thou hast not enough for 
 thy tasks. 
 
 322 
 
 If a man respect himself, why does he permit his 
 conduct openly to insult him ? 
 
 323 
 The degradation of the body is insolence to God. 
 
 324 
 
 Wherefore look ye for peace without when there is 
 war within ? 
 
 325 
 Health declines the companionship of inaction. 
 
 326 
 
 The way to success is tortuous, but the way from it 
 is so plain that a fool never misses it. 
 
 327 
 Vanity findeth no lodgment with wisdom. 
 
 328 
 
 Whenever scandal waits on thy doorstep send it away 
 before thy neighbors adjust their lorgnettes. 
 
 38 
 
329 
 
 V?=^OLD a candle close to the inner chambers of 
 J[ I thy mind, to see if thou canst find a thought 
 worthy of expression, and if thou dost, bring 
 it forth, clothe it decently and send it out as a mis 
 sionary yea, if thou hast many missionaries in the 
 fields of ignorance it is creditable. 
 
 330 
 
 Fill my upraised hands, O ye unseen Intelligences, 
 with that which is needful to nourish my spirit on its 
 daily pilgrimage. 
 
 331 
 
 Blazon this fact to the world that vice will some day 
 be slain by knowledge. 
 
 332 
 
 When self-pity and melancholy are associated, happi 
 ness seeks other society. 
 
 333 
 
 The future is what the present decrees. If thou wilt 
 learn thy lesson today the experience will not be 
 repeated tomorrow. 
 
 334 
 
 The fact that alcohol returns no one s love should 
 make every one too proud to run after it. 
 
 335 
 
 When youth dashes impatiently past infirmity, it will 
 meet it again at the end of the road. 
 
 336 
 
 Crime is the fruit of ignorance, and ignorance is the 
 fruit of ignorance. 
 
 337 
 
 A slave will serve the master, but the master never 
 serves the slave if thou serve sin all thy life thou 
 art still a slave. 
 
 338 
 When the heart is nigh broken, pride will strengthen it. 
 
 39 
 
339 
 
 QLACE thy form in the inspection chair and let 
 thy mind walk across the room and criticize 
 then wilt thou be doing as thou hast done to 
 others, and if thou be fair, thou wilt observe as much 
 that is awry in thyself as in thy visitor, though the 
 faults be dissimilar. 
 
 340 
 
 The frequency of blunders maketh impossible con 
 stant peace. 
 
 341 
 
 Ostentation loves money, though money does not 
 always love ostentation. 
 
 342 
 
 Gratitude is the word of love that dwelleth in the 
 heart. 
 
 343 
 
 Conscience speaks harshly or tenderly according to 
 the deeds done. 
 
 344 
 Hatred pouts, but love laughs all day. 
 
 345 
 Capriciousness is both selfish and self-willed. 
 
 346 
 
 Women love peace more than war because they love 
 men. 
 
 347 
 
 Thou mayest purchase cloth wherewith to drape thy 
 body, but thy soul covering thou must weave for 
 thyself. 
 
 348 
 
 The coming of another day portends the repetition 
 of the faults of this. 
 
 349 
 
 An official who respects himself, respects his office, 
 but a defaulter, alas ! and an unworthy incumbent is 
 wholly lacking in pride, though vanity may possess 
 him and lead him to disgrace. 
 
 40 
 
350 
 
 TWENTIETH-CENTURY theologian may 
 be no better than an earlier one, but he is so 
 different that the two would not be harmonious 
 together, and the next century will produce a species 
 altogether different from any heretofore found. Most 
 of the dogmas now cherished as truths will be declared 
 the illusions of children, and many of the conceptions 
 of God the speculations of the feeble-minded. 
 
 351 
 
 Let the blind congratulate themselves that they see 
 not the iniquity that lies about them. 
 
 352 
 
 It is a waste of time to affirm the infallibility of past 
 or present religion, as the progressive future may 
 refute it. 
 
 353 
 
 As the completion of any science is unattainable in 
 this world, it is pleasant to contemplate the possibility 
 of great minds pursuing congenial occupations beyond 
 the limitations of the flesh. 
 
 354 
 
 It is easier to swallow praise than censure, for one is 
 sweet and the other bitter. 
 
 355 
 
 The thoughts when ruffled are quickest smoothed by 
 the introduction of impersonal subjects. 
 
 356 
 
 The artistic and poetic are friends in thought oftener 
 than in person. 
 
 357 
 
 Vulgarity demands conspicuousness, but refinement is 
 content without it. 
 
 358 
 
 Nature runs her course and man his, but if he would 
 always run with Nature and not in contrary direction, 
 he would have fewer mishaps and longer life. 
 
 41 
 
359 
 
 Too much value can not be placed on self-culture, as 
 upon the individual depends the whole structure of 
 society. 
 
 360 
 
 When the interval is very long between the sowing 
 and the sprouting, doubt uproots much of the seed* 
 
 361 
 
 We are prone to heap the faults of others to cover our 
 own. 
 
 362 
 The easiest way to forget a wrong is to do a rightT? 
 
 363 
 
 Love of justice must be established in the hearts of 
 men ere they can walk with God. 
 
 364 
 
 Add the column of thy good deeds and of thy bad 
 deeds and then compare and ponder the answer. 
 
 365 
 
 Methinks the gateway of heaven has frequently been 
 left ajar by the countless angels who have ascended 
 from the firesides of earth. 
 
 366 
 
 The most inconsistent thing about prohibition is the 
 intemperance of the name. 
 
 367 
 
 He who goeth from the world with an empty head will 
 be in a sorry plight in the next. 
 
 368 
 
 The tides of life beat ceaselessly on the shores of time, 
 bringing in and carrying out love with the ebb and 
 flow. 
 
 369 
 
 In the midsummer of years be admonished that thou 
 art halfway to the midwinter when Nature sleeps. 
 
 42 
 
370 
 
 night touches the eyelids, slumber cometh 
 near and it is unsafe to interfere with the 
 approach of the drowsy god, because he is 
 revengeful and when again summoned may refuse to 
 approach, but stands afar and mocks and jeers at 
 hapless man whose very life depends upon him. 
 
 371 
 An indelible stain self-abasement. 
 
 372 
 
 As it is dangerous to play with fire, why not, O cruel 
 man, let reason extinguish the fires of hell before 
 more of earth s children are burnt ! 
 
 373 
 
 Heareth one the smallest voice of compassion above 
 the roar of condemnation it soundeth like a sweet 
 note through the clanging discord. 
 
 374 
 
 One can not judge of the flavor of the pudding by 
 chewing the pudding-bag string, yet such is super 
 ficial judgment. 
 
 375 
 Mankind suffers more from greed than pestilence. 
 
 376 
 
 The poverty that attends a sour nature is without 
 mitigation. 
 
 377 
 
 Everywhere temptation hovers over the weak, and 
 that they fall not oftener, give them praise. 
 
 378 
 
 Nothing is more agreeable than a clear conscience, 
 and there is no more troublous possession than an 
 accusing one. 
 
 379 
 
 Whenever a romantic mind meets the unromantic 
 world, disillusion is watching around the corner. 
 
 43 
 
380 
 
 there is harmony there is growth, but 
 w ^ere discord reigns the soul can not put forth 
 new branches, neither can it bud and blossom 
 in the blasts of discontent nor bear fruit in the chill 
 of repining. 
 
 381 
 
 The view that a man takes of religion is according 
 to the measure of his reason. 
 
 382 
 
 It is well-nigh impossible to find courage in the 
 uncertainty of adversity. 
 
 383 
 
 Proclaim not thy successes to the poor nor thy 
 failures to the rich. 
 
 384 
 
 Look to age for instruction, to youth for enthusiasm, 
 and to childhood for affection. 
 
 385 
 
 Ere thou sleepest at night request thy soul to pro 
 tect its tenement until the spirit returns from its 
 starry pilgrimage. 
 
 386 
 
 Love may not increase with much religion, but it will 
 increase many-fold with wisdom. 
 
 387 
 Be ever ready to listen, then be ever ready to gain. 
 
 388 
 Whoso deceive th diggeth a pit for his own soul. 
 
 389 
 
 In whatsoever degree thou findest truth, in that 
 degree thou findest God. 
 
 390 
 
 Whenever light breaks through the darkness of thy 
 mind it gives thee an opportunity to dust the corners. 
 
 44 
 
391 
 
 H CAUTIOUS man, when he resides among 
 thieves, will bar his door when he sleeps, and 
 if all doors in a community are locked it is a 
 sign to the people that the pulpits should abandon 
 doctrine and preach ethics. 
 
 392 
 A pretender is an offender. 
 
 393 
 
 Whatever adds to the happiness of life, adds to its 
 value, making it a more precious legacy for thy 
 children. 
 
 394 
 Idleness is the dry rot of existence. 
 
 395 
 
 The only work that indolence does cheerfully is the 
 digging of its own grave. 
 
 396 
 
 Father Time cuts off a yearly coupon of experience 
 for each of his children, for which he receives as many 
 curses as thanks. 
 
 397 
 
 A domestic breeze capsizes love and sometimes 
 drowns it. 
 
 398 
 
 Tomorrow is the unspotted page of a new day. What 
 intend ye to write upon it? 
 
 399 
 Heroism is the morning star of unselfishness. 
 
 400 
 
 There are countless paths that lead to God, for no 
 man treads another s. 
 
 401 
 
 Symbolism is never exhausted, flowing like a per 
 petual stream on and on through all the ages and 
 laving the banks of every literature and religion. 
 
 45 
 
402 
 
 sounds strange to say that the family skeleton 
 is a lively member of the household, but it is 
 ever ready to dance for company and to rattle 
 its bones for the entertainment of the villagers, to 
 grin at the stranger or to mock at decorum. 
 
 403 
 
 When virtue tells its wrongs to the world, its utterance 
 is prompted by bitterness, for love is ever silent when 
 dishonored. 
 
 404 
 
 It is erroneously supposed by the uninitiated that 
 much money maketh a man bold, whereas it maketh 
 him a quaking coward and to feel like a mark for 
 destruction. 
 
 405 
 
 We must acknowledge that a cloudless sky is not 
 more beautiful than when it is flecked with prismatic 
 colors. 
 
 406 
 
 Though thy worldly condition be that of poverty, 
 keep not thy mind from its own rich estate then 
 wilt not thy surroundings degrade thee, nor thy 
 soul be deprived of its birthright. 
 
 407 
 
 A judgment shall fall upon him who continues in 
 deception, for he constantly tugs at the pillars that 
 support the structure above his own head. 
 
 408 
 
 It is not more laborious to utter sense than nonsense, 
 truth than falsehood, though the preponderance of 
 evidence is to the contrary. 
 
 409 
 
 O night, wrap me about with thy dark robe and 
 protect me from fear as thou leadest me toward the 
 morn. O day, most bright and beautiful, illumine my 
 soul that I may walk with safety toward the night. 
 
 46 
 
410 
 
 HETTERS are the white-winged birds of thought, 
 flitting here and there amongst the high and 
 low branches of society, sometimes bursting 
 into melody or trilling of sorrow, and not a few preen 
 their feathers and chirp only of themselves. 
 
 411 
 
 In the doing of good works it is not altogether 
 reprehensible to let it be known, as it may stimulate 
 others to imitate, and for similar reasons thy evil 
 deeds were best closeted. 
 
 412 
 
 There are many stations up the mountain of wisdom, 
 and only the perfect man will reach the pinnacle. 
 
 413 
 
 If we take a clear view of an enemy we will not say 
 that he is mean and despicable, but that he is unhappy. 
 
 414 
 
 An illumined mind is brighter than the electrifying 
 thought which it gives to the groping world. 
 
 415 
 
 Hoary with age are the great religions, yet only a 
 fraction of truth has been revealed to priesthood or 
 laity. 
 
 416 
 Faith is not best when knowledge is attainable. 
 
 417 
 
 Mercy is a product of civilization ; and while cruelty 
 is expressed by word or act, evolution will continue 
 its reformatory work until all men and all religions are 
 brought under the subjection of kindness and benev 
 olence. 
 
 418 
 
 Science, by its scientific methods, will eventually 
 make men sharers in God s work and the secret 
 laboratories will be opened to the honest laborer. 
 
 47 
 
419 
 
 So galling are the chains of intemperance that when 
 once worn the scars can not be effaced. 
 
 420 
 
 The outcome of argument is oftener anger than con 
 viction. 
 
 421 
 
 When enemies meet, words must be weighed. When 
 friends meet, this trouble can be dispensed with. 
 
 422 
 Palaces are not freer from care than cottages. 
 
 423 
 
 To denounce a subject without a full understanding 
 of it is the fool s privilege. 
 
 424 
 Immodesty defileth the holy temple of the spirit. 
 
 425 
 
 To crawl through the window when the door is open 
 serves no useful purpose. Yet millions today are 
 crawling through the narrow windows of super 
 stition when the broad doors of reason are wide open. 
 
 426 
 
 To get away from self is a more difficult feat than 
 any man has yet accomplished. 
 
 427 
 
 Every soul should have a glimpse of Paradise while 
 on earth, but this will only be possible through self- 
 purification. 
 
 428 
 
 The midnight of superstition is passed and we are 
 now in the early morning hours of reason. 
 
 429 
 
 Though an untruth were uttered by ten thousand 
 voices from Alpha to Omega, it would be a lie forever. 
 
 48 
 
430 
 
 Immorality has been the great sin of all ages, and as 
 civilization advances it keeps pace; what shall be 
 done to destroy the monster ? This is a closer question 
 than any pertaining to creed or dogma and of more 
 importance to salvation. 
 
 431 
 
 The memory of a wrong deed must live longer than 
 the effects of the deed, for on the soul that thou 
 takest to the Border-Land, is it graven in letters that 
 are enduring. 
 
 432 
 
 The danger of a too intimate acquaintance with evil 
 is its blighting effect on the soul. 
 
 433 
 
 Never permit Satan to walk in front of you. If you 
 must take him along make him walk behind. 
 
 434 
 Perfect peace is but a beautiful dream. 
 
 435 
 
 When the wheel of fortune sinks deep in the mire it 
 is more sensible to get off and try to lift it out than to 
 sit on the load and complain. 
 
 436 
 
 When thou speakest without fervor thou speakest 
 without effect. 
 
 437 
 
 We can not hit the mark if the range is too long for 
 our musket. 
 
 438 
 
 In the evening of care and suffering must be paid the 
 debts of the misspent morning. 
 
 439 
 
 The mind is the most wonderful of all storehouses, 
 and there is nothing in science, art or letters that has 
 not been given a place in one of the many. 
 
 49 
 
440 
 
 Life is a blessing but death is glorious, for it liberates 
 the imprisoned spirit and opens wider the gates of 
 knowledge. 
 
 441 
 
 Retrospection is pleasurable along the line of duty, 
 but along the line of regret it is harrowing. 
 
 442 
 
 What a mistake we make when we think no one sees 
 us when we do wrong ! Our own spirit looking through 
 our mortal vision sees our acts and condemns ; and if 
 our own can do this, probably many others can. 
 
 50 
 
BOOK TWO 
 
443 
 
 HE fate of all who climb the moun 
 tain of learning is alike : they die 
 before they reach the pinnacle, 
 and the ascent from the base is 
 marked with graves and on the 
 headstones are graven illustrious 
 names but for whom the world 
 would be a region of desolation 
 and an unhallowed spot. Rise, 
 ye who are aweary, and go a little higher ere ye fall ; 
 ye will not be sepulchered in another s tomb, but will 
 rest in thine own niche, and this shall be writ on thy 
 slab: He shall not be judged finally by comparison, 
 but by love. 
 
 444 
 
 When triumphant from a race thou leavest some one 
 in disgrace. 
 
 445 
 Be quick to silence thy temper, lest it disgrace thee. 
 
 446 
 
 The honors of life belong to them who make the 
 noblest record ; and whether it be public or private, 
 the hero will be decorated in the home of souls, 
 though he be the most obscure of earth s toilers. 
 
 447 
 
 O bountiful supply, we thank thee that thou givest 
 us each day that which we need for our growth. 
 
 448 
 
 He who can endure seldom misses the goal for which 
 he strives. 
 
 449 
 
 The sweetness of wisdom lingers when one has tasted 
 the fruit of knowledge. 
 
 450 
 
 The ingrate maketh many to want, and oft lacketh 
 himself because he is what he is. 
 
 53 
 
451 
 
 frequency with which men deny the churchly 
 notion of God is evidence of thought upon the 
 subject ; and though thy God or my God may 
 not be acceptable, the other man s God may fill the 
 universe, and he be content and mild when they 
 who differ condemn him because he sees with his own 
 eyes and listens with his own instead of a borrowed 
 ear. 
 
 452 
 
 We come to vexation soon when we incite hate, and 
 to peace soon when we breathe only love. 
 
 453 
 
 The young and innocent have no redress when 
 despoiled by age and vice. 
 
 454 
 
 The first taste of intemperance is shame, the final 
 shamelessness. 
 
 455 
 
 If thou hast opportunity to do thy brother a kindness 
 and it seemeth to thee right, be not deterred by the 
 thought that the world may not applaud. 
 
 456 
 
 Fashion mocks antiquity, yet borrows from it every 
 time it turns about, exclaiming, " this is new and that 
 is new," whereas it is only evolution on the fashion 
 able plane. 
 
 457 
 
 The wiles of sin are shocking to the balanced. T is 
 only the unbalanced that are pleased. 
 
 458 
 
 Dost thy mind vibrate with the fresh thought of 
 the day or hast thy mind run down and the pendulum 
 ceased to swing? If so, wind it quickly and let 
 it point to the exact hour, for a mind behind the age is 
 like a clock behind the time, a deceptive and unreliable 
 indicator when journeying through the world. 
 
 54 
 
459 
 
 keenest satire on man s demand for freedom 
 is his desire for the things that enslave. When 
 he is given liberty he can not exercise it, 
 because of the shackles of habit he has forged for 
 himself and weareth even with vanity and boasting 
 in the presence of the free. 
 
 460 
 
 Heretofore all sin has been attributed to the devil ; 
 but in this day and generation, sin is known to be 
 some degree of ignorance. 
 
 461 
 
 The great value of innocence is not appreciated until 
 guilt steals it. 
 
 462 
 
 That which makes a man successful is not so much 
 what he knows of the past, as his insight into the 
 future. 
 
 463 
 
 The bloom of youth is not more beautiful than the 
 ripeness of years. 
 
 464 
 
 The possibilities of life are more wonderful than its 
 probabilities. 
 
 465 
 
 An advocate of truth needs no stronger associate or 
 ally. 
 
 466 
 If thou must repeat gossip, be fair in thy version. 
 
 467 
 
 Pleasures that amuse are more needed by mental 
 toilers than those which spur the brain to a gallop up 
 the hill of research. 
 
 468 
 
 The immature idea was mechanical creation, which 
 so offended the mature and rational mind that evo 
 lution was substituted with gladness and relief. 
 
 55- 
 
469 
 
 life of intellectuality and the life of imbecil- 
 ity vary not in the economy of Nature, and in 
 the end of many cycles the latter will have 
 become like the former and both perfect as the law 
 intended, and thus does justice work its divine 
 purpose, by gradual development. 
 
 470 
 
 To belittle another adds another defect to thyself. 
 
 471 
 
 If the lifeboat of sympathy were sent out to the 
 perishing in the sea of sin, many might be rescued 
 who would rather go to the bottom than board any 
 sectarian raft. 
 
 472 
 
 Many like wit better than wisdom, but the proper 
 admixture of both is the dose most needed by the 
 many. 
 
 473 
 
 There is a time in the life of a man when fortune 
 favors, but let that day pass without recognition and 
 he may never again be noticed by the golden god. 
 
 474 
 
 The countenance of wisdom is not stamped with 
 baseness and cunning, but rather hath it the look of 
 gentleness, humility and compassion. 
 
 475 
 
 The least that is said and the most that is done, the 
 quicker a reform. 
 
 476 
 
 Conscience knocks at the inner door daily : a few 
 open promptly, but the many reluctantly, to be 
 questioned by this severe censor regarding their 
 conduct. 
 
 477 
 
 Ask thyself if thou be pure, and if the answer be a 
 moment delayed thou mayest know there is a doubt. 
 
 56 
 
478 
 
 the hand of time touches the head of man, 
 leaving a snowy impress thereon, it betokeneth 
 the approach of Winter, and the Winter is a 
 promise of Spring, when all that is old shall become 
 new. Therefore behold in thy silvered hair a sign of 
 the resurrection, and sing joyfully as in youth. 
 
 479 
 
 It is a violation of moral hygiene to allow anger to 
 govern. 
 
 480 
 
 It is smoother sailing with a domestic breeze than 
 against it. 
 
 481 
 
 That which we dread may be overcome by ceasing to 
 hold the thought. 
 
 482 
 
 Prophecy seemeth the desire of the people, and if it 
 were possible in times past, even so shall it continue 
 to be given to a few to foretell the events that cast 
 their shadows athwart the planet. 
 
 483 
 
 Weak is thy defense, O man, against the wiles of 
 sophistry unless aided by commonsense. 
 
 484 
 
 The religion that is left after much raking and turning 
 in the fire of reason is purer, much of the dross having 
 been burned out. 
 
 485 
 
 Much that is to thee given is taken away because of 
 thy neglect to utilize it. 
 
 486 
 Heaven is the home of the mind. 
 
 487 
 
 Generosity fareth ill when it meeteth greed, for the 
 latter seeketh less with love than with thought of gain. 
 
 57 
 
488 
 
 HAR into the midnight of the future would I 
 peer, O my brother, that I might tell thee if 
 there be spread a snare for thy feet or a deep 
 pit digged for thy undoing ; yet if thou hearkenest not 
 to the voice of thine own soul that calleth with 
 authority, thou wouldst not hearken to Love s advice,, 
 though I call thee by name and beseech thee to turn 
 from impurity. 
 
 489 
 
 The highest praise that can be bestowed on a man is 
 this : He reached the eminence upon which he stands 
 by his own exertion and was not carried thither by 
 another. 
 
 490 
 
 True happiness is not leisurely passive, but aggres 
 sively active. 
 
 491 
 
 If thy friends were as afraid of evil as they would have 
 thee think, the world would be redeemed without 
 more ado. 
 
 492 
 
 Fill thy life with love, and thou hast all of happiness 
 that the world gives to her favorites. 
 
 493 
 
 It is a broad road to poverty, but a narrow lane to 
 wealth. 
 
 494 
 
 Let peace be maintained alway, not by the hand and 
 sword, but by the heart and head. 
 
 495 
 
 The nation speaks on her holidays to the people of the 
 present and reminds them that she entrusts to them 
 the sacred care of making the future. 
 
 496 
 
 The hand of death falls lighter on poverty than on 
 wealth, but lightest on him who meets it with a 
 prepared mind and a life untarnished with deceit. 
 
 58 
 
497 
 
 inflexible and sublime are the laws of 
 Nature, and he who transgresses even the least 
 must suffer to the degree of his sin. There is 
 no manner of escape, and none other can pay the 
 penalty for the violator. 
 
 498 
 
 Give thy hand, O brother in darkness, to him who 
 traveleth by the lamp of reason, that thou mayest be 
 led safely around the bogs of cant to the high land 
 where thou mayest see the sunrise for thyself. 
 
 499 
 
 Let thy life be so ordered that should death call for 
 thee this hour thou mightest journey without incon 
 venience. 
 
 500 
 
 Too much of good might become evil. If the sun shone 
 all night sleep might await its departure. 
 
 501 
 Happy is he who hath not need of discipline at death. 
 
 502 
 Life is a failure when its object is mistaken. 
 
 503 
 
 The flavor of evil is as often sweet as bitter, but the 
 poison is there though concealed. 
 
 504 
 We shall never hear the first nor the last of God. 
 
 505 
 Mind is our leader in all things. 
 
 506 
 
 The heart s secrets are its very own, and no one 
 should ask division. 
 
 507 
 
 The deliberations and conclusions of science have 
 more weight with the world today than ever before. 
 
 59 
 
508 
 
 EROM the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers the 
 Americans have not been found lacking in any 
 crisis, nor will they ever run from duty ; excit 
 able are they, yet slow to anger, loving peace more 
 than war, but country more than all. 
 
 509 
 Much frayed is the hem of experience. 
 
 510 
 
 If a lonely hermit ask thee to tarry for a moment with 
 him, hesitate not to cast thy shadow across his 
 homely way, that through thee he may unite himself 
 again with the living world of which he should be a 
 daily part. 
 
 511 
 
 Into a good book dost the writer put the imperishable 
 part of himself therefore it dieth not, though he 
 depart from the world. 
 
 512 
 
 When fades the day, let peace fold her wings and rest 
 within thy heart. 
 
 513 
 
 Though a man of many virtues be not seen, as a fire 
 upon a hill is a man with vices. 
 
 514 
 
 As a man liveth today, so beginneth he the tomorrow 
 of existence. So sayeth reason, which hath said so 
 much that is true that I therefore believe. 
 
 515 
 
 Though thou search diligently thou wilt not find 
 perfection, for its home is not amongst men, and we 
 know not if it be with angels. 
 
 516 
 
 Fear not death ; neither contemplate the devil ; death 
 is the hand of love, and the devil and his fiery habita 
 tion the workings of minds in darkness. 
 
 60 
 
517 
 
 O vain desire, that I may learn the law in a day and 
 know all good from evil in a twinkling ! 
 
 518 
 The best there is in us is God. 
 
 519 
 It is better to love all than to hate one. 
 
 520 
 
 When we find the kingdom of heaven, we find God 
 within. 
 
 521 
 
 If we conjure a lie, it is henceforth a child of our 
 adoption ; we must nurse and care for it constantly, 
 and even then it may turn upon us whenever oppor 
 tunity presents and frighten us by its increasing 
 demands. 
 
 522 
 
 Loneliness an empty mind in a universe of thought. 
 
 523 
 
 Each flower hath folded within its leafy heart a 
 message of love from the infinite that the finite may 
 read, care they to know what sayeth a lover to the 
 loved. 
 
 524 
 
 When the messenger of death draweth near, listen 
 with great joy if the tidings be for thee. 
 
 525 
 
 Whatsoever a man thinketh, he will do when oppor 
 tunity presents therefore the necessity for right 
 thinking. 
 
 526 
 
 A sorrow that maketh the eyelids to gush is more 
 merciful than one that drieth them. 
 
 527 
 
 It is less difficult to place the responsibility of wrong 
 doing than to apportion the consequences. 
 
 61 
 
528 
 
 fTILL, Oh, so still, my soul, art thou, and I 
 listening for the voice of the Divine that we 
 heed not the great noise about us, neither are 
 we troubled by the discord that smites the calm when 
 we are riding above the clouds of earth ; my soul 
 heareth more of the word than the moral I, but we 
 speak together concerning those things that we can 
 not comprehend, and of the time when we shall abide 
 where aspiration hath its home, where the muses 
 walk in the dwelling-places of Inspiration, tran 
 scribing from the everlasting tablets of thought, that 
 which is eternal good, and of that unknown day when 
 we may be led within the birth chamber of Cause, to 
 look into the holy cradle and to behold the Divine 
 Father and Mother of all that has been, is and will be. 
 
 529 
 The parents of sin are ignorance and selfishness. 
 
 530 
 The saddest spot on earth the grave of hope. 
 
 531 
 A busy place where promises are made and broken. 
 
 532 
 
 A neat and fitting garment the plain truth, though 
 not always fashionable. 
 
 533 
 Threadbare is the cloak of religions. 
 
 534 
 
 It is a glorious reign to be king of thyself to say, 
 " Do thou this and do thou that, O self, for I, the 
 King, have spoken." 
 
 535 
 Increased income augments unrest. 
 
 536 
 
 That which we desire inclines not to us as we would. 
 
 62 
 
537 
 
 The whirlwind of competitive education uproots the 
 delicate saplings and bends sturdy trees, and those 
 that withstand the twisting are somewhat blemished 
 from having passed through such rough experience. 
 
 538 
 
 Death is the most beautiful gift of a Divine Father 
 to immortal children. 
 
 539 
 
 Our thoughts, like carrier-pigeons, ever will home 
 ward fly. 
 
 540 
 
 There is no place where the flowers of poetry and 
 romance more freely abound than in the fields of 
 ruralness ; yet they are not so much plucked by the 
 yeomanry as by erstwhile visitors who are enchanted 
 and write of their enchantment. 
 
 541 
 Liberty is the exercise and not the abuse of privileges. 
 
 542 
 
 Intense thought bringeth about that which we would 
 or that which we would not. 
 
 543 
 
 The most sorrowful of all expressed thought is that 
 concerning the passing of man. 
 
 544 
 
 Carry a lamp before thee in a dark way. Prudence 
 prevents many a false step. 
 
 545 
 
 If thou art at peace with thyself, thou must be at 
 peace with the whole world. 
 
 546 
 
 The sequel of wrongdoing is written by time and 
 consequences. 
 
 63 
 
547 
 
 QERADVENTURE thou meetest defeat in thy 
 wanderings, let it not become thy mental guest 
 for the space of a day, but say to it, " Keep 
 thee behind me always, and let not mine eye rest 
 upon thee nor thy hand to cover mine own." 
 
 548 
 
 The distance is no longer to happiness than to unhap- 
 piness if thou takest the right road. 
 
 549 
 
 Be gentle toward another s faults, but severe as thou 
 mayest please toward thine own. 
 
 550 
 A fragment of truth is the discovery of every age. 
 
 551 
 
 It is a test of fortitude to be a true friend to a false 
 friend, and a test of strength to uphold an enemy 
 even in right doing. 
 
 552 
 
 The birds of the air and the beasts of the field love 
 repose more than turmoil, and in this respect they 
 present a lesson to mankind. 
 
 553 
 To better thy condition, better thy thoughts. 
 
 554 
 To gain thy freedom, ask the assistance of thy reason. 
 
 555 
 Whenever a thought ripens in heaven it falls to earth. 
 
 556 
 
 A cunning device to encourage the timorous : a new 
 thought tied to an old handle the familiarity of the 
 one soon familiarizes the other. 
 
 557 
 Serenity belongeth only to him who patiently earns it. 
 
 64 
 
558 
 
 Strictly guard thy vocabulary and cast out any 
 unclean word thou rnayest find in thy collection. 
 
 559 
 
 Whithersoever a man traveleth in his mind that is 
 his soul s destination. 
 
 560 
 
 Destruction followeth vice as closely as a dog follow- 
 eth his master. 
 
 561 
 
 Let no one persuade thee that sin is cheap : thou 
 mayest have to pay for it with thy life. 
 
 562 
 Diversion helpeth the mind to assimilate care. 
 
 563 
 
 Poetry is the blossom and prose the strong branches 
 of the giant tree of literature. 
 
 564 
 Life is eternity and eternity is life. 
 
 565 
 
 He who maketh a grimace at adversity mocketh his 
 teacher. 
 
 566 
 He lives in trouble who lives in knavery. 
 
 567 
 
 He who loveth honor and abideth in it loveth God and 
 abideth in Him. 
 
 568 
 
 If thou hast not taken a step upward today, thou hast 
 not performed thy God -given work. 
 
 569 
 
 If thou wilt meet difficulties cheerfully, thou wilt 
 find them less disagreeable. 
 
 570 
 Sincerity hath not need of flattery. 
 
 65 
 
571 
 
 a cow yieldeth not her milk, to kick her 
 availeth nothing, but the milker trieth gentler 
 means, and when a schemer trieth for thy 
 money he useth persuasion until, if thou resembles t 
 the cow, thou fillest his measure. 
 
 572 
 
 The great camera of life catches every thought and 
 feeling of man upon its sensitized plates for preser 
 vation. 
 
 573 
 
 He who would add to his own stature must build at 
 the top. 
 
 574 
 
 If thou wilt forget the evil-doing of others, thou canst 
 better attend to the purification of thine own life. 
 
 575 
 
 If Fate should knock at thy door with ill tidings, 
 meet it with a calm countenance, though thy tears be 
 blood and thy heart an altar of sacrifice. 
 
 576 
 
 Say to the South Wind, " T is well," and to the 
 North Wind, " T is well," and to the zephyrs that 
 blow annoyances into thy dooryard, " Thou canst 
 not harm, for I am with God the Divine One." 
 
 577 
 
 No one can love the Great Father without learning 
 something of the Great Mother. 
 
 578 
 
 To lie upon the breast of Nature and listen to her 
 wonderful stories is both helpful and restful. 
 
 579 
 
 Vex not thyself because of ungodliness. Godliness will 
 come with understanding, and understanding with 
 the evolution of time, until all men are undefiled. 
 
580 
 
 ^TT^F a man s religion holdeth him responsible for 
 his every act, it maketh him careful of his 
 "^ ^ conduct ; but if it point a loophole whereby he 
 may escape the penalty of broken laws, it maketh 
 him more careless of deportment. 
 
 581 
 Greatness begins where littleness ends. 
 
 582 
 
 The work of all thinkers is separating facts from 
 fiction. 
 
 583 
 
 He that perceiveth a beam in a brother s eye and 
 asketh another to remove it showeth somewhat of 
 cowardice. 
 
 584 
 
 Beset as thou art, O mortal with temptations, listen 
 to morality and be spared the pain of a fall. 
 
 585 
 
 Listen, O youth, to the voice of Divinity that dwelleth 
 within. Feebly at first will it address thee ; but as 
 thou gainest virtues it will become stronger and at 
 length will boldly direct thee to God. 
 
 586 
 
 He that leadeth another into darkness shall at length 
 lose his own way. 
 
 587 
 Sympathy uplifteth hope and saveth from despair. 
 
 588 
 
 Grateful will be a long day of peace that will come to 
 faithful and patient workers after the turmoil of 
 earth is abandoned. 
 
 589 
 
 When the guilty are exposed, they do not try to hide 
 themselves behind Satan, but endeavor to cover 
 themselves with the white robe of innocence. 
 
 67 
 
590 
 
 Light thy countenance with a smile, and thou canst 
 keep despondency at bay indefinitely. 
 
 591 
 
 The first fruits of sin are not so bitter as the last 
 plucking. 
 
 592 
 
 When in need of advice, question thy reason and 
 beware of that which conflicts with it. 
 
 593 
 
 When the road to wealth forks, consult thy con 
 science. 
 
 594 
 
 Wisdom is preferable to experience : they who have 
 the first need not the last. 
 
 595 
 
 Boldness robbeth modesty of speech and driveth to 
 cover the half-fledged utterances of timidity. 
 
 596 
 
 Perfection is only to be found at the end of a very 
 long road, eternity. 
 
 597 
 
 Unfortunate is he who hath sufficient conceit to 
 conceal his faults from his own vision. 
 
 598 
 
 The cloak of religion is as many -colored as Joseph s 
 coat. 
 
 599 
 
 The absence of egotism indicates the absence of self 
 ishness, for where one is there is the other also. 
 
 600 
 Vulgar curiosity though diligent gathers few facts. 
 
 601 
 
 To be vain of thy gifts is to be vain of thyself. To be 
 glad of thy gifts is thanksgiving. 
 
 68 
 
602 
 
 become acquaint with thyself, ask thyself as 
 many questions each day as thou canst shape, 
 and insist upon having a clear answer. In this 
 way wilt thou become aware of thy deficiencies and 
 thou wilt be astonished at the number. 
 
 603 
 
 If thou canst find a man and a woman in all the world 
 whose lives are without an imperfection, thou mayest 
 deify them, for they are as God. 
 
 604 
 
 Whatever seemeth wrong thou shouldst not do in 
 haste. 
 
 605 
 
 If possible wait until the fog lifts before unmooring 
 thy boat. 
 
 606 
 
 Beware of accepting from him who boasteth of his 
 generosity, or thy pride will be much battered. 
 
 607 
 
 Whenever thou findest a bright mind let it shine upon 
 thine own to light some dark corner. 
 
 608 
 
 To raise thyself above thy surroundings thou must 
 leap into the great world of mind. 
 
 609 
 Be sparing of vain regret and generous of good intent. 
 
 610 
 
 Whithersoever thou mayest go, the ghost of the past 
 will glide beside thee, making thy heaven or thy hell. 
 
 611 
 Iniquity abhors frankness. 
 
 612 
 Whomsoever death severs death will again unite. 
 
 69 
 
613 
 
 mayest perform contemptibly in private* 
 thinking no eye beholdeth, but there is never 
 an hour when thou art unattended ; therefore 
 let thy acts be honorable and decorous as when in, 
 public, lest shame confront thee in the hereafter. 
 
 614 
 
 Discretion and Indiscretion never go a-Maying. 
 together. 
 
 615 
 When giving reproof let it be unmixed with sarcasm. 
 
 616 
 
 When sharing the home of another, assume no control 
 of its management, lest thou be outgeneraled thyself 
 and have to beg for quarter. 
 
 617 
 
 A generous giver is he who gives when return is- 
 impossible and publicity improbable. 
 
 618 
 When the fat is in the fire it is too late to caution. 
 
 619 
 
 The ladder of fame is hard to climb, and a misstep 
 will bring thee to the ground in a twinkling. 
 
 620 
 
 Though the scars of adversity be deep, thou canst 
 conceal them with cheerfulness. 
 
 621 
 
 The soul is illumined by a process known only to the 
 minority. 
 
 622 
 
 Hope will make the poor rich for without it the 
 rich are poor. 
 
 623 
 
 If man assume control over the beasts, how much 
 more should he assume control over himself! 
 
 70 
 
624 
 If thy dog love thee he hath something of God in him. 
 
 625 
 If to an angelic state thou wouldst aspire, thou wilt arise. 
 
 626 
 To keep thy life pure thou must filter thy thoughts, 
 
 627 
 
 The quickest way to forget gloom is to think upon joy. 
 Difficult it is, but try it and thou wilt find this pleasant 
 remedy efficacious. 
 
 628 
 
 Let thy life be such that every act and thought might 
 be transferred to a clean page and thou not blush for 
 the reading. 
 
 629 
 
 When earth enters the silent chambers of night she 
 does not slumber, but busies herself till the morning 
 with her abundant duties. 
 
 630 
 
 He that lifteth himself saveth another much trouble. 
 
 631 
 
 It may be well to drop a little good seed in your 
 neighbor s field occasionally, but do not harrow his 
 ground without permission. 
 
 632 
 
 Thou shouldst not endeavor to convince thy enemy 
 that he was wrong yesterday, for thou turnest him 
 into the past, when thou shouldst lead him this day 
 into the tomorrow. 
 
 633 
 
 Though thou attack every religion of earth, thou 
 canst not attack God. 
 
 634 
 
 The record of life is marked not by hours but by 
 thoughts ; not by days but by progress. 
 
 71 
 
635 
 
 is it commendable to work before 
 the dawn or after the night cometh? T is 
 Nature that marks the time for man s rest, 
 therefore let him obey to prolong his years let him 
 not cut from the night nor add to the day. 
 
 636 
 If a man live a lie, he hath no part with peace. 
 
 637 
 
 Why complain that the world is all bad, if thou thy 
 self art good ? 
 
 638 
 When the sword is whetted, Peace is unhappy. 
 
 639 
 Every soul must some day travel the road to Glory. 
 
 640 
 
 The Great Lawgiver permits no man to violate the 
 law without meting out full penalty to the violator, 
 and no subterfuge whatsoever availeth when thine 
 own act has marked thee for punishment. 
 
 641 
 
 The minutest particle of matter is doing its work as 
 faithfully as the most conspicuous, and in so doing is 
 God s helper. 
 
 642 
 
 The length and breadth of our conscience is measured 
 by our understanding. 
 
 643 
 
 Hades might be turned to heaven were the Will made 
 ruler over the passions. 
 
 644 
 
 A generation of unbelievers maketh a generation of 
 inquirers. 
 
 645 
 When fortune smiles, the world endeavors to please. 
 
 72 
 
646 
 
 Fast and furious rides temper, but calmness always 
 wins the race. 
 
 647 
 
 Alas ! how fickle is indecision : it bloweth North today, 
 South tomorrow, and peradventure on the third day 
 it bloweth not at all. 
 
 648 
 
 Sorrow and joy are to the mind what light and dark 
 ness are to the body. 
 
 649 
 
 He who runs a race with adversity often runs with a 
 friend in disguise. 
 
 650 
 
 The greatest good that can befall a glutton is the 
 loss of appetite. 
 
 651 
 
 That which makes war possible makes civilization 
 impossible. 
 
 652 
 
 That which inflames the passions deadens the soul, 
 and that which deadens the soul diminishes its 
 capacity to enjoy its privileges. 
 
 653 
 
 Slay not. He who taketh that which he can not 
 replace stealeth from God. 
 
 654 
 
 The freedom of a nation depends upon the unselfish 
 ness of its people. 
 
 655 
 
 When the night cometh on, let Peace abide with thee 
 till the morning, and then if thou must battle let 
 principle incite thee and not prejudice. 
 
 656 
 
 So fair is youth that age seemeth plain, but so rich 
 is age that youth seemeth poor. 
 
 73 
 
657 
 The luster of virtue can not be restored when tarnished. 
 
 658 
 
 Even upon the rugged mountains and the face of the 
 tossing sea is written law, and chaos is nowhere per 
 mitted. 
 
 659 
 
 When overcoming misfortunes, perseverance is thy 
 best ally. 
 
 660 
 
 The reproof of the wicked begetteth contempt, but 
 a word from the exemplary benefiteth. 
 
 661 
 
 Abundant love attracts abundant love, and hatred 
 adds to itself also. 
 
 662 
 No one finds peace without searching for it. 
 
 663 
 
 When suspicion watches innocence, it harms it, for 
 it suggests that guilt is there. 
 
 664 
 
 Each has within him all he needs to develop perfec 
 tion, and the acquirement of knowledge and the 
 right use of it will be the manner of unfolding. 
 
 665 
 
 Walk the earth with a lamp in each hand and a head 
 light on thy brow, that thou mayest see thine own 
 way and guide thy neighbor. 
 
 666 
 
 When thy temper is blazing run after water instead 
 of coal. 
 
 667 
 
 To believe in the power of good to overcome all evil 
 is to believe in moral evolution, which will right all 
 wrong and perfect all things in time. 
 
 74 
 
668 
 
 One must needs hunt for dishonesty where honesty 
 is so fearless that it walketh in the open. 
 
 669 
 
 Think not that thou canst revile without setting the 
 shafts of malice in motion against thyself. 
 
 670 
 
 Begin the day in peace and fear to meet the night in 
 anger. 
 
 671 
 
 Wherever thou findest perseverance thou mayest 
 look for success. 
 
 672 
 
 Fortune at last favors most those who love best the 
 things that can not be bought and sold. 
 
 673 
 
 The tenderest ties of the human heart are severed by 
 death with apparent indifference ; but if God directs 
 and He is love, all is done with kindness. 
 
 674 
 
 The road of progress lies straight across the wastes 
 of prejudice. 
 
 675 
 
 Civilization has been a swifter runner than religion 
 in preceding centuries, and what has been will be 
 until superstitions shall pass away. 
 
 676 
 
 Let thy days be full of pleasure and let thy pleasure 
 be the doing of right. 
 
 677 
 
 They who walk life s journey know more of the way 
 than they who ride. 
 
 678 
 
 Begin early in life to put thy patience to the test, for 
 thou wilt need it when years advance upon thee. 
 
 75 
 
679 
 
 there no message from the undiscovered 
 country there would be no belief in immortal- 
 ity ; but the waves of thought that surge 
 
 between the seen and the unseen world keep alive 
 
 that beautiful hope. 
 
 680 
 
 Whatever thou dost for the benefit of the world thou 
 dost for thine own glory, for thine is the reward 
 though thou mayest have passed the border-land ere 
 thy work is appreciated or praised. 
 
 681 
 
 Love of country is a noble love, and when thou 
 lovest thine own as thou oughtest, thou wilt not covet 
 another s birthright nor seek to wrest it from him by 
 violence or strategy. 
 
 682 
 There is a right and a wrong side to every day. 
 
 683 
 Complaint is discord and discord is disease. 
 
 684 
 
 Let thy hands be full of kindness and lay them gently 
 upon sorrow. 
 
 685 
 
 Verily if a man will to do right, there is a way to do 
 right. 
 
 686 
 
 Let us think it will be as well with another in the here 
 after as we would have it with ourselves. 
 
 687 
 
 Cast the same eye upon thyself as thou dost upon 
 another and thou wilt be more merciful in thy judg 
 ment. 
 
 688 
 
 Whenever thou art scratched by a tattler, clear thy 
 self, but do not continue the fight. 
 
 76 
 
689 
 
 Each soul builds a solid wall of individualism round 
 about itself and is securely entrenched behind the 
 impregnable ramparts. 
 
 690 
 
 Inasmuch as ye make discord will thy life be dis 
 cordant. 
 
 691 
 
 O Vanity ! how weak art thou in the presence of 
 worth and how exceeding small ! 
 
 692 
 Lest temptation conquer thee, give it no quarter. 
 
 693 
 
 Though thou mayest look into the windows of thy 
 friend s character many times, thou wilt never 
 behold him as he truly is. 
 
 694 
 
 It is a ridiculous blunder to estimate a man for what 
 he has, rather than for what he is. The one is his coat, 
 the other himself. 
 
 695 
 
 The backbiter must sooner or later die from his own 
 poison. 
 
 696 
 
 Inasmuch as we can not judge righteously, it were a 
 sin to judge at all. 
 
 697 
 
 If it is a misfortune to die by accident, what can be 
 said of accidental birth ? 
 
 698 
 
 We come into an understanding of morals when we 
 open the holy book of Nature. 
 
 699 
 Dignity frowns upon the talebearer. 
 
 700 
 
 When praise is due, bitterness follows censure. 
 
 77 
 
701 
 
 me, ye winged winds, whither my soul 
 shall be wafted when it departs the flesh. Will 
 it be to a city of gold or to the deep woods? 
 Will it sing forever or will it work ? Will it still expand 
 or will it shrink with monotony? Will it gather 
 knowledge or will it retrograde ? Will it be true to its 
 individual existence, or will it be swallowed by the 
 great I ? Will it be happy, or will it be sad ? Will there 
 be night and morn, or midday eternally? Will it be 
 amongst the wise that I shall stand, or will it be with 
 hungry children who crave instruction? Shall I be 
 less because my brother is more? Shall I be content 
 to be as I am? Nay, Nay, O winged winds, I answer 
 nay I will not be content to be as I am, neither 
 shall I be swallowed up in the vortex of souls, but I 
 shall stand alone, alone forever in a great and grow 
 ing world I shall love and I shall be loved I shall 
 instruct and I shall be instructed I shall lead and 
 I shall be led ; I shall sing and I shall work I shall 
 know and I shall be known. I shall be happy and 
 I shall be necessary to another s happiness. I shall be 
 glad, and all will be glad that they are of use in the 
 great structure and that they will be put in place by 
 the hand of the master builder. 
 
 702 
 
 Charity springeth from the heart therefore is con 
 trolled more by emotion than by reason. 
 
 703 
 
 When the fruit is falling from the tree of knowledge, 
 be not so far away that none will fall into thy recep 
 tacle. 
 
 704 
 
 Sorrow maketh a man bow his thoughts though his 
 head rove in the air. 
 
 705 
 
 Gold opens for mankind gates of destruction that 
 would otherwise remain forever closed. 
 
 78 
 
706 
 
 is a morning and an evening to every 
 experience sometimes it is the sunrise that 
 is pleasant and the evening that is gloomy, or 
 the early hour may be a mist and the sunset a golden 
 glory. 
 
 707 
 
 The pleasantest way out of this world is through the 
 gateway of love. 
 
 708 
 It is vain to expect gigantic results from timid efforts. 
 
 709 
 
 The weaker are not protected by the stronger by a 
 course of reasoning, but by the flow of circumstances 
 are they aided or crushed. 
 
 710 
 So commercial is Lust that it puts a price on virtue. 
 
 711 
 
 When a person is steeped in worldliness the process 
 well-nigh destroys the germs of soul growth. 
 
 712 
 
 Thoughts like a flock of swallows dart so rapidly 
 before the mind s eye that it is difficult to follow a 
 single one to its home. 
 
 713 
 
 A light heart maketh a light head, for when the 
 thoughts are deep we incline more to contemplation 
 than to exultation. 
 
 714 
 
 Knowledge maketh a man unassuming where igno 
 rance maketh him bold. 
 
 715 
 
 If thou hast overmuch talent and no application, 
 success is further from thee than if thou hadst over 
 much application and less talent. 
 
 79 
 
716 
 
 v ^Tr" AM adding to my religious temple daily, and 
 
 II as my foundation is reason I know its strength 
 
 and I intend to build higher than the Tower of 
 
 Babel, and not put on the dome until I reach the other 
 
 worlds. 
 
 717 
 
 When all men have learned not to be selfish tyranny 
 will end. 
 
 718 
 
 In future ages when all shall know the truth and 
 practise it, the earth will be the abode of angels and 
 Jacob s dream be realized. 
 
 719 
 
 The day of judgment is not when God judges men, 
 but when man judges himself, and pronounces his 
 soul clean or unclean. 
 
 720 
 
 I search for words, but I find them not, to express my 
 admiration for all that is beautiful, good and true. 
 
 721 
 
 In the quiet and pleasant vales of life it is fair to 
 linger, but the soul is never deeply stirred within the 
 confines of peace and plenty. 
 
 722 
 
 Happiness is not obtained by supplication, but by 
 delightful labor. 
 
 723 
 
 According to the will is the circumference of thought 
 expanded or contracted. 
 
 724 
 
 The best that we can say of others is that they are 
 doing as well as they know. 
 
 725 
 The first step toward evil is the beginning of sorrow. 
 
 80 
 
726 
 
 man tells me that the Holy Word of God is 
 contained within the covers of a printed book, 
 and that he can carry it about in his pocket, 
 I do not laugh, neither do I call him a liar or a fool ; 
 but I pray that the light of reason may enter his 
 mind until he can see that God s book is too large for 
 a pocket edition, that it is larger than the universe, 
 and yet not complete. 
 
 727 
 
 When the voice of conscience cries aloud at the door 
 of the soul, the wicked will not admit it, but drive it 
 away with continued sinfulness. 
 
 728 
 
 To get a true view of ourselves we must stand before 
 the revolving mirror of introspection every day, not 
 to admire, but to criticize and improve. 
 
 729 
 
 Let it be remarked by every one that you are above 
 your business, whatever it may be. 
 
 730 
 
 The rainbow set in the heavens does not give me 
 promise that no more shall the waters cover the earth, 
 but it shows me that where there is light there is 
 beauty. 
 
 731 
 
 Sleep, weary form, sleep, that my spirit may go out 
 into the mysterious night to commune with its kind ! 
 
 732 
 Fatigue is the sequence of error. 
 
 733 
 
 Gainsay it, if you can, that mental slavery is pref 
 erable to liberty or that any teaching calculated to 
 bind the mind could not with benefit be supplanted 
 by instruction in ethics to the exclusion of creeds. 
 
 81 
 
734 
 
 ^TT^T is best for us to wear our garments right side 
 
 i_ out to avoid comment, and for like reason it 
 
 x were better not to put the seamy part of our 
 
 nature on the outside where every one can observe 
 
 its roughness. 
 
 735 
 
 In the fulness of time we may know what manner of 
 men we are, but now we can only look and wonder 
 at ourselves and follow ancient advice, until our 
 lesson is learned. 
 
 736 
 To persecute reason is to insult divinity. 
 
 737 
 
 Lift up your minds, O beloved, into the stillness of 
 the Great I Am. 
 
 738 
 Listen, if need be, to complaint, but add not your own. 
 
 739 
 
 Profitable advice is seldom given except for love or 
 money. 
 
 740 
 Behold the friendship of poverty and indolence. 
 
 741 
 
 If thou thinkest well thou wilt do well, for the thought 
 and the act are not far apart. 
 
 742 
 Let not sloth rob thee of thy inheritance of health. 
 
 743 
 
 If thou livest this day well, tomorrow will hold no 
 terrors and yesterday no remorse. 
 
 744 
 
 That the finite mind may at some remote period of 
 its journey meet infinity is not impossible when, 
 how or where, we would not speak. 
 
 82 
 
745 
 
 OYE of imprudent imagination, why picture 
 God sitting upon a great white throne in the 
 pose and likeness of little man? O beloved, 
 talk no more of a despot, nor place the Universal 
 God upon a chair. 
 
 746 
 
 Let the thought-force that we each day extend be of 
 a quality that will be creative of our ideal. 
 
 747 
 
 The outlook for religion at the present time is 
 encouraging, for when there is much doubt concern 
 ing the old there is much inquiry for the new. 
 
 748 
 
 The basest mentality could be raised to an exalted 
 plane by an education that would call forth the higher 
 and compel the lower propensities to lie dormant 
 until too weak to respond to evil. 
 
 749 
 If I be afraid of God I be afraid of life. 
 
 750 
 It is easier to warm a castle than a cold heart within it. 
 
 751 
 
 When a cat sits by a rat-hole the inference is not that 
 she is dreaming of former conquests, but that she 
 awaits with hope. 
 
 752 
 
 The great circle of light is without break or joining 
 from Alpha to Omega. 
 
 753 
 
 Weightier than heavy chains upon the body is 
 Tradition upon the mind. 
 
 754 
 
 Truth and science are upon such friendly terms that 
 each is a support to the other. 
 
 83 
 
755 
 
 feels a sense of security in the civilization 
 of great cities, yet with it his personal safety 
 is not materially enhanced nor is he secure 
 against the wolves in wool who prowl about, nor 
 hath he immunity from the temptations that beset 
 his every turning. 
 
 756 
 
 A threefold blessing rests upon the good : the pleasure 
 of being good, of doing good, and of receiving good. 
 
 757 
 
 To reason from a false premise is to travel from the 
 truth as fast as the tongue can run. 
 
 758 
 
 If the axles of matrimony are well lubricated with the 
 oil of wisdom, the wheels of time will run smoother 
 and squeak less. 
 
 759 
 
 The brightest spot in the mind of man is reason 
 the dullest, gluttony. 
 
 760 
 Perversity leadeth a man to misfortune. 
 
 761 
 
 As intelligence increases, intolerance decreases; and 
 the time will come when men will altogether abandon 
 persecution understanding that diversity of opinion 
 leadeth to knowledge. 
 
 762 
 
 If perad venture thy friend of today becomes thy 
 enemy tomorrow, be not dismayed, but say to thyself 
 and to him, " If I am worthy thy love and thou art 
 worthy of mine, naught of a trivial nature can keep 
 us long asunder." 
 
 763 
 Love apart from Godliness can not live. 
 
 764 
 Victory hath not on earth a permanent home. 
 
 84 
 
765 
 
 that are lisped in prayer by children 
 reach further, methinks, into the realm of spirit 
 than the studied phrases of theologians there 
 fore teach the innocent to ask for that which will 
 help them to grow wise ; tell them that the truth lies 
 about them awaiting their use of it. 
 
 766 
 
 Intelligence is not so exacting of its brother as 
 ignorance. 
 
 767 
 
 Croppings are only promises to know thy friend s 
 worth thou must dig deeper than the surface. 
 
 768 
 
 The God of Liberty is neither the God of ceremonies 
 nor of creeds. 
 
 769 
 
 Great pearls of truth are the price of many years and 
 of many lives. 
 
 770 
 
 When conscience smites thee, halt or the next blow 
 may land thee in a purgatory of regret from which 
 escape is not made in a day nor yet in a century. 
 
 771 
 
 The testimony of fools is of no importance, neither 
 is the advice of a coward of value ; therefore, if not 
 able to weigh and measure for thyself, ask the 
 assistance of the wise. 
 
 772 
 
 The pictures that we draw of others have a resem 
 blance, however slight, to ourselves. 
 
 773 
 The flower of true friendship is absence. 
 
 774 
 
 It is a fair day when friends compliment our every 
 act, but a stormy one when they frown. 
 
 85 
 
775 
 
 nET my feet be shod with mercy and love and 
 may sympathy abide in my breast when I go 
 amongst the children of earth that are smitten 
 by adversity, for then will I acceptably take to them 
 that which they need in their night of sorrow, and 
 then, O God, Thou wilt not reprove thy servant for 
 making of charity a farce. 
 
 776 
 
 God spake unto me this day saying, " Thine heart 
 is not quite attuned to my holy law ; therefore, attend 
 to thy defects or thou wilt make discord." 
 
 777 
 
 The reign of beauty ceases when the reign of lust 
 commences. 
 
 778 
 
 Albeit thou art mortal thou art also immortal and 
 must live uprightly each day, then wilt thou find 
 pleasure all along the way. 
 
 779 
 
 The recovery of a lost reputation is as doubtful as the 
 recovery of a lost pearl. 
 
 780 
 The wail of the few is not the cry of the multitude. 
 
 781 
 
 The laugh of the maniac frightens and the laugh of the 
 humorist amuses ; therefore it is not the outward 
 expression of mirth but the inward condition of mind 
 that effects. 
 
 782 
 
 Fashion ridicules poverty and poverty laughs when 
 fashion has a fall. 
 
 783 
 
 Adversity divideth the sheep from the goats in the 
 social pastures. 
 
 784 
 Never frighten ambition by parading obstacles. 
 
 86 
 
785 
 
 VICE in its encounter with religion is triumphant 
 to this day, for though religions do not like it 
 they can not destroy it in its own territory, 
 neither can they win it over to theirs, but some day, 
 when science controls religion it will instruct it in 
 truer ways of reform and make it conform to natural 
 principles and instead of leaning on the past it will 
 be willing to listen to the present and thus prepare 
 for the future. 
 
 786 
 
 Lisp not of thy defects lest they be magnified by the 
 public eye, but whilst thou art striving to cure them, 
 conceal them. 
 
 787 
 
 The view we take of another s motives is frequently 
 an exhibition of our own. 
 
 788 
 
 Alas ! what can be done to make the poor men rich 
 and the rich men happy. 
 
 789 
 Whenever Satan comes to the front drive him to the rear. 
 
 790 
 
 The most delicate advice is many times rejected 
 because the giver calls it by that name. 
 
 791 
 
 If thou showest no displeasure when thou art pained 
 and no pleasure when thou art pleased, thou art like 
 a dumb clock whose face is a cheat. 
 
 792 
 
 When thou art in a sea of trouble call for help, and 
 thy cry will be answered from the interior of thy soul 
 where there is always calm, though the waters foam 
 on the surface. 
 
 793 
 
 It is the fate of the young and the old that they meet 
 the Reaper alone and none escape a like encounter. 
 
 87 
 
794 
 
 gateway of heaven is never closed and yet 
 many miss it and enter the adjoining place; 
 but as there is no peace for the wicked, they 
 will eventually grow weary and inquire the way to 
 heaven, which is the Mecca that each soul finds 
 within its own domain, be it now or be it then. 
 
 795 
 
 When the story is large, weigh it carefully and then 
 weigh the narrator. 
 
 796 
 Decay is the immediate result of vice. 
 
 797 
 Find no fault with virtue however awkward. 
 
 798 
 
 When thy conscience begins to prick thee, ascertain 
 at once the cause and remove it. 
 
 799 
 
 In the decline of life keep thy mind fixed on the rising 
 of tomorrow s sun and then wilt thou always be 
 cheerful and young. 
 
 800 
 
 Keep to simplicity as long as thy good sense lasts and 
 resort to mannerisms only when it is gone. 
 
 801 
 
 Fast and furious is the lash of fashion s whip over the 
 back of society. 
 
 802 
 
 The blending of two souls into one is done only in 
 God s laboratory. Priests and magistrates have tried 
 and failed. 
 
 803 
 
 To him who can prophesy the future must be ascribed 
 a sixth sense, and time will demonstrate whether he 
 have it or whether he guesses. 
 
 88 
 
804 
 
 GHE birds, the butterflies, the bees and all winged 
 creatures seem to live on a more pleasant plane 
 of life than the grubs and the crawling things ; 
 but who can say that they are happier, for is not each 
 attending to duty and filling its own sphere acceptably ? 
 
 805 
 
 The waves of prejudice beat higher in uncultivated 
 minds. 
 
 806 
 
 Rectitude of body and mind bring thee into a reali 
 zation of true living unknown to them who crawl 
 upon the earth through the mire of sense gratification. 
 
 807 
 
 The true value of discipline is known only to the 
 disciplined who have been lashed into obedience by 
 reason. 
 
 808 
 
 There is no short cut to wisdom ; there is but one 
 broad road and few there be who tread it. 
 
 809 
 
 Thought is somewhat tinted by its surroundings, but 
 its quality is determined by its projector. 
 
 810 
 
 To view thyself in thy worst act would deprive thee 
 of all vanity ; but not thy sins but thy graces are 
 commonly uppermost in thy mind, and so vanity 
 continueth. 
 
 811 
 
 The right to criticize belongs to the century and 
 progression demands it. 
 
 812 
 
 Though a man change his habits between night and 
 morning he can not so quickly change his character. 
 
 813 
 
 When the sun of earthly life goes down on a mis 
 spent life the spiritual sun will rise on a misspent life. 
 
 89 
 
814 
 
 IT is neither for you nor me to say who will be 
 happiest in the day of their demise, nor, if the 
 life has been just, have we grounds for thinking 
 that any soul is miserable in the next world, though 
 the religious belief was opposed to our own or though 
 there was none at all over which to contend. 
 
 815 
 
 Deception is in vain, for every act of life is graven on 
 the tablets of eternity, where some day they can be 
 read by friend and foe. 
 
 816 
 
 The major part of the human family are and will be 
 plodders ; the minor are and will remain thinkers. 
 
 817 
 
 The finality of knowledge will never be reached 
 unless Divine energy becomes aweary and stops work. 
 
 818 
 
 Much that is believed today will be abandoned 
 tomorrow, and man will have to run to keep pace 
 with the knowledge that is to be given to his keeping 
 within a decade. 
 
 819 
 
 When the parson declares that a ticket to heaven 
 can be obtained at his church only, his commercial 
 instincts become apparent. 
 
 820 
 
 When the eyelids are heavy with weeping, the mind 
 is too drowsy for action. 
 
 90 
 
BOOK THREE 
 
821 
 
 CCORDING to prophecy it is the 
 dawning of a new cycle. The 
 heavens declare that a new Christ 
 shall appear. Not any preceding 
 saviors shall again manifest in the 
 flesh, nor yet a God, but the future 
 is to be the fruition of the past, a 
 summary of all that has been, and 
 the adding to of much that has 
 not been. Another round has been climbed on the 
 ladder of evolution a Jacob s dream interpreted for 
 the Twentieth Century. It is the electric age of 
 Spirituality, in which new revelations of man s pos 
 sibilities are perceived, and instead of one savior, 
 every man and woman who is illumined by truth will 
 be a savior unto themselves and unto others, which 
 is the end of old things and the beginning of new. 
 The new Christ, which is the blending of all past 
 truth with the highest present conception of truth, 
 is the long-expected Messiah. 
 
 822 
 
 If you defy Nature s demands she will call you an 
 imbecile and proceed to make you one. 
 
 823 
 
 Spend a morning hour with the sages and a late one 
 with the soul and thou mayest be trusted to spend 
 the interim with profit and decorum. 
 
 824 
 
 When we bow to the inevitable we acknowledge 
 obedience to law. 
 
 825 
 
 Many are the deep seams and scars on the face of 
 Nature, corresponding to those of the character in its 
 evolution. 
 
 826 
 
 As Spring gives promise and Autumn fulfilment, let 
 the fact be regarded as true of life. 
 
 93 
 
827 
 
 secret of long life has never been revealed, 
 and they who have attained it have not been 
 more careful than they who have not, which 
 would suggest that man s days are numbered by his 
 Maker and that he passeth out when the hand of 
 time points the hour that he is expected to arrive at 
 his destination. 
 
 828 
 
 The good is more enduring than the bad and eventu 
 ally will control all things. 
 
 829 
 
 Homely virtues are more lovable than handsome 
 evils. 
 
 830 
 
 I looked into the heart of a flower today and there I 
 saw graven the name of its Maker. 
 
 831 
 
 When high life delights in low life it depends upon 
 fashion to conceal its foulness, but forgets the cunning 
 of its own soul to expose wrongdoing even at the 
 twelfth hour. 
 
 832 
 Frugality is the lane leading to abundance. 
 
 833 
 
 When marching under the banner of religion, equal 
 rights are alas ! too often forgotten. 
 
 834 
 
 Don t act a fool if you can help it ; but if you can t, 
 don t be offended if called by your right name. 
 
 835 
 
 Less energy is expended to start a fight than to 
 quell it. 
 
 836 
 
 When we want bread let us pray for knowledge where 
 with to earn it. 
 
 94 
 
837 
 
 CONCERNING the law and the prophets much 
 has been written ; but concerning the new law 
 and the new prophets, more will be written 
 that will accord strictly with the newly revealed laws 
 of science, health and future existence. 
 
 838 
 
 Somewhere in this small world is a mind that vibrates 
 with thine own, and at the meeting each recognizes 
 that affinity of thought is the strongest tie that binds. 
 
 839 
 
 O blessed death, that closes our days that our infir 
 mities be not increased ! 
 
 840 
 
 Conscience is the divine electrician that touches the 
 button to alarm the soul of unholy approach. 
 
 841 
 
 To tell the people they are followers and not thinkers, 
 offends them ; but when they attempt to disprove it, 
 they prove it. 
 
 842 
 
 So little of truth has been discovered that there is 
 not enough to satisfy the needs of the human family ; 
 but time will add to the supply, and some day they 
 will have sufficient to make them wise and lovely. 
 
 843 
 
 There is a well of love in the heart which must be 
 constantly drawn from to keep it sweet. 
 
 844 
 
 When thy mind is stayed on religion, thou mayest 
 do evil ; but when thy mind is stayed on righteousness, 
 thou forgettest evil. 
 
 845 
 
 Crashing through space is the thunder of progress, 
 and the forked lightning of knowledge is clearing the 
 atmosphere of ignorance. 
 
 95 
 
846 
 
 make a scapegoat of innocence seems mean, 
 and to pile a greater load on guilt seems cruel. 
 What therefore can we do to appease con 
 science than to carry our own sins to judgment and 
 receive the full penalty for breaking the laws of our 
 being ? 
 
 847 
 
 The liberal mind scattereth lavishly the thoughts 
 that make men free. 
 
 848 
 
 Do not climb a tree before you see the bear. 
 
 849 
 
 There is too much ease in the lap of luxury, and those 
 privileged to sit at will become too puny to walk the 
 rugged road that leads to independence and con 
 tentment. 
 
 850 
 
 The wide world s neglected lesson the value of self- 
 denial. 
 
 851 
 
 Verily, what profiteth authority in the hands of a 
 hermit ? 
 
 852 
 
 Conjugal felicity abideth long with love, but will not 
 tarry with lust. 
 
 853 
 
 He that carryeth a thought to slay a brother staineth 
 his soul with murder though he refrain from the act. 
 
 854 
 
 It is as wrong for intelligence to think evil as for 
 ignorance to do evil. 
 
 855 
 
 Be generous to thy intellect, but keep thy passions 
 hungry. 
 
 856 
 
 If thine eye be offended, do not pluck it out, but use 
 it for correcting the offense it beholds. 
 
 96 
 
857 
 
 HITERATURE sings merrily adown the ages; 
 it pipes the lay of the minstrel ; it chants of 
 religion ; it warbles of peace and intones of 
 war, but its sweetest songs are of undying love that 
 are learned by each succeeding generation. 
 
 858 
 A legend satisfies until the truth is revealed. 
 
 859 
 
 A handsome bride maketh a vain husband, but a 
 homely one maketh him speak her virtues. 
 
 860 
 
 As a spider spins a web to entrap a fly, so does a liar 
 spin a story to ensnare the credulous. 
 
 861 
 
 Be provident today if thou wouldst have ease tomor 
 row. 
 
 862 
 
 So order thine own life that thou wilt be a living 
 copy of the law. 
 
 863 
 
 What more delightful than the companionship of the 
 heroes and heroines of literature their willingness 
 to talk with us makes them indeed precious when 
 inclemency separates us from the outer world. 
 
 864 
 
 The most serious thoughts that occupy the attention 
 of a man are his own possibilities. 
 
 865 
 
 Never permit thyself to be robbed for the chance it 
 may give thee of discovering the thief. 
 
 866 
 
 The undeveloped faculties of man are many, and one 
 by one they will spring up as evolution prepares the 
 soil to grow them. 
 
 97 
 
867 
 
 art the painter of thine own portrait 
 which is to be exhibited in the universal 
 gallery; thou art each day adding some color 
 or changing a feature, sometimes disfiguring and 
 sometimes improving the work the likeness will be 
 true to thy character if not to thy ideal. 
 
 Nothing exceeds the immodesty of prudery searching 
 for immodesty. 
 
 869 
 
 When brighter light and newer inspiration shall 
 penetrate the catacombs of past religious conceptions, 
 much that has been adored will be abolished. 
 
 870 
 
 When the heart is pierced by a sharp tongue, how 
 difficult to hide the pain, yet it is essential to conceal 
 the wound lest we be struck again in the same place. 
 
 871 
 
 When the soul desires to withdraw from its physical 
 tabernacle, it presses the eyelids in slumber and its 
 flight and return are unseen. 
 
 872 
 
 A cleverly trained athlete can be overcome by the 
 smallest vice that he may challenge. 
 
 873 
 
 Never have there been so many isms as now, and never 
 so much of truth and individual growth. 
 
 874 
 Hasty judgments are not recorded by wisdom. 
 
 875 
 
 Not all are willing to crowd at the heels of fashion, 
 but those who do are inclined to laugh at those who 
 do not, who in turn pity those who follow the profit 
 less task. 
 
 98 
 
876 
 
 [AYEST thou that one who doeth wrong and 
 another who doeth right shall become sharers 
 in the same future, simply because they are 
 sharers in the same faith ? Nay, it can not be, for their 
 minds are in opposite directions and lead to different 
 conditions. 
 
 877 
 
 A few trembling leaves ever cling to the branches of 
 Winter, which look so lifeless and cold that they give 
 no pleasure, but turn backward the mind to the 
 Summer that is past as they moan in the chill 
 wind," I am dying, I am dead." 
 
 878 
 Be good to thyself and treat thy neighbor as thyself. 
 
 879 
 
 The voice of Nature calls gently to her wayward 
 children, but at last she punishes severely all those 
 who persist in disobeying her commands. 
 
 880 
 
 Let peace reign in thy mind from the rising of the 
 East sun till the going down of the West sun, and in 
 the darkness shall no discord trouble thee. 
 
 881 
 
 The wise husband will confer with his wife in domestic 
 matters before putting into operation all the energy 
 of his masculine opinion. 
 
 882 
 
 Most frequently a hard heart accompanies a soft 
 hand. 
 
 883 
 
 The face concealed behind the mask of death is a 
 smiling face. 
 
 884 
 
 Stand your ground when it is prudent, but when a 
 bull is running toward you it is safer to vault the fence. 
 
 99 
 
885 
 
 CHE careless man speaks as familiarly of God as 
 of a neighbor ; but the reverent are willing to 
 confess their ignorance of the characteristics, 
 wishes or intent of Divinity and are willing to draw 
 lessons from human experiences. The question then 
 forwards : Why should one of two good men profess 
 to know all about a personal God when the other 
 honestly admits that there is no way whereby infor 
 mation may be obtained? 
 
 886 
 
 Verily he that runneth after novelty runneth fast 
 and in a circle where he starteth in the morn there 
 arrive th he at nightfall. 
 
 887 
 
 Woe unto him who revileth with his tongue and from 
 whose lips profanity falleth with ease, for his own 
 words shall ensnare his mind and make unclean the 
 abiding-place of his spirit. 
 
 888 
 
 If a man breaks his word he will break any other 
 pledge without compunction. 
 
 889 
 
 Only the happiest should espouse the gloomiest, for 
 only the happiest could endure the gloomiest. 
 
 890 
 
 The boy is the promise of the man, and those traits 
 which govern his childhood will govern the man though 
 they be concealed by embellishment. 
 
 891 
 
 They who follow the plain path of duty, guided by 
 love, the same shall find peace at the end of this life s 
 journey. 
 
 892 
 
 We are all sailors, and each is master of his own craft ;. 
 therefore we can not blame another if we are ship 
 wrecked. 
 
 100 
 
893 
 
 OIGNITY added to virtue and honesty and this 
 trinity added to wisdom would make a king 
 fit to rule over men and these qualities pos 
 sessed by all men would make all men kings and fit 
 to rule themselves. 
 
 894 
 
 God has placed a light in every soul, but man often 
 puts it out. 
 
 895 
 
 Great undertakings we are too apt to shun and only 
 the little ones do we encounter willingly, but it is the 
 great achievements that make men famous. 
 
 896 
 
 There is never a better time to practise economy than 
 the present, for the economy of today makes thee 
 rich tomorrow. 
 
 897 
 
 Things enduring can not be purchased cheaply ; they 
 must be bought with years of toiling and the life- 
 blood of many. 
 
 898 
 
 Conformity to law would render man perfect ; there 
 fore, it is his duty to study the science of living. 
 
 899 
 
 Faults are more conspicuous when ornamented with 
 apologies. 
 
 900 
 
 The faster a coward runs from duty, the more certain 
 is he to encounter it when he doubles the track. 
 
 901 
 
 Naked came I into this world, and naked go I from 
 it; yet let it not be said that I am not richer for 
 having passed through it. 
 
 902 
 
 Measure for measure will be meted to those who 
 present evil to the innocent. 
 
 101 
 
903 
 
 civilization of the future will not be as the 
 civilization of the past, nor will the religion 
 that is coming with it to bless mankind con 
 flict with science. Only the best of all that has been 
 will be retained and the dreams of the just will come 
 to pass. 
 
 904 
 
 Respect the I and you will respect the great I Am. 
 
 905 
 
 Before many generations have been added to the past 
 the churches must be remodeled from cornerstone to 
 spire upon the broad lines of universal brotherhood. 
 
 906 
 
 Penury is an inconvenience borne with little grace 
 by vanity, and though pride may suffer also, it never 
 causes its downfall. 
 
 907 
 Vanity and envy make the poor hate the rich. 
 
 908 
 
 When an ass prefers a thistle it is a foolish waste of 
 time to coax him to swallow a fresh idea. 
 
 909 
 
 However much one may deny a truth it does not 
 vary it one jot or tittle. 
 
 910 
 
 Little can be said in favor of silence when a great 
 wrong is being perpetrated. 
 
 911 
 
 When asking a blessing from the angels of light, turn 
 not thy face nor stretch thy hand toward the Prince 
 of Darkness. 
 
 912 
 
 A lion in the way and a destroyer of men is he who 
 opposes the freest discussion of any subject pertain 
 ing to the welfare of the human family. 
 
 102 
 
913 
 
 do I know of love ? Ask me not, for my soul 
 sings only to my soul and never to the world, 
 and should I sing to thee or thou to me we 
 might sing for ages and could not understand ; but 
 when I whisper to mine and mine to me, two blending 
 souls triumphant rise where none may hear. 
 
 914 
 
 Female vanity attempts to stay the hand of time by 
 counting short the years, but the Great Recorder is 
 never deceived by deception. 
 
 915 
 
 The more we study social conditions the better we 
 understand them, but who will say the subject is 
 mastered, for do not complexities multiply with the 
 spread of civilization and the increase of wealth? 
 
 916 
 
 If you are poor and desire to be rich, dally not with 
 indolence. 
 
 917 
 
 If you write but one line per diem as moved to write, 
 at the age of seventy you will have a remarkable 
 volume giving a glimpse of the fears, hopes and 
 aspirations that have filled your days. 
 
 918 
 
 The universe is composed of atoms and thou, O 
 man, art an atom ; but think not meanly of thyself, 
 for, however small, thou art as important in the 
 arrangement of the divine plan as the archangel. 
 
 919 
 
 The disparagement of others brings thyself to imme 
 diate judgment. 
 
 920 
 
 One can not afford to harbor ill will, because one can 
 not repair the damage that is wrought in the mind 
 when therein confined. 
 
 103 
 
921 
 
 XT is a great distance to God if thou seest Him 
 sitting in the clouds, but if He dwell in thy 
 heart thou art near unto Him and it is well 
 with thee in the morning and the evening, and in the 
 midday thou canst enter into the holy temple and 
 commune with Him. 
 
 922 
 
 In the night of error come thoughts that affright, 
 but the morning of truth drive th them afar. 
 
 923 
 
 It requires great energy to drive an idea into a block 
 head. 
 
 924 
 
 Too little can not be learned of scandal, and no one 
 should be persuaded to handle much for pleasure. 
 
 925 
 
 Civilization will not crucify its saviors, but will spare 
 them for its teachers. 
 
 926 
 
 Ask a stranger to share your purse and he admires 
 ask him to divide his and he despises this is a freak 
 in human nature worthy of observation. 
 
 927 
 
 There is many a glorious victory won in a battle 
 fought without sword or powder. 
 
 928 
 
 To raise a hue and cry of heresy brings the crier to 
 the front, but it does not hold him there. 
 
 929 
 
 The great need of the hour is honesty of a kind that 
 will make a man honest with himself, so that he will 
 preach what he believes and practise what he preaches. 
 
 930 
 
 To be at peace with the world is to be at peace with 
 the ruler. 
 
 104 
 
931 
 
 g MIGHTY effort has ever been made to dis 
 courage the analysis of the beliefs and dogmas 
 held sacred by religions, but when the tides 
 of the sea are stayed by the raising of a warning 
 finger, then will wise men compare no more the 
 unreasonable with the reasonable. 
 
 932 
 
 Believe thou art going to Heaven and prepare thy 
 self for thy destination. 
 
 933 
 
 The loudest complaints come from the most inferior 
 servitors. 
 
 934 
 
 Inasmuch as ye ask favors, grant them ; and if ye 
 ask them not, grant them frequently to average the 
 account of a poorer brother who always needs and 
 has nothing to give. 
 
 935 
 It is a frightful leap from virtue to vice. 
 
 936 
 
 The ultimate of a soul is beyond the knowledge of a 
 finite mind, and however positive the assertion it is 
 guesswork. 
 
 937 
 
 If a man give a portion of his goods to feed the poor, 
 of the remainder will his own food be rich and of 
 abundant flavor. 
 
 938 
 
 A verbal contract witnessed by God should be bind 
 ing, but a written contract witnessed by man is safer. 
 
 939 
 
 The secret of patience is hope. 
 
 940 
 
 Teach children how to reason and they will seldom 
 resort to force when men. 
 
 105 
 
941 
 
 QOVERTY is the universal plague of mankind, 
 and at some distant day when it is vanquished 
 men will read of the sufferings of the past and 
 say to the young : " We are not today as were other 
 men in the long ago, and let us utter thanks that our 
 time is now and not then." 
 
 942 
 
 As bold as an oyster is he who, from the seclusion of 
 safety, advises blows. 
 
 943 
 
 A logician keepeth his mind in order for any emer 
 gency, but foolishness brayeth like a wild ass and no 
 one heedeth the sound. 
 
 944 
 
 Give to the children much milk with their loaf, or 
 they will complain of the dryness and refuse their 
 daily lesson. 
 
 945 
 
 The substance of worlds is thought emanations from 
 the Divine mind. 
 
 946 
 
 He who goeth to his couch in anger approaches the 
 silence of sleep unsafely. 
 
 947 
 
 To jump from the earth to the moon would not be 
 more impossible than for some minds to jump from 
 an old belief to a new one. 
 
 948 
 
 A fuller share of joy falleth to him who perceiveth in 
 his youth that the building of a character that will 
 stand the temptations of time is the noblest occupa 
 tion of life. 
 
 949 
 
 He who wills to do good and does evil is not more 
 blameworthy than he who wills to do evil and does 
 good. 
 
 106 
 
950 
 
 The sails of economy should be trimmed to suit every 
 wind that blows ; then whether it be the fair breezes 
 of prosperity or the gales of adversity, thy bark will 
 ride easily. 
 
 951 
 
 Follow the thread of life through the woof of time, 
 and though the weaver cast the shuttle with care and 
 skill, there will be imperfect places from the first to 
 the last ell. 
 
 952 
 
 Retribution follows evil with stealth, overtaking 
 and overpowering it when all thought of danger is 
 past. 
 
 953 
 
 I can not undo the wrong I have already done, but I 
 may not do more. 
 
 954 
 
 The reasonableness of the new religious thought that 
 is permeating the old theology is an aid to its general 
 acceptance, for many there be and many more there 
 will be to whom old beliefs are impossible. 
 
 955 
 
 Many people of today love creeds and ceremonies 
 better than they love one another, and will till they put 
 away childish things. 
 
 956 
 
 If a ruler love power more than mercy, dethrone him 
 that he may not destroy. 
 
 957 
 
 Let us help the unfortunate without despising them, 
 for therein lies our power of discriminating between 
 them and their condition. 
 
 958 
 
 The testimony of the ages declares that man is kin 
 to God and God is kin to man, and the two sounding 
 the scale of life together make Divine harmony that 
 is heard by ears attuned. 
 
 107 
 
959 
 
 Love and confidence abide long together if not dis 
 turbed, but when once the happy relation is molested, 
 the happy relation is seldom restored. 
 
 960 
 
 The most profitable occupation for an idler is the 
 planting of a new vineyard. 
 
 961 
 
 Wherever there is poverty there is misery unless 
 there be virtue, that heavenly comforter that makes 
 it endurable. 
 
 962 
 Continuous scolding hardens the transgressor. 
 
 963 
 
 Man s idea of the intercession of Divine providence 
 seems to be the shaping of the natural into the 
 unnatural and the unnatural into the natural. 
 
 964 
 
 The time and energy wasted in foolish argument 
 would, if wisely directed, feed them that are hungry 
 and clothe the naked. 
 
 965 
 
 A grain of comfort may be gleaned from the belief 
 that some day the vilest sinner must become righteous 
 by his own exertion. 
 
 966 
 
 Man has been given a boundless universe to study, 
 but he may confine himself to the most obscure 
 corners of it and die in ignorance if he choose. 
 
 967 
 
 Hallowed the ashes of our dead, but most beloved 
 their arisen souls, and henceforth not in the tomb 
 should we seek them but from whence they are. 
 
 968 
 
 That it is nearer to the well by a straight path than 
 by a crooked one not all are yet convinced. 
 
 108 
 
969 
 
 The tree does not blossom at the root in darkness, but 
 at the top in the sunlight yet this simple fact in 
 Nature we too often forget when studying man. It 
 is not in materiality but in spirituality that beauty 
 appeareth. 
 
 970 
 
 Man has the privilege of walking with angels of intel 
 ligence or with demons of ignorance, and his choice is 
 most apparent. 
 
 971 
 
 It is a beautiful prospect from the mountain of hope 
 overlooking the plains of despair to the fertile vales 
 of prosperity. 
 
 972 
 
 God has planted the tree of reason in the human 
 mind, that man may eat of the fruit thereof and know 
 good from evil. 
 
 973 
 
 Pride is indigenous to the human family and there 
 are many varieties, vanity being of the poisonous 
 kind. 
 
 974 
 Nature punishes those who rob the night of slumber. 
 
 975 
 
 It is easier to feed pigs on their own level than it is to 
 place the trough on the top of the hill and drive them 
 up. 
 
 976 
 Suspect no evil, but be not blind to its approach. 
 
 977 
 
 He who begetteth a wise child blesses mankind, but 
 he who begetteth a fool increaseth sorrow. 
 
 978 
 
 Make thyself a living example of righteousness, that 
 a king be honored if thou ask him to follow thee to 
 the hills of eternity. 
 
 109 
 
979 
 
 When it is cold, men moan, and when it is warm, they 
 groan; yet if men were consulted concerning the 
 weather, they would be in perpetual war and none 
 be always pleased. 
 
 980 
 
 Occupation assuages bereavement and makes it 
 possible to smile after the death angel has been a 
 guest. 
 
 981 
 Sin will leave the earth when all men permit. 
 
 982 
 
 A slothful mind dwells in the swamps of life from 
 whence rises the miasma of decay. 
 
 983 
 Industry guards the door of fame. 
 
 984 
 Folly marks the course that fools follow. 
 
 985 
 
 A young sinner may covet innocence ; but an old 
 sinner despises it. 
 
 986 
 
 Black is the smoke that rises from burning slander, 
 and none can approach without disfigurement. 
 
 987 
 
 The illustrious marvel at their elevation even more 
 than the people who gaze at them. 
 
 988 
 
 It is easier to take hold of vice than to let go, but 
 easier to overcome than to endure to the end. 
 
 989 
 
 One may live an almost sinless life and yet an almost 
 useless one. 
 
 990 
 Wealth is a persistent accuser when bought with honor. 
 
 110 
 
991 
 
 we are singing the song of yesterday, 
 and tomorrow we sing the song of today, be it 
 major or be it minor. Memory gives the key 
 and sets the measure, and whether or not we like the 
 pitch or the movement, we must sing it and sing it 
 to the never-ending end. 
 
 992 
 
 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and the majority 
 are displeased thereat. 
 
 993 
 
 If thou wouldst be popular thou must be wealthy, 
 witty or wise. 
 
 994 
 
 The most vital studies concerning the human family 
 have not yet been broached. 
 
 995 
 
 Man must depart from all manner of evil to grow 
 symmetrical. As yet, the earth has not produced one 
 of perfect proportions ; but when the laws of being 
 are known, the true type may be born. 
 
 996 
 
 One may learn the alphabet in childhood, but experi 
 ence is not contained in a primer. 
 
 997 
 
 Wherever a sleeping truth is awakened by man, it 
 responds instantly to the deep questions of his soul. 
 
 998 
 
 Success is in proportion to the right kind of effort 
 unwisely directed force leads to disappointment. 
 
 999 
 Pleasure scattereth when fear cometh nigh. 
 
 1000 
 
 With some it is always merrymaking : they dance 
 around a Maypole all their days, and at the end have 
 only weariness for their exertion. 
 
 Ill 
 
1001 
 
 Throughout the length and breadth of our country 
 are heard the cries of want and the clanking chains of 
 crime wherefore this in a land of boastful churches ? 
 
 1002 
 
 When thou art cornered, submit if thou be wrong; 
 but if thou art right, let thy courage be as a right arm 
 in defense of thy conscience. 
 
 1003 
 As the soil is to the seed, so is thought to the man. 
 
 1004 
 
 Gather the faggots of experience every day and burn 
 them at eventide for the illumination of thy soul. 
 
 1005 
 
 To gain a foretaste of heaven, behave now as you 
 expect to then. 
 
 1006 
 
 Two dangers that attend wealth are hardness of 
 heart and forget fulness. 
 
 1007 
 A fool is the fright of his friends. 
 
 1008 
 
 The world may find an excuse for thy first offense, but 
 for thy second it inclines not to look for one. 
 
 1009 
 Criminals are, alas ! a nation s dishonor. 
 
 1010 
 
 The profoundest scholars can not solve the why of 
 being nor the whither of man. 
 
 1011 
 
 In the dawning of the new life what shall we behold 
 a session of a supreme court or a natural flower- 
 strewn world and a loved one to greet us? Methinks 
 the latter, and that the Infinite will not be revealed 
 for eons of time to the finite. 
 
 112 
 
1012 
 
 OH, ye dames of great fashion! I beseech thee 
 heed not more your milliner than your con 
 science, and if the latter question thee concern 
 ing the unfortunate, listen lest one of God s daughters 
 be famishing. 
 
 1013 
 Be submissive to discipline, but never to imposition. 
 
 1014 
 To hate one another is to hate God s handiwork. 
 
 1015 
 
 How blest the rest bestowed upon honest toil, but 
 how frightful the specter that haunts the chamber of 
 guilt ! 
 
 1016 
 
 So softly steal both good and evil thoughts into the 
 mind that they are frequently firmly established ere 
 discovered, and in trying to dislodge the bad the 
 good are rudely jostled. 
 
 1017 
 Virtue that is preserved through fear is impure. 
 
 1018 
 
 The vaporings of a misty mind, though bound in 
 gold and vellum, must perish quickly and unlamented. 
 
 1019 
 
 To prefer rhyme to reason is any man s privilege, but 
 to prefer reason to all else is the wise man s choice. 
 
 1020 
 
 Nature records all her work, and man s study is to 
 decipher the hieroglyphics. 
 
 1021 
 Love is the feminine savior of the world. 
 
 1022 
 
 When force is exhausted on trifles, when an emergency 
 is met there is not enough left to overcome it. 
 
 113 
 
1023 
 
 Know ye, all peoples, that life on earth is to the 
 immortal soul but the brushing of a bee s wing against 
 one of ten thousand flowers, so many and so varied 
 are the uncountable worlds about and beyond this. 
 
 1024 
 
 In the light of intelligence perceive we both the faults 
 and the graces of mankind. 
 
 1025 
 Should joy a vacuum make, a nearby tear will fill it. 
 
 1026 
 
 How pleasant to walk with reason in the groves of 
 religion, but how dreary to walk with religion in the 
 bogs of superstition ! 
 
 1027 
 
 Silence is the wide moat that surrounds the temple 
 of the living spirit. 
 
 1028 
 
 It is erroneous to suppose that licentiousness can be 
 destroyed by much reading. It can not be read out, 
 but must be bred out. 
 
 1029 
 
 In all the world there is naught so fair and so holy as 
 truth. 
 
 1030 
 
 Anywhere that a man may go with safety a woman 
 may go with propriety. 
 
 1031 
 
 The garden of paradise is the garden of the soul, 
 wherein man and woman have been placed to cultivate 
 and perfect character. Paradise is lost when evil 
 enters in, and regained when evil is driven out. 
 
 1032 
 
 A torch in a cave and a cooling spring in a desert are 
 real blessings only when they are the right thing in 
 the right place at the right time. So is it with all aid. 
 It must be timely and appropriate to benefit. 
 
 114 
 
1033 
 
 I HAVE watched thee, O mortal, and I have 
 seen thee bud and blossom in the storm of 
 adversity, and I have seen thee blossom in the 
 sun-glow of prosperity, and I know not whether one 
 flower be fairer than the other or more perfect. 
 
 1034 
 An intellect is the building of all ages past. 
 
 1035 
 
 If thou perceive not a divine and holy purpose in 
 life, thou art not living within the realm of reason, 
 which proclaims in a loud voice, " Law is God and 
 God is law." 
 
 1036 
 
 Redress for wrong can not be obtained by any process 
 of revenge. 
 
 1037 
 
 Whatever thy religion, a righteous life will lead thee 
 safely to one of thy Father s mansions. 
 
 1038 
 
 Nature has ordained that perpetual change is man s 
 destiny. 
 
 1039 
 
 Men and women should train themselves to recognize 
 virtues as quickly as faults. 
 
 1040 
 
 Prejudice is one-eyed, and to weigh and measure 
 correctly there is need of two. 
 
 1041 
 
 Everybody likes praise, but none more than the 
 undeserving. 
 
 1042 
 
 Subterranean rivers and caverns must be discovered 
 before they can be mapped, and so it is with the 
 unknown recesses of the mind ; but they are no less 
 interesting and wonderful because they are concealed. 
 
 115 
 
1043 
 
 gS long as young women will accept tarnished 
 husbands, they will present themselves with 
 much boldness ; but with refusal will come 
 reform, and with reform will come a purer and happier 
 generation, and the sons and daughters of love will 
 be as gods, knowing good from evil, and knowing 
 shall they do the good and eschew the evil. 
 
 1044 
 The root of all evil is ignorance. 
 
 1045 
 
 Mercy must be extended to those who have not 
 earned it. 
 
 1046 
 
 Pleasure awaits those who seek it through avenues of 
 kindness. 
 
 1047 
 
 The stream that rises in an impure mind can not be 
 purified by word of mouth. 
 
 1048 
 
 When the evening of life comes we draw the curtains 
 of silence about our couch that we may rest. 
 
 1049 
 
 Though angels walk with men they can not make all 
 men angelic. 
 
 1050 
 
 Superiority accompanied with modesty merits admi 
 ration. 
 
 1051 
 
 If thou art too prone to talk thou wilt be too careless 
 of reflection. 
 
 1052 
 
 They whom the ocean rocks to sleep awake mid 
 fields of bloom. 
 
 1053 
 ^Sympathy should not be adulterated with too much 
 
 116 
 
1054 
 
 A farewell spoken at the grave over the silent form 
 is well-nigh unbearable when in the old thought of 
 fear ; but in the new thought of love and nearness, 
 the heart does not so often break. 
 
 1055 
 
 The Laplander and the Hottentot are not disturbed 
 by the throes of fashion ; but civilization, alas ! is 
 convulsed each season to the undoing of health and 
 morals. 
 
 1056 
 Whithersoever the mind, whithersoever the body. 
 
 1057 
 
 Be temperate in thy habits that thy soul be not 
 deformed. 
 
 1058 
 
 The liberty given vice indicates the confidence that 
 goodness has in wickedness to become better. 
 
 1059 
 
 No sorrow lies so heavy on the heart as that which 
 must therein be concealed. 
 
 1060 
 
 They who rest with confidence on Nature s breast, 
 rest thoroughly. 
 
 1061 
 
 The mighty upheavals of Nature are the breathings 
 of progress. 
 
 1062 
 
 The holiest spot on earth is where love lives, sur 
 rounded by all the splendor of its divine creation. 
 
 1063 
 
 Repentance may come before or after death, but in 
 either case good works must follow or it is futile. 
 
 1064 
 
 Fame is most difficult to lure from her high place by 
 them who have not perseverance. 
 
 117 
 
1065 
 
 To fix an idea in the mind, grasp it firmly and remove 
 all superfluities ; it can then be placed in the mental 
 cabinet with less danger of falling out. 
 
 1066 
 
 The aim of a mind is no higher than itself. 
 
 1067 
 
 The mastery of self is an achievement of which any 
 student should be proud. 
 
 1068 
 An old saw becomes dull with much use. 
 
 1069 
 
 Love an erring brother, love an erring sister, and so 
 fulfil the law ; but love not their deeds nor think their 
 deeds are they. 
 
 1070 
 Habitual monotony dries the fountain of language. 
 
 1071 
 
 Generosity delights in exercising its own will, and is 
 embarrassed when hindered by circumstances. 
 
 1072 
 A prolific source of misconduct is mismating. 
 
 1073 
 Complaining is as depressing as a gray morning. 
 
 1074 
 
 It is a long lane through the woods of adversity, but 
 the turning comes at the first clearing. 
 
 1075 
 An empty head maketh an empty heart. 
 
 1076 
 
 The bitterness of life can be sweetened to the very 
 dregs with pure love. 
 
 1077 
 Frankness can never be made altogether popular. 
 
 118 
 
1078 
 
 HETTERS are the leaves that fall from the tree 
 of life and are wafted into our dooryards by 
 every wind that blows. A few are from the 
 branches of knowledge, some from the dry limbs of 
 commerce, and others crimson-dyed with love 
 precious letters these, which sentiment preserves 
 long years. 
 
 1079 
 
 The narrower the religious plank upon which men 
 walk, the more danger of falling off should they 
 disagree. 
 
 1080 
 The outcome of hate is destruction. 
 
 1081 
 
 Coasting down the hill of experience is sport for 
 youth ; but elderly people prefer to stay on the sum 
 mit, when they have toiled to get there. 
 
 1082 
 
 Commonsense is the salt of common life. 
 
 1083 
 The will of the drunkard is as frail as his promises. 
 
 1084 
 
 When the drawbridge of caution is open, it were 
 madness for impatience to jump off the pier. 
 
 1085 
 
 Once a soul had to be of asbestos to withstand the 
 fires of religious hatred ; but better thought has 
 modified the heat until the public feel quite safe. 
 
 1086 
 A hundred tales of victory are told to one of defeat. 
 
 1087 
 
 Poverty is one of the commonest allies of intemper 
 ance, and when they parade together they defy 
 sympathy. 
 
 119- 
 
1088 
 
 Vulgarity frequently wears the exterior of refinement 
 to conceal its offensiveness, that it may with greater 
 freedom exercise its propensities. 
 
 1089 
 
 Retribution and revolution are two swift steeds when 
 started, that can not be controlled by any line of 
 reason. They run till they fall from exhaustion. 
 
 1090 
 Until men are angels they will err. 
 
 1091 
 
 When the sun is obscured by clouds it were prepos 
 terous to say it will not shine again ; therefore, in 
 time of adversity be not hopeless. 
 
 1092 
 
 Long sermons have more words than short ones ; but 
 that makes them no more instructive nor interesting. 
 
 1093 
 
 Ambition is not stimulated so much by luxury as by 
 poverty. 
 
 1094 
 
 Great rivers of knowledge flow from the four quarters 
 of the earth, to water the garden of the soul that it 
 may bear abundant wisdom. 
 
 1095 
 
 Glad are the rocks and the rills, 
 Glad are the fields and the hills, 
 Filling the space that God wills. 
 
 1096 
 
 When right meets wrong there is a fierce conflict, and 
 the victory can not be until right is triumphant. 
 
 1097 
 
 Thought is the substance wherewith we clothe the 
 mind with coarse or fine raiment, and the fashion 
 ing of the garment is according to taste. 
 
 120 
 
1098 
 
 withdraw the mind from worldly things and 
 place it wholly upon spiritual may seem a 
 simple task ; try it, and convince yourself that 
 it is a most difficult phase of mental discipline. In 
 spite of heroic efforts the daily life will peep through 
 the door and make wry faces, and your mind starts 
 on a tour around the busy world and lingers longer 
 in the marts than in the cloister. 
 
 1099 
 Adversity is not an enemy when it comes to teach. 
 
 1100 
 
 When right meets wrong there is a fierce conflict, and 
 the victory can not be until right is triumphant. 
 
 1101 
 
 Mirth in the house of mourning disturbs not the 
 dead, nor need it offend the living, for aught that 
 promotes laughter lessens the tension of grief and 
 releases the angel therein held. 
 
 1102 
 
 The gay throng sports with the passing moment, 
 and when it disperses goes to yesterday or tomorrow 
 for enjoyment. 
 
 1103 
 
 Holiness is a rare tree in the garden of life ; few there 
 be who sit beneath its flowering branches or taste its 
 delicious fruit. 
 
 1104 
 
 Every thought that passes through the mind is 
 recorded by the little brain-cell to which it is assigned, 
 and is ever ready for use whether wanted or not. 
 
 1105 
 
 To be bound to a creed is like entering a dark cave 
 where the light of a new day can not enter. 
 
 1106 
 
 Give the young occasional advice, but daily example. 
 
 121 
 
1107 
 
 conscience convicts of wrongdoing too 
 late in life to make restitution, the soul may 
 not find peace in the hereafter until the wrongs 
 are righted and who can say when the opportunity 
 may be found or how cruelly remorse may sting? 
 
 1108 
 
 Silence is the gateway to the heaven within. 
 
 1109 
 
 Let us measure the facts before speaking of the size 
 of a matter. 
 
 1110 
 
 Many who are given the opportunity to reach dis 
 tinction are restrained by indolence. 
 
 llll 
 
 If thou art caught on the hook of dependence thou 
 wilt be speedily landed. 
 
 1112 
 
 The world praises the " I am " of success, but will 
 not consider the " might have been." 
 
 1113 
 
 The voice of the public is not the voice of reason 
 when it clamors for vengeance. 
 
 1114 
 
 In the Book of Nature are written all the laws that 
 govern God and man ; but they are written in many 
 and strange signs which man is yet pondering, and 
 puzzled are both the wise men and the children. 
 
 1115 
 
 If the tree of literature yield no fruit for thee, it hath 
 the green leaves of poetry and prose which thou 
 mayest pluck for thy adornment. 
 
 1116 
 
 If thou wouldst live a life of rectitude, beware of the 
 blandishments of selfish persuasion. 
 
 122 
 
1117 
 
 this harmony that I waking hear ? Is it 
 the singing of my own soul to the accompaniment 
 of its own environment, or is it the singing of 
 another spirit anear mine own? Give me answer, 
 sweet Nature, and I will record what thou sayest to 
 me in the still hour that I set apart for communing 
 with thee. 
 
 1118 
 A wag is the thorn of staid company. 
 
 1119 
 
 Unto every one born of woman cometh disciplinary 
 experience which is the leaven of life, and without it 
 one could not rise. 
 
 1120 
 
 Negligence is closely related to disaster. 
 
 1121 
 
 More profitable than commercial bonds are the 
 qualities of mind that outlive the passing moment. 
 
 1122 
 
 Dearly beloved, prepare ye for the journey outward 
 and look to thy spiritual wardrobe to consider where 
 with ye shall be clothed for the new world. 
 
 1123 
 Little is demanded of fools, but much of wise men. 
 
 1124 
 
 The amount of sin in the world is not greater nor less 
 than the amount of ignorance. 
 
 1125 
 
 Verily when the heart beareth a great sorrow it 
 careth naught for pleasures. 
 
 1126 
 Love is the bloom of hope. 
 
 1127 
 To serve the world nobly is to serve God nobly. 
 
 123 
 
1128 
 
 BN impenetrable sea-fog is not more dangerous 
 to the mariner s moving ship than is the 
 immoral fog that hangs over the fair land of 
 society to the inexperienced. Alas ! the wrecks because 
 the rocks of vice are not plainly denned by those in 
 authority. 
 
 1129 
 
 In the soul s great thirst for truth it may be persuaded 
 occasionally to sip of error. 
 
 1130 
 
 Wherever man dwells he makes possible unholy and 
 * devastating war. 
 
 1131 
 
 Prudence should be the best loved of all friends, but 
 she is much neglected for that silly and garrulous 
 jade called Imprudence. 
 
 1132 
 
 It is unbecoming for youth to rebuke age, either by 
 look or act, or to neglect infirmity, however dis 
 agreeable. 
 
 1133 
 
 It is better to wait for the sun of opportunity to rise 
 than to start in the night and lose the way. 
 
 1134 
 
 The individual thought of one generation may be the 
 general thought of the following. 
 
 1135 
 
 Every one must observe that he who climbs steadily 
 toward the summit of the mount is never overtaken 
 by one who walks around the base. 
 
 1136 
 
 When attacked by a ruffian defend yourself, but when 
 attacked by a simpleton treat him with laughter. 
 
 1137 
 
 The only remedy for a sour disposition is amiability, 
 self-administered in large doses. 
 
 124 
 
1138 
 
 DO line that is traced on the inner book of life is 
 ever erased. There are hours when the whole 
 weird story sweeps past with all its glaring 
 imperfections exaggerated by time to a degree that 
 shocks and alarms. Is that my life ? Is that thy life ? We 
 deny it, but the phantoms follow and defiantly claim 
 us, and at last we bow to the inevitable, and acknowl 
 edge our own biography written by our own hand, 
 
 1139 
 
 To do that which deprives another of innocent 
 pleasure adds no luster to thyself. 
 
 1140 
 
 The futility of legislation compared with education 
 will be apparent as long as the prisons and asylums 
 are crowded with the unfortunate. 
 
 1141 
 
 Suffering turns the mind in opposite directions for 
 help : to the within for spiritual consolation, and to 
 the without for physical relief. 
 
 1142 
 Prudery lacks discernment. 
 
 1143 
 
 When trouble approacheth, gird up thy spirit to 
 meet it with dignity. 
 
 1144 
 
 It is easier to render unto Csesar the things that 
 belong to Csesar than to render unto God, for men 
 know not always right from wrong. 
 
 1145 
 
 When a man finds a truth without seeking, he will 
 find pearls and rubies at his feet. 
 
 1146 
 
 To be watchful is to be wise ; but to be wise is not 
 always to be watchful. 
 
 125 
 
1147 
 
 V "T^T would be most unpleasant to run behind a 
 
 II wagon the whole time, but this do they who 
 
 run after Dame Fashion s swift-rolling equipage. 
 
 She never stops, but flings a look of contempt now 
 
 and then from her lofty seat at those who fall behind, 
 
 which she intends shall cut them to the quick. 
 
 1148 
 
 The unlettered can fortell events as accurately as the 
 scholar, but neither is infallible. 
 
 1149 
 Missionaries go too far from home. 
 
 1150 
 
 Many minds travel in underground darkness uncon 
 scious of a lighted way above them. 
 
 1151 
 
 That which we do unselfishly we are doing for our 
 selves. 
 
 1152 
 
 See to it, O child of folly, that you walk not too long 
 in the garden of the senses, but walk more in spiritual 
 and intellectual fields to become more familiar with 
 thy better self. 
 
 1153 
 
 There be few who would continue in evil did they 
 know good ; but alas ! with good, few can honestly 
 claim intimacy, as their thoughts can testify. 
 
 1154 
 
 Life is a chain of human advancement, and every 
 discovery adds a link to its endless length. 
 
 1155 
 
 Prophets claim to reveal the future, but what is most 
 needed is one who can solve the present. 
 
 1156 
 An imitation deceives none so much as the imitator. 
 
 126 
 
1157 
 
 Man has not been permitted to stand upon the 
 North nor the South Pole of understanding, but he 
 may run around the equator at will ; and for this 
 reason he cares not so much to do so, but ever seeks 
 the unattainable. 
 
 1158 
 
 The feebleness of age has been likened to the help 
 lessness of infancy ; but it is threescore years from it, 
 and the milestones of life should not count for naught. 
 
 1159 
 
 Tribulation is the filter through which the stream of 
 humanity runs. 
 
 1160 
 
 The influx of spiritual light is like the steady shining 
 of the North Star. 
 
 1161 
 
 When a youth goeth forth with a determination to 
 resist temptation, he is not so beset by temptation. 
 
 1162 
 
 Sitting on the rock of intemperance is a siren who 
 pipes many a wandering soul to death. 
 
 1163 
 
 If the prince hath not finer instincts than the servitor, 
 it is the prince who suffers the more by comparison. 
 
 1164 
 
 When the stream of human passion is shallow, it 
 may be forded with dry soles ; but when it is a mad 
 torrent, it were death to attempt a crossing. 
 
 1165 
 
 When the flood comes, go to the attic ; but when the 
 wind threatens, go to the cellar: good sense averts 
 disaster. 
 
 1166 
 
 When plucking the roses of life we receive many 
 scratches from ugly thorns. 
 
 127 
 
1167 
 
 aN hour will come in the life of every man when 
 all that is evil will be hideous and all that is 
 good will be beautiful ; but this wakeful hour 
 will not be until the soul is purified by the experience 
 of another and a higher life. 
 
 1168 
 
 Whatsoever labor a man can spare his hand should 
 be added to his intellect. 
 
 1169 
 
 Feeble are the thoughts of men and women when 
 they are not deeply rooted in knowledge. 
 
 1170 
 
 Learn thy lesson well, O child, for thy Maker may 
 require of thee what thou knowest this very hour. 
 
 1171 
 
 A gravedigger stands behind the door of every grog 
 shop, waiting to drive a victim to the Potter s Field. 
 
 1172 
 
 The forerunner of disease is sin and what is sin? 
 A violation of law, whether in ignorance or in defiance. 
 
 1173 
 
 If thou wouldst be accounted wise, thou must not 
 express foolishness. 
 
 1174 
 
 The further from truth we stray, the further we 
 wander from our final home. 
 
 1175 
 
 Interpret the language of flowers as thou wilt, they 
 all speak with the voice of love, and dead is the heart 
 that does not listen. 
 
 1176 
 
 Particular attention has been given to ethics in 
 Christian communities, which has caused immorality 
 to be more carefully concealed from prying eyes. 
 
 128 
 
1177 
 
 CHE spirit world, be it near or be it far, must be 
 revolving in space with the precision of this 
 little world, for it seemeth a truth that all 
 worlds move according to rotary law, divine and 
 unalterable, and that nothing that is is stationary. 
 Possibly there may be a rising and setting of a 
 spiritual sun to enjoy, and fair landscapes may be 
 spread before the artistic eye. And is it not reasonable 
 to assume that the world to which we journey is a 
 refined counterpart of this earth planet which we love ? 
 This is a pleasant conception, so let us entertain it in 
 place of others less agreeable and less reasonable. 
 
 1178 
 
 Classic literature when it meets a friend is at home 
 with commonest surroundings. 
 
 1179 
 
 It is as serious for the soul s welfare to think wrong 
 as to do wrong. 
 
 1180 
 
 To be handicapped by ignorance is almost sure defeat 
 in the great race of life. 
 
 1181 
 
 Could we turn the leaves of the future we might 
 neglect the present page. 
 
 1182 
 
 Muddy minds, like muddy water, must be filtered, 
 or the health of the whole neighborhood is endangered. 
 
 1183 
 If ye sow weeds, expect not to harvest grain. 
 
 1184 
 
 Bravery is meritorious ; but it consists in enduring as 
 much as doing. 
 
 1185 
 
 Verbosity is never happier than when facts are lean, 
 for t is then its talents are best exercised. 
 
 129 
 
1186 
 
 GEAVEN is in the mind, and varies according to 
 the quality of the mind. Many find it in vice, 
 many in virtue ; some in avenues of religion, 
 others in ways of learning ; and as death deals only 
 with the external man, it is reasonable to believe that 
 after fording the invisible river, it will not be at once 
 monotonous. 
 
 1187 
 
 Marvel not when ye are told what God has said, but 
 marvel much at the boldness of a man who says it. 
 
 1188 
 
 None heareth advice so humbly as he who is suffering 
 physical disease. 
 
 1189 
 
 Always look out for breakers when sailing along the 
 dangerous coast of dependence. 
 
 1190 
 
 If a viper coils in thy pathway, if thou art weak it is 
 prudent to walk around it. 
 
 1191 
 
 Should a wave of misfortune upset my earthly craft, 
 I shall not perish so long as I cling to a single hope. 
 
 1192 
 
 If there be aught in thy mind today that thou wilt 
 not need tomorrow, cast it out. 
 
 1193 
 Never permit prejudice to occupy the guest-chamber. 
 
 130 
 
BOOK FOUR 
 
1194 
 
 BRIGHTER light will shine for 
 thee, O child of the coming age, 
 than flickered for thy brother in 
 ages past, and many things thou 
 wilt see that were not shown to 
 him. Thy very hands shall clasp 
 the heavens, and thy feet shall 
 tread the electric currents that flow 
 between the spheres. Into thy mind 
 shall be poured the wisdom of unknown worlds, and 
 into thy heart shall flow the love that will enable thee 
 to use thy inheritance wisely. Another sense shall be 
 added for thy pleasure, and thou wilt see visions, and 
 the scroll of hidden things shall be held before thee, 
 that thou mayest learn many lessons. Great books shall 
 multiply and intelligence increase as never before : the 
 new Adam and the new Eve shall be as the inhabitants 
 of celestial realms, and no more shall they be vexed 
 with the weakness of the flesh, but they shall live in the 
 strength that is born of knowledge. 
 
 1195 
 
 The livery of Satan glitters in society, but at home he 
 wears his coat inside out or takes it off altogether, 
 which makes him far less attractive than in full dress 
 and haberdashery. 
 
 1196 
 
 The science of religion is not a treatise on the unknow 
 able, but is confined to the knowable. 
 
 1197 
 
 A thought of love is as near as a thought of hate, and 
 in a moment of foolish haste we select the latter. 
 
 1198 
 
 The happiness of the world depends upon the right 
 doing of each inhabitant thereof. 
 
 1199 
 
 The key of duty will unlock the door of happiness. > 
 
 133 
 
1200 
 
 The exercise of any gift without due cultivation 
 thereof is like unto the sounds produced on a key 
 board by one having a musical temperament but 
 knowing naught of the relation of notes. 
 
 1201 
 
 Goodness perceives so much of evil that its peace is 
 marred in its endeavor to overcome it. 
 
 1202 
 
 Forever and ever will tender hearts be hurt by cruel 
 ones, for it seemeth that to all time there will be degrees 
 of sensitiveness, and the harder will grind the softer. 
 
 1203 
 
 Mercy and love proceed from truth cruelty and 
 hatred from error. 
 
 1204 
 Abasement is not any part of Godliness. 
 
 1205 
 
 The Commonwealth is injured not more by criminals 
 than by idlers. 
 
 1206 
 
 It is a fact that ostentation is seldom found in company 
 with the highest intelligence. 
 
 1207 
 Tears oft heal a wounded heart. 
 
 1208 
 
 It is easier to abide by the proprieties of society than 
 to endure its scorn. 
 
 1209 
 Hold only to the good, and the evil will go in peace. 
 
 1210 
 
 If today could probe the tomorrow, men would live 
 in the tomorrow to the fatal neglect of today. 
 
 1211 
 He that is without discretion is without peace. 
 
 134 
 
1212 
 
 voice of Nature calls from the forest and 
 from the sea ; from mountain-peak and spicy 
 isle ; and to each it says, " Abide with me, 
 abide with me, thou weary toiler, and I will give thee 
 rest and teach thee hallowed song." 
 
 1213 
 
 We may ask of a neighbor his opinion, but let us not 
 give him ours unsolicited. 
 
 1214 
 
 In defense of free thought be it said, Manacled thought 
 is out of place in a Republic. 
 
 1215 
 
 It is dangerous to place temptation in the way of 
 greed. 
 
 1216 
 
 Antiquity merits neither admiration nor adoration 
 solely because it is hoary with age and mystery. 
 
 1217 
 
 The leaders of any cult are prone to consider their 
 own advancement of as much importance as the cult 
 itself. 
 
 1218 
 
 Though nothing can be well done that is not done 
 with enthusiasm, much that is done with enthusiasm 
 is not well done. 
 
 1219 
 
 Vexatious trifles, though small, will sting like gnats 
 if allowed to light upon us. 
 
 1220 
 
 Let it be said of thee that thou didst no intentional 
 wrong. 
 
 1221 
 
 The bed of the ocean can not be judged by its surface, 
 and only many soundings will determine its depth 
 likewise is this true of the mind. 
 
 135 
 
1222 
 
 If thou wouldst not offend thy nearest friend, treat 
 thyself with deference and politeness. 
 
 1223 
 
 Always be prepared to welcome truth from whatso 
 ever direction it may arrive. 
 
 1224 
 The visible signs of God s wrath are fewer than man s. 
 
 1225 
 
 So swift is the flight of time that joy perceives it not, 
 but sorrow counts every motion of its wings. 
 
 1226 
 
 The way to Paradise is not up golden stairs ; but a 
 quiet walk along the beaten paths of duty. 
 
 1227 
 
 Swift moves the hour, but swifter moves opportunity, 
 and men grow weary in the race and cease to run, and 
 straightway the world labels them failures. 
 
 1228 
 
 If thou canst not love a persistent wrongdoer, pity 
 him that thou mayest not despise. 
 
 1229 
 
 Be faithful to thyself, that wickedness cease to prevail. 
 
 1230 
 
 The most insolent vice is that which walketh abroad 
 as though it were a virtue. 
 
 1231 
 
 The cure for sin is Will, and if thou hast not Will 
 thou art as grass upon the wayside trampled by every 
 careless foot. 
 
 1232 
 
 If thy friend be a lifetime doing nothing, it is because 
 he works aimlessly ; then be not discouraged, if thy 
 purpose is definite. 
 
 136 
 
2133 
 
 beautiful is the possession of all mankind. 
 If riches exclude poverty by high palings, there 
 is the sunlit heavens and the starlit canopy ; 
 for God is gracious to the lowliest and has so placed 
 the orbs of light that each may behold them without 
 hindrance. 
 
 1234 
 
 The thunderclouds of scandal rise whenever gossips 
 meet. 
 
 1235 
 
 Charlatanism is not the exclusive possession of 
 knaves, but belongs in part to every one who preys 
 upon the people socially, politically or religiously 
 with unfair intent. 
 
 1236 
 Whoso deceiveth, lieth in his mind. 
 
 1237 
 The price of sinning is thyself. 
 
 1238 
 
 The light of the mind is the light of all ages, and 
 darkness invariably follows the abridgment of reason. 
 
 1239 
 No man runneth so fast and so far as retribution. 
 
 1240 
 
 The danger of wrongdoing for pleasure s sake is 
 shown by the sequel. 
 
 1241 
 
 Thou canst not keep thy robes white if thou hast not 
 cleanly surroundings. 
 
 1242 
 
 How sweet the peace after the turmoil of unrest is 
 removed ! 
 
 1243 
 
 Man loves to dwell upon the thought that life con 
 tinues beyond the tomb and that individuality is 
 his eternal possession. 
 
 137 
 
1244 
 
 duty to avoid trouble is like journey - 
 ing with an empty trunk : when you arrive at 
 your destination you have no change of raiment 
 and must stand in the travel -stained garments of 
 selfishness before many guests. 
 
 1245 
 
 Happiness never smiles on evil nor will it remain 
 near it. 
 
 1246 
 Though fast falls the hail about thee, it melts quickly. 
 
 1247 
 
 When the floodgates of selfishness are open, the 
 wheels of Mammon grind. 
 
 1248 
 
 At the very door of opulence, starvation sits dumb in 
 a profligate land. 
 
 1249 
 
 A fool casts his net into the sea of folly to bring 
 forth degradation. 
 
 1250 
 
 Science approaches the earth with more courage than 
 ever before, for she knows that she will neither lose 
 her head nor be cast into a dungeon any more for 
 speaking to men. 
 
 1251 
 
 The mind inclineth to spiritual things, did not the 
 exigencies of the life -struggle turn it in other directions. 
 
 1252 
 
 It is a slow march to middle life, but a quickstep 
 thereafter. 
 
 1253 
 
 To every day is vouchsafed a fair prize, which is too 
 often overlooked in the scramble for money. 
 
 1254 
 
 There is more harm to thyself in silence than in 
 utterance when a principle is assailed. 
 
 138 
 
1255 
 
 Does time stand still and permit man to run toward 
 it, or does it approach as he stands and waits? 
 
 1256 
 
 If you question the veracity of others, they are only 
 meeting you halfway if they question yours. 
 
 1257 
 
 The obtrusive things command attention ; the unob 
 trusive are passed unnoticed, unless observation 
 touches us and whispers, " Behold something unlike 
 its neighbor." 
 
 1258 
 
 When traveling fast on the right road do not halt so 
 suddenly that thy followers will trip over thee. 
 
 1259 
 
 When the people gather riches for display they serve 
 Mammon fashionably. 
 
 1260 
 If thy morals be high, thy acts can not be low. 
 
 1261 
 
 It is easier to offend than to apologize, which shows 
 that the easy way is not invariably the better way. 
 
 1262 
 Sympathy is the great commoner. 
 
 1263 
 
 Decide early what you would like to be, and then be 
 what you decided you would like to be. 
 
 1264 
 
 When the lamp of love burns brightly in the cottage 
 and the kettle sings merrily on the hob, the housewife 
 has found a feasible method of outwitting the dram 
 shop. 
 
 1265 
 
 The beauty of life is not revealed to them who live 
 in sense gratification. 
 
 139 
 
1266 
 
 goest thou, my soul, tonight on thy 
 silent pilgrimage? Wilt thou explore the 
 morrow or wilt thou regard the day? Thou 
 dost not vouchsafe an answer, and yet thou couldst 
 tell me much if thou wouldst deign to gratify my 
 curiosity, for I believe thou art most active during 
 periods of bodily repose. 
 
 1267 
 
 The leader of every religious sect says, " Follow me 
 and I will lead you to heaven," which makes the 
 curious wonder if all roads lead thereto. 
 
 1268 
 
 Playing hide and seek with fortune may be amusing 
 in young days, but in old age it is too childish to 
 please and too fatiguing to continue. 
 
 1269 
 
 To acquire a better knowledge of the world to come, 
 it were better to learn more of this. Perchance they 
 are not unlike. 
 
 1270 
 
 If the physical body waxes strong in the sunlight, 
 may not the spiritual body be invigorated by rays of 
 celestial sunlight? 
 
 1271 
 
 So frail is the thread that runs through life that a 
 thought will sometimes break it. 
 
 1272 
 State facts with positiveness, if at all, but never hint. 
 
 1273 
 
 One may search for sensuous gratification a lifetime 
 and find only disappointment in the end. 
 
 1274 
 
 Thoughts that ruffle the mind injure the body. 
 
 1275 
 To avoid publicity one must mingle with the crowd. 
 
 140 
 
1276 
 
 vibration of musical strings does not 
 always soothe the disquieted spirit : oft it sets 
 all the machinery of fancy in motion, which 
 conjures gnomes and ghosts. It builds high in the 
 air, where one may walk with strange beings. It creeps 
 in the half-light and strolls through the woodland 
 of imagination until the rest that one seeks is turned 
 to mental labor. 
 
 1277 
 
 Tell me where resides hate and I will tell thee where 
 resides cruelty. 
 
 1278 
 
 Look we four ways, see we crime and misery, both the 
 effects of ignorance ; therefore, not punishment but 
 knowledge must be relied upon to rid the world of 
 evil. 
 
 1279 
 
 The limit ,of a man s mind is not determined by what 
 he knows. 
 
 1280 
 
 Be there they who deny the divinity of man, those 
 are they who disparage Divinity. 
 
 1281 
 
 The present use we make of time determines its 
 future value. 
 
 1282 
 
 To find a saint, send not a sinner ; to find a sinner, 
 send not a saint. 
 
 1283 
 Application is the doorway of knowledge. 
 
 1284 
 
 The best thing that can be done for the cure of 
 ignorance is to remove it from idleness. 
 
 1285 
 
 If thou wouldst have pleasure in all things, keep 
 thine heart running over with good-will. 
 
 141 
 
1286 
 
 eiGANTIC as were the strides toward religious 
 freedom in the closing of the Nineteenth 
 Century, they are as short steps compared 
 with the leaps that the generations of the Twentieth 
 Century will delight in. 
 
 1287 
 When the hatchet is buried never visit the grave. 
 
 1288 
 
 When standing on the apex of fame, a mis-step may 
 land you at the base. 
 
 1289 
 
 An antidote for moral poison is always to be found in 
 virtue. 
 
 1290 
 
 The fear of ostracism on account of an honest con 
 viction is a kind of slavery to which no courageous 
 man will submit. 
 
 1291 
 
 When treading the mazes of experience, one must 
 walk alone. 
 
 1292 
 
 Gold is as precious when found in abandoned fields 
 as in fresh ones. 
 
 1293 
 
 Profanity proceedeth from the lips of the wicked, 
 and profanity proceedeth from the lips of the good, 
 and profanity proceedeth from all who put words into 
 the mouth of Deity. 
 
 1294 
 It is imperfection that makes us strive. 
 
 1295 
 Sorrows are the gray shadows that fall aslant life. 
 
 1296 
 
 By degrees man rises in the scale of intellect ; and as 
 millions of years have passed and he is still a pigmy, 
 what think ye must have been his condition at birth ? 
 
 142 
 
1297 
 
 nO, it shall not always be that he who labors 
 least shall possess the most, but every man 
 shall have that which he earns, whether it be 
 mentally or physically. Not by confiscation will this 
 come about, but by moral evojution, which will be 
 a steady and imperceptible growth from selfishness 
 to justice. 
 
 1298 
 
 In climbing the stairs of progress, civilization has 
 rested many times on the broad landings, that the 
 slow might overtake. 
 
 1299 
 
 The loveliness of Nature is enhanced many-fold when 
 we raise the veil that she modestly draws about her 
 self and look upon her uncovered face then only do 
 we see her as she is and adore. 
 
 1300 
 The angels love them who heed their ways. 
 
 1301 
 
 Extreme poverty and extreme wealth are the very 
 antipodes of society ; but when death removes the 
 barriers, the distance between them will be short. 
 
 1302 
 
 It is a self-evident fact that Deity is no more intimate 
 with the Christian than with the Jew, and the 
 prattling of each does not alter it. 
 
 1303 
 Man has started on an endless journey toward light. 
 
 1304 
 
 When permitted to gather fruit, do not heap your 
 basket if your neighbor lacks. 
 
 1305 
 
 Anything that comes without effort comes without 
 thought, and anything that comes without thinking 
 is not lasting. 
 
 143 
 
1306 
 
 g LIVELY debate brings out the strongest and 
 the weakest points of a subject ; therefore, 
 everything that concerns human welfare should 
 be considered debatable and turned and twisted in 
 every possible manner by every honest person, that 
 a reasonable conclusion may be reached. They who 
 hesitate to speak and would exclude from discussion 
 social, political or religious questions have not suf 
 ficient confidence in these hobbies to permit the 
 people to ride them a few times around the arena of 
 logic. 
 
 1307 
 
 The mind must be developed to reach its hidden 
 wealth. 
 
 1308 
 
 Whenever creeds begin to brew, a teapot tempest 
 must ensue. 
 
 1309 
 
 They are building a house of cards who proclaim that 
 which can not be demonstrated. 
 
 1310 
 The mainspring of society is Intelligence. 
 
 1311 
 
 Every telegram that is flashed across the face of 
 Nature is a message from the Almighty God. 
 
 1312 
 
 He who loveth wine most loveth wit least. 
 
 1313 
 
 When the devil is behind, it is safer to run than to 
 loiter. 
 
 1314 
 
 It is ever better to learn a lesson before trying to 
 impart it. 
 
 1315 
 
 Love and hatred come in and go out of the same door, 
 but neither come nor go without invitation. 
 
 144 
 
1316 
 
 COMING to the West are the religions of the 
 East, so old that they are dust-covered and 
 tottering. The thrifty Occidental brushes them 
 off and sets them up for admiration, and some even 
 fall down and worship in their love of the antique ; 
 but an old religion or yet a new contains not all of 
 truth. It is preposterous to so pretend ; it is the 
 constant adding to knowledge which begets wisdom, 
 and wisdom is the religion for the today and for the 
 tomorrow. 
 
 1317 
 Peace is thine when thou wilt have it. 
 
 1318 
 
 When falsehood unexpectedly meets truth, fear 
 gives it swift wings. 
 
 1319 
 
 The most admired of all traits of character is unself 
 ishness, and it is the most uncommon. 
 
 1320 
 
 What we love we endeavor to be near ; thus do we 
 index our character for the public convenience. 
 
 1321 
 
 Soul measure is as delicate as measuring the vibration 
 of thoughts. 
 
 1322 
 
 A sensitive mind is like unto a sheet of white wax : a 
 scratch leaves a deep impression. 
 
 1323 
 
 They who can not control themselves are they who 
 would control others. 
 
 1324 
 
 An absolute remedy for dissipation is abstinence. 
 
 1325 
 
 The dewy morn of life hath no fear of the experiences 
 of the somber eve. 
 
 145 
 
1326 
 
 aweary I recline under the tree of knowl- 
 edge and lean against the sturdy trunk, that 
 some ripening fruit perchance may fall anear 
 me. I sometimes shake a laden bough that hangs low 
 and finding it good I store it in memory. 
 
 1327 
 
 As the grave is the last place that a man expects to 
 go, he never hurries about his preparations con 
 sequently he usually starts unprepared. 
 
 1328 
 
 Before jumping a fence it is well to know the ground 
 on the other side. 
 
 1329 
 
 In any kind of gambling, one is not surer of winning 
 than when betting on the weather in a strange 
 country. 
 
 1330 
 
 The sons and daughters of patriots are the Nation s 
 best defenders. 
 
 1331 
 
 There are proper and fitting garments for every soul ; 
 but in our haste or carelessness we seize the wrong 
 ones and display the misfits triumphantly. 
 
 1332 
 Liberal thought permits charitable speech. 
 
 1333 
 
 To say that all men are made in the image of God 
 implies that God is changeable and not altogether 
 beautiful. 
 
 1334 
 
 When you set a trap to ensnare another you stand 
 one chance in two of springing it on yourself. 
 
 1335 
 
 Those who are ever in quest of novelty overlook most 
 genuine pleasures. 
 
 146 
 
1336 
 
 OUT of the great deeps of thought troop the 
 genii of poesy. Not at command come they forth, 
 but as they will they dart in and out of the 
 forests of the imagination. Do we love them? Yea, we 
 adore. Do they return our love? Yea, for they give 
 of their best to man. 
 
 1337 
 Righteous intent, however feeble, is not in vain. 
 
 1338 
 Every thought of love is a thought of God. 
 
 1339 
 Mental composure increaseth discernment. 
 
 1340 
 
 To be persuaded to do evil is to confide in destruction. 
 
 1341 
 
 When thou canst talk to the man in the moon by 
 standing on a chair, then canst thou achieve great 
 ness without effort. 
 
 1342 
 
 Sitting under the shadow of a Great Presence, I rest 
 content, knowing that I am loved. 
 
 1343 
 Aspiration is a prayer to Inspiration. 
 
 1344 
 
 When thou inhalest the fragrance of a flower, thou 
 art drawing its spirit to thine own. 
 
 1345 
 
 Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful, most holy change 
 called Death ! 
 
 1346 
 
 The precise hour and the moment of our going out 
 ward is wisely hidden ; but the certainty of the 
 journey before us is never doubted therefore he 
 who is wise is always ready. 
 
 147 
 
1347 
 
 The doors of knowledge are always wide open, and 
 every man, woman and child on the globe is cordially 
 invited to enter the grand temple. 
 
 1348 
 
 Nations rise and fall, rulers are deposed, but the Law 
 remains forever ; and it is man s business to study the 
 Law, that his ways conform to those of the Lawgiver. 
 
 1349 
 
 Memory is a beautiful and holy book, if the life be 
 clean and its aims noble. 
 
 1350 
 
 Never-ending pleasure is awaiting them who love 
 knowledge. 
 
 1351 
 
 Better be forgetful of favors than to remember 
 wrongs. 
 
 1352 
 
 If you labor to please yourself or friends you rarely 
 succeed, but if you labor to perfect yourself you 
 succeed in pleasing both. 
 
 1353 
 
 Apathy reigns in modern society when absolute 
 cleanliness of speech should be a requirement for 
 membership. 
 
 1354 
 
 Some have a cruel habit of gathering the thistles by 
 the way and carrying them to the afflicted. 
 
 1355 
 
 Good has more power than evil : witness the fact that 
 good oftener than evil directs and controls the public 
 mind. 
 
 1356 
 Give thyself time, for it is easier to walk than to run. 
 
 1357 
 
 When you are in a tight place, you will be more 
 comfortable to contract than to expand. 
 
 148 
 
1358 
 
 E prepared at all times to receive Inspiration, 
 as it is erratic in its visitations, corning at 
 seasonable and unseasonable hours and leaving 
 abruptly if not received warmly. 
 
 1359 
 
 When about to turn a corner slacken thy speed, lest 
 meeting another thou art overturned. 
 
 1360 
 
 Ask not of folly the way to success nor of indolence 
 the way to renown. 
 
 1361 
 
 Man would be as playful as a kitten were he entirely 
 free from care and were it so, his life would amount 
 to no more than a cat s life. 
 
 1362 
 
 Poison is a thought of disease think health and 
 send it everywhere. 
 
 1363 
 
 Lo, the faith that each reposes in his own religion ! 
 Another s may be wrong, but not his. 
 
 1364 
 
 When one meets a bear at the forking of the road, 
 there is no rule to tell one whether safety lies in 
 retreat or in advancement. 
 
 1365 
 
 Of the two conditions a good fool or a bright knave 
 the latter is not more deplorable, as there is chance 
 for quicker improvement. 
 
 1366 
 
 The only receipt for loneliness is work, and the only 
 work for loneliness is that which absorbs self. 
 
 1367 
 
 If thou knowest guilt thou hast a most terrible 
 companion. 
 
 149 
 
1368 
 
 I ASKED of my soul, this holy day, what manner 
 of mortal is beautiful, and this was the answer 
 returned : "If thou art comely and full of 
 grace and hast not abundant love for all the sons and 
 daughters of God, thou art not beautiful." 
 
 1369 
 
 Kick not the dog that stands in thy way. A slight 
 turning will ofttimes save a serious encounter. 
 
 1370 
 
 If I were hunting for virtue, I would not travel the 
 path of sin nor should I look toward iniquity to espy 
 peace. 
 
 1371 
 
 A strange paradox Life grows shorter as it grows 
 longer. 
 
 1372 
 
 Sin can not exceed the circumference of mortal 
 thought ; but no thought can circle the consequences 
 of sin, for they extend beyond the ken of mortal mind. 
 
 1373 
 
 Listen as you will for words of wisdom they are not 
 spoken by ignorance. 
 
 1374 
 
 Many a fall have Jack and Jill when trying to climb 
 Pegasus hill. 
 
 1375 
 
 Nine out of ten are searching for heaven outside of 
 themselves. Stop, friends ! Your heaven is nearer 
 your own door than another s. 
 
 1376 
 
 Lead me, O thou wise angels who guide my life into 
 ways of justice and of merit. 
 
 1377 
 
 Illumine thy countenance with heavenly light by 
 carrying the lamp of truth upon thy brow. 
 
 150 
 
1378 
 
 I SAT before the mute keyboard no sound came 
 forth until I smote the beloved chords, but ere 
 the notes reached mine ear my mind was filled 
 with the coming theme and in the silence of anticipa 
 tion I heard it all, yea, more than the singing keys 
 gave forth when fondly pressed by loving fingers. 
 
 1379 
 
 Let thy mouth be sweet with wisdom and thy words 
 as healing balm. 
 
 1380 
 
 Close upon the heels of science crowds the religion of 
 the Twentieth Century, and soon will they walk hand 
 in hand as brother and sister of one Common Parent. 
 
 1381 
 
 Man stands in the world of spirit a dual being, and 
 death will not mar his soul garb. 
 
 1382 
 
 Have no fear, neither of God nor man : Let love 
 govern thy life, for fear degrades. 
 
 1383 
 
 The pulse of the universe is quickened or retarded by 
 Divine thought. 
 
 1384 
 
 There is a curious twist in the human mind that 
 makes it incline much to laughter when it should be 
 grave, and that stills it when it should be merry. 
 
 1385 
 
 Piety shuns mirth to walk with soberness ; whereas 
 mirth would be a pleasant companion for both. 
 
 1386 
 
 Put not thy trust in verbal expression, but in the 
 thought itself. 
 
 1387 
 The world speaks superficially the few with wisdom. 
 
 151 
 
1388 
 
 [UCH say the leaves when they rustle and 
 uneasy turn upon their stems. Now it is the 
 coming storm that they trembling fear; again 
 in breathless silence do they warn of gathering danger ; 
 and in the Autumn of their death, with radiance clad 
 do they yield their life that they may come forth in 
 the Springtime to gladden mankind anew. 
 
 1389 
 
 In the world s great orchestra, they who beat the 
 drums of ostentation may fancy they are carrying a 
 leading part, whereas the harmony is not so much 
 increased by their performance as the noise. 
 
 1390 
 
 O man ! O woman ! If thou lovest the outward form 
 and have no affinity of soul, thou knowest naught of 
 love nor of life. 
 
 1391 
 
 He that burneth with lust will be consumed by the 
 fires of regret in the day of awakening. 
 
 1392 
 
 Fiercer and fiercer the combat between the old beliefs 
 and the new knowledge, and surer and surer the 
 result. 
 
 1393 
 
 In the still hour before I slumber, my soul and I do 
 speak of much for which the world hath no ear; 
 therefore I tell thee not all, Dear Book, lest thou 
 betray me to an incredulous people. 
 
 1394 
 
 As the sap runneth upward until the leaves burst 
 forth, so the upward tendency of man. 
 
 1395 
 
 If a man goeth out in the morning to till his field, and 
 loiter until the meridian, wherefore has he gained 
 over his neighbor who sleepeth until the noon ? 
 
 152 
 
1396 
 
 which is, has always been, and that which 
 had not a beginning can have no ending ; 
 therefore eternity is all, and the one life is in 
 all vague, mayhap, but a lesser truth will not be 
 met with more cordiality by sleepy folk who find 
 thinking a difficulty. 
 
 1397 
 To forget pain, refuse to talk of it. ) 
 
 1398 
 
 If I stand on a pile of chips it does not prove that I 
 cut the wood. 
 
 1399 
 By human guide-posts it is a long way to perfection. 
 
 1400 
 
 It is a plain fact that ostentation avoids intimacy with 
 the highest intelligence it seeks mediocrity. 
 
 1401 
 
 The manifestations of Divinity appear to none alike, 
 but according to the evolution of the soul do we agree 
 in our conceptions and express unity. 
 
 1402 
 
 The closer men keep to the center of their mind, the 
 nearer they keep to their heaven. 
 
 1403 
 
 Such a little while intervenes between birth and death 
 that they are but the morning and the evening of an 
 eventful day. 
 
 1404 
 Precious are the gifts that flow in on the tide of love. 
 
 1405 
 
 He who careth for strong drink careth less for strong 
 men. 
 
 1406 
 
 Pass through the world cheerfully, then wilt thou 
 not add to thine own nor another s burden. 
 
 153 
 
1407 
 
 ^^TT^N the beginning we have given into our keeping 
 
 the different pieces of our lives which we are 
 
 commanded to fit into a perfect whole ; this 
 
 task we must eventually accomplish in the eons and 
 
 eons of time before us. 
 
 1408 
 
 Ever be a true friend to thyself, that thou mayest 
 quickly find one in adversity. 
 
 1409 
 
 Men are continually casting thoughts into space to 
 fall about like the flakes of whited snow or the sooty 
 particles that begrime. 
 
 1410 
 
 Be it resolved : that whatever I am destined to bear 
 I will respond " Amen." 
 
 1411 
 
 Dogs are not altogether agreeable in their treatment 
 of the community at large, and they are not altogether 
 different in this respect from the community itself. 
 
 1412 
 
 Alas ! what manner of man is he who would rob 
 another if circumstances would permit ? 
 
 1413 
 He who shall outwit Nature shall be greater than God. 
 
 1414 
 
 In the twilight of life let us linger in the spice -groves 
 of holiness, where the weeds of fanaticism can not 
 take root in the sacred soil. 
 
 1415 
 
 Why should mortals fly in the face of folly when 
 discretion bids them at all times to walk demurely in 
 the path of prudence? 
 
 1416 
 
 Even as the fiber of each mind varies in quality, so is 
 the thought coarse or refined that it yields. 
 
 154 
 
1417 
 
 IT is a marvelous privilege to hold converse 
 with the departed, and thrice blest are they to 
 whom is given the pleasure of consoling the 
 afflicted, and who use the gift wisely and without the 
 taking of silver. 
 
 1418 
 
 When virtue sighs and starves and sin parades with 
 brazen countenance, call not yourselves enlightened, O 
 peoples, but benighted. 
 
 1419 
 
 Thou canst find a compliment for thy friend as easily 
 as thou canst find a flaw, if thou wilt search on the 
 flowering side of his life. 
 
 1420 
 
 What gaineth a man to fish all day in a dry creek or 
 to pump in a dry well ? When nothing can be accom 
 plished, go elsewhere. 
 
 1421 
 
 An evidence that the world is growing wiser is its 
 independent inquisitiveness. It dare question and it 
 dare sit in judgment on its answers. 
 
 1422 
 
 A stone that has rolled down through the ages without 
 gathering moss is a clean stone, and such is truth 
 which never stops rolling long enough to become 
 mossbacked. 
 
 1423 
 
 If the focalizing of good thoughts upon a person is 
 beneficial, what must be the focalizing of bad thoughts ? 
 
 1424 
 A characteristic of freedom is its love of country. 
 
 1425 
 
 Nature makes a mighty effort to expel disease, that 
 the spirit may dwell in a wholesome house. 
 
 1426 
 No one likes to think that greatness was ever small. 
 
 155 
 
1427 
 
 the spiritual body is contained within the ma- 
 terial body or if it envelops it (and if immortality 
 be true, it is not irrational to believe either), 
 must it not be nourished with the spiritual part of the 
 food of which the natural partakes the intelligent 
 subconscious brain selecting and separating with 
 nicety the nourishment according to its requirements. 
 
 1428 
 
 The stream that flows from a pure mind is pure when 
 it flows into words. 
 
 1429 
 
 Why select inferiority for thy part when superiority 
 might be thine ? 
 
 1430 
 
 We may hire our work profitably done, but not our 
 thinking ; this must we do for ourselves or suffer loss. 
 
 1431 
 
 In the era precluding the exercise of reason, the 
 world s history was written in chapters of human gore. 
 
 1432 
 Doubt is the forerunner of progress. 
 
 1433 
 
 So long as my mind dwelleth in peace I can sing of 
 God, but should it leap into contention my song 
 dieth. 
 
 1434 
 
 When prying is shut out of the door, it tries to crawl 
 in at the window ; and only when the gate is locked, 
 is there seclusion. 
 
 1435 
 
 To despise thy brother is to crowd him to earth, 
 whereas thou shouldst uplift alway. 
 
 1436 
 
 Abide in the truth whenever thou findest it, whether 
 or not thy neighbor approve. 
 
 156 
 
1437 
 
 T is God s decree that all men should find Him ; and 
 that none may miss, eternity is given. 
 
 1438 
 Dear earth, thou art overlaid with heaven s reflection. 
 
 1439 
 
 Each day is a chapter from the book of life ; learn thy 
 lesson well, O child of earth, for thy Maker may 
 demand of thee that thou knowest this very hour. 
 
 1440 
 
 If thou canst find one thought-gem in the toil of the 
 day, it is thine own. 
 
 1441 
 
 It is a misfortune to be born rich, and without those 
 qualities of mind that make riches a blessing. 
 
 1442 
 
 Pricking a bubble before it is seen, 
 Plucking the trees when the fruit is green, 
 Answering a question before it is heard 
 Will make any man or woman absurd. 
 
 1443 
 
 Never overdo small matters. A large oven will hold 
 a small loaf, but a mammoth loaf can not be thrust 
 into a small oven. 
 
 1444 
 
 Gold is not man s to keep, and if he struggle for it 
 he can only play that it is his for a day and then toss 
 it to another and so runs the game adown the ages. 
 
 1445 
 
 There are as many spiders as webs, and a simple fly 
 for every waiting spider. 
 
 1446 
 
 When the morrow comes, the foolish are no better 
 prepared to reform than today, and they who wait 
 never reform. 
 
 157 
 
1447 
 
 ONCE I was awed by the approach of death, but 
 now that I know him, I love him, for he hath 
 in his keeping mine own, and he hath promised 
 that I, too, may enter his realm to dwell with them. 
 Therefore do I exclaim, " Dear angel, I await thy 
 coming with perfect trust, and with full confidence 
 that thou knowest best when to call me." 
 
 1448 
 Look on both sides of the fence for the missing. 
 
 1449 
 
 Curb not thy energy, but let it run like a young hart 
 or roe over the hills of usefulness. 
 
 1450 
 
 If thou art proud hide thy tears and thy wounds 
 from the rabble lest they mock thee. 
 
 1451 
 
 When fairly cornered by reason, surrender and she 
 will assist thee into the open. 
 
 1452 
 The great redeemer of mankind is understanding. 
 
 1453 
 A slender blade of grass points upward like a spire. 
 
 1454 
 Behold a leaf spread o er with tracings of Divinity. 
 
 1455 
 
 Demand a systematic accounting of thyself each day 
 for the good and the evil done. 
 
 1456 
 
 The fountain of perpetual youth is not found within 
 the domain of excesses. 
 
 1457 
 
 Everywhere present and nowhere welcome such is 
 the fate of the bore. 
 
 158 
 
1458 
 
 is a notion extant among the rich that 
 the poor are not favored of God, and a prevalent 
 notion among the poor that the rich are favored 
 of Satan, which can be explained on no other hypoth 
 esis than that the one entertains the notion that God 
 is the dispenser of money, and the other that the 
 Devil is. 
 
 1459 
 
 A few drops of essence of good breeding will prevent 
 giving and taking offense. 
 
 1460 
 It may be harmful to endure, but worse to harm. 
 
 1461 
 
 Like water without motion, a life without ups and 
 downs would become too monotonous to be interesting. 
 
 1462 
 
 When Dame Flattery smooths her gown and adjusts 
 her goggles, it is wise, O virtuous maid, to change 
 your seat ; and whenever her son is present, it is 
 opportune to retreat before he opens speech. 
 
 1463 
 
 Peace cometh with the determination to lead a 
 cleanly life, but destruction cometh with the storms 
 of immorality. 
 
 1464 
 
 Comfort, mortals require ; but luxury could be lopped 
 off without injury. 
 
 1465 
 
 The days of the toiler are less exhausting than the 
 days of the idler, for one has strength and the other 
 weakness. 
 
 1466 
 
 The value of a life can not be estimated by man ; it 
 may appear worthless and yet be a precious stone 
 in the great building of the universe. 
 
 159 
 
1467 
 
 jr LL the philosophies and religions of the past 
 I I have led up to the present moment of inspira- 
 tion, which is the most wonderful outpouring 
 of the spirit of Divine wisdom that the world has ever 
 known, and the words that are now being penned by 
 moderns will live longer than the utterances of the 
 ancients. This may sound boastful, yet it is only the 
 natural growth of religious thought. 
 
 1468 
 
 Every flower that is born into life cometh with labor, 
 and were our ear practised we might hear Nature 
 sigh. 
 
 1469 
 Perfection is the goal of man, and diligence is the way. 
 
 1470 
 The garment of death is Immortality. 
 
 1471 
 
 Were a monument of gratitude erected to the memory 
 of every monarch who has made the world wiser, 
 they might not stand closer on the road than the 
 sphinxes of old. 
 
 1472 
 As lasting as light are the attributes of the soul. 
 
 1473 
 The whirligig of time is a perpetual round of death. 
 
 1474 
 It is wiser to lose a friend than to yield a principle. 
 
 1475 
 
 He who doeth a wrong shall in no wise escape the 
 heavy hand of retribution, be it soon or in the distant 
 years of eternity. 
 
 1476 
 
 In the great ocean of life there are many beautiful 
 islands on which we tarry on our journey. 
 
 160 
 
1477 
 
 aS years are added disgrace grows heavier until 
 the grave is courted by a sufferer as a welcome 
 retreat from the world ; but if immortality be 
 true, which is probable, and individuality be retained, 
 which is probable, why should the putting on of new 
 garments change the course of the thoughts and make 
 souls forget those things that belong to the realm of 
 mind ? It would seem wholesome to preach that death 
 will not change the mind. It would make men more 
 careful of their acts. 
 
 1478 
 In the sunlight make provision for the darkness. 
 
 1479 
 
 To what may we attribute our shortcomings if our 
 religion and our morals are correct? 
 
 1480 
 
 When the watchdog of suspicion tugs at the chain, 
 prudence says keep out of the enclosure. 
 
 1481 
 
 Sunlight for the practical, and moonlight for the 
 sentimental, seems to be Nature s own suggestion. 
 
 1482 
 
 Memory is an adjunct of time and runs parallel with 
 it through all ages. 
 
 1483 
 
 When men and women are concerned about their own 
 salvation, they are usually concerned about their 
 neighbors . Hence, proselyting has come about in a 
 most natural manner, but with most uncertain results. 
 
 1484 
 
 A most favorable moment for examining the soul is 
 when it is preparing to leave the body for dreamland ; 
 and when it returns from thence, ask again of its 
 intention during its daily routine, and whether its 
 conduct will square with a tender conscience. 
 
 161 
 
1485 
 
 (EYOND the green fields of earth methinks 
 there is a world of surpassing beauty wherein 
 are congregated the loved who await us with 
 expectant joy, eager to lead us beside the flowing 
 waters of health where we may slake our thirst 
 abundantly. 
 
 I486 
 
 The artisan places one brick upon another until the 
 structure is complete, and thus are laid the experi 
 ences of life until the temple is finished. 
 
 1487 
 
 Some are determined to trudge with cares, accounting 
 ease selfish. 
 
 1488 
 
 Whenever thou findest a friend in thy sickness and 
 poverty, thou mayest know that thou hast found a 
 disciple of God. 
 
 1489 
 
 The friendship of one silent man is worth more than 
 \the companionship of ten thousand braying asses. 
 
 1490 
 
 When speaking of prosperity it should be defined, for 
 whether it rest on the gratification of the present or 
 the needs of the future makes it stable or unstable. 
 
 1491 
 As straight as an arrow flies time toward the tomb. 
 
 1492 
 
 Of thy bounty divide, lest death rebuke thee suddenly. 
 
 1493 
 
 If good luck is a visitation of Providence, ill luck 
 must also be ; for nothing that is, comes by chance, 
 but is the effect of a cause, of which we may or may 
 not be cognizant. 
 
 1494 
 Age divides not veneration with youth, but claims it all. 
 
 162 
 
1495 
 
 H SCULLION adorns the kitchen and a groom 
 may be brilliant in the stable, but in belles- 
 lettres and the fine arts they might be dull ; 
 therefore, do not overleap the limit of thy capacity 
 if thou dost wish to shine. 
 
 1496 
 
 Discipline makes us promise, but inclination makes 
 us forget. 
 
 1497 
 
 Commerce makes men friends, but religion makes 
 men foes ; therefore nations are most civilized by 
 merchants. 
 
 1498 
 
 Any one may read from the book of fate who has a 
 mind to reason. 
 
 1499 
 
 The caprices of children are accounted unworthy 
 respect ; but were they analyzed they might not be 
 contemptible. 
 
 1500 
 
 Never while the breath of life is with thee permit thy 
 tongue to speak evil nor thy lips to whisper deceit 
 
 1501 
 
 One is liable to meet the ghost of the past at any 
 time, and if the deeds have been foul nothing is more 
 terrifying. 
 
 1502 
 
 Whenever there is life there is God, and whenever 
 there is God there is growth. 
 
 1503 
 
 Persistent and systematic effort to crush new truths 
 as they appear reacts wofully upon the worker, 
 whilst keeping them fresh before the people until 
 they can be discerned by the many. 
 
 163 
 
1504 
 
 the beautiful and shining Venus to come 
 within reach it would lose charm and brilliancy, 
 and the lesson herein contained is plain : that 
 to retain the attention and the admiration of the 
 multitude, distance is absolutely necessary. 
 
 1505 
 
 Self-conceit will run the human engine a long time, 
 but there is a limit to the number of pounds it is safe 
 to carry. 
 
 1506 
 Legal minds do not look in a lean purse for a fat fee. 
 
 1507 
 
 In some far-off day in the future the people will say 
 to one another, " How foolish and ignorant were the 
 generations of the Twentieth Century ! " 
 
 1508 
 
 When looking for friends do not look in dark corners 
 nor unholy places. 
 
 1509 
 
 Falsehood may not be so rough as the way of truth, 
 but it is a much longer distance to a safe stopping- 
 place. 
 
 1510 
 
 To be prominent because of some eccentricity is some 
 what embarrassing, but he who is without is unnoticed. 
 
 1511 
 
 Free institutions of learning are crowding our land, 
 but where is the one devoted to patriotism ? 
 
 1512 
 
 Occasionally there cometh a vision of the future 
 so exact it were as though an artist portrayeth that 
 which he had seen ; whereas it is a glimpse of that 
 which never was but is to be, an etching by the hand 
 of the Great Designer who shapes our destinies and 
 marks our days. 
 
 164 
 
1513 
 
 CAN any one affirm that God is omniscient and 
 omnipresent, full of mercy and love, when 
 there is so much want, misery and crime, with 
 out losing belief in a personal ruler and accepting 
 the theory of evolution as the Divine plan of man s 
 growth and salvation? 
 
 1514 
 
 Variety is the pass-key that opens the doors of 
 enjoyment. 
 
 1515 
 
 There is little moral difference between the selfish 
 poor and the selfish rich ; but the world of art is a 
 little better served by the selfish rich. 
 
 1516 
 
 A chronic grumbler might realize the beauty of life 
 were he about to be deprived of it. 
 
 1517 
 
 The little we know is hard to tell, and all we know is 
 little to tell. 
 
 1518 
 
 A king and a queen are a man and a woman, and as 
 such they leave this world and enter the other then 
 it behooves them to consider themselves as they are. 
 
 1519 
 
 When a lake is frozen over, the depth and clearness 
 of the water can not be easily determined ; thus, 
 when the heart is frozen, are its depths a secret until 
 thawed by the sunshine of love and sympathy. 
 
 1520 
 
 A man of moods is like changeable weather, which 
 has to be endured regardless of pleasure or comfort. 
 
 1521 
 
 In proportion to our discernment are the benefits of 
 society. 
 
 165 
 
1522 
 
 Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness are 
 not satisfied with esoteric ceremonies ; they must be 
 fed with the esoteric bread of life then will the 
 famished spirit revive. 
 
 1523 
 
 The point of a needle is small, but its thrust is pain- 
 ful ; so is it with a sharp word. 
 
 1524 
 
 He who has the finger of scorn pointed at him quakes 
 as with the fear of forked lightning. 
 
 1525 
 
 The beauty of life is not seen in a twinkling, but is 
 unrolled as the ages advance in worlds without end. 
 
 1526 
 
 The necessity of restraint is not understood by the 
 restrained. 
 
 1527 
 
 Liberty is not the safety of a people, but the lawful 
 use of it. 
 
 1528 
 
 The superiority of intelligence over ignorance will 
 never be disputed. 
 
 1529 
 
 If thou believest in a devil, in that degree puttest 
 thou God from thyself. 
 
 1530 
 
 The loud braying of foolishness soundeth afar, but 
 one must listen for the low, sweet voice of wisdom. 
 
 1531 
 
 Youth is not more fickle than age, though age assert 
 it and youth deny it not. 
 
 1532 
 
 The aged climb the stairs of heaven with quicker 
 step than the young, and a friend always stands at 
 the top to extend a welcoming hand. 
 
 166 
 
1533 
 
 The wind is the companion of the storm, and together 
 they delight to wander and frighten man. 
 
 1534 
 They who learn to wait want to wait. 
 
 1535 
 When a prisoner is friendless he is halfway to sentence. 
 
 1536 
 
 Punctualness is ever superior to tardiness in all the 
 affairs of daily life. 
 
 1537 
 
 The most desirable quality to find in a stranger is 
 probity. 
 
 1538 
 
 The religion of the future will prevent the lifting of 
 the sword in mortal combat and the itching of the 
 palm for another s possessions. 
 
 1539 
 
 Silence is the door to the inner temple of the mind, 
 and if thou approach thereto with noise thou canst 
 not enter it. 
 
 1540 
 
 A pure thought leads the mind into a pure atmosphere, 
 where the whole being is vivified and made positive 
 against evil. 
 
 1541 
 A safe cure for indolence is the lash of necessity. 
 
 1542 
 Talent is elastic ; it stretches with use. 
 
 1543 
 Sudden wealth makes sudden fools. 
 
 1544 
 
 Man s origin and his destiny are the secrets of God, 
 and not to be revealed to such as we. 
 
 167 
 
1545 
 
 [HOULD man try in the morning to look into 
 the evening, or in the evening to look into the 
 morning ? Yea ! Should he cling to and live on 
 the past ? Nay, Nay ! It is decay ; experience, which 
 is the soul of yesterday, lives in the present, therefore 
 let him abide with life and depart from death. 
 
 1546 
 
 The law of attraction is ever at work, both in physics 
 and in ethics, demonstrating facts that help man to 
 know himself and others. 
 
 1547 
 
 A revelation yet to be made to man : his relation to 
 other things, and his true place in the infinity of 
 surrounding worlds. 
 
 1548 
 
 There are many ways of burying crime, but none that 
 will lay the ghost. It stalks where it will and when it 
 will, keeping the gravedigger in a frenzy. 
 
 1549 
 
 The church has a curious device called a creed, to 
 bind reason ; whereas religion should be as boundless 
 as the universe. 
 
 1550 
 
 Degradation is the swamp -land of society, making 
 those who are compelled to live on its borders quake 
 with the ague of apprehension. 
 
 1551 
 
 Enjoin no man from seizing all knowledge within his 
 reach, for the day may come when there is a famine 
 of time and his very life depend upon that which he 
 has stored. 
 
 1552 
 t is a certainty that they who love light will seek it. 
 
 1553 
 The beginning of wisdom is the desire for it. 
 
 168 
 
1554 
 
 CHE most convincing evidence of man s religious 
 growth is his determination to be his own 
 priest and to make his own theology. Myths, 
 legends, creeds and dogmas he examines carefully. 
 Fear he is outgrowing, and he dare enter the holy of 
 holies and pry into the ark of the covenant, not upon 
 his knees but with his face lifted toward heaven. 
 
 1555 
 
 A man who does not think with the age in which he 
 lives has as little part in the world as a bandaged 
 mummy. 
 
 1556 
 
 We shall always weep when our loved ones pass 
 through the portals into the inner chamber, though 
 we know they there await us and that our names will 
 soon be written on the scroll of entered apprentices. 
 
 1557 
 
 The trailing of garments of woe is an outward expres 
 sion that adds to the heart s burden when it is least 
 able to bear it. 
 
 1558 
 
 The slowest traveler could keep pace with religions 
 on their way to liberty. 
 
 1559 
 
 Solitude is the dwelling-place of the soul, and there in 
 the stillness can it review its past and shape for its 
 future. 
 
 1560 
 
 The beauty and gentleness of Dame Nature in her 
 pleasant moods make her children forget the cruelty 
 and suffering she can inflict when moved by storm. 
 
 1561 
 
 As humble as are the prayers of the penitent, they 
 should not be spoken in public, lest hypocrisy learn 
 the words. 
 
 169 
 
1562 
 
 believe the world was created in six days. 
 Men believe that it was made in periods of 
 time ; others as truly say it was not created at 
 all. but that it grew from a seed atom cast into the 
 universe by the divine hand of causation, and was 
 warmed into life by the divine mother. 
 
 1563 
 
 There is no resting-place for guilt. 
 
 1564 
 
 Laughter is as spontaneous as vegetation, whenever 
 there is soil enough for the lodgment of seed. 
 
 1565 
 
 The novelty of life is augmented by the fact that we 
 know not why nor whence we came nor why nor 
 whence we go. 
 
 1566 
 
 Pour the oil of peace, O most holy spirit, upon my life, 
 and bathe my brow with the morning dew of wisdom. 
 Let the East sun illumine my mind, that I may have 
 discrimination, and the West sun be as a searchlight 
 set on a hill to guide me on my rugged journey. 
 
 
 170 
 
BOOK FIVE 
 
1567 
 
 PERCEIVE a glorious presence 
 beside me whose eyes are like the 
 evening and the morning star; 
 whose breath is perfect health, 
 and whose words are sustenance ; 
 whose aim is God. Will my spirit 
 list to thy instructions, O being 
 of light? Yea, verily, and I will 
 love thee and I will obey thee 
 when thou askest me to follow in ways of purity and 
 eternal beauty. O spirit of wisdom, art thou my 
 guardian angel? Wast thou, as I, of earth? Thou 
 sayest yea, and I believe, for such as thou utterest the 
 truth alone. Beautiful being, if I am worthy thy care, 
 preserve me and help me to make my life so pure and 
 useful that I may be a co-worker with thee when my 
 soul withdraws from this existence for the higher. 
 
 1568 
 
 Whatever savors of vulgarity belongs to evil. 
 
 1569 
 
 Measure for measure is Nature s revenge. 
 
 1570 
 
 All generations to come will be grappling with per 
 plexing problems, for the infinite hath ordained that 
 the finite should not compass the infinite mind. 
 
 1571 
 
 The wings of thought are not swifter than the wings 
 of love, and their flight is side by side. 
 
 1572 
 
 Liberty is not another name for selfishness. Mark a 
 distinction. 
 
 1573 
 
 A fair life perceive th a fair world, but luckless is he 
 whose days are spent in deception. To him all things 
 and all men are false. 
 
 173 
 
1574 
 
 VAST continents are still unexplored in art and 
 science, that will some day teem with intellectual 
 activity, for as yet man dreams not of what he 
 will be, nor of how much awaits his magic touch ; but 
 in the coming of the new day, when old things shall 
 have passed away, the mourners will be many among 
 the antiquarians, but the young shall sing Hosannas. 
 
 1575 
 
 When too many creature comforts are the aim of 
 life, the soul starves for lack of common necessaries. 
 
 1576 
 
 Facts fall into the mind and lodge in their own little 
 corners, making themselves at home and adding 
 much to safety and happiness. 
 
 1577 
 
 A debater who is not fair-minded declaims himself 
 not a logician but a dust-thrower. 
 
 1578 
 
 He who speaks above his audience is not more 
 applauded than he who speaks beneath it. 
 
 1579 
 
 Tell me, O teachers, why ancient beliefs are received 
 with smiles, and fresh and beautiful discoveries are 
 repulsed with frowns? 
 
 1580 
 
 A clever ruse may entrap the unwary, but ever at the 
 expense of fair dealing. 
 
 1581 
 A jolly fellow is the rattle-box of society. 
 
 1582 
 
 Retaliation is the gathering of firebrands. One is sure 
 to burn one s fingers and smoke one s garments. 
 
 1583 
 A nation dieth when dishonesty is the chief ruler. 
 
 174 
 
1584 
 
 sorrow sweeps the heart-strings the chords 
 are minor, but when joy strikes them there is 
 heard within and without a strain of melody 
 that carries the mind to joy s own abode, where the 
 happy gods prepare pleasure for whom they love. 
 
 1585 
 
 Fortitude should be sown in the youthful spring of 
 hope, that a plentiful crop be garnered for the winter 
 of discouragement. 
 
 1586 
 
 Plotting to do mischief is making ready to drop into 
 trouble. 
 
 1587 
 
 A man is not required to count the leaves of the 
 forest nor to number the sands of the sea, therefore 
 in his allotment of years let him be content to learn 
 better, fewer things. 
 
 1588 
 
 To have ideas and no words is a misfortune, but to 
 have words and not ideas is a greater one. 
 
 1589 
 
 If human drones were treated after the manner of 
 bees, behold the consternation and indignation in 
 every hive. 
 
 1590 
 
 The frequency with which progress is assaulted by 
 opposition proclaims a watchful enemy. 
 
 1591 
 
 Wherefore the lines in the face and the tracings of 
 the hands? Are they the workings of chance? Nay, 
 they are chapters from the book of life. 
 
 1592 
 
 The purpose of education is not more for the individual 
 than for others. 
 
 1593 
 The highest tribute to beauty is respect. 
 
 175 
 
1594 
 
 The exercise of the intellect giveth man his happiest 
 hours. To wander at will through the chambers of the 
 mind affords him glimpses of paradise that the flesh 
 is not permitted to behold. 
 
 1595 
 
 Lead me by the right hand into the wide fields of 
 thought, where I may pluck at will the blossoms of 
 eternal truth. 
 
 1596 
 
 To jump from error to truth with one bound is the 
 greatest feat a mortal can accomplish. 
 
 1597 
 
 Though every one loves a lover, a lover loves but one. 
 
 1598 
 True bliss is mental equipoise. 
 
 1599 
 
 Righteousness regards liberally and giveth a blessing 
 every day. 
 
 1600 
 
 There are countless paths that lead to God, for no 
 man treads another s. 
 
 1601 
 Instead of being what we seem, we are what we are. 
 
 1602 
 By way of merit it is many leagues to reward. 
 
 1603 
 
 Equipoise of mind is best maintained by mingling 
 society and solitude in about equal proportions. 
 
 1604 
 
 To sift slander to the bottom requires time and labor 
 which, if devoted to keeping oneself above it, would 
 be more profitable, pleasurable and convincing of 
 innocence. 
 
 176 
 
1605 
 
 QRESUMABLY only a small fraction of the 
 universe was made for man, and as yet he 
 adorns not his fraction with becomingness ; but 
 when he shall have learned the great departments of 
 his life, he shall have dominion over much and be 
 master of himself, uplifted and uplifting. 
 
 1606 
 
 To always love thy neighbor is not easy, but severe is 
 the penalty of hating him. 
 
 1607 
 
 Your opinions are your own ; be not too generous with 
 them. 
 
 1608 
 
 The willingness of love to do for hate is indicative of 
 its godliness. 
 
 1609 
 
 There are many words to express ingratitude, but the 
 baldness of speech to express gratitude is embar 
 rassing. 
 
 1610 
 
 The alphabet is a scenic railway winding along the 
 foothills of knowledge upon which trains of thought 
 are run from A to Z. 
 
 1611 
 That which is dreaded must not be invited by thought. 
 
 1612 
 
 The spirit of the loved goeth not into the darkness of 
 the tomb, neither is it there that thou canst best 
 commune with them, but in familiar places. 
 
 1613 , 
 
 Mild manners, like gentle showers upon the ground, 
 lay the dust of discord and refresh the leaves of 
 affection. 
 
 1614 
 
 He that resteth after each great mental effort pre- 
 pareth for final victory. 
 
 177 
 
1615 
 
 e ROWING beside the narrow path that we daily 
 tread are beautiful roses; even the most 
 fragrant have thorns that pierce, and sometimes 
 we find a worm in a heart of velvet, yet t is not the 
 rose that offends, but the destroyer of it. Here, 
 then, is found a lesson. 
 
 1616 
 Beyond the earth dawns the eternal day of gladness. 
 
 1617 
 
 According to our understanding do we accept or 
 reject the advice of Nature. 
 
 1618 
 
 If our hearts are filled with all manner of evil, wherein 
 is there room for good except by casting out the evil ? 
 
 1619 
 
 Slow turneth the wheels of knowledge, and slower yet 
 moveth the chariot of wisdom on its straight and 
 upward course. 
 
 1620 
 
 When in the company of health, the voyage of earth 
 seemeth pleasant ; but when disease is a fellow traveler, 
 our kind mariner makes it possible for us to disembark. 
 
 1621 
 From the roots of sorrow spring flowers. 
 
 1622 
 
 Vain is the desire to become great if born of limited 
 capacity, but one may become good, however par 
 simonious has been Nature. 
 
 1623 
 
 He who permits indolence to slay ambition is accessory 
 to crime. 
 
 1624 
 
 When thou findest a man who loves integrity more 
 than gold, love thou him, for he is worthy. 
 
 178 
 
1625 
 
 O thou living and eternal mind, reveal to us more of 
 thy magnificent plan of life, that we may more enjoy 
 thee and thy works. 
 
 1626 
 
 Seek not to conceal thy shortcomings behind apologies. 
 
 1627 
 A coarse mind gathers more dust than a refined one. 
 
 1628 
 
 The proper way to bury scandal is to cast it into the 
 depths of oblivion and evermore call not up the ghost. 
 
 1629 
 Nature loves her responsive children. 
 
 1630 
 
 Ignorance perceiveth not the glory that lieth around 
 and about. 
 
 1631 
 
 Thoroughness depends not so much on temperament 
 as on training. 
 
 1632 
 Enthusiasm is the handmaid of success. 
 
 1633 
 
 Mortal vision is so short that it extendeth not beyond 
 the shadow of things. 
 
 1634 
 
 The perfect morn of a perfect day when the purified 
 soul transcends the limitations of earth. 
 
 1635 
 Up ! up ! up ! Forever and forever and forever. 
 
 1636 
 Beauty hath no real part in evil. 
 
 1637 
 
 Let us rest in the belief and be glad that the ways of 
 Providence are governed by law and not by the 
 petitions of men. 
 
 179 
 
1638 
 
 we are more familiar with the laws of 
 Nature, her ways will not seem so cruel when 
 she takes the form of a loved one and cradles 
 it in her bosom. We shall say, " Sleep, sleep ! " and no 
 more will our tears disturb the soft harmony of 
 the lullaby that she singeth to a weary child. 
 
 1639 
 
 Whether it be near or far to the goal of success it is 
 never downhill. 
 
 1640 
 
 Let us love both joy and sorrow, for they are the two 
 friends appointed to accompany us. 
 
 1641 
 
 Boldness crowds into our path when we walk 
 uprightly, a pleasant companion in both cloudy and 
 fair weather. 
 
 1642 
 Whoso liveth without sin is God. 
 
 1643 
 
 The power of wealth is great, but the power of mind 
 is over all. 
 
 1644 
 
 The shadow of ignorance is long and dark, and of it 
 the thoughtful are sore afraid. 
 
 1645 
 
 Begin the day as thou shouldst, and end it calmly. 
 
 1646 
 
 The morals of each generation are sown by a preceding 
 one, and it follows therefore that the quality of the 
 crop depends on the seed ; then be it known that each 
 individual is accountable to the future for the acts 
 of the present. 
 
 1647 
 
 He who wages war on iniquity brings war upon him 
 self; nevertheless, let him battle, though he fall. 
 
 180 
 
1648 
 The way to happiness is through the door of duty. 
 
 1649 
 
 Show thou me a man who hath no pleasure in living, 
 and I will show thee one who knoweth not how to live. 
 
 1650 
 Righteousness availeth more than armed guilt. 
 
 1651 
 He who forgetteth an enemy humbles him. 
 
 1652 
 
 If a man die, shall he live again? Verily, he must die 
 to live. 
 
 1653 
 
 He who acquireth riches rapidly spendeth contemp 
 tuously. 
 
 1654 
 
 A birth is a sigh, a marriage a song, a death is a sigh 
 and a song. 
 
 1655 
 
 They who mourn for their kin and will not be com 
 forted know but one world. Were they familiar with 
 two they would say, " Death is kind." 
 
 1656 
 He who truly loves Nature truly loves himself. 
 
 1657 
 
 If thou findest a man lost to reason, do not attempt to 
 restore him with argument. 
 
 1658 
 It is a long step from condescension to kindness. 
 
 1659 
 
 He that thinketh evil prepare th the body for many 
 afflictions. 
 
 1660 
 
 A book acts on the mind either as a poison or as a 
 food. 
 
 181 
 
1661 
 
 aPPARENTLY men are drifting on an ocean of 
 experience, to be swallowed up by death. To 
 the outer vision this is a truth, but the inner 
 sight perceives that death is but the beginning of 
 experience, and however many times a soul is endan 
 gered it will eventually reach the port of Paradise. 
 
 1662 
 
 C^A sweet disposition, like a fragrant flower, lades the 
 air with delight. 
 
 1663 
 
 Thou mayest grieve for thy misspent time, but 
 through all eternity it will not be restored to thee. 
 
 1664 
 One prefers to look like a fool than to act like one. 
 
 1665 
 
 Let thine efforts be governed by good sense. Prayer 
 will not bring the rain out of a clear sky, nor will it 
 stay the torrent when it is loosed. 
 
 1666 
 
 The stars above and the trembling earth beneath in 
 everlasting revolutions are writing the word of God 
 on the pages of the universe. 
 
 1667 
 
 When thou shalt have done with fashion, O mortal, 
 take up art and cover thy nudity with beauty instead 
 of novelty. 
 
 1668 
 
 They who walk in lust are treading a deadly morass 
 which will engulf them though the way seem safe, 
 
 1669 
 
 There are many apples on the tree of thought, but 
 not two alike. If therefore the one that I pluck 
 resembles thine, or that which thou hast plucked 
 hath the flavor of mine, let us not accuse one another 
 of purloining, but of similar taste. 
 
 182 
 
1670 
 
 V?<OWSC>EVER adroit the criminal, he will some 
 
 I day stand at the judgment of his own con- 
 
 * science, from whose sentence there will be no 
 
 appeal. His trial may not be today nor tomorrow nor 
 
 in a hundred years hence, but a thousand count as 
 
 a flash in eternity and time will avenge every wrong 
 
 done himself or another. 
 
 1671 
 
 Evil, familiarly called Satan, runs up and down the 
 world in biped form seeking the company of bipeds, 
 but will never foist companionship on any one unbid 
 den not being fond of the upright, but loving well a 
 cheat, a liar and a doer of mischief. 
 
 1672 
 
 It is a long distance to perfection, but there is no 
 short cut across the fields of selfishness which lie 
 around and about inclination. 
 
 1673 
 
 Those are they who will rejoice in the hour of their 
 demise who, knowing good from evil, have done the 
 good. 
 
 1674 
 
 Consider ye the orphan as an opportunity that 
 Providence hath given thee to obey the golden com 
 mand. 
 
 1675 
 
 They who carry the burdens of others are they who 
 help lift the world from savagery. 
 
 1676 
 
 Behind the door of death stands the reader of thy 
 fate, and thou wilt perceive that thy destiny is just 
 what thou writ from year to year, and that it is read 
 verbatim et literatim. Thou must abide by it until 
 thou canst preface and present another tablet. 
 
 1677 
 Deliverance from evil is the perception of truth. 
 
 183 
 
1678 
 
 Nature in her pleasant moods makes us forget the 
 cruelty and suffering she can inflict when she is in a 
 rage. 
 
 1679 
 
 So far as we can ascertain, vibration is accountable 
 for all that is. 
 
 1680 
 
 All the Bibles in the world contain not one word from 
 the living God. All that in them is are the feeble words 
 of man asking some sign. All that is known has been 
 found by diligent search. When we say that God 
 reigneth we assert our belief and there should end all 
 controversy. 
 
 1681 
 
 Wish not for riches that thou mayest have more, but 
 that thou mayest do more good. 
 
 1682 
 
 Demand that thy spirit keep its mortal tenement in 
 good repair. 
 
 1683 
 
 Fallacies are the playthings of earth s children, and 
 the world today is a great nursery. 
 
 1684 
 
 Whatever path leads toward justice leads toward 
 heaven, whether it be Jew, Pagan or Christian who 
 follows it. 
 
 1685 
 
 There flew into the open window of my mind this 
 morn a beautiful thought, swift from the deep forest 
 of imagery ; but ere I could cage it, away it winged, 
 and although I patient waited and entreated it in 
 gentlest way, it would not return unto me. 
 
 1686 
 
 Beyond the mount of dissolution there lieth a vale 
 of peace wherein the soul may rest and find strength 
 for the morrow s journey toward the infinite. 
 
 184 
 
1687 
 
 Say ye when the gates of wealth swing wide for thee, 
 and the gates of poverty open for another, that thou 
 art a favorite of God and another accursed? Nay; 
 that is not true, for it is evident that gold and silver 
 enter not into the law. 
 
 1688 
 
 Death is the resurrection from pain into the joy of 
 perfect health. 
 
 1689 
 He that soweth vice will reap disease. 
 
 1690 
 
 Snails travel slowly, but if they go as fast as they can, 
 there is no fault to be found with the pace. 
 
 1691 
 
 Toleration and compassion are two qualities of mind 
 that should be cultivated diligently, for each is 
 beautiful, and without them men are void of true 
 religion. 
 
 1692 
 
 Never cease to think well of men, though their deeds 
 may not bear mention. 
 
 1693 
 
 I wot that the memory of misdeeds will survive the 
 memory of good deeds. 
 
 1694 
 Genius is seldom endowed with versatility. 
 
 1695 
 
 Let us not contemplate the trees in their despoilment, 
 but think of them as ever fair and aglow with leaf 
 and color. Thus let us view humanity. 
 
 1696 
 
 Did we have alternate days of Summer and Winter 
 we might appreciate both ; but as we must take the 
 weather as it comes, it were more philosophical to 
 cease complaint and declare that whatever is is good. 
 
 185 
 
1697 
 
 OHE sons and daughters of art and fiction labor 
 with the sunbeams and the moonbeams and 
 the rain -clouds, turning them into graceful and 
 fanciful designs, and existence is made more beauteous 
 by festooning these decorations along the pathway of 
 the caretakers. 
 
 1698 
 
 The reasoning mind under all circumstances is a 
 sober mind, and the intoxicated mind under no cir 
 cumstances is a reasoning mind. 
 
 1699 
 
 Of what superfine quality of substance must be the 
 spiritual body which encompasses the mortal body, 
 not to be perceived by the natural eye. 
 
 1700 
 
 Fortune has knocked loud at many a door and has 
 not been admitted by the master of the house. 
 
 1701 
 
 Be not too imitative, though thy model be perfect. 
 Originality diminishes in proportion as it is sacrificed 
 to copying. 
 
 1702 
 
 Conceit is a closer companion of ignorance than of 
 learning. 
 
 1703 
 
 Subject thy religion and thy morals to the closest 
 cross-examination day after day, and if thou receive 
 not a clear and prompt answer thou wilt know there 
 is a weak place that needs particular attention. 
 
 1704 
 
 How can sin be forgiven ! It may be overlooked by 
 man, but God does not suspend a law ; hence the 
 natural consequence must follow the violation of a 
 law, and the sinner must bear the burden of his guilt 
 until he adjusts himself to the laws of his being. 
 
 186 
 
1705 
 
 SE men of prejudice, can ye give one plain 
 reason why old beliefs should be superior 
 to new ? Or why an ancient chronicle should be 
 more trustworthy than a modern one, or why a time- 
 worn parchment of the First Century should contain 
 more of divine guidance than a fresh manuscript of 
 this century? 
 
 1706 
 
 Were the energy that is wasted on regrets used for 
 directing new enterprises, it would bring forth more 
 than repining and failure. 
 
 1707 
 
 The subtle force that is exerted over our lives by our 
 own thoughts and the thoughts of others is a problem 
 that we would do well to solve. 
 
 1708 
 
 Believe that the mind has power to correct the 
 infirmities of the body and train it accordingly. 
 
 1709 
 
 A bungling operator transmits a bungling message ; 
 therefore one should make due allowance for mistakes 
 in all that is sent over the lines of gossip. 
 
 1710 
 
 A simpleton is he who pronounces cat, dog, or dog, 
 cat ; and why is not he who calls allegory fact ? 
 
 1711 
 Sorrow and pleasure are always within call. 
 
 1712 
 
 We know not nor could we comprehend the how and 
 the why of our being in this, our childhood. 
 
 1713 
 
 Give your best thoughts to the world, and whether 
 the world be pleased or displeased it will spare time 
 to inform you. 
 
 187 
 
1714 
 
 From celestial spheres thoughts float out through the 
 ether, like pollen blown by the zephyrs, to fertilize 
 the mind that is ready to receive. 
 
 1715 
 
 If a man would gather grapes he must walk in the 
 vineyard. 
 
 1716 
 
 It is pleasurable to know the good and ever painful 
 to know the bad. 
 
 1717 
 
 The closer we attend to our own affairs, the more is 
 the public good conserved. 
 
 1718 
 
 Did the people know perfection they would abhor 
 imperfection. 
 
 1719 
 
 Wherever severity may go it will encounter antago 
 nism. 
 
 1720 
 Contumely is the reward of ill-doing. 
 
 1721 
 Open the door of thy soul and look therein for beauty. 
 
 1722 
 When Thrift forsakes the cottage, Poverty moves in. 
 
 1723 
 
 If we are obliged to rub elbows with others, we need 
 not abrade the cuticle. 
 
 1724 
 
 Could every disciple of art and literature have proper 
 environment, the result would amaze and benefit the 
 world. 
 
 1725 
 
 Innocence never seeks to harm sin, but sin seeks 
 innocence to destroy. 
 
 188 
 
1726 
 THE ORGAN PRELUDE 
 
 OH, subtle and harmonious chords, thou makest 
 my heart-strings to answer thy weird call. 
 Thou tellest me of agony in minor notes and 
 of felicity in major strain. Thou speakest to me of a 
 fair and distant realm, of a sphere of sweet sound 
 again of a world of sorrow and of waiting. Thou 
 givest me courage when I faint, and thou movest my 
 steps without fatigue when I am joyful. In throbbing 
 rhythm thou tellest me of the onward march of man 
 kind through the Great Gates of Time, and leadest 
 me to the very door of the eternal city, and there 
 hear I hai mony echoing through the sacred chambers. 
 Dear chords, thou art divine, for thou dost bless and 
 help. Whenever thy vibration reaches mine ear, my 
 quickened soul responds to thy tenderest expression 
 of love and to thy saddest appeal. 
 
 1727 
 
 Dull morals can only be sharpened by whetting the 
 blade of understanding. 
 
 1728 
 
 When one has an appetite the fruit of knowledge does 
 not cloy. 
 
 1729 
 
 Every one desiring silver and gold can not obtain it, 
 but alas ! that learning were not the possession of all. 
 
 1730 
 
 So odd is much of the luggage carried to the ferry of 
 death that many owners will be ashamed to claim it,, 
 either on this side or on the other. 
 
 1731 
 
 Comparison and criticism are members of the same 
 family. 
 
 1732 
 
 The lettered and the unlettered may predict, but 
 none are infallible. 
 
 189 
 
1733 
 
 Oh, vain thought that man can run away from his 
 own mind or escape the prickings of conscience! 
 Then seek not to forget, but to overcome, if thou 
 wouldst know peace. 
 
 1734 
 
 Fickleness has no conception of fidelity; with it 
 existence is a nothingness and every day a farce. 
 
 1735 
 
 The people should require that every vacuous mind 
 be forthwith stored. 
 
 1736 
 Consciousness of evil is growth in goodness. 
 
 1737 
 
 No advantage is gained by trying to ward off skepti 
 cism with well-turned phrases. Go out into the open 
 and defend thy doubts with the strong right hand of 
 facts. 
 
 1738 
 
 If you buy a pig in a bag and find him lean, do not 
 cry out against your luck, but against your stupidity. 
 
 1739 
 
 More will be required of a man and a woman in the 
 Twentieth Century to canonize them than was 
 required in dark centuries, for as knowledge increases, 
 ignorance will not be honored saints will be fewer 
 but wiser. 
 
 1740 
 
 Good books are as drops of pure water tossed from 
 the perpetual fountain of mind into the great basin 
 of humanity. 
 
 1741 
 Only reasoning minds can give reasonable opinions. 
 
 1742 
 
 To be forever at rest one must cease to think, and 
 when one ceases to think one becomes a fool. Eternal 
 rest therefore must be the Fool s Paradise. 
 
 190 
 
1743 
 
 past of man is of less importance than the 
 future. Heretofore, prevailing religion has been 
 a strong factor in forming his views of a coming 
 state ; but with religious evolution comes brighter 
 pictures of the soul s abode. Hill and glade, bloom and 
 brooklet, diversified pleasures and employment, 
 homes and privacy, science, art and culture, and 
 instead of endless burning an opportunity to grow : 
 such is Twentieth-Century thought. And dost thou 
 not prefer the new to the old, with its ceaseless 
 torment and its maddening monotony? 
 
 1744 
 
 Begin the week as you should end it, and end it in 
 such manner that you can begin another on a higher 
 tone of the ascending scale of progress. 
 
 1745 
 
 Every blade of grass is a harp -string of Nature, and 
 every leaf and bud are singing notes. 
 
 1746 
 
 Another thing I would add to the sense of hearing is 
 perfect understanding. 
 
 1747 
 
 To be clever at one thing does not imply cleverness 
 at two this confidently believe. 
 
 1748 
 
 In proportion to the increase of intelligence will be 
 the increase in morality. 
 
 1749 
 Nero was not more despotic than is appetite. 
 
 1750 
 Many stop at applause when on the road to fame. 
 
 1751 
 
 To think nobly one must live in an atmosphere of 
 self-respect and self-restraint yet one may so live 
 and not think at all. 
 
 191 
 
1752 
 
 Worthless would be the argument that life is worth 
 living without hope. 
 
 1753 
 
 The faults of others are as a glaring headlight our 
 own as a dark lantern. 
 
 1754 
 
 A person not accustomed to stand on ceremony is 
 apt to fall off. 
 
 1755 
 
 In vain do we look for perfection, for God hath so 
 concealed it that it will never be found. 
 
 1756 
 
 Inclination to paint others black shows a trace of 
 savagism that partial civilization has not eliminated. 
 
 1757 
 
 It requires more care to be honest than to be dis 
 honest, and this may account for the preponderance 
 of the latter sort. 
 
 1758 
 
 If fashion-mongers were drowned in the ocean of 
 vanity, it would be accounted a calamity at first, but 
 eventually it would be considered an interposition of 
 a Kind Providence in behalf of the weary and care- 
 laden. 
 
 1759 
 
 When the mortal sleepeth, the spirit worketh, but it 
 telleth not its occupation. 
 
 1760 
 Knowledge is the front door of wisdom. 
 
 1761 
 
 To whom should we go for consolation when bereft 
 of our beloved, except to them for whom we mourn ? 
 
 1762 
 
 A soul without spirituality is life at the frozen poles 
 of existence. 
 
 192 
 
1763 
 
 OFT have I wondered why the approach of 
 religion should lengthen the visage and make 
 slow and serious the voice, and this have I 
 concluded : The very truth will make the heart to 
 sing and the lips to smile, and following this postulate 
 takes one somewhere near the thought that the less 
 of truth a creed contains, the more seriously its 
 advocates and exponents feel called upon to sit in 
 mournful judgment on others. 
 
 1764 
 
 It were better to put the metal of our composition in 
 the countenance than in the heart, and when the 
 world can read clearer it will learn that many do this. 
 
 1765 
 Silence is thy best helper when anger assaults. 
 
 1766 
 
 Liberate my soul, O dark night, and rock my form in 
 the cradle of slumber until the god of day returns. 
 
 1767 
 
 When thou knowest much thy will hath dominion 
 over the physical body, and when the physical is 
 subjugated then the spirit walks toward the light. 
 
 1768 
 
 Bring me thoughts, O my spirit, from the eternal 
 reservoir of mind, and give unto me understanding 
 and power of expression that I may speak aright. 
 
 1769 
 
 Whether from Confucius, Buddha or Jesus, we can 
 learn more direct and useful lessons from their words 
 than are presented by the exponents of the creeds 
 founded upon them, unless the speakers be animated 
 by the spirit and dead to the letter. 
 
 1770 
 
 The soul will be fond of its future home if in the mind 
 there lies content. 
 
 193 
 
1771 
 
 aNTIL such time as the wicked cease to do 
 abomination they must grope in darkness and 
 in uncleanness, and when they cease from 
 sinning they have their own waking conscience to 
 upbraid and rob them of peace. Verily the way of the 
 transgressor is hard, and no religious system, however 
 well devised and intentioned, can free man from the 
 consequences of breaking the laws of life. 
 
 1772 
 
 As eternity is never-ending, man s work will never be 
 finished nor his education complete. 
 
 1773 
 
 Thy life is not thine, that thou shouldst barter it, 
 nor hast thou authority to extinguish it. 
 
 1774 
 
 The trials of life exceed the pleasures, but it is the 
 trials that prepare us to render acceptable service to 
 one another. 
 
 1775 
 
 The inner vision frequently contradicts that which 
 the outer vision declares. 
 
 1776 
 The wise will drop conceit at the gate of learning. 
 
 1777 
 
 We are not apt to recognize a Judas until after we 
 have been betrayed. 
 
 1778 
 
 Custom arbitrarily moves the mind, and amongst 
 the weaker vessels of humanity its influence is stronger 
 than reason. 
 
 1779 
 
 How long, O foolish ones, will you permit your 
 thoughts to vibrate with the inharmonies of life? 
 Until you will to vibrate in harmony with Nature s 
 divine laws, is the plain answer. 
 
 194 
 
1780 
 
 OO I believe in Inspiration ? Yea ! Do I believe 
 God ever conversed audibly with man ? Nay ! 
 From all the inspired writings that have 
 solaced my soul, I have never found a line worthy the 
 Deity my mind hath pictured. Hast thou? Am I 
 attacking Holy Writ ? Nay ; I am praising it, for when 
 I say that man wrote it for man, I am reasonable ; but 
 if I say that men wrote it for God, I defame Him. Thou 
 mayest condemn me for confession, but my soul 
 telleth me that God will not. 
 
 1781 
 He who tells a lie must prepare to defend it. 
 
 1782 
 
 Good logic invigorates the mind, but bad logic weakens 
 it. 
 
 1783 
 
 Take steady aim when firing at success, that your 
 efforts fly not wild and accidentally kill it. 
 
 1784 
 
 Get your facts into line, and your conclusions will be 
 less refractory. 
 
 1785 
 
 To reply to an insult is like barking at a dog should 
 he bark at you. 
 
 1786 
 
 Man s life is so interwoven with the planet on which 
 he moves that the change called death probably will 
 not altogether liberate him from it nor drive him into 
 space to find lodgment beyond the call of love. 
 
 1787 
 
 They who mourn for their kin and will not be com 
 forted, know but one world. 
 
 1788 
 
 Grown children hide behind the door of policy when 
 an unpopular cause approaches. 
 
 195 
 
1789 
 
 gMOST reasonable theory concerning the origin 
 of man is evolution. From the primordial germ, 
 through a direct and distinct contact with 
 matter, has he slowly traveled to his present condi 
 tion, which is but savagery to what he must become 
 in the never-ending ages of eternity. At some point 
 he began to grow in intellect and to unfold spiritually, 
 but at no point will he likely cease to be or to grow. 
 
 1790 
 A false witness is the servant of lies. 
 
 1791 
 Loquacity begetteth indifference. 
 
 1792 
 
 Benignity of aspect must be accompanied by action 
 if it would retain respect. 
 
 1793 
 
 Most desolate is Love forsaken, and its deepest cry 
 is not heard beyond the portals of its own heart. 
 
 1794 
 Companionship is mental safety. 
 
 1795 
 
 There is no progress in ignorance nor happiness in 
 stagnation. 
 
 1796 
 
 A vigorous mind finds leaping more exhilarating than 
 creeping. 
 
 1797 
 
 He that speaketh with sympathy to the needy is 
 heard in realms above. 
 
 1798 
 
 To walk in semi-darkness towards Deity is man s 
 destiny. 
 
 1799 
 
 Those with whom we played in the Springtime of 
 life we rejoice to meet in the Autumn. 
 
 196 
 
1800 
 
 HAR away in the silent and undiscovered regions 
 of science there are concealed marvelous things 
 of which the mind of man in its present unfold- 
 ment can not have conception, neither could he utilize 
 were he permitted to possess ; but in millions of years 
 hence he will have need of such knowledge that he 
 may exist, and then will he be given freedom to 
 explore and appropriate. 
 
 1801 
 
 In man s diligent search for the key that unlocks the 
 secret door of mind, vast storehouses of knowledge 
 have been discovered, but the key still remains 
 hidden, and I wot that it will not be found by prying 
 man until man shall become like unto God. 
 
 1802 
 
 Love is reciprocal, but its counterfeit is not. 
 
 1803 
 We are in heaven or hell according as we will. 
 
 1804 
 
 A lively tilt with opposition strengthens determina 
 tion. 
 
 1805 
 
 Men shrink from slavery, yet pray unceasingly for 
 money wherewith to bind their souls. 
 
 1806 
 
 Let me hear thy voice, O my spirit, and tell thou me 
 of myself, and whether thou wilt leap with me when 
 the mortal sun passes the horizon. 
 
 1807 
 Preparedness is the beginning of action. 
 
 1808 
 
 A man of letters is not always a revealer of wisdom. 
 
 1809 
 
 Indolence hath fangs and inflicts its own death. 
 
 197 
 
1810 
 
 CHE frequency with which mortals inquire for 
 tidings from the beyond indicates that com 
 munication must hereafter be regularly estab 
 lished ; for when once a desire takes hold of the people, 
 they rest not until it has been accomplished ; and as 
 only a few of the possibilities of life have yet been 
 achieved, no one should account this among the 
 impossibilities, but as one of the delightful proba 
 bilities. 
 
 1811 
 Conceal thy sins, lest thou teach another. 
 
 1812 
 
 Good night, my soul ! When thou returnest with the 
 morrow s sunrise, tell me of thy hours when thou wert 
 absent from my sleeping form. 
 
 1813 
 
 There are sorrows that can be understood only by 
 God and thee ; and though every one may perceive 
 thy pain, thy secret and thy silence are respected. 
 
 1814 
 
 Be fearless in the extension of mercy and slow in 
 withholding. 
 
 1815 
 
 Is reincarnation true? I wot not. It would imply 
 dearth of raw material in God s laboratory ; and what 
 could be gained by passing through the matrix of 
 earth life after the spirit is liberated by the process 
 of death to unfold in a clearer atmosphere ? 
 
 1816 
 
 Evolution of mind makes clear much that was incom 
 prehensible to the childhood of the race. 
 
 1817 
 
 Very gently, my soul, lead thou me hence, that I may 
 not be afraid, and that I may know the way should I 
 wish to return to tell another of my journey. 
 
 198 
 
1818 
 
 HET us imagine the world for a day were every 
 individual in it bent on good and every thought 
 of evil obliterated. Some day this dream may 
 come to pass ; there is no reason why it should not 
 when truth prevails. And what is truth? The truth 
 is a perfect understanding of the law in its application 
 to humanity. 
 
 1819 
 
 Early in life fix thine abode, for better a crust under 
 thine own roof than a feast from the hand of charity. 
 
 1820 
 
 Whithersoever a man goeth with vice, sorrow will 
 follow. 
 
 1821 
 
 To conceal transgression leads to trangression. 
 
 1822 
 
 To be intimate with cruelty ends in degradation. 
 
 1823 
 
 If you can not see through the hedge, climb it before 
 describing the adjoining fields, or say not at all. 
 
 1824 
 
 Give me thine heart, says love, and I will give thee 
 mine. Give me thine heart, says selfishness, that I may 
 have two. 
 
 1825 
 
 A long run from danger makes close friends of the 
 runners. 
 
 1826 
 
 With variety comes pleasure, but overmuch pleasure 
 brings satiety, and then appears the demon of unrest. 
 
 1827 
 If thy mind be crooked thy acts will be. 
 
 1828 
 
 Apprehension rough-rides the mentality of both the 
 rich and the poor. 
 
 199 
 
1829 
 Condensed thought stimulates, verbosity enervates. 
 
 1830 
 Name one the effect, and many will name the cause. 
 
 1831 
 
 What is the meaning of my longing heart? Whence 
 these sighs and why these tears? The mortal life is 
 filled, the spiritual lamp is burning, but alone I wait 
 my destiny. 
 
 1832 
 
 Forget not, O living spirit, that the mortal hath 
 curiosity concerning thy going out and thy return to 
 thy house of clay in the evening and the morning 
 of every day. 
 
 1833 
 
 Life is a riddle that hath many answers, but which 
 one is the true no one knoweth, or whether or not it 
 hath been given ; therefore dispute not and multiply 
 answers. 
 
 1834 
 
 He that delighteth to destroy another worketh his 
 own destruction, for of the thought that he project 
 that shall he also receive. 
 
 1835 
 
 The opportunity for character-building is free to 
 everybody. 
 
 1836 
 
 To sin betrays mental and moral weakness, and weak 
 ness is imperfection or ignorance. Man does evil 
 because he does not know enough to do right. Am I 
 contradicted? I again repeat that if he knew the 
 ultimate of evil, he would fear to do it, but being 
 ignorant he ventures. 
 
 1837 
 As we are the product of law, so are we subject to law. 
 
 1838 
 Why fret and retard all good? 
 
 200 
 
1839 
 
 Hilarity leadeth to excess, and excess leadeth to 
 hilarity. Join not thou the dizzy world, lest thou fall 
 and be trampled on. 
 
 1840 
 
 Open the book, kind Fate, and point with thy pro 
 phetic finger on the unread pages of the eternity that 
 lies before me. I would not pry, but I would learn of 
 thee that I may make my life more pleasing to the 
 most high Counselor of Destiny. 
 
 1841 
 
 The placing of thine eyes upon a star lifts thy mind 
 above littleness. 
 
 1842 
 
 The fashion of turning up one s nose at one s neighbor 
 is very old and very ugly. 
 
 1843 
 
 Who are they who speak evil one of another except 
 they who think evil things? 
 
 1844 
 
 Principle is always at war with dishonesty, though 
 the victory is not always to itself. 
 
 1845 
 A lean mind should excite more pity than a lean body. 
 
 1846 
 Spite engenders brutality. 
 
 1847 
 
 A shrewd commentator regards the present, a wise 
 one regards the future. 
 
 1848 
 
 The mortal burden-carrier can travel easier with a 
 ton of good deeds than with a pound of bad deeds. 
 
 1849 
 
 Many a man cloaks himself with money and goes 
 about with a naked soul. 
 
 201 
 
1850 
 
 Caution will go a long way toward safety from sheer 
 habit. 
 
 1851 
 
 T is said that love is blind. Nay ; love is kind and 
 though perceiving defects would conceal them from 
 all the world. 
 
 1852 
 
 Knowledge is not veneer, but though solid it may be 
 without polish. 
 
 1853 
 
 A grain of folly will cost thee more than a full measure 
 of prudence in any mart. 
 
 1854 
 
 If thou wouldst have children perfect, present to 
 them perfection. 
 
 1855 
 Scorn begetteth hatred, and hatred doeth no man good. 
 
 1856 
 The exercise of justice enlargeth the mind. 
 
 202 
 
BOOK SIX 
 
1857 
 
 [EACE and war! War and Peace! 
 Thus swings the great pendulum 
 of human destiny ; and were it to 
 cease swinging, would man cease 
 to advance ? Answer, ye who know. 
 I venture to say that when he 
 ceases to be warlike he will be 
 come more spiritual, and then 
 would he glory more in the power 
 of mind than in destructive machinery. 
 
 1858 
 
 It is not a whit wiser to imagine the improbable than 
 the probable. 
 
 1859 
 
 He that runneth with an open mouth must swallow 
 some dirt. 
 
 I860 
 
 Superstition delighteth in a full belief in itself and a 
 contempt for its superiors. 
 
 1861 
 
 Greed with a swift step and a quick eye may over 
 take simplicity at any turning. 
 
 1862 
 
 When the wolf is growling at the door, he must be 
 driven away with sermons without words. 
 
 1863 
 
 As storms are predicted, so are all the calamities in 
 life if we could read them. 
 
 1864 
 
 The hostages of fortune are most erratic, advancing 
 and receding with tantalizing uncertainty, which 
 maketh a man to wonder much whether he control 
 or whether he be not the plaything of chance. 
 
 1865 
 A little nonsense eases much monotony. 
 
 205 
 
1866 
 
 Calm is the sea beneath its ruffled bosom, and so 
 would we find the soul could we look deep enough. 
 
 1867 
 
 Though hallowed may be the past, most glorious is 
 the present, which must soon be the past. 
 
 1868 
 
 Though a man breathe, he may not live; but if he 
 live, naught can destroy him. 
 
 1869 
 
 Regard thine honor as thy life, and be not persuaded 
 that honor lies upon thy sleeve to be challenged and 
 wounded, but that it is a jewel hid between God and 
 thee. 
 
 1870 
 
 The public will applaud hypocrisy rather than indif 
 ference. 
 
 1871 
 
 As a dash of seasoning rouses the palate, so a dash of 
 variety rouses the spirit. 
 
 1872 
 
 When following a premise to a conclusion, be sure 
 the premise is in line with fact otherwise you will 
 arrive at the wrong station. 
 
 1873 
 
 One might as well hold aloft a brier-brush to keep off 
 the rain as to walk about with complaining to keep 
 off adversity. 
 
 1874 
 
 Melancholy refuses a cheerful antidote and would 
 die of its own poison. 
 
 1875 
 
 It is safer to walk behind a bull than in front of him ; 
 and it holds true in most worldly affairs that it is 
 safer to drive than to be driven. 
 
 206 
 
1876 
 
 Most fortunate is the possessor of principle, for of 
 it he standeth in need every day. 
 
 1877 
 Servility is begotten of inferiority. 
 
 1878 
 Whoso borroweth trouble payeth in advance. 
 
 1879 
 More evils are conquered by teaching than by fighting. 
 
 1880 
 
 Though the flavor of a religion may be enhanced by 
 faith, its quality may not be. 
 
 1881 
 Authority held with a scourge can not endure. 
 
 1882 
 
 If one enters the garden of prosperity at the dawning, 
 he may depart therefrom before the meridian, unless 
 most faithfully advised. 
 
 1883 
 
 If thou wipes t the brow of inferiority today thou 
 mayest wipe the feet tomorrow. 
 
 1884 
 
 If adversity leap upon the high horse of prosperity 
 suddenly, walk the steed to avoid accident. 
 
 1885 
 
 At the foot of the tree of life is coiled the serpent of 
 lust, and as yet no mortal hath crushed it. 
 
 1886 
 
 Gold hath no affinity for good nor for evil : it is the 
 man who holdeth it. 
 
 1887 
 
 A hero in his own country may be a barbarian in 
 another. 
 
 207 
 
1888 
 Vulgarity shineth not beyond its own domain. 
 
 1889 
 Love records less of its doings than hate. 
 
 1890 
 
 The public has a prying ear, and there is little of 
 secrecy where there is much evil. 
 
 1891 
 
 Hold to a certainty, saith caution ; but reach for a 
 higher notch, saith ambition. 
 
 1892 
 
 The latest fad may be the silliest; consider therefore 
 before adopting. 
 
 1893 
 
 The lash injures the spirit of both the chastised and 
 the chastiser. 
 
 1894 
 
 To dodge from pillar to post is graceful only when 
 accomplished with profit. 
 
 1895 
 
 The good man hath as many enemies as the bad man, 
 which is too many for them by the whole number. 
 
 1896 
 
 The strength of individual greatness is felt more by 
 the masses than by the possessor. 
 
 1897 
 One nimble mind will outrun two nimble feet. 
 
 1898 
 
 It is a long way from what is to what should be ; but 
 it will yet be traversed by society, led by justice and 
 morality. 
 
 1899 
 
 The bump of caution can be abnormally developed 
 by the. blows of experience. 
 
 208 
 
1900 
 
 x "ir" F the Heavenly Father were angry with His 
 _ earthly children, how easy a matter to have 
 ^"^ given them more understanding and save 
 temper. Nay, the Heavenly Father knoweth not 
 anger, and it were an error so to speak. 
 
 1901 
 Think, and let no mortal prevent thee. 
 
 1902 
 
 The applause of millions is not greater nor more 
 pleasing than the applause of conscience. 
 
 1903 
 
 Every eye hath its own vision, and every ear heareth 
 a different story. 
 
 1904 
 
 When all the people can cruise in luxury, then may 
 it be said money has reached a dead calm. 
 
 1905 
 
 All religionists are given more to prayer than to 
 practise. 
 
 1906 
 
 In all departments of life more is thought than is 
 done, and by this law if good is restrained, so is evil. 
 
 1907 
 
 Dishonor rests on theft, and its shadow lieth low on 
 avarice. 
 
 1908 
 
 Every motion hath a meaning, though few be regarded 
 and fewer understood by maker or beholder. 
 
 1909 
 
 Perhaps man will know some day why man who lives 
 on a rolling sphere in space points upward to heaven 
 by night and by day, and never otherwise. 
 
 1910 
 Behavior unbecoming the gift of life unbecomes man. 
 
 209 
 
1911 
 
 XTRAVAGANT giving leadeth to want as 
 truly as profligacy; therefore consider thy 
 gifts, and be not persuaded that thou must 
 change places with the beggar who asketh of thee 
 thy all. 
 
 1912 
 
 Patience is a beautiful flower oft found in the noisome 
 soil of incurability. 
 
 1913 
 
 The philosopher will attribute his failures to himself: 
 the capricious will attribute them to anything else. 
 
 1914 
 
 There is only one law that makes men equal : it is 
 called equality of spirit, and there is none other that 
 permits them to fraternize harmoniously and with 
 out interruption. 
 
 1915 
 
 Smile upon misfortune and thou mayest persuade 
 misfortune to smile sooner upon thee. 
 
 1916 
 
 The ancients knew not one whit more about man s 
 future than the moderns, therefore give ear to the 
 present as thou hast to the past to avoid narrowness. 
 
 1917 
 
 Man s imagination is never more fantastic than in 
 the future and unknown realms. 
 
 1918 
 
 It is not necessary to pass through every experience 
 to gain an understanding : observation gives the 
 needful lesson if we but heed. 
 
 1919 
 
 Before committing thyself to action, look well to the 
 end a lion may be there. 
 
 1920 
 Time is Nature s avenger. 
 
 210 
 
1921 
 
 not heaven as all and the earth as 
 naught, for both are a part of the whole and 
 one is as worthy consideration as the other ; 
 live not carnally, but spiritually, and thou wilt 
 enjoy one and inherit the other. 
 
 1922 
 
 Thy thoughts may dwell upon heaven, but never 
 upon hell, for that is to think degradingly. 
 
 1923 
 
 Before defaming another, examine thyself and thou 
 mayest hesitate. 
 
 1924 
 
 The fount of song is ever overflowing, for both clean 
 and unclean streams trickle into it. Of the clean, 
 quaff freely ; but of the unclean, one draught will 
 pollute. 
 
 1925 
 Beauty may express itself through evil, but falsely. 
 
 1926 
 
 The advance of civilization is not freakish, but 
 according to a steady law which no religious hierarchy 
 may with propriety claim to have set in motion. 
 
 1927 
 
 The testimony of a king hath no more weight than 
 the testimony of a peasant regarding a future life. 
 
 1928 
 
 If a man break not the ethical law, he may not fear 
 to die. 
 
 1929 
 
 A poor servant indeed who must be lashed into 
 obedience. 
 
 1930 
 
 As each man lives on earth, so must it be with him 
 when translated. This is not popular theology, but 
 it is consistent and it was not thoughtlessly writ. 
 
 211 
 
1931 
 
 SOR what reason would we have others think as 
 we? Is it from great faith in ourselves? Is it 
 from benevolence, or is it from a desire to 
 dominate? It would be well to analyze motives before 
 proceeding too far into the rightful domain of another. 
 
 1932 
 
 A songbird may carol on a dead branch, but who 
 would remember the branch and forget the song? 
 
 1933 
 They who rob the form of sleep may live to weep. 
 
 1934 
 
 In the garden of the soul there is a hidden spring of 
 wisdom, the finding of which is the sacred duty of 
 every individual, and to him who drinketh abundantly 
 there is abiding health and no death. 
 
 1935 
 
 Sectarian proselyting to gain strength by numbers 
 seemeth wrong to any one who reasons that secta 
 rianism is not religion. 
 
 1936 
 
 The Omnipotent is no respecter of personal belief. 
 The law reigneth regardless of small opinions. 
 
 1937 
 
 If a man can not believe all of the several great 
 religions of earth, he may extract the essence of each 
 and have more of truth than he who is filled with 
 any one which hath only a fraction. 
 
 1938 
 
 The lowliest home may invite love to abide therein , 
 but love will not remain with discord. Harmony is its 
 life. 
 
 1939 
 
 A dishonest fortune is the weight that will at last 
 drown its possessor in the dead sea of remorse. 
 
 212 
 
1940 
 
 No man will ever become great who hides behind the 
 door of opportunity when it is open for him to pass 
 out. 
 
 1941 
 
 To gratify every wish is to invite discontent. 
 
 1942 
 
 Beware of him who proclaims his friendship boister 
 ously : the true love-song is sweet and low, and the 
 listeners few. 
 
 1943 
 
 There is no surer way of destroying thy life than to 
 live aimlessly. 
 
 1944 
 Homilies suffer most when confronted with logic. 
 
 1945 
 
 Fashion could not stand were it not supported by 
 the weak. 
 
 1946 
 
 To defy traditions and stand firmly on the rock of 
 personal conviction is the first step toward individual 
 freedom. 
 
 1947 
 
 A man appeareth rich or poor according to the spirit 
 within him. 
 
 1948 
 
 The pleasure of getting to give is so much greater 
 than the pleasure of getting to keep that they who 
 have tried the first regard the last with honest pity. 
 
 1949 
 
 The cuticle of falsehood is so tough that it can not 
 always be pierced with a single word of truth. 
 
 1950 
 
 That the billows of fame will roll high on many shores 
 beyond this is a most encouraging thought to the 
 diligent student who finds one life too short to com 
 plete his lesson. 
 
 213 
 
1951 
 
 To be carried along the line of least resistance often 
 ends in moral and mental weakness. 
 
 1952 
 
 Who would affirm that doubters are less honest than 
 believers ? 
 
 1953 
 
 If thou canst meet thy adversary with urbanity, 
 thou hast dulled his blade. 
 
 1954 
 
 The perspicuity of reason is often overshadowed by 
 faith. 
 
 1955 
 
 Meddlesome are the pudding-sticks of society they 
 stir the whole mass. 
 
 1956 
 
 Vanity concerneth itself much about itself and 
 accordeth little praise to another. 
 
 1957 
 
 Persecution is as savage as ever; but like other 
 ferocious beasts, it has been driven back by civiliza 
 tion and its attacks are less frequent than of yore. 
 
 1958 
 
 A cackling hen betrayeth a secret when she would 
 hide it so likewise a garrulous friend. 
 
 1959 
 
 If you would win, run when opportunity bids and 
 stop when it bids. 
 
 I960 
 Avarice loves none truly but itself. 
 
 1961 
 
 The method of a man s labor indexes his mind- 
 
 1962 
 
 The fatalist may abide happily in his belief, but he 
 is not rich with hope. 
 
 214 
 
1963 
 
 the rainbow arches the heavens, not as a 
 promise but as an effect, should mortals behold 
 the beautiful phenomenon of light and this 
 is right because it is true, for whatever is false is 
 wrong to entertain. 
 
 1964 
 
 The imitator should possess discrimination ; because 
 a porcupine wear his quills upright, an eagle may not. 
 
 1965 
 
 Labor that degrades morals should be dispensed with 
 by public accord. 
 
 1966 
 Thought is sorely afraid of a brazen tongue. 
 
 1967 
 
 Let thy soul, like the lark, sing as it soars upward 
 in the morning light of the new knowledge that shines 
 over the fearsome night of superstition when foolish 
 man said that God was wrathful. 
 
 1968 
 
 No man can hoodwink law. He may drink poison 
 under belief that it is not, but his belief will not 
 prevent physical consequences ; and the violation 
 of a spiritual law under false belief must also prove 
 disastrous, as it must bring an inviolable result. 
 
 1969 
 
 As a plant rewards care with more perfect bloom, so 
 does humanity. 
 
 1970 
 
 Consanguinity does not end with blood. The relation 
 ship of mind is a closer tie. 
 
 1971 
 One may wheedle one s own mind and not know it. 
 
 1972 
 The habit of indolence is strong to slay. 
 
 215 
 
1973 
 
 A high thought occasionally emanates from a low 
 mind, but a low mind does not emanate from high 
 thoughts. 
 
 1974 
 
 Men are always trying to impose upon Nature ; but 
 that that Dame is not to be hoodwinked, is the 
 lesson that he is longest to learn. 
 
 1975 
 
 When servants ride in chaises and masters walk, 
 then will contention cease and sphinxes talk. 
 
 1976 
 
 If you prefer faith to knowledge it is as though you 
 accepted a promise instead of a gift. 
 
 1977 
 
 Whether it be preferable to think evil or not to think 
 at all, only God knows. 
 
 1978 
 
 A copious draught of logic offered by a fair hand 
 would prevent many a weakling from falling from 
 decency. 
 
 1979 
 
 Though thy name be unjustly injured, thy soul can 
 never be. 
 
 1980 
 
 Take comfort in the thought that thou art a part of 
 God and have been assigned a place in the universe 
 which thou art to find. 
 
 1981 
 
 Link thy life with purity, and thou wilt assuredly 
 reach bliss. 
 
 1982 
 
 It is no easier to leap from a church-spire than from 
 a flagstaff: be not persuaded to rash experiment. 
 
 1983 
 
 Possibilities are everywhere : it is in the selection that 
 one showeth wisdom above another. 
 
 216 
 
1984 
 
 That God, Nature and man are a trinity appears 
 indisputable and indissoluble. 
 
 1985 
 
 Inasmuch as ye lack honor ye are contemptible. 
 
 1986 
 Keep thine own mind clean, lest another rebuke thee. 
 
 1987 
 
 It taxes the mental agility of the idealist to the 
 utmost, when forced by circumstances, to jump from 
 an elevated train of thought to the hard plane of 
 realities and not shatter his ideals. 
 
 1988 
 
 One moment of self-administered reproof each day 
 might restore many worthless lives to usefulness. 
 
 1989 
 
 It is the inheritance of principle that makes a man 
 rich even unto the day of his departure and who 
 will say that he may not carry his possessions hence? 
 
 1990 
 
 Science must eventually overcome any cult that 
 antagonizes it. 
 
 1991 
 
 A boaster and a pretender what can be said of 
 them that would grace a page? 
 
 1992 
 
 For what reasons are traditions flaunted except to 
 bind ? If a man desire religious and political freedom, 
 he must refuse tradition and be moved by principles 
 only. 
 
 1993 
 
 Most blank and drear world were it without music, 
 pictures and books. 
 
 1994 
 Hatred growls, but love answers with a kiss. 
 
 217 
 
1995 
 
 If thou art tender toward all, regret will never prod 
 thee. 
 
 1996 
 
 Be not over-confident before investigation. A hen 
 frequently cackles from fright. 
 
 1997 
 
 Blest are they who can lose the worries of yesterday 
 and walk with the new day. 
 
 1998 
 
 With a swift tongue and a violent hand a man is not 
 the best equipped for success. 
 
 1999 
 
 Gird thy loins for a fierce battle whenever thou 
 beholdest tyranny affecting piety. 
 
 2000 
 
 When the supply of sympathy is not equal to the 
 demand, it is customary to offer a counterfeit a 
 most unholy proceeding. 
 
 2001 
 
 Ignorance is a constant danger, therefore the safety 
 of a people depends on individual intelligence. 
 
 2002 
 
 ^ It is a difficult thing to restore confidence with 
 apology, or to heal a wound with regrets. 
 
 2003 
 
 It is easier to retain thy possessions than to regain 
 them. 
 
 2004 
 
 If thou ask of a beggar a penny, be not disappointed 
 if he refuse thee. Look for assistance in likely places. 
 
 2005 
 
 Select thy companions with much care, least it be 
 incumbent to assort them afterward. 
 
 218 
 
2006 
 
 Though with much solitude may come reflection, 
 discontent may also intrude. 
 
 2007 
 
 Sin is long-enduring : as neither blood nor water will 
 wash away the stain of guilt, it must wear out with 
 time and much effort. 
 
 2008 
 
 In a degree, contentment is everywhere present, and 
 there is no more welcome guest on earth than this 
 true companion of man. 
 
 2009 
 
 As lost time can not be regained, see to it that thou 
 press forward resolutely. 
 
 2010 
 
 Though poverty chase a man all his life, it need not 
 overtake him. 
 
 2011 
 
 The voice of folly may be sweeter than the voice of 
 prudence, but be not deceived by melodious sounds 
 that proceed from an unknown source. 
 
 2012 
 
 If thou will to be rich, thou may not be ; but if thou 
 will to be good, thou may be, for righteousness 
 depends on thyself alone. 
 
 2013 
 
 Lo, a peace comes with quietude that vanishes with 
 noise. 
 
 2014 
 
 Thrust not a hand into thy neighbor s pocket without 
 permission, and invariably withdraw it before being 
 bidden. 
 
 2015 
 
 Of a life if it accomplish nothing but the satisfying 
 of physical wants it must be written, " However 
 thus successful, true success has not been attained." 
 
 219 
 
2016 
 
 A man is no taller when he stands upon a pedestal, 
 though he may gain in appearance and estimation. 
 
 2017 
 When thou findest a good idea, use it honestly. 
 
 2018 
 
 The effrontery of ignorance is made bearable by its 
 source. 
 
 2019 
 
 When preachers acts and words do not agree, intended 
 game runs nimbly up a tree. 
 
 2020 
 
 Be not in haste to swallow gossip ; as it cools, much of 
 its poison evaporates. 
 
 2021 
 
 Ask of no man a favor if thou wouldst be king of 
 thyself. 
 
 2022 
 
 Whether a truth be offered thee by Pagan, Jew, 
 Christian or Rationalist, accept it thankfully. One 
 is as near God as another. 
 
 2023 
 
 It matters not what the guise of evil, spurn it that 
 good may come. 
 
 2024 
 
 A boat with an occupant occasions little comment 
 not so, however, an empty boat. It is not always 
 what is seen, but what is not seen, that mirrors in 
 the imagination and sets it adrift. 
 
 2025 
 
 One way to enfeeble the mind is never to exercise it 
 in new domains of thought, but to bind it fast to that 
 which another generation taught. 
 
 2026 
 
 When the car of progress comes along, step aboard. 
 It is more refreshing to ride than to run behind. 
 
 220 
 
2027 
 
 What is it to thee if another fail? If thou wilt add 
 one drop of ink to a glass of water, the clearness of 
 the fluid is changed and thy answer appears. 
 
 2028 
 
 Find thou a cure for selfishness and dose the many. 
 
 2029 
 
 If thou desirest defeat, tell of thy weakness. 
 
 2030 
 
 There is nothing to prevent running uphill but 
 commonsense, and this saves from more folly than 
 aught else. 
 
 2031 
 
 Keep a close mouth in strange company, or thou 
 mayest disclose to an enemy a vulnerable point. 
 
 2032 
 
 Concentration of thought comes with effort ; there 
 fore, the only way to concentrate is to concentrate. 
 
 2033 
 
 The grandeur of life is not apparent to the masses, 
 whose appetites are those of the body. 
 
 2034 
 
 The facts of religion are so few and the beliefs so 
 many, it were not a wonder that there are so many 
 doubters, but so few believers. 
 
 2035 
 
 Sacrifice nothing of thyself to gain an insight into 
 another world ; but if thou wish to accomplish occult 
 feats, add to thy individuality until thy cubit is above 
 thy surroundings. 
 
 2036 
 
 So various are the duties of man to man that they 
 can not be contained in any rule, but this can each 
 man remember : to measure another s virtues with 
 the same rod that he useth to measure his faults. 
 
 221 
 
2037 
 
 The largest game is not found in the tallest trees 
 sometimes a shot is missed by looking too high. 
 
 2038 
 
 It defileth self-respect to lean, therefore perfect 
 health is right ; and if any part of it hath escaped, 
 not in potions but in Nature s laboratory will that 
 which is lost be found. 
 
 2039 
 
 The full meaning of cleanliness has never yet been 
 thoroughly denned ; when it is and the lesson learned 
 and universally applied, there will be no more trouble 
 from divers sources. 
 
 2040 
 
 When the flame flickers in the lamp of hope, see that 
 the flame goes not out, leaving thee in the darkness 
 of despair. 
 
 222 
 
BOOK SEVEN 
 
2041 
 
 BELIEF in a future life makes 
 happier this for them who believe 
 God is just and will eventually 
 draw all men unto Himself, 
 instead of giving the larger part 
 of His family to an enemy; but 
 they who entertain the notion that 
 the majority of His children are 
 doomed to eternal suffering can 
 have no true happiness here nor expectation of any 
 hereafter, and to such sufferers are we bound in 
 pity to pray that they may see the impurity of their 
 belief and come to a holier one. 
 
 2042 
 Want builds more fortunes than plenty. 
 
 2043 
 
 When expecting riches, train thyself as becometh one 
 to whom much is given, that much may be expended 
 judiciously and without selfish motive. 
 
 2044 
 When facts are lost, time uses conjecture. 
 
 2045 
 
 Whining is the infant s privilege ; but who would 
 accord it to adults unless infancy had come again? 
 
 2046 
 
 Happiness comes not from a visible but from an 
 invisible source. 
 
 2047 
 
 The populace should run from scandal as from con 
 tagion, but, alas ! it runs toward it as though its 
 breath were health. 
 
 2048 
 
 The wise man talks at the right time ; the foolish 
 man talks at the wrong time : in this lies the advantage 
 of the first over the other. 
 
 225 
 
2049 
 
 It were not well to speak of old age in the presence of 
 failure, lest the unfortunate, being in years, count the 
 remaining days and try no more. 
 
 2050 
 
 No one admires a liar except it be himself. 
 
 2051 
 
 Lies the conscience within the temple of the body or 
 without it? Methinks without it, and that it taps the 
 brain when it desires to speak. 
 
 2052 
 Penitence can not obliterate wrongdoing. 
 
 2053 
 
 Take not from one to give to another. Honesty before 
 generosity. 
 
 2054 
 
 Lust is discord, and better that its notes were never 
 struck. 
 
 2055 
 
 Remorse is man s relentless enemy, pursuing him 
 even after death if he hath done aught against him 
 self or his brother that is injurious. This believe. 
 
 2056 
 
 Pour not thy troubles into a saphead nor make a 
 confidant of thy servitor, lest the hour come when thy 
 secrets are spilled by careless handling. 
 
 2057 
 Where goeth truth, there goeth safety. 
 
 2058 
 
 A most implacable foe of civilization is stationary 
 religion. 
 
 2059 
 A gap in memory is frequently filled with imagination. 
 
 2060 
 How short the ferry from fifty to the shore ! 
 
 226 
 
2061 
 
 Nothing more disturbs the mind than doubt, and 
 many are content to have their questions answered 
 by the political and religious machines made for that 
 purpose. 
 
 2062 
 
 The little that is known came not without the asking, 
 and the much that will be known will come only with 
 persistent knocking for entrance at the door of 
 mysteries. 
 
 2063 
 
 If thou wouldst ask favor of time obey Nature. 
 
 2064 
 
 A first glimpse of poverty may be ludicrous, but a 
 second is always serious and dark of shadow. 
 
 2065 
 
 If a bird fly high, it is a bird s privilege ; and thou 
 canst not give a reason why he should fly low, 
 unless thou hast design to snare. 
 
 2066 
 
 Ambition when it runs toward the bad is more difficult 
 to check than when it runs toward good ; in the latter 
 case it may be turned by a shake of the head, whilst 
 in the former it runs till it falls. 
 
 2067 
 
 If thou desirest adulation earn it, and it will not make 
 thee so ridiculous to receive it. 
 
 2068 
 
 If thou art determined to leap across the moat to 
 reach the castle, measure thy ability as well as the 
 moat ; success depends as much upon the man as 
 upon the span. 
 
 2069 
 
 Flowers bloom beside virtue s path, but however 
 much they may be tended they will not bloom beside 
 vice. 
 
 227 
 
2070 
 
 As no man knoweth the source of life, no man know- 
 eth God, however much he may prate. 
 
 2071 
 
 Between smiles and tears there is scarce a line ; erase 
 it and they blend. 
 
 2072 
 
 Attempt not great things unprepared : a needle will 
 not harpoon a whale. 
 
 2073 
 
 To labor for love seemeth play : to labor for principle 
 with the added weight of hatred and persecution 
 maketh the stoutest spirit to bend with the agony. 
 
 2074 
 
 Disturb not thy neighbor with religious harangue, 
 and permit him not to disturb thy peace; for if ye 
 both look not further than books for authority, none 
 resteth with thee that thou shouldst attack each other. 
 
 2075 
 
 Dress argument plentifully with oil, but sparingly 
 with vinegar, that it be of more agreeable flavor. 
 
 2076 
 
 Thou canst ape good manners if thou wouldst pos 
 sess them, but thou canst not possess thyself in the 
 same way of much else that is good to have. 
 
 2077 
 Every thought upward cast enriches thee. 
 
 2078 
 
 God s habitation is as much here as there ; as much 
 there as here. There is no place that hath more of 
 His presence than another. 
 
 2079 
 Whoso grumbleth listeneth to a doleful sound. 
 
 2080 
 He that winketh at evil hath an eye to enjoy it. 
 
 228 
 
2081 
 
 A life uninterrupted by duty would be as monotonous 
 as the river which flows involuntarily into the sea. 
 
 2082 
 Believing that God is just, be Godlike. 
 
 2083 
 
 When once drawn into the eddy of indiscretion, it is 
 oftener a youth sink than he be saved. 
 
 2084 
 
 Twice times one fault are two faults, which are two 
 too many. 
 
 2085 
 When God is not, life is not. 
 
 2086 
 
 It is vain to oppose truth, however much it may con 
 flict with one s previous convictions. 
 
 2087 
 
 Better a day without meat than a day without 
 reflection. 
 
 2088 
 Follow a hero many days and his glory diminishes. 
 
 2089 
 
 Act with as much decorum now as you expect to when 
 you reach heaven. 
 
 2090 
 The right kind of literature would abolish wars. 
 
 2091 
 
 Miracle has been an important factor in past religions, 
 but it is safe to say that in its day and generation it 
 was not believed ; and not until musty with antiquity 
 is it respected and accepted by faith alone. 
 
 2092 
 
 The safest artifice that woman ever used against man 
 is devotion. 
 
 229 
 
2093 
 
 Hurl anathemas at vice, but never at individuals : one 
 is harmless ; the other is vicious. 
 
 2094 
 
 A rich inheritance a spirit of fairness then thou 
 wilt give and take just enough, and justice will neither 
 be offended with thy profligacy nor with thy parsi 
 mony. 
 
 2095 
 
 Let not thine infirmities deter thee from drawing at the 
 wellspring of knowledge : a broken vessel may hold 
 some water. 
 
 2096 
 Plan no deceit, lest it become easy. 
 
 2097 
 
 Confine not thy mind to one or two worlds, but beyond 
 the earth give it freedom to consider them as the 
 sands of the desert, and thyself as a traveler who may 
 tarry awhile in countless numbers. 
 
 2098 
 
 Spontaneous wit is more combustible than that which 
 is green with age. 
 
 2099 
 
 Have a care lest frivolity cheat thee of time which is 
 not thine own to lose, but of which thou hast been 
 entrusted to grow a soul worthy of inspection. 
 
 2100 
 
 Rest takes flight in the midst of the multitude and 
 returns again with pleasure in solitude. 
 
 2101 
 
 Death is the blossoming of a soul. 
 
 2102 
 
 Because of grumbling a grumbler gets scarce his 
 share of joy. 
 
 2103 
 Good is the outcome of experience. 
 
 230 
 
2104 
 
 is the dawn of the Twentieth Century. I 
 prophesy not of things material, but of things 
 spiritual. I predict that the hand of man will 
 reach upward until it is clasped by the unseen, and 
 that revelations will be received of the hereafter that 
 will put away forever the meagerness of the past. 
 
 2105 
 
 If thou wouldst avoid annoyance act with ordinary 
 sense in directing the course of thy servant. Thou 
 canst lead a mule by his head, but thou canst not by 
 his heels. 
 
 2106 
 
 Man s inability to select his ancestors ought to make 
 all men decent. 
 
 2107 
 
 What hurts an honest man more than loss is the 
 thought that he can no longer trust his brother-man 
 but must regard him as a cheat. 
 
 2108 
 
 When science shall prove immortality, the world will 
 rest in peace. 
 
 2109 
 
 Prayer availeth in this way : though it may not calm 
 the storm, it calms the mind. 
 
 2110 
 
 Happier is he who sings for his dinner than he who 
 cries for it, and quite as sure is he of getting it. 
 
 2111 
 
 Vanity, alas ! is ofttimes pleased to work in the garb 
 of charity. 
 
 2112 
 
 No one need expect to enter paradise on the shoulders,] 
 of another. 
 
 2113 
 
 Whatsoever the world chooses to think of thee think 
 well of thyself, and it will eventually agree. 
 
 231 
 
2114 
 
 fOME one has said that true marriages are made 
 in heaven ; another that there is neither mar 
 riage nor giving in marriage there. Science has 
 not yet invaded the domain of matrimony ; but when 
 it does, right marriages will be made on earth ; then 
 men and women will not be permitted to please them 
 selves regardless of posterity, and the troubles of 
 mankind will be half over. 
 
 2115 
 
 Life is a poem, and t is well that all its lines are not 
 a monotone, but are both grave and gay, that all 
 tire not of the song. 
 
 2116 
 
 Starve not thy soul when it hungers for knowledge, 
 e en though the gaining of knowledge rob thee of all 
 beliefs thy ancestors have bequeathed thee. 
 
 2117 
 
 When the air is redolent of sweets, Nature is breath 
 ing a benediction upon man. 
 
 2118 
 
 If age rocks and dreams, youth will soon be doing 
 likewise, and let youth considerately remember this. 
 
 2119 
 
 Thou canst not think well of thyself if thy life be 
 unclean. 
 
 2120 
 
 A true history of famine will never be written ; those 
 qualified by experience to tell it are not. 
 
 2121 
 
 If the parson turn out a poor grist, perchance the fault 
 lieth with him that he draweth not more custom. 
 
 2122 
 
 One may lust basely, but no one may love basely, for 
 it hath been determined that love shall not be unholy. 
 
 232 
 
2123 
 
 Politeness and refinement may or may not be asso 
 ciated : refinement is always kind, but politeness may 
 be cruel. 
 
 2124 
 
 The croaking of men is not more tuneful than the 
 croaking of frogs, however much the croakers may 
 dissent from public opinion. 
 
 2125 
 
 Though an army spring at thy command, lead them 
 not for spoils. 
 
 2126 
 
 Alas ! fear is the possessor of a thousand minds that 
 rightfully belong to joy. 
 
 2127 
 
 Social equality to be lasting must have other than a 
 metallic base. It must be as a soul speaking to a soul. 
 
 2128 
 They who most need moral guidance seldom ask for it. 
 
 2129 
 Temptation and folly how close the intimacy ! 
 
 2130 
 
 The boldness with which virtue mingles with vice 
 makes virtue s destruction more certain, for where 
 there is no suspicion there is little fear. 
 
 2131 
 
 Write thy thoughts upon a page and thy acts upon 
 the opposite, to determine whether they be consistent 
 or whether either is a credit to thee. 
 
 2132 
 
 If thou dost a good work for praise, thou wilt miss all 
 benefit. 
 
 2133 
 
 Enchanting are the realms of Nature beyond the 
 earth, else it were vain to love her beauties here. 
 
 233 
 
2134 
 Away with the thought that no mortal liveth chastely. 
 
 2135 
 
 Why indeed should the fiddle provoke the parson s 
 wrath? Each has a place and use, and one may be as 
 guiltless as the other. 
 
 2136 
 A whip for nothing, but kindness for everything. 
 
 2137 
 
 At eventide ere thou slumber let peace enfold thee as 
 gently as the dew falleth upon the face of the dry land. 
 
 2138 
 
 When a good thought approaches, leap for it and make 
 it thine own. 
 
 2139 
 
 Only the flimsiest education is gained in schooldays. 
 It is the after-study of the great problems of life that 
 makes mortals much or little. 
 
 2140 
 
 Be not amazed that children are depraved until 
 parents are weaned from lust. 
 
 2141 
 
 The king requireth food and drink wherewith to 
 sustain him, as much as the peasant, because being of 
 the same substance one would perish like the other if 
 deprived. 
 
 2142 
 
 Surely a man must become humble when he looks 
 into his soul, for he seeth there much that expresses 
 vanity. 
 
 2143 
 
 Man may see himself in the forest. There are great 
 trees that point direct to the sun, there are fluttering 
 trees that seem to be agitated by every wind that 
 blows, and there are strong trees that stand much 
 buffeting ere they bend to passing currents. 
 
 234 
 
2144 
 A man may read a thousand books and act a fool. 
 
 2145 
 
 Those who ever rake dead leaves have not time to 
 plow new soil. 
 
 2146 
 
 Why cease to learn and fall behind the age of thought 
 that is pressing on the brain of man? Progress is 
 written by the eternal hand once and forever. 
 
 2147 
 
 The workers and not the loiterers are making the 
 world blossom. 
 
 2148 
 
 Life is in the throbbing present, therefore be a part of 
 what is rather than remain a part of what was. 
 
 2149 
 
 Reading is entertainment, thinking is labor, and there 
 are more who love entertainment than love labor, 
 and more who think too little than think too much. 
 
 2150 
 
 Simplicity is the attendant of greatness and can not 
 be long separated. 
 
 2151 
 
 It is the thinker who is wise, the originator and not 
 the copyist who is swift to discover more. 
 
 2152 
 
 The mightiest forces when skilfully controlled and 
 directed produce gentle effects : so the strongest mind 
 perfectly controlled is the calm mind. 
 
 2153 
 
 If life were one long pleasure-day, there would be no 
 lesson-day. 
 
 2154 
 
 Turn thy back on fashion whenever the dame would 
 lead thee beyond convenience and fitness. She is thy 
 servant and should not be permitted to dictate. 
 
 235 
 
2155 
 
 As prejudice is always ready to beg, borrow or steal > 
 it should never be admitted to thy mind. 
 
 2156 
 A man may speak of much and know little. 
 
 2157 
 
 If a man desires to toe the mark, do not push him out 
 of line by thy carelessness or ugliness. 
 
 2158 
 
 The light of wisdom burns brighter than the lamp of 
 religion. 
 
 2159 
 
 Liberty clings to progression and presses onward. 
 Despotism clings to retrogression and runs backward. 
 
 2160 
 
 Monopoly, like its prototype, tries to get four feet 
 in the trough. 
 
 2161 
 
 Fill thy neighbor s ear with undeserved praise and he 
 will glorify thee. Fill it with deserved censure and he 
 will curse thee ; but hypocrisy is no less mean because 
 thy neighbor encourages thee to dispense it. 
 
 2162 
 
 At some future day a bright light will shine over 
 every pitfall wherein a mortal might stumble from 
 morality to immorality. 
 
 2163 
 
 Homely oftener than extravagant ways tend to 
 virtuous ways. 
 
 2164 
 
 Of all the feeble utterances of man a description of 
 God is the feeblest. 
 
 2165 
 
 An honest man diligent in all his ways may fail if he 
 taketh not leisure to observe the ways of the dis 
 honest man. 
 
 236 
 
2166 
 Into the mouth there goeth much that defiles the mind. 
 
 2167 
 
 Though time fly with the directness of an arrow and 
 never stop, it will never reach the Infinite. 
 
 2168 
 
 The promise of heaven without the promise of occu 
 pation is too uninteresting to be alluring. 
 
 2169 
 
 Alas ! that there should be one soul that does not bud 
 and blossom on earth. 
 
 2170 
 
 Alas ! the withered branches and the gnarled trunks 
 in the garden of life ! 
 
 2171 
 
 What work hast thou done today on the eternal 
 statue thou art chiseling of thyself? Unless thou art 
 diligent there is danger of leaving a rough block when 
 thou dost depart. 
 
 2172 
 
 When vanity reigns supreme over the heart, time 
 hath a sure revenge. 
 
 2173 
 
 Trust not in chance. If you find a coin today you may 
 not tomorrow. 
 
 2174 
 
 Naught standeth between thee and thy Maker ; and 
 if a man step between, it is an impertinence meriting 
 rebuke. 
 
 2175 
 
 The wind of adversity occasionally blows one into a 
 port of safety. 
 
 2176 
 
 Though the prize of death may be worth the winning, 
 a slower pace is advisable. 
 
 2177 
 Where love is not, heaven is unknown. 
 
 237 
 
2178 
 shouldst thou declare thy conception of 
 
 to me anc * re ^ use an ear snou ldst I declare 
 mine to thee? Hast thou not charity in even 
 so small a degree that thou mayest not listen to that 
 of which one can not know more than another? 
 
 2179 
 
 Religion should be the measure of God, but alas ! it is 
 only the measure of man. 
 
 2180 
 
 Having a disposition to be acrimonious, cultivate 
 urbanity. 
 
 2181 
 
 Debt increaseth the woes of mankind more than 
 aught else that is self-inflicted. 
 
 2182 
 
 Go higher than thine own head for instruction, even 
 to the angels who bend low to teach. 
 
 2183 
 
 Beauty is less offended with flattery than ugliness, 
 not because beauty hath more discernment, nor ugli 
 ness less, but because beauty anticipates and is pre 
 pared. 
 
 2184 
 
 Theology in its emphasis of doctrine passes many a 
 truth without recognition. 
 
 2185 
 
 Civility that costs an effort is worth more to the 
 , giver than the receiver. 
 
 2186 
 
 Listen to the pleadings of patience when thou art 
 with little children, that thou supplant not respect 
 with disrespect. 
 
 2187 
 
 If thou couldst be led by justice always, thou wouldst 
 travel direct toward divinity. 
 
 238 
 
2188 
 
 To increase thy possessions a hundredfold without 
 wrongdoing need not harm thee ; but to increase a 
 farthing at the expense of honor must degrade and 
 shame the indwelling spirit. 
 
 2189 
 
 Whichever way thou lookest for perfection thou 
 findest imperfection, and this need not make thee 
 captious, for it is as it must ever be until man over 
 takes eternity. 
 
 2190 
 
 In reasoning minds there is a plane that accords with 
 justice ; but not twice in thrice is it allowed to prevail 
 over prejudice. 
 
 2191 
 
 The sanctity of thy word should never be doubted by 
 thyself. 
 
 2192 
 
 The pleasure of living is enhanced when thou learnest 
 that thy mission is to make the world better. 
 
 2193 
 
 Fighting is derogatory to any cause, and it were not 
 impossible to settle all disputes by arbitration were 
 not fighting popular. 
 
 2194 
 
 Physical punishment can never exempt an offender 
 from the moral punishment which the offense hath 
 earned. 
 
 2195 
 
 The penalty of independent thinking is the loss of 
 timid friends. 
 
 2196 
 
 Blest are they who live right in this hour instead of in 
 resolution. 
 
 2197 
 
 Were half that is written, spoken, the world would be 
 as wise, for there is half too much in print wherewith 
 to cumber the mind. 
 
 239 
 
2198 
 
 nET there be no misunderstanding between thee 
 and another, for where there is misunder 
 standing there is distrust ; and distrust breeds 
 hatred, and hatred breeds evil, in a small or large 
 degree as thy mind is moved by passion. 
 
 2199 
 
 The secret of success can be ascertained only when it 
 is ascertained what success truly means. 
 
 2200 
 
 How dare I define God if thou hast eyes to look about 
 thee! 
 
 2201 
 
 Thou must see God through thine own eyes, and not 
 through mine, for this is the law and it is also thy 
 privilege, howbeit another might endeavor to cast a 
 shadow aslant thy vision. 
 
 2202 
 
 Labor degrades when the laborer hath neither voice 
 nor mind in his vocation. 
 
 2203 
 
 Calmly think of death and prepare for it, as for any 
 other long journey. 
 
 2204 
 
 Reason tells us that if we control the mind we control 
 the body. 
 
 2205 
 Inspiration has its limits the human brain. 
 
 2206 
 
 To the outward eye justice and mercy appear not to 
 be meted from God to man but from man to man. 
 
 2207 
 
 It can not be written too often that lack of cleanliness 
 is lack of godliness. Piety will never supplant sanita 
 tion, nor can prayer be relied upon to banish a plague. 
 
 240 
 
2208 
 
 If thou wilt examine the brightest spot in the human 
 character thou wilt find it illumined by unselfishness. 
 
 2209 
 
 No man hath a right to make the world worse, and if 
 he assume it he must also assume the penalty. 
 
 2210 
 The flame burns clear when trimmed by hope. 
 
 2211 
 
 A light heart maketh a cheerful voice, but a heart of 
 lead keepeth to a monotone. 
 
 2212 
 Public sentiment is as variable as climate. 
 
 2213 
 
 When one is most useful may not be when one is best 
 known nor when one is least known, but when one 
 best knows others. 
 
 2214 
 
 Faultfinding is decried, but were it not for the fault 
 finders there would be little reform. 
 
 2215 
 
 When man works in unison with law, God works in 
 unison with man. 
 
 2216 
 
 The voice is an index of the feelings when Nature 
 has not been supplanted by art. 
 
 2217 
 
 Nothing ever has been or ever will be written of God 
 by the human hand that is infallible. 
 
 2218 
 
 The righteous lean toward tolerance, the unrighteous 
 toward intolerance. 
 
 2219 
 Age begins when hope declines. 
 
 241 
 
2220 
 
 Bestow not all thy criticism on others : spare a little 
 for thyself as thou hast need. 
 
 2221 
 
 Thy loftiest thoughts can compass only the length 
 and breadth of thine own mind, and beyond that 
 thou canst not proceed. 
 
 2222 
 
 The gate of wisdom opens from the outside, hence it 
 is that if a man would enter he must let himself in. 
 
 2223 
 
 The final ditch is the grave, and into it every rider 
 falls. 
 
 2224 
 The mainspring of life is ambition. 
 
 2225 
 
 Busy hands and nimble feet make the morn and eve 
 quick meet. 
 
 2226 
 
 Many a brilliant mind has been content to illumine its 
 own life. 
 
 2227 
 
 The restraints of society tend to embarrass candor 
 until deceitfulness triumphs. 
 
 2228 
 
 Reserve a few moments daily for interrogation of thy 
 motives and demand an honest accounting. 
 
 2229 
 
 When the sun goes down, the city plans not for sleep, 
 but for amusement; but should the time come when 
 man may play as well as work by day and sleep by 
 night, Nature will be kinder than when she is defied. 
 
 2230 
 
 Save a penny today, that thou mayest spend a penny 
 tomorrow. 
 
 242 
 
2231 
 
 The engine that speeds toward success is not novelty, 
 but monotony. 
 
 2232 
 Labor to discover, rather than to recover. 
 
 2233 
 
 The speech of wisdom soundeth like foolishness to 
 the unwise. 
 
 2234 
 Thy goodness is thy good friend. 
 
 2235 
 
 Hearest thou a man boastful, thou nearest one whom 
 thou must hunt when needed. 
 
 2236 
 
 " Forever and forever " is the writing over the door 
 of the individual temple. 
 
 2237 
 
 The children of one age are very like the children of 
 another age, but adults present marked changes 
 when comparing one age with another. 
 
 2238 
 When curiosity is called idle, it is really most busy. 
 
 2239 
 
 The low, sweet harmonies that Nature sings to a 
 listener can not be excelled by the tones of art. 
 
 2240 
 
 When thou prayest fervently thy spirit leaps from its 
 fetters of flesh and oft brings to thee thy heart s 
 desire. 
 
 2241 
 
 Alas ! that fear should dominate a religious mind or 
 turn it from quietude to disquietude. 
 
 2242 
 
 An assassin stands behind every evil act, to strike the 
 high low and the low lower. 
 
 243 
 
2243 
 
 points the hand on the face of earth no 
 man can see. It may be but a moment past the 
 hour of birth, or it may be halfway to the next 
 striking. So little knoweth man concerning this 
 world that he must rest his mind on conjecture. 
 
 2244 
 
 To come into close touch with the human family 
 means to suffer. 
 
 2245 
 
 The flight of years, however long, reaches its desti 
 nation sooner than we expect. 
 
 2246 
 
 Trim your sails to catch the breeze ; t is better thus 
 than God to tease. 
 
 2247 
 
 An untruth may have a semblance of truth if agree 
 ably presented, and too few there be who can discern 
 the difference between what is true and what is false 
 when the question is argued with skill. 
 
 2248 
 
 When reason works in the garden of the mind it 
 uproots superstition. 
 
 2249 
 
 A fair mind perceiveth that only by knowledge is 
 man lifted toward civilization. 
 
 2250 
 A poet is the amanuensis of a whimsical muse. 
 
 2251 
 
 A couch of down will not ease the mind, for mental 
 rest cometh from invisible things. 
 
 2252 
 
 A man may not blot himself out of existence by 
 thought, word or deed; but by these three may he 
 be miserable or blissful. 
 
 244 
 
2253 
 
 Long service in good works makes the worker worthy 
 of gratitude ; even if his motives have not been 
 entirely free from self-interest, there should be 
 cheerful thanks for the good done. 
 
 2254 
 
 A cause may be meritorious, but to win applause it 
 must also be popular. 
 
 2255 
 
 Revelation has been slow because man has been 
 cruel ; but as he becomes more civilized he will not 
 slay his neighbor, as in times past, for advancing 
 new theories concerning man s destiny contrary to 
 old beliefs. 
 
 2256 
 It is good to pray hopefully, but not to tease. 
 
 2257 
 
 The lesson may be learned from the criminal without 
 the criminal s experience. 
 
 2258 
 
 Everything is holy that is good, and that which is 
 bad can not be made holy, but must be abandoned. 
 
 2259 
 To gain unpleasant notoriety is easier than to lose it. 
 
 2260 
 
 That which meets with the approval of the just is 
 apt to be repudiated by the selfish. 
 
 2261 
 
 Whether a dog have a keen eye and a keen nose, or a 
 dull eye and a dull nose, matters not if he have not 
 energy to run after game. 
 
 2262 
 
 If a man tell thee of God he can only tell thee of the 
 God within himself. It is not given to man to explain 
 beyond his own capacity of thought. 
 
 245 
 
2263 
 
 y^VlVE a flower to some one every day : a sweet 
 rose of kindness, a white lily of truth, a spray 
 of laughter, a bluebell of hope or a soft-hearted 
 pansy of sympathy. All these and many more in 
 season will make fragrant the day for giver and 
 \ receiver. 
 
 2264 
 
 Sweet is the rest that cometh to a settled mind, and 
 for the sake of rest man is too prone to believe with 
 out proof. 
 
 2265 
 
 A religious flight should be upward and onward 
 toward light and understanding, and not downward 
 and backward through the darkness and misunder 
 standing of an earlier age. 
 
 2266 
 
 Men fight over words and thus separate themselves 
 from one another in religious hatred. 
 
 2267 
 
 As difficult as it is to understand our relation to the 
 present, our relation to the past is not plainer. 
 
 2268 
 
 The hope of all men is freedom for themselves, but 
 alas ! not always for others. 
 
 2269 
 
 Romance is not confined to youth, nor is it less 
 interesting to the aged, be they so inclined. 
 
 2270 
 
 Hold thy soul in peace and let no mortal persuade 
 thee that the past holds more of truth than the future 
 the disk of revelation has just begun to turn. 
 
 2271 
 
 When Nature smiles return her greeting, and when 
 she frowns laugh at her and change her mood toward 
 thee. 
 
 246 
 
2272 
 
 The language of a cat is incomprehensible to a dog, 
 and the barking of a dog puzzles a cat ; but do they 
 not understand each other as well as the human cats 
 and dogs that inhabit the kingdoms of earth ? 
 
 2273 
 
 If thou art on a wide bridge, thou mayest run with 
 safety ; but if walking a plank, look to thy steps. 
 
 2274 
 Follow a coxcomb closely and he appears a clown. 
 
 2275 
 
 When catching small fry be watchful or the first big 
 fish that nibbles may run away with the hook. 
 
 2276 
 
 In a spirit of kindness and fairness tell of thy views of 
 another life ; but copy not after the many and pros 
 elyte, because if thou hast a growing mind thou wilt 
 know more tomorrow than thou knowest today. 
 
 2277 
 
 Who shall declare whether God be masculine or 
 feminine? Methinks both the father and the mother 
 of the universe should be encompassed in that holy 
 word. 
 
 2278 
 
 Walk not between husband and wife. The place for 
 thee is behind the twain or, better still, before them, 
 that thou mayest not observe their ways. 
 
 2279 
 
 No mortal can behold the beauty of life whose eye 
 can not penetrate beyond self. 
 
 2280 
 
 Let the burden of thy song be health and sing it until 
 thou findest it. 
 
 2281 
 The tomorrow of life is the forecast of today. 
 
 247 
 
2282 
 
 It is more enlivening to lead a regiment than to 
 follow one, and there is also more responsibility. 
 
 2283 
 
 Neither poverty nor riches nor yet a modest income 
 will protect thee from calumny. No one is safe from 
 human attacks. 
 
 2284 
 
 Be discreet both with thine own and with another s 
 affairs, lest thou be outwitted by a fool and be made 
 to bite the dust. 
 
 2285 
 
 In the prompt payment of obligations, who can dis 
 tinguish between pride and honesty? 
 
 2286 
 
 Kindest thou a man too careful of himself and he will 
 be too careless of others. 
 
 2287 
 
 The saddest tragedies of life are not the homicides, 
 but the suicides : the anguish of the self-slain is 
 unthinkable. 
 
 2288 
 
 Men doubt not the love of God so much as the love 
 of man. 
 
 2289 
 
 One is not ashamed of one s age, but of spiteful 
 remarks concerning one s age there is no defense 
 and hence feminine secrecy. 
 
 2290 
 
 The hiding-place of jealousy is a secret until it dis 
 closes itself, as no one would suspect another of 
 harboring the hateful creature. 
 
 2291 
 
 Regardless of worldly opinion, a man respects him 
 self most when his life is noblest, and least when it is 
 basest. 
 
 248 
 
2292 
 
 are the ancients of learning? Are they 
 in a burning pit or a singing paradise, or are 
 they busy with the intellectual pursuits in one 
 of the many worlds before us ? It is a narrow and cruel 
 mind that would deprive the departed of congenial 
 occupation. 
 
 2293 
 
 Men dread less the wrath of God than the wrath of 
 men. 
 
 2294 
 
 The pitcher may be broken at the first drawing or at 
 the last or not at all. Care alone saves it. 
 
 2295 
 
 When looking for dishonesty search first thine own 
 house, and if thou findest it not, thou mayest search 
 thy neighbor s. 
 
 2296 
 
 Part husks will be thy share if art and poetry are 
 excluded from thy daily fare. 
 
 2297 
 
 Beware of him who urgeth thee to act contrary to 
 thine own reason. A wise counselor will point the 
 way and let thee choose. 
 
 2298 
 
 As mental depression is conducive to misery, do not 
 invite it by disobedience of health laws. 
 
 2299 
 Sleep is the savior of man and beast. 
 
 2300 
 
 Oh, that the brow of religions might be touched by 
 the hand of knowledge and be enlightened ! 
 
 2301 
 
 Imperfection must be imperfection through all time, 
 because imperfection can not attain perfection until 
 God is transcended. 
 
 249 
 
2302 
 
 If prejudice is crowded out of the way, a swift run 
 may be made toward justice. 
 
 2303 
 
 To say of a man that he is thoroughly educated 
 implies that he knows all there is to know, whereas 
 every man is an ignoramus compared with what he 
 does not know. 
 
 2304 
 
 Be as sly about thy almsgiving as thou wouldst be 
 about thine own poverty. 
 
 2305 
 
 Construction is not better than destruction if that 
 which thou buildest is not truth. 
 
 2306 
 
 Wait till the ass is bridled before mounting and thou 
 art surer of a beast for thy journey. 
 
 2307 
 Farewell, yesterday ! Today is here. 
 
 2308 
 They who hate most love least. 
 
 2309 
 
 How canst thou seek a cozy corner and rest therein 
 if thy neighbor has been crowded out of it ? 
 
 2310 
 
 I learned my lesson today, not from books but from 
 an aspiration. In the silence I communed with One 
 on high who said, " Despair not, but press onward 
 toward the high mark of truth forever and forever ! " 
 
 250 
 
BOOK EIGHT 
 
2311 
 
 HE secret of happiness lies as deep 
 as life. Yea, before thou art, the 
 chord is struck : if it be minor, it 
 taketh long before the modulations 
 bring it to a major ; and if it be 
 major, it resolves itself gradually 
 into minor key. Who knoweth 
 whether the ending of the earthly 
 prelude will be a wail of sor 
 row or a joyful sound? 
 
 2312 
 
 When truth supersedes creed, all men will be drawn 
 to it. 
 
 2313 
 Be patient with age, that time may not retaliate. 
 
 2314 
 Love is profligate of time and gambles with hearts. 
 
 2315 
 A preacher of prudence is not infallibly prudent. 
 
 2316 
 
 Tears blister the memory of many pages of life which 
 would have been free from blemish had youth been 
 endowed with experience. 
 
 2317 
 
 Innocence increases the responsibility of the beholder 
 inasmuch as it becomes his to protect. 
 
 2318 
 
 Though sorrow may wear the look of joy, joy never 
 wears the look of sorrow. 
 
 2319 
 Much complaining increases the complaint. 
 
 2320 
 
 Thou art the keeper of thine own life, and to no one 
 surrender this care. 
 
 253 
 
2321 
 
 E universe is not so small as the ancients 
 thought, and with the broadening of the mind 
 has broadened religion until no one of reverent 
 mind dare locate God or explain His intent toward 
 the different races of man that inhabit this sphere. 
 
 2322 
 Vigorous thoughts come with vigorous desires. 
 
 2323 
 
 A closed mouth and an open ear are the best servitors 
 of ignorance. 
 
 2324 
 
 If thou runnest against a wall suddenly, be not 
 surprised if thou hast been running toward it swiftly. 
 
 2325 
 
 An occasional hurricane is preferable to an endless 
 calm, when the mind moves not at all. 
 
 2326 
 Love is a keeper of secrets. 
 
 2327 
 Though humble thy calling, exalted may be thy call. 
 
 2328 
 
 Comments on indolence are unnecessary : indolence 
 speaks for itself in no uncertain language. 
 
 2329 
 
 By all means obtain a knowledge of your subject 
 before you teach this is not always done observe 
 them who tell of God of whom no man knoweth. 
 
 2330 
 
 Man should stand before man as a king by divine 
 authority. 
 
 2331 
 
 Exalted thought doeth good, though unexpressed by 
 word of mouth. 
 
 254 
 
2332 
 
 There is as much probability of catching a wild ass 
 with a lame foot as there is of overtaking public 
 opinion with a lame excuse. 
 
 2333 
 
 A lame dog leading a blind man Sect leading Sect. 
 
 2334 
 Lamentation is not the philosopher s song. 
 
 2335 
 Whenever a truth is born, an error dies. 
 
 2336 
 
 Wit floats on the surface of speech like froth on a 
 sillibub, without which it lacks lightness. 
 
 2337 
 
 A thousand generations are but one heart-throb of 
 eternity. 
 
 2338 
 
 Not as thou wouldst that things were, but as they are, 
 must thou find thy way through the world, with or 
 without mishap as thou art fortunate. 
 
 2339 
 Whatsoever makes thee truly wise makes thee better. 
 
 2340 
 
 A deserted house hath not more echoes than a deserted 
 mind. 
 
 2341 
 
 When I pass over, fill my hands, O angels of kindness, 
 with fresh flowers, that I may inhale their fragrance 
 and feel that I am in a world where our mother 
 Nature still reigns. 
 
 2342 
 
 Thou mayest not turn to a pillar of salt when thou 
 lookest backward, but thy mind will crystallize 
 sooner when turned to the past. 
 
 255 
 
2343 
 
 (HALL a man live always if he violate not a law 
 of health ? Yea and Nay have been the answers 
 to the question ; but a change of environment 
 seemeth desirable, for when man is wise enough to 
 know all laws of this world he would tire of his limita 
 tions and desire to know the laws of another and still 
 another, and methinks this is his destiny and will be 
 his choice. 
 
 2344 
 
 Air, sunlight and a square to till are man s birthright, 
 but alas ! the Esaus and Jacobs are everywhere. 
 
 2345 
 See to it that thy forbearance becomes not cowardice. 
 
 2346 
 
 Better make a confidant of thy horse than of thy 
 groom the beast only is dumb. 
 
 2347 
 
 If thy friends agree not with thy mood, probably 
 thou art not in the right one. 
 
 2348 
 
 He who believes in a devil believes in a feeble God. 
 
 2349 
 
 It is more beneficial to think well than to talk well, 
 albeit the superficial may hold a contrary opinion. 
 
 2350 
 He who hath not mercy lacketh many other virtues. 
 
 2351 
 
 Look we there, we see distress ; look we here, see we 
 suffering. Shall all say whatever is, is right? or shall 
 all exclaim whatever is, needs righting ? 
 
 2352 
 
 Be a subject old and threadbare, new clothed it 
 becomes interesting. 
 
 256 
 
2353 
 
 grass-blade grows, it knows not how. The 
 child grows, it knows not how. The same in- 
 visible force propels both upward, but why 
 should a man who knows not how he grows dogmatize 
 about the propelling cause and declare he is uttering 
 truth ? 
 
 2354 
 
 Form the habit of cheerful thinking when young, 
 that age cheat thee not of pleasant days. 
 
 2355 
 
 When antiquated theology demands modern opinion, 
 perfect candor compels one to be disrespectful. 
 
 2356 
 The business of life should be right living. 
 
 2357 
 New thought is a harbinger of progress. 
 
 2358 
 
 Love laughs at everything but itself, which it treats 
 seriously. 
 
 2359 
 
 Ancient thought belonged to ancient peoples, but 
 modern thought belongs to modern peoples and must 
 be honestly regarded. 
 
 2360 
 
 Labor constantly to improve thyself, that the world 
 be speedily redeemed. 
 
 2361 
 
 The burden-bearer might lighten his burden if he 
 would regard the past less and the future not at all. 
 
 2362 
 
 Moderate success at the outset may lead to more 
 lasting success, because the seeds of economy are 
 given time to take deeper root. 
 
 2363 
 Clear is the vision that can see heaven through hell. 
 
 257 
 
2364 
 
 most skilled mathematician fails to number 
 the worlds of the heavens ; yet the most super- 
 ficial of theologians are quick to enumerate 
 the two abodes of souls after death. Methinks the 
 abodes of souls are as many and varied as the stars 
 above, and that the Mind over all is not so poor as 
 the two-world conception would indicate. 
 
 2365 
 
 Some will speak and will not act ; others will act but 
 will not speak ; but he who neither acts nor speaks in 
 times of emergencies is the one to watch. 
 
 2366 
 
 The beliefs of the future must be supported by knowl 
 edge : faith must be supplanted by fact. 
 
 2367 
 
 Be modest when discoursing on thine own achieve 
 ments, lest thou be called a boaster and an exaggerator, 
 which in public estimation is scarcely one whit 
 removed from a simpleton. 
 
 2368 
 
 That which thou canst take with thee from this 
 world is thine own : all else thou hast borrowed and 
 must return. 
 
 2369 
 
 Whether rich or poor, the bodily demands of daily 
 life put men and women on an equality ; but by the 
 mind may one soar above another. 
 
 2370 
 
 The right to think is thy birthright: sell it not to 
 potentate or prelate for his pottage. 
 
 2371 
 
 More talk the brotherhood of man than feel it. It 
 pains the snob to say " Our Brother " when he says 
 " Our Father," but the children of one father must be 
 brothers. 
 
 258 
 
2372 
 
 AR beyond the mortal lens are spread the cities 
 of the departed, beautiful of architecture and 
 restful of design the best of earth spiritualized. 
 This picture now hangs on the wall of the imagi 
 nation, and the old one of a burning hell and brazen 
 heaven has been removed by the enlightened. 
 
 2373 
 
 He who truly loves the Father can have no belief in 
 Christian or Pagan devil. 
 
 2374 
 
 Invitation insures a welcome. A beggar thrust into a 
 banquet finds no place at the board. 
 
 2375 
 
 The most cutting wind that blows the blasts of 
 scorn. 
 
 2376 
 
 If thy possessions consist only of that which money 
 can buy, thou art indeed so poor thou needest sym 
 pathy ; but if thy possessions are above price, thou art 
 rich, though thy body be clothed with leaves and 
 thine abode but a shelter from inclemency. 
 
 2377 
 
 One thinketh it is leagues further to duty than to 
 pleasure ; another that pleasure and duty are close 
 together ; another that pleasure can not be reached 
 without crossing the field of duty. The truth is plain : 
 Pleasure and duty are one and the same when 
 rightly considered. 
 
 2378 
 Mercy trembles at the approach of justice. 
 
 2379 
 
 The floor of the ocean is littered with the strange 
 work of Dame Nature. 
 
 2380 
 
 As fleeting as dreams are opportunities, and they 
 change with a breath. 
 
 259 
 
2381 
 
 A prince without and a pauper within a man with 
 fine raiment and a naked mind. 
 
 2382 
 
 Bear with the aged ; if their mental house is out of 
 repair, they suffer discomfort. 
 
 2383 
 
 If one is determined to cut off one s nose to spite one s 
 face, there is daily opportunity. 
 
 2384 
 
 If thou art free to control me, thy freedom is my 
 bondage. 
 
 2385 
 
 Greater or less capacity matters little if thou hast not 
 a purpose and pursue it. 
 
 2386 
 
 Who can portray the hideousness of a theology that 
 consigns to everlasting torment the souls of enlight 
 ened men and women ! 
 
 2387 
 
 Thou canst not bore a deep well with a gimlet, neither 
 canst thou bore for deep truths unless mentally 
 equipped. 
 
 2388 
 
 The vices of the many are modified by the virtues of 
 the few. 
 
 2389 
 
 In this paradox appears a truth the height of folly 
 is the depth of shame. 
 
 2390 
 
 Opulence and squalor meet on an equality before the 
 gate of death ; both enter the holy city without purse 
 or scrip. 
 
 2391 
 
 Throw away criticism when viewing poverty and 
 weakness ; they have privileges not accorded to riches 
 and strength. 
 
 260 
 
2392 
 
 The whale of intemperance has swallowed many a 
 Jonah and spewed him on to the dry land of want. 
 
 2393 
 That which is progressive is not vicious. 
 
 2394 
 
 Sweeten life with more charitable thought ; there be 
 many who act effusively, but who think meanly. 
 
 2395 
 
 Ninety-nine churchmen and one skeptic make the 
 world move faster than one hundred churchmen. 
 
 2396 
 
 That accurate results depend on accurate methods is 
 only half-believed because only half- tried. 
 
 2397 
 
 Open thy heart for self-examination when thy neighbor 
 is not looking, lest he observe thy secrets and proclaim 
 them. 
 
 2398 
 Swift in the race is desire. 
 
 2399 
 
 Finally let it be said : He died and the world owed him 
 more than he owed the world. 
 
 2400 
 
 Climb the knowledge-tree as high as you can and then 
 pull up your neighbor : it is easier than to stand 
 beneath him and boost. 
 
 2401 
 Nimble is the foot that can distance usury. 
 
 2402 
 
 Folly is not conservative, but goeth about with a 
 loud noise or with stealth, as suits its whim. 
 
 2403 
 Only wisdom will obliterate fear. 
 
 261 
 
2404 
 
 Let parents be parents and children be children, that 
 respect keep its rightful place even unto the end. 
 
 2405 
 
 If the window of thy soul be small, increase not the 
 darkness within by drawing a sectarian curtain across 
 it. 
 
 2406 
 
 No man hath sole possession of hope. It goeth into 
 every habitation, and hath no more affinity for prince 
 than for pauper, and dwelleth not longer with the one 
 than with the other. 
 
 2407 
 Comfort is last where ostentation is first. 
 
 2408 
 
 Note what a man says of his neighbor and thou canst 
 opine what he will say of thee. 
 
 2409 
 
 Let the future hold what it may, I will say to myself : 
 Abide in peace, for thou art traveling toward light. 
 
 2410 
 
 To seek repose before thy task is done is the sluggard s 
 method. To seek it after is to have earned it. 
 
 2411 
 
 When there are robbers on both sides of the political 
 highway, a man hath scarce a better chance of keep 
 ing his goods by taking to middle ground. Safety 
 would seem to lie in another direction. 
 
 2412 
 
 Pipe a lay of gladness when thou hast overcome the 
 least fault. The tune will so delight thou wilt wish to 
 overcome another. 
 
 2413 
 
 Be merciful, even for thine own sake, for it keeps thee 
 out of hell. 
 
 262 
 
2414 
 
 Probe as deep as you may, the heart of the universe 
 can not be reached, nor its pulse counted. 
 
 2415 
 
 There is law and order from Alpha to Omega. Miracle 
 is but bygone fancy. 
 
 2416 
 
 Sanitation can not be accomplished with prayer, nor 
 epidemics be checked with beads. 
 
 2417 
 
 Strive rather to sharpen thy conscience with close 
 questioning than dull it with sophistry. 
 
 2418 
 
 Principle is a stern master whom thou must serve 
 faithfully if thou wouldst win the applause of con 
 science. 
 
 2419 
 
 If thou callest a man a dog when he hath not barked, 
 thou must look well to thy heels. 
 
 2420 
 
 The bane of life is want, and yet want is the root of 
 plenty. 
 
 2421 
 
 Speak to the stars with poetic metaphor, but speak 
 to the earth with plain words; then thou mayest 
 mingle with the lofty and the lowly and be under 
 stood. 
 
 2422 
 
 However old a religion, something in it harmonizes 
 with the new. 
 
 2423 
 
 As winebibbing more or less clouds the intellect, it 
 should be avoided by the strong, that the weak may 
 not fall. 
 
 2424 
 
 If thou hast not ability, thou mayest have kindness. 
 If thou hast neither, woe is thine. 
 
 263 
 
2425 
 
 Nature is not more penurious of gold than of common- 
 sense. More of each is needed to make the human 
 family content. 
 
 2426 
 
 Hopeless must be he who hopes not in immortality. 
 
 2427 
 
 Nature is generous or parsimonious much as man may 
 will. 
 
 2428 
 Caution profits more than lamentation. 
 
 2429 
 
 As the needle is true to the North, so is the soul to its 
 aspirations. 
 
 2430 
 
 The poison ejected from one evil mind destroy eth 
 many. 
 
 2431 
 
 The " missing link " if not seen in form is seen in 
 type, here, there and everywhere. 
 
 2432 
 
 The atom seemeth more law-abiding than the man. 
 
 2433 
 
 Feed the starving man without question. If thouhast 
 curiosity to know his religion, wait his fill or he will 
 hate thee. 
 
 2434 
 
 To cripple reason and lean on tradition is like crip 
 pling one foot and leaning on a crutch. 
 
 2435 
 
 Man is speeding along on the everlasting journey 
 over the hills and vales of eternity today. 
 
 2436 
 
 A little tree may bear large apples, and only a fool 
 would decline them for that reason. 
 
 264 
 
2437 
 
 Reading, thinking and toiling these three make 
 wise ; but the doing of one without the other two 
 falleth short of wisdom. 
 
 2438 
 A fiery temper is self -consuming. 
 
 2439 
 
 Now is the moment of rejoicing, and if we rejoice now 
 we shall rejoice alway, for the present is always ours. 
 
 2440 
 It is not a test of courage to walk past a caged lion. 
 
 2441 
 
 Thou mayest intend to do great good, but thy neigh 
 bor who doeth a little receiveth the blessing. Action 
 outweighs intention. 
 
 2442 
 The ^bitterness of life is sweetened by death. 
 
 2443 
 
 Socrates drank his hemlock with a smile born of his 
 immortal intellect. 
 
 2444 
 
 The tenderest sympathy may not be expressed by 
 word nor by deed, but the aching of one heart for 
 another is a sign that the soul goeth out in response 
 to a need. 
 
 2445 
 
 Beautiful was the life of Jesus, and beautiful should 
 be thy life, not because of His, but because it is a 
 privilege bestowed and a duty imposed on the sons 
 and daughters of earth from time immemorial. 
 
 2446 
 
 The storehouse of memory contains so much trash 
 that one is ashamed to expose it to a strange eye. 
 
 2447 
 A premature opinion may be likened unto green fruit. 
 
 265 
 
2448 
 
 If thou fallest let not the dust of defeat settle on thee. 
 Get up, shake it off, and onward run till some prize 
 is thine. 
 
 2449 
 
 Education without honesty and sobriety is like a 
 fine chariot with vicious steeds : the rider is hurled to 
 the ground before the race is finished. 
 
 2450 
 
 If thou runnest with a fool and he trip thee, there is 
 none to pity. 
 
 2451 
 Wisdom is a king ; love, a subject. 
 
 2452 
 Little know the young of the thoughts of the old. 
 
 2453 
 Hunger can not reason. 
 
 2454 
 
 A dull mind deprives its possessor of the richest part 
 of life. 
 
 2455 
 
 Small results may come from great effort, but smaller 
 will come from no effort. 
 
 2456 
 
 If thou desirest to see a divine man thou hast but to 
 look at the first man thou meetest, for the immortal 
 spirit maketh all divine that walk in man s image. 
 
 2457 
 
 Confine not thy mind too much to trivial matters, lest 
 it become enfeebled and unable to grasp matters of 
 weight. 
 
 2458 
 
 The season of wishing is youth, and the season of 
 wishing is age ; therefore, wishing is always in season, 
 and good wishes are never without good results to the 
 wisher. 
 
 266 
 
2459 
 
 If thou makest a place for thyself in the world, thou 
 wilt fit it ; but if another make it for thee, thou mayest 
 not. 
 
 2460 
 
 How much of sorrow and injustice would be saved in 
 this world if each obeyed the golden rule of Confucius ! 
 
 2461 
 
 Saints walk the earth in all garbs and are recognized 
 by those whom they serve. 
 
 2462 
 
 Under untried conditions an untried leader is not less 
 to be trusted than a tried one. 
 
 2463 
 Words may fall from the tongue when ideas will not. 
 
 2464 
 
 Love is strong to endure, but wisdom is strong to 
 direct. 
 
 2465 
 
 Thou mayest fire at the moon without hitting it, but 
 the higher thy aim the safer are men. 
 
 2466 
 
 When eye and ear serve, the young are truthfully 
 inclined. T is age that loveth to deceive. 
 
 2467 
 Wisdom and austerity may be strangers. 
 
 2468 
 
 When society is whirling like a dervish, it can not 
 think those things that make for good ; and when it 
 pauses for breath, it is too dizzy. 
 
 2469 
 
 If thou hast the intention and the ability, and hast 
 not the will to act aright, thou art as though void and 
 as nothing in the world at large. 
 
 267 
 
2470 
 
 Confucius are we indebted for the Golden Rule, 
 and to the Nazarene are we later indebted for 
 presenting anew this precept to His followers, 
 
 but they who practise it are indeed few compared 
 
 with the number who have heard it. 
 
 2471 
 
 If linked to poverty, thou mayest stand erect ; but if 
 joined to vice also, thou mayest cower in the presence 
 of thine own wronged self. 
 
 2472 
 Desire is the prelude of success. 
 
 2473 
 
 Before the setting of another sun, do thou something 
 of which thou canst be proud. 
 
 V 
 
 2474 
 Wisdom is grave or gay and ever companionable. 
 
 2475 
 
 Water will cleanse from external dirt, but immersion 
 will not cleanse a filthy soul. 
 
 2476 
 
 Few saints are canonized where education is com 
 pulsory. 
 
 2477 
 
 In the giving and receiving of friendship thou must 
 use more discretion than in the exchange of all other 
 gifts. 
 
 2478 
 
 Sailing is easier than rowing, but strong muscles 
 demand strong work, and that which is easiest may 
 not make thee strong. 
 
 2479 
 
 If thou wantest a faithful friend thou must in truth 
 be one. 
 
 2480 
 Love and wisdom may dwell far apart. 
 
 268 
 
2481 
 
 They who persecute in religion s name lack all 
 charity, and they who have not charity have little 
 of good. 
 
 2482 
 
 Voting is a holy privilege, and not, as many assume, 
 a commercial opportunity. 
 
 2483 
 
 A jingle of words and an easy manner thus equipped 
 the pretender becomes a sage. 
 
 2484 
 Whatsoever befalls thee, curse not. 
 
 2485 
 
 Be thou honest, thou art free ; be thou dishonest, 
 thou art in perpetual servitude to the tyrant fear. 
 
 2486 
 
 National honor let every man seek, knowing that the 
 unit maketh the whole ; hence on each individual 
 rests responsibility. 
 
 2487 
 
 Politeness may hinder the human cats and dogs of 
 society from barking and scratching, but it does not 
 stay the inclination. 
 
 2488 
 
 Speak hopefully, not discouragingly : one heavy word 
 may turn the balance and send a life downward. 
 
 2489 
 Let thy life be as a white light set on a high place. 
 
 2490 
 
 If thou canst not add to thy neighbor s comfort, thou 
 needest not add to his discomfort. 
 
 2491 
 
 Let no man persuade thee that thou art not divine ; 
 thus believing, cultivate only those qualities that 
 tend to spiritualize. 
 
 269 
 
2492 
 
 shouldst thou do when a man smites thee 
 on *ky cheek? If thou turnest the other thou 
 increasest his anger, and his opportunity to 
 do evil. It seemeth wiser to cry, " Hold ! " than to say, 
 " Lay on ! " as if thou wert a thing of dust that needed 
 beating. 
 
 2493 
 
 The land of one s birth is not dearer than the land of 
 one s adoption; but tis only by return after long 
 absence that this lesson is learned. 
 
 2494 
 
 Below the surface of things must the scientist look 
 for the cause, though the effect be flauntingly dis 
 played for common eyes. 
 
 2495 
 
 Whatsoever savors of personal gain in religion or 
 politics savors of plunder. 
 
 2496 
 A pig can not be trusted in a garden. 
 
 2497 
 
 " The night cometh, when no man can work," was 
 writ before the light of modern invention which 
 maketh ancient speech less true for literal use. 
 
 2498 
 
 The shadow of death is but the twilight of earth s 
 day, and below the horizon is the light of another. 
 
 2499 
 
 Silence is an educator from whom the many decline 
 instruction. 
 
 2500 
 
 Point me a faultfinder and I will point thee imper 
 fection. 
 
 2501 
 
 Quarrels lead thee to hatred, and hatred leads thee 
 never to happiness. 
 
 270 
 
2502 
 
 It is good to earn a place of trust for thyself, but 
 dangerous to buy it. 
 
 2503 
 
 Determination and application make the improbable 
 possible and place within reach the key of fame. 
 
 2504 
 
 Should thy neighbor despise thee when thy scrip is 
 small, it is because he can not discriminate between 
 what thou art and what thou hast. 
 
 2505 
 
 Vulgarity and eccentricity run to extremes, but 
 refinement keeps to middle ground. 
 
 2506 
 
 Let the world know that you stand for a principle, 
 and though it snub you it will respect you. 
 
 2507 
 A good or a bad reputation is made to stick. 
 
 2508 
 
 Fill not the air with lamentation, but with song, and 
 thou wilt have a more cheerful following. 
 
 2509 
 
 There are worldly dunces and there are religious 
 dunces, and there is little to be said in favor of the 
 one over the other. 
 
 2510 
 
 T is my belief that too much time and wine is wasted 
 trying to patch First-Century bottles to hold the 
 Twentieth-Century vintage. 
 
 2511 
 Thy voice is thy speaking soul. 
 
 2512 
 
 More are confused by theology than enlightened by it, 
 because its utterances are fable, myth and personal 
 opinion, and not till it learns more can it speak more 
 wisely. 
 
 271 
 
2513 
 
 will do more for the weary mind than a 
 narcotic, but it is more difficult to obtain, as the 
 patient must compound his own dose ; but when 
 the formula is learned, the wealth of kings could not 
 purchase it. 
 
 2514 
 
 Whatsoever savors of selfishness savors of unbecoming- 
 ness. 
 
 2515 
 
 God is so lowly that He abideth in the most lowly 
 places. 
 
 2516 
 
 A school for scandal is a school for the foolish: no 
 clever mind could long endure the folly. 
 
 2517 
 
 The thief is chased and the beggar despised by honest 
 toil. 
 
 2518 
 
 Throw mud if you will, but do not expect to keep 
 clean hands. 
 
 2519 
 
 Despair not ; the truth will befriend thee if thou art 
 true to truth. 
 
 2520 
 
 The faintest pretext for wrongdoing is the very thing 
 for which evil minds are searching; even the vilest 
 like an excuse to offer themselves. 
 
 272 
 
BOOK NINE 
 
2521 
 
 LARGE part of life is given to 
 costuming that were better given 
 to things less vexatious than the 
 bedecking of the perishable part ; 
 and though the tasteful cover 
 ing of the form is desirable, a 
 decorated body without a noble 
 mind is so incongruous as to cause 
 
 offense. Art should guide and fashion obey, then will 
 
 woman become more moral and men will not cease to 
 
 admire. 
 
 2522 
 
 Point me a man of conspicuous meekness and I will 
 
 point thee one of weakness. 
 
 2523 
 
 Blow your horn if you must, but blow it at home and 
 spare your neighbor s ear. 
 
 2524 
 
 Naturally man turns to God for instruction, and God 
 turns man to himself. 
 
 2525 
 
 Speak homely truths in homely ways, that the listener 
 lose not the thought in the music of the words. 
 
 2526 
 The tiniest pebble hath its work and doeth it. .J 
 
 2527 
 Let us hear less of regret and more of intent. 
 
 2528 
 
 Thou hast not time enough at thy disposal to live in 
 the past and in the future without slighting the present. 
 
 2529 
 
 Fear nothing more than superstition. T is better thou 
 be infidel to dogma than to commonsense : dogmas 
 are man-given, but reason is God-given. 
 
 275 
 
2530 
 
 QO man has ever been privileged to write the 
 words of God, though many inspired writers, 
 both ancient and modern, have expressed 
 truth ; and as inspiration is not dead but living, the 
 words of the present generation are as precious as 
 those of a bygone age. 
 
 2531 
 
 Urge not a man to think as thou thinkest nor to do 
 as thou dost. 
 
 2532 
 
 A mind burnished by much thinking is brighter than 
 a mind burnished by much reading. 
 
 2533 
 Why beat around the bush for game in sight? 
 
 2534 
 If thy inferior be in error, correct him gently. 
 
 2535 
 
 If thou art privileged to live thou art privileged to 
 think. 
 
 2536 
 
 The little men know of a personal God and a personal 
 devil, less than a word will express. 
 
 2537 
 The hope of a nation is the virtue of its youth. 
 
 2538 
 
 A weary head maketh a careless hand, and a careless 
 hand maketh a weary head. 
 
 2539 
 
 The favor of a ruler may not be gained, but who can 
 deny thee access to heaven? 
 
 2540 
 
 A man can not harness himself with a beast with 
 out degradation, neither can he tie himself to lust 
 and escape harm. 
 
 276 
 
2541 
 
 the philosopher s stone were ours, by the 
 making of much gold we would so cheapen the 
 metal that the zest for digging it would be gone ; 
 and it is a mooted question whether the getting of it is 
 not what the world needs to make it labor and so 
 civilize it. 
 
 2542 
 
 What is worth listening to is worth remembering, 
 but alas ! that idle gossip should endure longer than 
 honorable mention. 
 
 2543 
 
 If thou art clever thou wilt keep in mind the past 
 whilst peering into the future. 
 
 2544 
 
 A Socrates and a Jesus are born every day, differing 
 only in degree of unfoldment. 
 
 2545 
 
 The majesty of being is belittled by a thought that 
 puts God in a distant city called Heaven. God is 
 everywhere, never here and never there one moment 
 more than another. 
 
 2546 
 
 Bray of thy illustrious ancestors if thou must, but 
 forget not that the world will compare thee with them. 
 
 2547 
 
 Why look for imperfection in one another? Is it so 
 rare a thing that it is worth thy time to seek it? 
 
 2548 
 
 The ratio between what men know not and what they 
 know is too long to be expressed by figures. 
 
 2549 
 
 The trend of modern thought is toward a scientific 
 religion ; the scientist, not the priest, will write the 
 Twentieth -Century theology, and with the advent of 
 knowledge the warfare will cease. 
 
 277 
 
2550 
 
 OETECTION may or may not follow thy pecula 
 tions whilst in the flesh, but when thou carryest 
 thy burning secret where thou canst no longer 
 conceal it, surely thou art a sneak and remorse will 
 seize thee. 
 
 2551 
 
 Given a fair start, industrious mediocrity will out 
 strip indolent talent. 
 
 2552 
 
 Hold not virtue cheap. Thy morals will chase thee the 
 wide world over. If thou desirest to teach, enfeeble 
 not thyself with unbecoming conduct, that thy words 
 must be considered apart from thy life. 
 
 2553 
 
 Half the people are bondmen to tradition, and desire 
 to be. 
 
 2554 
 Fidelity is rare amongst the selfish. 
 
 2555 
 
 O slavery, thou didst cause the most precious blood 
 of the North and of the South to be spilled to destroy 
 thee. 
 
 2556 
 
 Make thyself a name, and whether it be good or bad 
 the world will call thee by it. 
 
 2557 
 O God of the Universe, make me to think ! 
 
 2558 
 
 He is brave who carrieth his burden silently, but he is 
 braver who carrieth it triumphantly and maketh a 
 pleasure of necessity. 
 
 2559 
 
 If thou makest the little ones of earth smile, thou wilt 
 make the larger ones also ; but thou mayest make the 
 larger ones to laugh aloud, and yet not reach the 
 little ones. 
 
 278 
 
2560 
 
 Y a cool stream in the heart of the silent moun 
 tains would desire lead me that I might hold 
 converse with the spirit of Nature, which 
 would impart to me much that is refused me when 
 moving with the throng of a metropolis. 
 
 2561 
 
 Do thy life-work so well that it is an honor to know 
 thee. 
 
 2562 
 
 An indication that thou needest help : when thy face 
 turneth backward and thy mind is pinned to the past. 
 
 2563 
 A monstrous thought the Universe. 
 
 2564 
 
 God is not small enough to put in a creed, and the 
 attempt will always be a failure. 
 
 2565 
 Nothing scares a bigot more than a new truth. 
 
 2566 
 
 There is a difference between a wise man and a 
 lettered man. 
 
 2567 
 
 One man may say of another, " He is going to hell," 
 but he that speaketh sayeth never thus of himself. 
 
 2568 
 
 Leap over the rough places in memory and loiter 
 only in pleasant ways. 
 
 2569 
 
 A whirlpool in a narrow stream is not more dangerous 
 to the boatman than innocent ignorance caught in 
 the whirl of a city. 
 
 2570 
 
 There is more mental liberty out of the church than 
 in it, though the reverse should be possible, and it 
 will be when more truth prevails therein. 
 
 279 
 
2571 
 
 Pride makes the difference between the somebody 
 and the nobody. 
 
 2572 
 
 Why shouldst thou be disturbed by noisy tongues if 
 thou hast done right ? 
 
 2573 
 
 A mouse may gnaw a hole through which a rat may 
 crawl. 
 
 2574 
 
 Whether it be better for thee to know the world 
 better than the world knows thee, or for the world to 
 know thee better than thou knowest the world, who 
 can answer? 
 
 2575 
 
 He who contemplates matrimony should contemplate 
 posterity. 
 
 2576 
 
 It may not always be wisest to seek middle ground 
 when important questions threaten. The center of an 
 island is not invariably the highest and safest point. 
 
 2577 
 
 Cast far from thee the thought that another can fill 
 thy place in life that is impossible. 
 
 2578 
 
 He who from vain notions seeks publicity merits 
 obscurity. 
 
 2579 
 
 There is more of God in a flower than in a creed ; 
 more of beauty in a waving field than in a narrow 
 belief ; more of God in a thought of heaven than in a 
 thought of hell. 
 
 2580 
 
 The size of the eye does not indicate the scope of the 
 vision, nor the size of the head the scope of the mind. 
 
 2581 
 
 A humorist may shorten a long visage by lengthening 
 his own. 
 
 280 
 
2582 
 
 A holy text may be found and a sermon be written 
 from the records of each day, and it will come to 
 this : the fresher the text, the better the sermon. 
 
 2583 
 The way to heaven is as broad as the way to purgatory. 
 
 2584 
 
 Follow your inclinations when they lead upward, but 
 when they lead downward make them follow you. 
 
 2585 
 Attend to thine own business, that another may not. 
 
 2586 
 
 A sign that your society is not needed when you 
 cease to do good. 
 
 2587 
 
 If there be aught within thy mind that is impure, 
 cleanse thy mind of it ere thou be stricken low in the 
 scale of thought and be unable to rise. 
 
 2588 
 
 Didst ever hear a hen complain of her duties or a dog 
 of his responsibilities? They attend so faithfully to 
 their work that the many forget to admire. 
 
 2589 
 
 Gradually men will come to understand that God and 
 Nature have made no mistakes, and that man has 
 made them all. 
 
 2590 
 
 Outside the circle of mortal vision opens the spiritual 
 world peopled with men and women gone before ; and 
 there must the intellectual and the worthy be attracted 
 to each other, regardless of former conditions or 
 religions. 
 
 2591 
 
 Heavy bodies fall with a great noise and stay where 
 they fall : so it is with material things ; but the fall of a 
 mighty spirit is never heard, and rise again it must. 
 
 281 
 
2592 
 
 r O into a monastery when thou desirest to put 
 God from thee, but stay in the world if thou 
 desirest to be nearest Him ; for the more of 
 His children thou dost meet and the more of His 
 handiwork thou dost observe, the more hast thou of 
 Him each day. He dwelleth not so much behind 
 cloistered walls as in the light, not so much in exile 
 as in company. 
 
 2593 
 
 The secret thou art so carefully guarding is as plain 
 to the spirit world as it is to thee. 
 
 2594 
 
 If thou inclinest to scandal, scandal will incline to 
 thee, and at last health of mind will vanish. 
 
 2595 
 
 A long memory is a stern censor ; but the better thy 
 life, the more thou lovest memory. 
 
 2596 
 
 If the populace carry thee, thou art not sure of 
 escaping a fall, and it may drop thee in a rough place. 
 
 2597 
 
 Put the low man in the high place and he serveth not 
 so well as the high man in the low place. 
 
 2598 
 As many as live for worldly gain live for pain. 
 
 2599 
 
 The books of men are not the work of God, though 
 the volumes were so named a thousand times. 
 
 2600 
 The heat of argument scorcheth the temper. 
 
 2601 
 
 Hast thou a moral right, O mourner, to garb thyself 
 in such manner that thy presence repress all joy in the 
 beholder ? 
 
 282 
 
2602 
 
 OF the world I ask this question, " When shall I 
 know it well enough to avoid all unpleasant 
 ness? " and the world replies, " Never! Sur 
 prises, disappointments, good luck and bad luck will 
 be found at every turning." 
 
 2603 
 
 A little house set on a high hill is seen farther than a 
 great mansion hid in a vale ; and it sometimes comes 
 to pass that conspicuous smallness overtops secluded 
 greatness. 
 
 2604 
 The simpleton knows it not and so pleaseth himself. 
 
 2605 
 
 In time to come the mind of man will mount upward 
 as the eagle, and they who would prevent will stand 
 beneath and marvel as the distance widens between 
 the free man and the slave man. 
 
 2606 
 
 Nothing that will live in the minds of men can be 
 accomplished without effort. 
 
 2607 
 The thought is the act in embryo. 
 
 2608 
 
 Great men speak of themselves with modesty, whilst 
 the nobodies prattle unceasingly in self-praise. 
 
 2609 
 
 Chew a cud if you must, but don t expect others to 
 enjoy it. 
 
 2610 
 
 If thou wouldst appoint thy neighbor s tasks, thou 
 shouldst be willing that he appoint thine. 
 
 2611 
 
 If a man ask of thee thy purse, ask of him security if 
 thou bestow it, lest he scorn thee for silliness. 
 
 283 
 
2612 
 
 If thou hast a good word for the world, give it ; and if 
 an unkind one, suppress it, though thou art consumed 
 with desire to speak and disappointment taunt thee. 
 
 2613 
 
 If thy feet travel in one direction and thy mind in 
 another, little of good is accomplished the house is 
 divided against itself. 
 
 2614 
 
 The everlastingness of thought! The most beautiful 
 flower will fade in a day, but a beautiful thought 
 brightens with age. 
 
 2615 
 
 It is not the education that is received from the 
 masters that lifts one man above another, but the 
 energy that he puts forth to lift himself. 
 
 2616 
 
 Light is the need of the world to search its darkest 
 corners and drive out mystery. 
 
 2617 
 
 The so-called plain people are ofttimes great people, 
 and upon them the nation rests in perilous times. 
 
 2618 
 
 The necessary thing to insure success seems to be the 
 ability to rise after defeat. 
 
 2619 
 
 If discernment were more general, fewer hints would 
 be necessary and fewer offenses given and taken. 
 
 2620 
 
 The health of the mind is paramount to all else, for 
 on mental health depends thy very life. 
 
 2621 
 
 Grumbling is not good for man nor woman. It destroys 
 peace and makes of the mind a wilderness, and dis 
 content is thy portion. 
 
 284 
 
2622 
 
 formula for acquiring great wealth has never 
 been divulged. Many surmise that luck plays a 
 more important part than industry, and guesses 
 have been made that reflect discredit on the possessors 
 and their secret methods. 
 
 2623 
 
 When thou takest a bride, O man, thou takest into 
 thy keeping God s daughter, and if thou art false to 
 thy vows thou art unworthy the gift. 
 
 2624 
 
 The substance of life unless it be spirit, what is it? 
 And if we answer spirit, so little know we that we 
 comprehend not the answer. 
 
 2625 
 
 The time is at hand when men acknowledge with 
 frankness that to define God is not man s privilege, 
 because of inability. 
 
 2626 
 
 The way to ruin is almost any direction that turns 
 from self-respect. 
 
 2627 
 
 A useful lesson and a sensible one is to study yourself 
 more than your neighbors, and with a better under 
 standing of yourself you will have a better under 
 standing of your neighbors. 
 
 2628 
 
 The best tonic for an indolent mind is a dose of ambi 
 tion self -administered. 
 
 2629 
 
 A hare s foot bring thee luck? Nay, the foot is more 
 lucky for the hare than for thee. 
 
 2630 
 
 When mud is splashed on thy garments, is thy body 
 injured ? Nay ; and when bad words are thrown at 
 thee thy soul may remain unspotted if thou art silent. 
 
 285 
 
2631 
 
 the crowd offend thee, seek the few with whom 
 thou canst exchange a thought. Thou shouldst 
 not live alone in a world of ideas, for thou canst 
 not gather them all thyself, and friends will assist 
 thee to many that would escape thee ; therefore it 
 is not profitable to live alone nor was it meant that 
 man should. 
 
 2632 
 
 A colony of blockheads does not necessarily evolve a 
 community of wooden men. There is progress every 
 where, and men may change with the age, despite 
 heredity. 
 
 2633 
 
 Much thinking may not lead to wisdom ; it may lead 
 to foolishness. It is right thinking that is helpful. 
 
 2634 
 
 If thou dost use tongue or pen to injure another, thou 
 art digging a ditch wherein to stumble. 
 
 2635 
 To find a good dog, look not amongst wolves. 
 
 2636 
 
 All that man knows and all that he is to know will 
 be written by man. 
 
 2637 
 
 The groans of a day, were they merged into one, 
 would frighten all laughter away from human lips. 
 
 2638 
 Naked facts should blush to be clothed with shame. 
 
 2639 
 
 A Summer in the woods is a Summer with the gods, 
 who will share with thee many secrets. 
 
 2640 
 
 Go find liberty and when you have found her, do not 
 try to prevent others from finding her because of some 
 selfish end you may entertain. 
 
 286 
 
2641 
 Intemperate speech may come from a sober man. 
 
 2642 
 
 Embarrassing to all concerned a fortune without 
 decorum. 
 
 2643 
 
 The detestable habit of lying will fasten itself on any 
 one who makes familiar with it. 
 
 2644 
 
 Robust health and a robust mind should be insep 
 arable, and that they are not is a sorrow and a general 
 loss. 
 
 2645 
 
 A vile tongue is like a viper, breathing venom and 
 inciting hate. 
 
 2646 
 
 A bad temper is like a quarrelsome neighbor ; to hob 
 nob and live in peace is impossible. 
 
 2647 
 
 A man may be slow and not be behind the age, or he 
 may be fast and be obsolete. 
 
 2648 
 
 Labor is gain, but drudging is pain, from which the 
 people yearn for deliverance. 
 
 2649 
 
 O sleep ! thou art the savior of man and the helper of 
 every creature of earth. 
 
 2650 
 
 A pleasing countenance and a silver tongue thus 
 equipped the destroyer is doubly armed. 
 
 2651 
 
 A little smoke showeth the beginning, and the mighty 
 blaze showeth the end thus is it with public wrongs. 
 
 2652 
 The sweetness of life is sipped with the cup of death. 
 
 287 
 
2653 
 
 effect of clothes upon the mind is deplorable. 
 It consumes the very marrow of life to run 
 neck and neck with fashion, and to run behind 
 leaves one in the predicament of having tried and 
 failed. 
 
 2654 
 
 Despotism so delights in its power that civilization 
 despises it. 
 
 2655 
 
 Oh, haste the day when all men shall be weaned from 
 evil for their gain, for every doer of evil lessens the 
 sum of human happiness. 
 
 2656 
 
 A broad stream flows between right and wrong, and 
 people on both sides are continually wading in and out. 
 
 2657 
 
 Fling from thee the thought that man is born to live 
 forever upon the footstool when evolution will exalt 
 him. 
 
 2658 
 
 No more heed should be given the words of the prince 
 than of the plowman, except as the wisdom of one 
 exceeds that of the other. 
 
 2659 
 
 Mind should regulate the body and make of it a 
 willing servant. 
 
 2660 
 
 How can he who is false to himself be true to his 
 friends ! 
 
 2661 
 
 The faults of a friend should not be trumpeted and 
 our own concealed. 
 
 2662 
 
 When thy conscience speaks listen ; it hath something 
 to say for thy benefit. 
 
 288 
 
2663 
 
 stolidity of unthinking men when confronted 
 with fresh discoveries is ever a perplexing and 
 formidable barrier between themselves and 
 the educators, which tends to shut the former away 
 from the new and force them further into the past. 
 
 2664 
 
 A long life is not promised to a young man ; such 
 knowledge might increase his vices and diminish his 
 virtues by the postponement of virtuous practises 
 till near the end. 
 
 2665 
 The slowest place on earth is always behind time. 
 
 2666 
 
 When God s word is written it will contain all of 
 truth. 
 
 2667 
 
 The reading of many books is well when working many 
 days, but the reading of many books is fraught with 
 some danger when no energy is put forth to idealize 
 the reading. 
 
 2668 
 
 How can the upper stone in the structure stand if the 
 nether is removed, and of what use is the nether if 
 another is not raised above it society is builded thus 
 of brawn and brain ! 
 
 2669 
 
 Go thine own pace when walking with a knave, not 
 his. 
 
 2670 
 
 Do not cry if the world frowns, if you have done your 
 best. 
 
 2671 
 
 The way to disarm bad fortune is to meet it like a 
 friend. 
 
 2672 
 
 The world is severe collectively, but individually it 
 is lenient toward thy faults. 
 
 289 
 
2673 
 
 Put a little commonsense into the daily ration if you 
 wish to keep in good health. 
 
 2674 
 
 There is a difference between the rose and the lily 
 in form and in color, but who will say they are not 
 alike in the origin of their birth their source is the 
 one life. 
 
 2675 
 Man is neither as small nor as great as he thinks. 
 
 2676 
 
 If you wish to find a student at his work, look for 
 solitude ; the mind works better in stillness than in 
 noise. 
 
 2677 
 
 Though truth sometimes stands in the shadow of 
 deceit, yet it can not be entirely overshadowed. 
 
 2678 
 
 Harken to the words of experience ; whilst they may 
 not save thee entire, they may prevent thy death, 
 moral and physical. 
 
 2679 
 
 Gone is yesterday, but now is here ; so let it be filled 
 to the utmost, that when it departs regrets go not 
 with it. 
 
 2680 
 Vice is not noisier than virtue when it prates. 
 
 2681 
 Keep the mind above the body at all times. 
 
 2682 
 What can one do who is chained to the past but die? 
 
 2683 
 To affirm success is a forerunner of success. 
 
 2684 
 Fall in line when the rulers are marching heavenward. 
 
 290 
 
2685 
 the approach of the night let peace approach 
 
 anc * s ^ eep not w i tn a thought of hatred 
 against man, woman or child of whatsoever 
 race, color or condition of life. If thou dost this, 
 whether thou be Christian or Pagan, thou hast naught 
 to fear from the God of Love. 
 
 2686 
 
 If thy thoughts be unclean, filter them as thou wouldst 
 unclean water, or they will poison thee. 
 
 2687 
 
 The chicanery amongst neighbors is as flagrant as the 
 chicanery amongst rogues : there is honor and dis 
 honor in all grades of society, whether walking the 
 respectable or the disreputable paths of life. 
 
 2688 
 
 Cast ye either good or evil thought or deed on the 
 waters of life, and after many days the good and the 
 evil will return unto thee. 
 
 2689 
 
 One way to control thy temper is to cry " mad dog " 
 and run away from it before it bites thee or thy 
 friends, as it surely will if left to run at large. 
 
 2690 
 
 Age commands respect when age respects itself; but 
 a vile tongue between shrunken lips calls only for pity. 
 
 2691 
 
 It is tiresome to wait for good to come when there is 
 no bow of promise. 
 
 2692 
 
 He that glorieth in another s downfall glorieth in his 
 own, for that which befalls one befalls all. 
 
 2693 
 
 Cage the murderer ; do not liberate him by killing, 
 if thou wouldst be rid of him. 
 
 291 
 
2694 
 
 Hold fast to that which elevates thee, and despise 
 not the helping hand of purity. 
 
 2695 
 
 Search for a perfect man, and by the image thou dost 
 place before thy mind s eye thine own image is 
 fashioned ; hence, searching for good benefits thee 
 more than searching for evil. 
 
 2696 
 
 Refinement is an inner rather than an external 
 quality. Fine plumage covers the ostrich, but that 
 does not refine him and prevent him from vicious 
 kicking. 
 
 2697 
 
 Does the African look black to God or the Caucasian 
 white? Methinks that righteousness is more than 
 skin-deep and that God judges righteously. 
 
 2698 
 
 Ambition wrongly directed leads to wormwood and 
 gall. 
 
 2699 
 
 To fight for a good cause may be pardonable, but to 
 fight for a bad cause is abominable. 
 
 2700 
 
 Step to the front if thou art faultless ; otherwise an 
 invitation is becoming. 
 
 2701 
 
 Candor may be brutal, and when it is, only brutality 
 will employ it. 
 
 2702 
 
 Let wicked words fall where they may, if thou art 
 guiltless they will not rest long on thee. 
 
 2703 
 
 Thou mayest pick up a crooked stick in the forest or 
 in the garden, but the task of straightening it may 
 bend thy back. 
 
 292 
 
2704 
 
 S joy makes glad it also makes sad the heart of 
 him who has lived to see that life is not unbroken 
 joy, that when he is rejoicing another is sor 
 rowing ; but he perceiveth that the emotions preserve 
 equilibrium and strengthen sympathy. 
 
 2705 
 Did the nobodies not blow their own horn, who would ? 
 
 2706 
 
 The better side of man is that which is turned toward 
 man. 
 
 2707 
 
 Renew thy faith by keeping the fire of hope bright, 
 and what thou desirest will be as a light ahead which 
 thou wilt strive to reach. 
 
 2708 
 
 Liberty is God s child, whom you should love with 
 all your heart. 
 
 2709 
 
 Close thy lips and thy ears so tight that no ill pass 
 them. 
 
 2710 
 
 It is fitting that men should live nobly that they die 
 not ignobly. 
 
 2711 
 The beginning of sorrow is the beginning of light. 
 
 2712 
 Deceit answereth no good purpose in life. 
 
 2713 
 
 The perception of parents concerning their own off 
 spring seems much duller than concerning the off 
 spring of others. 
 
 2714 
 
 To jump over the moon were a great feat, but not so 
 great as to jump from earth to the Godhead the 
 night after death. 
 
 293 
 
2715 
 
 HIND a little square of the earth somewhere that 
 thou canst call thine own, strive for it, work for 
 it, and thou wilt become a better citizen than 
 he who has naught of the soil but that which clings 
 to his soles and his palms. Criminals rarely grow upon 
 their own land. 
 
 2716 
 
 However free the mind, the body is pinioned and can 
 not follow it. 
 
 2717 
 The making of a perfect man is the labor of eternity. 
 
 2718 
 
 The lash of inquiry has beaten many falsehoods into 
 truth. 
 
 2719 
 
 A little sense is difficult to conceal, although a great 
 deal can be hidden easily. 
 
 2720 
 
 Always think of thy deceased neighbor as in heaven, 
 and if thou must put any one in a less agreeable 
 place, put thyself there. 
 
 2721 
 
 Some one blunders every time the faults of another 
 are told. 
 
 2722 
 
 A barrel of money will not buy a pennyworth of brain, 
 though brain is the chief factor in making the barrel 
 of money. 
 
 2723 
 
 The passions of mankind when confined too long 
 explode savagely, and the destruction is heard with 
 alarm by the peaceful. 
 
 2724 
 
 A willingness to think, and not the capability such 
 is the condition of many, and these are drawn into 
 the whirlpool of foolishness as they drift along the 
 stream of novelty. 
 
 294 
 
2725 
 
 dare proclaim that he is ordained by God, 
 an< ^ that hi s brother is not, is bold indeed. 
 God has ordained that all shall obey the laws 
 of life and all men are equal before the law. 
 
 2726 
 The backbiters are the wolves of society. 
 
 2727 
 A dunce is bearable if he knows it. 
 
 2728 
 The noblest of all pursuits is the service of humanity. 
 
 2729 
 The defense of a nation is love of home. 
 
 2730 
 
 The meanest opinion thou holdest of another is not 
 too mean for another to hold of thee. 
 
 2731 
 
 The nearest approach to vice is the furthest from 
 virtue. 
 
 2732 
 The best part of life is that which is best spent. 
 
 2733 
 
 The hills and the valleys that science has traveled 
 make a long road, but there is no end in sight. 
 
 2734 
 
 Usually when one gives a piece of one s mind it is a 
 rough corner of no value. 
 
 2735 
 
 The last step in vice is alone the penalty must be 
 paid by the wrongdoer. 
 
 2736 
 
 Visions of wealth and visions of poverty : these mental 
 pictures, oftener than all others, appear to cautious 
 men urging them to labor and to save. 
 
 295 
 
2737 
 
 mayest love and honor the great and the 
 good of earth, but thou mayest not worship 
 them as men were wont to do in times past 
 before the age of print cleared the mind. Man born oi 
 woman may be thy helper, but not thy God. 
 
 2738 
 The thoughts of today are the history of tomorrow. 
 
 2739 
 
 He who objects to fine speech objects to fine manners. 
 
 2740 
 
 Alas, that the nation turn from the ways of simplicity 
 to the ways of duplicity, and cast aside the garments 
 of equality for kingly vestments ! 
 
 2741 
 
 On the wings of time cometh death, but who fears 
 whose life is holy ? 
 
 2742 
 
 As a man s gait indicates his physical direction, it 
 also points his mental direction. 
 
 2743 
 
 Scarcity of humor maketh a dull day, but an abun 
 dance maketh a quick one. 
 
 2744 
 
 Confidence in luck means confidence in illusion, 
 though it would seem that there are incoming and 
 outgoing tides upon which success rides. 
 
 2745 
 
 Boldness will carry a villain some distance, but for 
 sakes him at the door of justice. 
 
 2746 
 
 Murderers inflict more misery upon themselves than 
 they can upon their victims. It is easier to forget 
 wrong than to banish ghosts. 
 
 296 
 
2747 
 
 think or not to think admits of no argument, 
 but thou mayest not think my way nor I thy 
 way regarding the things beyond vision ; but 
 if thou thinkest well of me and I well of thee, our 
 thinking will bring us no evil, though our conclusions 
 lead us far apart. 
 
 2748 
 
 The caperings of poverty in the guise of wealth 
 who can describe them and not both laugh and cry? 
 
 2749 
 
 Mistake not refinement for indifference ; the unre 
 fined will rush in where delicacy forbids intrusion. 
 
 2750 
 
 Even the greatest mind can not do my thinking, but 
 may help me to think ; and though I may reject 
 valuable lessons, my mind has grown stronger trying 
 to discern truth. 
 
 2751 
 
 When imagination prompts the memory, what shall 
 the hearer call the story? 
 
 2752 
 
 Hold on to a new thought long enough to examine it 
 on every side and release it only when you discover 
 it possesses no fair side. 
 
 2753 
 
 The most pleasant of all earth dreams is the reunion of 
 families in the beyond, and sweet is the teaching that 
 promises the reality. 
 
 2754 
 
 It is righteous living rather than fantastic believing 
 that makes a man ready for the great reaper. 
 
 2755 
 
 Under thirty years of age a man is a novice, but 
 double thirty he should be an authority and so con 
 tinue without diminishing luster until evolution 
 relieves him and takes him onward. 
 
 297 
 
2756 
 
 earlier centuries daubers in lurid colors 
 attracted much attention to their pictures of 
 the hereafter ; but now the truer artist is come, 
 and in place of a blaze he is painting a flower ; and in 
 place of a devil is drawing a man ; instead of gilding is 
 spreading the greensward ; and where once was a 
 throne is now a garden, wherein men and women 
 move and talk and deport themselves rationally. 
 
 2757 
 
 A prince is he who leads an unpopular truth whom 
 posterity will crown king. 
 
 2758 
 
 As small as man is he hath a great work to do and 
 should get about it early. 
 
 2759 
 
 It is better to find thy place and keep it than to take 
 another s. Each has a niche, and t is the getting into 
 the wrong place that makes so much trouble, confusion 
 and failure. 
 
 2760 
 Hold nothing as trivial that is sacred to another. 
 
 298 
 
BOOK TEN 
 
2761 
 
 EN shudder at death ; but if 
 death never approached, men 
 would abhor one another in their 
 infirmity, and the world would not 
 progress with an enfeebled popu 
 lation and fixed notions. Every 
 new generation is prepared for 
 fresh thought that the removal of 
 a former generation has made 
 possible. The old branches are cut away when they no 
 longer bear fruit. 
 
 2762 
 
 It is rash to jump at a conclusion when time is 
 abundant. 
 
 2763 
 
 The favorite of fortune is not he who has most dollars, 
 but most sense. 
 
 2764 
 
 Impartial history can not be written, because his 
 torians are men. 
 
 2765 
 
 A cherished spot is where words of love have been 
 spoken. 
 
 2766 
 Nature colors thy every thought. 
 
 2767 
 
 Liberty is man s safety or his destruction just as 
 he useth it. 
 
 2768 
 
 Over-confidence destroys our sense of values and makes 
 us imagine that we are great when we are barely 
 acceptable. 
 
 2769 
 
 Rudeness of manner and harshness of speech are 
 unpleasant enough in the ignorant, but unpardon 
 able in the educated. 
 
 2770 
 Prying open secrets is as reprehensible as pilfering. 
 
 301 
 
2771 
 
 Buy what thou needest or earn it ; steal it never, or 
 it will curse thee in spite of pleading. 
 
 2772 
 
 The puniest falsehood may obtain so vigorous a 
 growth that it will choke the truth. T is like a noxious 
 weed whose rank growth uproots the delicate plant 
 beside it. 
 
 2773 
 
 The taming of a shrew is the instruction of the 
 ignorant. A wise woman is never a shrew. 
 
 2774 
 
 Feed thy soul, O mortal, if thou dost expect to save it 
 for future use. 
 
 2775 
 
 Be not ashamed to love all men be ashamed to hate 
 one. 
 
 2776 
 
 The last to come under the shadow of an angel wing 
 is vanity. 
 
 2777 
 Censure none if thou wouldst escape. 
 
 2778 
 
 Be not a common carrier of tales. It makes thee a 
 servant. 
 
 2779 
 
 Seek a place for thyself in the highest places and fit 
 thyself daily to occupy it wisely and beneficently. 
 
 2780 
 
 Labor is salvation without it mankind would be 
 lost. 
 
 2781 
 
 It is plain that life is a plan but he who can trace 
 it has not yet lived. 
 
 2782 
 
 Look not to riches for ease of mind unless thou hast 
 it now thou wouldst not have it then. 
 
 302 
 
2783 
 
 Do not pester your neighbor with disease talk ; if you 
 wish to help him and save yourself, talk health or 
 hold your peace. 
 
 2784 
 
 Expect no reward for thy good deeds it may come 
 and it may not come, but thy soul has been expanded 
 and that is enough. 
 
 2785 
 
 Practise not deceit, but feel all that you express of 
 pleasure or friendliness. 
 
 2786 
 Work, for the day is here. Rest, for the night is come. 
 
 2787 
 
 Fear approaches oftener than any other thought. Its 
 very persistency makes it a dangerous foe, and only 
 by constant vigilance can we protect ourselves from 
 its ravages. 
 
 2788 
 
 Hypocrisy is contemptible silence is not, and is 
 therefore preferable. 
 
 2789 
 
 If thou art truly great and not a pretender thou canst 
 not be tempted to depart from rectitude. 
 
 2790 
 
 Ferocity of manner frequently covers a cowardly 
 heart. 
 
 2791 
 
 When love and beauty clamor for expression, why 
 deny their appeal to abide with us? 
 
 2792 
 
 So hollow is hypocrisy that words rattle through it 
 like gravel through a cylinder and is all poured out 
 whilst sincerity is silently waiting its opportunity. 
 
 2793 
 
 The breath of God is upon us when we feel like doing 
 good and putting evil to flight. 
 
 303 
 
2794 
 
 ,OWLING along with swift steeds one beholds 
 only the most presentable portions of the homes 
 that line the way of life, but it is really the 
 backyards that tell the truer story of humanity. 
 
 2795 
 A flash of truth lighteth life s way. 
 
 2796 
 
 Sensuality slays its devotees there is no escaping 
 from the clutches of this monster. 
 
 2797 
 
 The little that man knows of himself makes him 
 desirous to learn more or nothing at all. 
 
 2798 
 
 Letters are the impress of thought and will outlive 
 the handwork of art. 
 
 2799 
 
 The weight of testimony is in favor of homes against 
 hostelries. From every point of view there can be no 
 other verdict. Is not the average man readier to 
 defend his home than an hotel? 
 
 2800 
 
 If a man neglect to return that which he borrows he 
 holds his honor cheap. 
 
 2801 
 
 Going from bad to worse might be likened to entering 
 a bear s den when the bear is at home and expect not 
 to get hurt. 
 
 2802 
 
 Hunger is not the cause of so much theft as covet- 
 ousness, which is not confined to the poor but takes 
 possession of the crowned head and the men of affairs. 
 
 2803 
 
 Beat a child and he may desert thee if not in person, 
 in heart. Any method of correction is preferable to 
 the lash, because the lash is a relic of servitude. 
 
 304 
 
2804 
 
 dead languages were essential to dead 
 peoples. T is the usefulness of language that 
 makes its possession valuable therefore a 
 living language is worth more than all dead tongues 
 because of utility. 
 
 2805 
 
 Failing to get dollars, a man may get sense 
 which is truly the need of mankind. 
 
 2806 
 
 The work of life is the discernment of the true from 
 the false. This is education. 
 
 2807 
 
 Give a cordial hand to a repentant and lead conver 
 sation into the future. 
 
 2808 
 
 A tithe of thy money is worth more to the needy 
 than a tithe of thy advice, however valuable, and 
 though this suggestion is very old it is novel to those 
 who have not acted upon it. 
 
 2809 
 Progress is labor, though labor may not be progress. 
 
 2810 
 
 If thou hast not a care over thy good name, few will 
 concern to preserve it. 
 
 2811 
 
 Candor is not thine to use at all times. It must be 
 reserved for suitable occasions. 
 
 2812 
 
 Rake over the dead past for a day and if thou dost 
 feel the better for it, thou art a singular being. 
 
 2813 
 
 A man for the people is he who strives to lift them 
 single-handed to a higher niche in life s temple with 
 out disturbing their various gods and religious beliefs. 
 
 305 
 
2814 
 
 more diligently in your own life for 
 defects than in another s. In this way you can 
 perform double public service, as you will be 
 attending to your own affairs and not meddling with 
 another s. 
 
 2815 
 
 A wicked man is he who desires freedom that he may 
 oppress. 
 
 2816 
 A little amusement is a tonic ; too much is an emetic. 
 
 2817 
 
 The final end of hate is inconceivable, but its direction 
 is darkness and misery. 
 
 2818 
 
 Select your friends with at least the care that you 
 would your household wares. 
 
 2819 
 
 Dance at a funeral if you dare, but be sure that your 
 reason therefor is not misunderstood. 
 
 2820 
 
 Enter not the church-door to pray for thy soul and 
 forget to pray for thy body, which is the temple of the 
 soul and holier than the place wherein thou prayest, 
 because not made by hands. 
 
 2821 
 
 Love must be sown, to be grown therefore expect 
 not a crop of love if your heart is barren. 
 
 2822 
 
 A whining child needs not so much correcting as 
 directing. 
 
 2823 
 
 A distinct note in the scale of being is sounded when 
 the human voice reaches the keynote of love. 
 
 2824 
 If everybody hesitated what would become of progress ? 
 
 306 
 
2825 
 
 carping of critics has wounded genius more 
 than aught else. Mediocrity is less injured be- 
 cause less sensitive. A cruel thrust does not 
 quicken genius nor is this the critic s desire. Genius 
 needs encouragement. T is mediocrity that pushes to 
 the front unassisted and unasked. 
 
 2826 
 
 Look to yourself for aid when your predicament is 
 of your own making. 
 
 2827 
 Though sin may appear strong it is ever weak. 
 
 2828 
 
 The pain of parting should make holy the hour 
 companionship. 
 
 2829 
 
 At the bidding of love homely things become beautiful 
 and old things become new. 
 
 2830 
 Love strikes no blow except in defense of its own. 
 
 2831 
 It requires more skill to mend a lie than to make one. 
 
 2832 
 
 The vanity of the vain inspires them to littleness 
 rather than greatness. 
 
 2833 
 
 Be kind to thyself ; this is the reverse of selfishness, for 
 all thy acts must be good and thy appetites temperate. 
 
 2834 
 The secret of contentment is hope. 
 
 2835 
 
 How can a cheat be happy, and when is a beggar rich ? 
 Honesty and industry are the only roads that lead to 
 happiness and ease. 
 
 307 
 
2836 
 
 thou voice the words of the dead, voice also 
 the thoughts of the living, for unto every 
 generation is given its thinkers, and the past is 
 fraught with less for the present than the present for 
 the present. 
 
 2837 
 
 One need not go to the bottom of the sea to catch a 
 fish. Truth sometimes lieth near the surface of things. 
 
 2838 
 Laying claim to integrity, exercise it constantly. 
 
 2839 
 
 Get into the way of giving thyself a lecture now and 
 then and spare thy neighbor. 
 
 2840 
 
 Fling the great things out of life and the little things 
 assume greater proportions. 
 
 2841 
 
 A playful rebuke is ofttimes more effective than a 
 severe one, because it has no sting. 
 
 2842 
 
 Thou mayest be content with thy surroundings, but 
 thou mayest not with thyself lest thou cease to 
 progress. 
 
 2843 
 
 It should be uphill all the way from birth to the open 
 door of the next world. The ascent is so gradual 
 that it is not perceptible. 
 
 2844 
 
 A coward with a bold look can accomplish much 
 when little is required. 
 
 2845 
 
 If the door of the next world opens to thy vision, close 
 not thine eyes, but peer as far in as thou canst and 
 tell what thou seest to them who would know. 
 
 308 
 
2846 
 
 ONLY in the degree that present thought is 
 binding to the future, is past thought binding 
 to the present ; and if this could be driven into 
 the sectarian s mentality, there might be less 
 quarreling over what is essential to salvation. 
 
 2847 
 
 To fight one s way to the front of public recognition 
 without assistance is heroic if nothing more. 
 
 2848 
 
 The homely flower that opens under thine own hand 
 bears a sweeter message to thee than strange bloom. 
 
 2849 
 
 A sure evidence of thy selfishness is the desire to have 
 more than thy neighbor. 
 
 2850 
 
 The human mind is shaping itself for the new 
 theology that hovers in the very atmosphere ready 
 to descend. And, O ye of little faith, can ye not 
 see that it is God s will being done on earth as 
 in heaven ? 
 
 2851 
 
 Be reticent when strangers question, lest they learn 
 of thee to thy harm. 
 
 2852 
 
 If there comes to thee a thought that pricks thy 
 conscience, it will pierce it deep and lasting if not 
 banished instantly. 
 
 2853 
 
 Lay not the cause of thy trouble to another and thou 
 wilt the sooner overcome it. 
 
 2854 
 
 Hope reacheth for the hand of love in the darkness 
 of sorrow s night, and if the world turneth away in 
 reproach it still puts forth a hand for some pitying 
 angel to clasp. 
 
 309 
 
2855 
 
 The easy bed giveth not always the most tranquil 
 rest. 
 
 2856 
 A little child is more instructive than a little adult. 
 
 2857 
 
 Snobbery can only be eradicated by the broadest 
 education inasmuch as narrow education cultivates 
 it and its attendant weakness and is the beginning 
 of decay. 
 
 2858 
 
 An angel with a flaming sword can not prevent 
 scandal from entering the gates of imprudence. 
 
 2859 
 
 The supremacy of the body over the mind leads to 
 the undoing of both. 
 
 2860 
 
 A fulfilment of God s love for man is permission to 
 die when he hath need and rise in the scale of life. 
 
 2861 
 
 The mind of man is a unit its subdivisions but a 
 wordy fancy. 
 
 2862 
 
 The fire in a man s soul burneth through great obsta 
 cles. 
 
 2863 
 
 What cleanseth the heart more thoroughly of vanity 
 than danger ! Then soft hands clasp roughest palms 
 with common thought. 
 
 2864 
 
 Every day an addition is made to the literature of the 
 world, but only now and then cometh a book stamped 
 immortal. 
 
 2865 
 
 The lioness naturally plays with her whelps, but not 
 with man ; and time spent by man in forcing Nature 
 to change her ways, the lioness properly resents. 
 
 310 
 
2866 
 
 If a man have opinions in a hostile camp, he had 
 better keep them than force them on unwilling ears. 
 
 2867 
 A frivolous life is a vexatious one. 
 
 2868 
 
 Truth will eventually overcome error, but not always 
 soon enough to save the slaughter of many who 
 perish whilst it gathers strength. 
 
 2869 
 
 The pleasure of giving pleasure is all the reward one 
 could wish. 
 
 2870 
 The steps unto heaven are acts of kindness. 
 
 2871 
 
 The greatest hindrance to spiritual progress is vener 
 ation of superstition. 
 
 2872 
 
 Hammer your own views on the anvil of common - 
 sense and temper them with love. 
 
 2873 
 
 Go to thy couch with love toward all, even thine 
 enemies, for in the silence of sleep thou mayest over 
 come them and master thyself. 
 
 2874 
 
 If you look for motives, outward forms and impressions 
 will impress you less. 
 
 2875 
 
 Hold this thought forever : if thy desire is more light, 
 it will always shine in thy soul with increasing 
 brilliance. 
 
 2876 
 
 Lo, gold is losing its power day by day, and there is 
 growing recognition of merit amongst them who have 
 balanced brains. 
 
 311 
 
2877 
 
 is a note of God in all that reacheth 
 mine ear, and in all that mine eye perceives 
 there is a semblance. The rose in its hidden 
 heart and the dewy wild blooms hold God close and 
 express to their limit love divine. 
 
 2878 
 
 How can one hold another and pour the truth down 
 him ? He would spew it up and curse. 
 
 2879 
 
 The sands of the sea and the rocky mountain- peaks 
 write for man their own scriptures. 
 
 2880 
 
 Do not tie yourself to the past nor present. Be free 
 to think, that you may be free to grow. 
 
 2881 
 
 Anything that makes thee wiser should make thee 
 better. 
 
 2882 
 
 Man looks upon the sun, moon and stars so often that 
 he ceases to marvel at their strange beauty, which 
 should always inspire him with awe and a worshipful 
 spirit. 
 
 2883 
 
 Regard with suspicion any man who would retard 
 your growth by hindering your thought. 
 
 2884 
 
 My fancy scare th as it will, but my imagination is 
 creative and that needs directing. 
 
 2885 
 
 It can scarcely be said that thought originates with 
 any man, but it is his if he can grasp it. 
 
 2886 
 
 Whosoever goeth to a fortune-teller for a fortune is 
 placed on the anticipative list, if nothing more. 
 
 312 
 
2887 
 The ends of justice trail a long way behind courts. 
 
 2888 
 Knowledge preacheth progression. 
 
 2889 
 
 In the icy Poles does God labor as diligently as in the 
 luxuriant tropic land to carry out his gigantic plan. 
 
 2890 
 
 Forward and backward backward and forward 
 swings the pendulum of success and failure. 
 
 2891 
 
 A man s religion may be as truly inherited as his 
 name, but his morals should be directed and his 
 tastes cultivated without reference to his inheritance. 
 
 2892 
 
 A great thought expressed in a shrill key impresses 
 us less than a low tone. 
 
 2893 
 
 Though a man inherits much from his parents he 
 inherits more from his country. It is difficult for a 
 great soul to manifest greatness in a narrow land. 
 
 2894 
 
 The crumbs from one man s table will spread a 
 banquet for another ; all wastefulness is wrong and 
 distribution right. 
 
 2895 
 
 Revenge is more terrible than a revolving blade 
 which slashes without mercy. 
 
 2896 
 
 Though a lisping child may utter wisdom at intervals, 
 none are accounted wise who have not had experience. 
 
 2897 
 
 The sweetest song does not always proceed from the 
 topmost boughs of the tree. 
 
 313 
 
2898 
 
 A haughty contempt for wrongdoing is commendable, 
 but a haughty contempt for the wrongdoer is censur 
 able. 
 
 2899 
 A warm coat may cover a frozen heart. 
 
 2900 
 
 Oh, would that truth were mighty to slay its antagonist 
 at the outset. 
 
 2901 
 
 The pursuit of money for personal power will land 
 the hunter at last in the ditch, but to pursue it for 
 noble purposes is praiseworthy. 
 
 2902 
 
 To catch a villain is not difficult, but to reform him 
 requires more than the machinery of the law. 
 
 2903 
 
 There be some of long memory and racy tongue ever 
 ready to accuse the reformer of insincerity if 
 unfortunately he may have slipped on the path of 
 rectitude. 
 
 2904 
 
 Though cut to the quick, pride does not fall before 
 duty, though vanity may sink with humiliation. 
 
 2905 
 
 I see not how God can be pleased or displeased by 
 what man may say or think, but I can see how man 
 can injure or benefit himself by his words and his 
 thoughts and especially by his deeds. 
 
 2906 
 
 Wise men are trying most to be just, though pious 
 men may be trying most to make converts. 
 
 2907 
 
 The people at large praise not God more than them 
 selves for that which they have, and the viewpoint 
 makes this appear right or wrong. 
 
 314 
 
2908 
 
 Thou canst not steal another s friend away and 
 escape the sharp stiletto of jealousy later. 
 
 2909 
 
 Pander to a man s vanity and he may despise thee 
 though he smile. 
 
 2910 
 The thirst of the mind is unquenchable. 
 
 2911 
 
 Whittle a stick to a point and it describes an unde 
 veloped mind. 
 
 2912 
 
 If ye desire a new heaven and a new earth, ye must 
 have new thoughts. 
 
 2913 
 
 Inasmuch as ye depart from sincerity ye depart 
 from honor. 
 
 2914 
 
 It were kinder to strangle affection ere it grows, than 
 to ask it to live with suspicion and jealousy. 
 
 2915 
 
 Wherefore a mind if not for use? Wherefore an arm 
 if not for use ? Wherefore anything if not useful to 
 round out and perfect the man? 
 
 2916 
 
 Of what use is a long life without good works? The 
 retention of the physical body for evil deeds maketh 
 the condition worse. 
 
 2917 
 
 One might as reasonably wager on the weight on a 
 hook before drawing in the line as to wager on a 
 future state because of some belief. 
 
 2918 
 
 Spontaneity of thought indicates neither shallowness 
 nor depth. The words and the man indicate more 
 than quickness or hesitancy of his speech. 
 
 315 
 
2919 
 
 search for one s affinity on earth would be to 
 search for the proverbial needle in the hay ; but 
 agreeable companionship may be met at the 
 first turning and the mistakes of the affinity-hunter 
 avoided. 
 
 2920 
 
 A rogue can be made a churchman easier than he can 
 be made an honest man. 
 
 2921 
 
 However ambitious, the possessor of a dull eye and 
 a witless tongue is heavily handicapped in the race 
 for public honors. 
 
 2922 
 Delay not thy salvation, which is soul cultivation. 
 
 2923 
 
 Without the change called death man is debarred the 
 pleasures of advanced worlds. 
 
 2924 
 
 A solecism may contain a lesson, and a barbarism 
 convey a truth. 
 
 2925 
 There is little of worth contained in grumbling. 
 
 2926 
 
 Be gentle but not weak ; be firm but not stubborn ; 
 be positive but not obdurate; be cautious but not 
 cowardly ; be direct but not harsh. 
 
 2927 
 
 The loudest complaint is sometimes the least noticed 
 and the last relieved. 
 
 2928 
 
 The seamy side of your life should not be shown. It 
 offends the public and degrades yourself. 
 
 2929 
 
 Be content that you fret not, but be not so content 
 that you aspire not. 
 
 316 
 
2930 
 
 IF I am called a Christian the world knows little 
 of my true character ; if I am called by any 
 other religious name nothing is known of my 
 heart ; but if I am called righteous my life is then 
 known to all men of whatsoever belief. 
 
 2931 
 
 If thou hast an implacable enemy it is a sore hindrance 
 to thee and to him. 
 
 2932 
 
 Let there be a song in thy heart when thy hand 
 performeth either the chosen or the necessary work 
 of thy life. 
 
 2933 
 
 New truths can not be accurately measured by old 
 standards : new truth requires new theology. 
 
 2934 
 
 Alas, that the lords of creation are not all rulers of 
 themselves ! 
 
 2935 
 The place for egotism is behind itself. 
 
 2936 
 
 A thousand good deeds can not efface one bad deed. 
 On the book of life a thousand will stand to your 
 credit and one to your discredit. 
 
 2937 
 
 Small men are purchasable, but a great man is beyond 
 price. 
 
 2938 
 Genius blooms on strange stalks. 
 
 2939 
 
 When ambition is aroused after a long sleep it may 
 not desire to rest again. 
 
 2940 
 
 Capture a truth whenever you find it : it is thine to 
 hold. 
 
 317 
 
2941 
 
 The relation of age and wrinkles is perplexing to the 
 metaphysician. 
 
 2942 
 
 Measure not your achievements by the mediocrity of 
 one, but by the superiority of another. 
 
 2943 
 
 rlarai 
 
 and determination, and both are essential to success. 
 
 / I can and I will : this declaration embraces confidence 
 
 2944 
 
 Who are the ignorant ? They who know less than God, 
 and that is why all men sin in degree. 
 
 2945 
 
 Life is a bridge of sighs to those who cross the channel 
 of remorse. 
 
 2946 
 
 Over the mountains of science is rising the bright 
 assurance of immortality. 
 
 2947 
 To encourage truthfulness do not flog it. 
 
 2948 
 
 Eloquence can not gloss sin, though pleading may 
 protect it. 
 
 2949 
 
 Like an arrow from a hunter s bow comes thought 
 from the Infinite to the finite mind. 
 
 2950 
 
 If one in a hundred would cast out fear the ninety 
 and nine would be happier. 
 
 2951 
 
 Mercy ^ always shines in God s world, but grows dim 
 in man s when he wages injustice. 
 
 2952 
 When you meet applause question it. 
 
 318 
 
2953 
 
 keenest mentality can not penetrate the 
 mystery of the past and the future of man. His 
 earthly sojourn and a glimmer of the spirit 
 world must suffice him, but his beginning seemeth 
 more mysterious for the mind to contemplate than 
 his destiny. 
 
 2954 
 
 Listeners may hear no good of themselves, but they 
 may be much profited thereby if they be apt in 
 applying. 
 
 2955 
 
 Fill thy days with goodness and thy nights will be 
 free from fear. 
 
 2956 
 
 Dam up egotism and the stream of conversation 
 would run low. 
 
 2957 
 
 One may have cares and no growth, but one may not 
 have growth and no cares. 
 
 2958 
 
 Love, we say, is the most precious of human attri 
 butes. Hence we reason that God is love. 
 
 2959 
 Without continuity of thought the mind is in tatters. 
 
 2960 
 
 When one is searching for truth one has no time to 
 hate. 
 
 2961 
 
 On account of limitation ignorance fails to under 
 stand intelligence. 
 
 2962 
 
 Should we find a little flaw in another, how can we 
 blazon it and be flawless? 
 
 2963 
 
 A dilemma : the hands full of money and the feet in 
 the grave. 
 
 319 
 
2964 
 
 If thou art superior thou wilt lift thyself above the 
 inferior. 
 
 2965 
 Laugh wherever you go and the way is cheerful. 
 
 2966 
 
 Thou canst be happy in a barren house, but only 
 miserable in a barren mind ; therefore furnish thy 
 mind first. 
 
 2967 
 
 Oh, the pity that degenerates be born into this world 
 of men and women who know not how to regenerate 
 them! 
 
 2968 
 Hatred bringeth the hater into contempt. 
 
 2969 
 
 God, make Thou me to look with the eyes of a saint 
 and not with the eyes of a sinner ; then will I see only 
 Thee and rejoice. 
 
 2970 
 
 If the cord of friendship be severed, there is no tone, 
 however skilled, who can unite it without seam. 
 
 2971 
 
 A despondent mind makes surroundings of the same 
 hue. 
 
 2972 
 
 The sweetest tone in any language is that which 
 expresses love, and the harshest that which destroys it. 
 
 2973 
 
 Converse with thy soul occasionally and thou wilt 
 find the acquaintance not without material and 
 spiritual profit. 
 
 2974 
 
 What a wonderful and beautiful world does man 
 behold ; yet it is only one of countless numbers that 
 he may be destined to occupy in his upward journey 
 toward the goal of perfect being. 
 
 320 
 
2975 
 
 He who commits suicide will not find the boatman of 
 Charon awaiting him, but must journey alone in 
 darkness to the unknown land. 
 
 2976 
 
 Over-cultivation of the commercial instinct causeth 
 the artistic to subside. 
 
 2977 
 The world is a charnel-house of worldly failures. 
 
 2978 
 
 O God, no man is permitted to know Thee, but all may 
 love the giver of life. 
 
 2979 
 
 The moment we listen for praise vanity clamors for 
 admittance. 
 
 2980 
 
 A dangerous point is where decision and indecision 
 meet. 
 
 2981 
 
 When the thoughts are sad laughter runneth away, 
 for with gloom it perishes. 
 
 2982 
 
 The wind changes suddenly, and if it has been blow 
 ing a long time from the stormy quarter, it can not 
 be far to pleasant weather. 
 
 2983 
 
 Whenever you slip and fall, get up and take more 
 heed. 
 
 2984 
 
 Vanity rejoiceth much to display its possessions, but 
 is despondent when it hath naught to flaunt. 
 
 2985 
 
 Avoid precipitance unless there be urgent necessity. 
 It is not prudent to disturb a dog with a bone. 
 
 2986 
 Refinement is the kernel of decorum. 
 
 321 
 
2987 
 
 However keen the intellect and sharp the eye, if the 
 conscience be dull, man when weighed in the balance 
 will be found wanting. 
 
 2988 
 
 When the people have more religion than civilization 
 the love of God and man leaveth them. 
 
 2989 
 
 Sages will tell you that all they know has been 
 acquired by diligence, and that indolence never 
 acquired anything but failure. 
 
 2990 
 
 Everything that tends to widen the scope of human 
 vision should be received with applause. 
 
 322 
 
BOOK ELEVEN 
 
2991 
 
 ERY many gather at the gate of 
 sin to watch the people pass 
 through, and it is not uncommon 
 for one of the curious onlookers to 
 be pushed in with the crowd, 
 much to his surprise and chagrin. 
 But when once within the enclo 
 sure he is branded and carries the 
 felon s mark, whether or not his 
 mishap is the result of accident or intention. 
 
 2992 
 Untruth is the quintessence of evil. 
 
 2993 
 
 The least we can do for ourselves is to pray ; the most 
 we can do is to work. 
 
 2994 
 
 To walk on the edge of a cliff in the darkness is 
 perilous, but not more so than to walk on the narrow 
 edge of dishonesty with the yawning abyss of crime 
 below. 
 
 2995 
 The gateway that leads to heaven is nearer than death. 
 
 2996 
 
 The ability to read character is oftener the possession 
 of the rogue than the honest man. 
 
 2997 
 A Godlike attribute of woman is her patience. 
 
 2998 
 
 A thoughtful man guardeth his speech, but vacuity is 
 heard afar. 
 
 2999 
 
 Avoid pretense and pretenders if thou lovest thyself, 
 truly. 
 
 3000 
 The sun is the hope of the world. 
 
 325 
 
3001 
 
 QOT to go in when it rains is accounted foolish, 
 but when the storms of persecution beat 
 mercilessly on the world s most advanced 
 thinkers it is the fools who are first to seek the shelter 
 of old opinions. 
 
 3002 
 Persecution is the outcome of bigotry. 
 
 3003 
 
 To continue in evil when conscience warns is to stand 
 on a railroad-track and await the oncoming engine 
 of destruction. 
 
 3004 
 
 The dew of heaven waters the mellow heart of benev 
 olence that each day the white flowers of kindness 
 may bud and blossom for some needy soul. 
 
 3005 
 
 When we look to the gay and heartless world for 
 sympathy we receive its scorn. 
 
 3006 
 
 Whatsoever we may do to uplift ourselves we may 
 know that God attends our efforts. 
 
 3007 
 
 The finding of the truth is the work of the world, but 
 there are too many drones at present. 
 
 3008 
 
 Lean thoughts and lean minds belong to those who 
 exercise them least. 
 
 3009 
 
 Whatsoever may be your offense against humanity, 
 there must be opportunity to rise even though exe 
 cution be the penalty, but of the time required to 
 balance your account for outraging law only justice 
 knows. 
 
 3010 
 
 Boast not of thy ancestors ; the world judged them 
 long ago, it will judge thee now. 
 
 326 
 
3011 
 The unrest of today is the calm of tomorrow. 
 
 3012 
 Thrice welcome is a friend who comes rejoicing. 
 
 3013 
 
 He who labors from choice enjoys the work, but he 
 who labors without choice despises the work and the 
 director. 
 
 3014 
 Poverty is never kind and ofttimes cruel. 
 
 3015 
 Proclaim health, but never talk disease . 
 
 3016 
 Except a ruler be a lover of liberty he will oppress. 
 
 3017 
 
 Youth is not more pleasing than age. Is not the harvest 
 season as pleasant as the planting time? Is not the 
 full mind of maturity more satisfying than the empty 
 one of childhood ? 
 
 3018 
 
 Say not thou art too old to learn if it be thy desire. 
 Increase thy knowledge and extend thy strength to 
 the uttermost point. 
 
 3019 
 
 The noblest of patriots is he who goeth forth from the 
 heart s home without murmuring and without praise. 
 
 3020 
 
 Let go of prejudice, that thou mayest advance natu 
 rally. 
 
 3021 
 
 The plucking of thoughts from the mental garden will 
 give thee pleasure and profit. 
 
 3022 
 
 Injustice is the torment of mankind ; justice, the 
 consolation. 
 
 327 
 
3023 
 
 to be like thy neighbor, do those things that 
 bring thee naught but weariness? If thou 
 wouldst be at thy best, follow not thy neighbor 
 but set thine own pace, that health and usefulness 
 abide long to serve thyself and others faithfully. 
 
 3024 
 
 Fly from anger as thou wouldst before a storm to 
 keep thee whole, for as surely as passion overwhelm it 
 will destroy thee in part. 
 
 3025 
 
 If thou wilt thou mayest talk with thy spirit as with 
 a friend, and what thy reason may not declare thy 
 intuition may discern. 
 
 3026 
 Provide a man with wings and his peril increases. 
 
 3027 
 
 The safety of man is his progress : his danger is his 
 ignorance. 
 
 3028 
 
 Everything that comes to thee accept for thy enlight 
 enment. 
 
 3029 
 
 The day will come when the man below and the man 
 on high will converse with freedom and no one doubt. 
 
 3030 
 
 Every night should find you a little nearer the height 
 of your ambition. 
 
 3031 
 
 Oh, that simplicity and fashion would walk the world 
 hand in hand evermore ! 
 
 3032 
 
 Depart not from thine own conclusions of what is 
 right and what is wrong to please the king himself. 
 
 3033 
 Selfishness often prompts a lavish hand. 
 
 328 
 
3034 
 
 EOLLY says, " Risk thy whole fortune on one 
 turn." Reason says, " Risk only that thou 
 canst spare." But wisdom says, " Avoid the 
 game of chance as thou wouldst the tentacles of the 
 octopus if thou wouldst save thyself an untimely 
 end." 
 
 3035 
 
 Compulsion might be used with a friend, not with the 
 stranger. 
 
 3036 
 
 What have years to do with thee, O woman of eternity, 
 that thou shouldst spend thy precious moments 
 bemoaning their departure? 
 
 3037 
 
 Clothe ideas simply, and they will be more pleasing ; 
 overloaded, they appear stilted. 
 
 3038 
 
 A layman hath as much authority to think as a 
 clergyman, and having more liberty it is the layman 
 that will think for the church in the Twentieth 
 Century and the clergy will follow the flock. 
 
 3039 
 
 Be not disturbed by what the great world may think 
 of thee if thou art at peace with thine own soul. 
 
 3040 
 
 If thou art looking for glory, look upward. If thy 
 career is downward, thou wilt miss it. 
 
 3041 
 
 Thinking is a man s inheritance of which only the 
 crafty would despoil him. 
 
 3042 
 
 If immortality be not true, why should men concern 
 one about another? If in a twinkling, life is o er, of 
 what avail to struggle against the current? It is faith 
 in immortality that makes men strive. 
 
 329 
 
3043 
 
 GLIMB as high as you can you can not reach 
 your ideal in art or literature, and me thinks 
 there will ever be a niche above thy head even 
 in the worlds to come through which thou mayest 
 pass on thy journey in quest of perfection. 
 
 3044 
 Alas ! Infallibility is not man s inheritance. 
 
 3045 
 Thou mayest drive an ox, but it is wiser to lead a man. 
 
 3046 
 
 Evolution is a snail s pace : revolution the rush of a 
 mad elephant. 
 
 3047 
 
 When a man has charity for his own misdeeds and 
 none for his neighbor s, what shall be said of him? 
 
 3048 
 
 What can be more offensive than laudation of one s 
 self to the exclusion of all others ? 
 
 3049 
 
 Fear not, revengeful man, that natural law will not 
 punish the wrongdoer, whether it be thee or thy 
 enemy. 
 
 3050 
 
 The brain is the meter which registers every thought 
 that passes through it. 
 
 3051 
 
 It seemeth not true that each man individually builds 
 his own body, but that a thousand, yea, ten thousand 
 minds or forces, have a formative influence in the 
 building of the spirit s temple. 
 
 3052 
 Whithersoever thou goest let peace go with thee. 
 
 3053 
 Faith hath no sight, but hope guides. 
 
 330 
 
3054 
 
 GOD forbid that any man say to his brother, 
 " Thou art doomed to eternal torment, whilst 
 I will inherit bliss because of my little man- 
 fashioned belief of puny conception" ; but if he sayeth 
 it, have mercy upon him. for he lacketh understanding. 
 
 3055 
 
 Thou mayest find beautiful blossoms in the common 
 est gardens : so in the human garden, some lovely 
 characters will be found in poorest soil and miserable 
 surroundings. 
 
 3056 
 
 If thou be light in thy mind thou will be in thy 
 countenance. 
 
 3057 
 
 The highest compliment bestowed upon modesty is 
 not flattery. 
 
 3058 
 
 Labor serves itself worst when its work is badly done, 
 and serves itself best when its work is well done. 
 
 3059 
 
 If the heart seize a fallacy it will cherish it longer 
 than the head. 
 
 3060 
 
 Mourn with the mourner if you choose, but it were 
 better to smile than to cry and thus lift the veil of woe. 
 
 3061 
 
 To catch a thief does not reform him : society is only 
 temporarily relieved of a degenerate. 
 
 3062 
 
 If thou be insulted, thou canst turn away without 
 other than imaginary harm. Not so if thou retaliate : 
 then thou fallest and bringest evil to thyself. 
 
 3063 
 
 If thy heart is fixed on doing good, thou wilt find life 
 bright if there is no other life around thee. 
 
 331 
 
3064 
 
 sons of toil are needful so are the sons that 
 direct the toilers. There is a middle line to 
 which they must move : when each serves the 
 other, there can be no bone of contention over which 
 to fight. 
 
 3065 
 
 It is good to dance, it is good to sing, and if thou 
 canst do these things when the sun is high, it is better 
 than when darkness prevails. 
 
 3066 
 
 Water is God s offering to man ; rum is man s offering 
 to man: the difference in the effects bespeaks the 
 richness of the one and the meanness of the other. 
 
 3067 
 
 Dim is the lamp of ignorance, brilliant the light of 
 knowledge. 
 
 3068 
 
 Fear will usurp the throne of reason if permitted. 
 
 3069 
 
 A gray morning may prepare a golden evening. 
 
 3070 
 
 Beauty without good sense is as disappointing as a 
 rose without fragrance. 
 
 3071 
 
 Would I live forever? Yea, but not on this beautiful 
 earth, but in a fairer world of light, life and intelligence, 
 and then in a higher and a higher and so up forever. 
 
 3072 
 
 Confide in a fool if you dare and your plans will 
 vanish in air. 
 
 3073 
 The joy of life is in the mind. 
 
 3074 
 
 Such as harken unto prophecy should forget not 
 that there are false prophets among the true. 
 
 332 
 
3075 
 How can a man do right if he think wrong ? 
 
 3076 
 The prelude of sin is inclination. 
 
 3077 
 
 The finding of a flawless character is doubtful, and 
 hunting for flaws is neither commendable nor profit 
 able, however much it may gratify the hunter. 
 
 3078 
 
 Training the young to clear thinking is part of the 
 nation s work in the nation s schoolhouses. 
 
 3079 
 
 Is not the truth more precious than thy merchandise ? 
 And is not lying more harmful for thee than losing it? 
 
 3080 
 
 In the fulness of time man will reign over himself, 
 and then prison-houses will be turned into curiosity- 
 shops wherein are exhibited the devices of a semi- 
 civilized people to maintain order. 
 
 3081 
 The sequel of ambition is progression. 
 
 3082 
 
 If trying to get somewhere, when first choice fails, 
 do not refuse the second. If the bridge is gone, find a 
 boat. 
 
 3083 
 Labor not to be called wise, but to increase knowledge. 
 
 3084 
 
 O ye that are idle, can ye not find some work to do 
 that will entitle thee to be called the children of 
 perpetual motion? 
 
 3085 
 
 Rock me gently, dear mother of Nature, that I fall 
 not out of my cradle of experience and die young, for 
 it is meant that I grow wise ere I depart. 
 
 333 
 
3086 
 
 a traveler with a donkey meet a traveler 
 without a donkey, he need not divide the 
 donkey in twain nor dismount and walk. Let 
 commonsense direct thy philanthropy, that all be 
 benefited and none injured. 
 
 3087 
 
 Let the light of thine own countenance brighten some 
 sorrowful visage. 
 
 3088 
 
 The strenuous life slays, therefore the strenuous life 
 will have its day and be no more, for the man is 
 greater than all else and must be saved. 
 
 3089 
 The benefits of giving increase with years. 
 
 3090 
 
 Double your speed when the devil is behind ; slacken 
 it when he is ahead. 
 
 3091 
 
 The little we know of God should make us modest 
 about dogmatizing. 
 
 3092 
 
 The theft of thy goods is not so serious as the theft of 
 thy character, yet in man s world the offense is 
 meted a heavier punishment. 
 
 334 
 
BOOK TWELVE 
 
3093 
 
 HAT think ye of the man whose 
 conception of God is this : A music- 
 master with a gigantic choir and 
 a song extending through all 
 eternity ? Or this : A magistrate 
 sitting in judgment on the unfor 
 tunate, and a son in the capacity 
 of an attorney ? Or this : A 
 
 monarch on a white throne, with countless attendants 
 
 in waiting ? Think ye not such pictures a mockery and 
 
 a reviling of Divinity ? 
 
 3094 
 
 Men must always grope, because ahead of them there 
 
 is something unfamiliar. 
 
 3095 
 
 One may laugh every hour of the day and not grow 
 weary, but one may not cry. 
 
 3096 
 
 Whoever gives thee a good thought is thy friend and 
 helper though thou disdain. 
 
 3097 
 
 The rustling of conscience is the breathing of good 
 within. 
 
 3098 
 
 I shall have found the supreme one when I shall have 
 found first cause. 
 
 3099 
 
 The life that upholds thee upholds me then why should 
 there be contention, e en though we see not with the 
 same eye and think not with the same mind ? 
 
 3100 
 
 Low instincts disregard rank and station. They 
 appear everywhere. 
 
 3101 
 
 Be resigned to natural law, but struggle against 
 men s infliction with all thy strength. 
 
 337 
 
3102 
 
 A prince and a beggar have points in common : 
 wanting much, bestowing little or nothing, and 
 working not at all. 
 
 3103 
 
 We can not crowd down a brother or sister without 
 crowding down ourselves. The very act lowers us 
 perchance below their level. 
 
 3104 
 
 If thou hast an unkind thought in thy mind, it is 
 cumbering it foolishly. 
 
 3105 
 
 Evolution does not confine its work to six days ; 
 having time, it labors toward perfection slowly. 
 
 3106 
 
 Truth never runs from man, but man runs from 
 truth and is called devout. 
 
 3107 
 With righteous desire mingle expectancy. 
 
 3108 
 "\ When there is patience there is forgiveness. 
 
 3109 
 
 The truth from any source to go forth with this 
 thought banishes prejudice and gives promise of a 
 greater abundance. 
 
 3110 
 
 We say that a dog is intelligent, so say we of a man ; 
 but we say of a man that he is intellectual, but not 
 so say we of a dog. 
 
 3111 
 Where there is scorn there is hatred. 
 
 3112 
 Caution is sometimes cowardice. 
 
 3113 
 
 The theologian can not interpret God. The infidel 
 does not try, and this seems all the difference in them. 
 
 338 
 
3114 
 
 is no finality to customs : the usages of 
 today are the conditions of tomorrow ; the 
 evolution of manners will in time lead to kind 
 ness, sincerity and refinement ; and selfishness, deceit 
 and veneer will belong to the vulgarity of the past. 
 
 3115 
 
 Labor to some definite end ; thou mayest as well be 
 idle as to run aimlessly. 
 
 3116 
 
 Confess your faults to yourself, that you may learn 
 them by name and dismiss at will. 
 
 3117 
 
 Whenever there is friendship there is leniency ; when 
 ever there is jealousy there is distrust. 
 
 3118 
 
 Man is a fragment of God. He is not all spirit nor all 
 matter : he is both, and it seemeth he must always be 
 thus to express individuality. 
 
 3119 
 
 Wonderful are the secrets that Nature will reveal to 
 him who pries. 
 
 3120 
 
 Fear no man s influence over thee thou art strong to 
 protect thyself. 
 
 3121 
 
 Reason is more precious than gold yea, than fine 
 gold and more to be cherished. 
 
 3122 
 
 The littlest among men desires to be himself rather 
 than another. Fortune he might exchange, but self 
 hood never. 
 
 3123 
 
 The beauty of life is perceived by the soul : the eye 
 seeth but the wrapping. 
 
 3124 
 Love to live and live to love, for that is the law. 
 
 339 
 
3125 
 
 Weakness cries for a savior; strength depends on 
 itself. 
 
 3126 
 
 Tie thyself to no man s anchor ; let out thine own 
 cable and watch and wait for opportunity. 
 
 3127 
 
 Cherish hope. Love desire. They are helps that will 
 buoy thee when the waters are deep. 
 
 3128 
 
 God help the insane ! They inspire only pity and fear 
 in man. 
 
 3129 
 
 The relation of matter to mind and mind to matter 
 is unknowable. To say that all is mind is like saying 
 that the seed is the apple. 
 
 3130 
 
 It is as easy to quarrel as it is to meet, but who sayeth 
 it is good? Nay, it maketh of thee a very dragon s 
 tooth. 
 
 3131 
 
 The thought that stayeth most with thee is shaping 
 a cell for itself in thy physical brain. 
 
 3132 
 
 When thou goest a-fishing for ideas bring home only 
 thine own catch. 
 
 3133 
 
 Thou must keep thyself above thy traducer if thou 
 wouldst escape injury. 
 
 3134 
 
 If thy treasures are all of the material kind exchange 
 a portion for the spiritual kind, for it is only of the 
 latter that thou takest with thee to adorn thy new 
 home. 
 
 3135 
 
 If thou puttest God in heaven thou must also in hell, 
 for is He not in all and through all ? 
 
 340 
 
3136 
 
 gN idle knave may be served by a toiling fool, 
 or an idle fool may be served by a toiling knave, 
 but it were better that every man were justly 
 employed and that idleness, ignorance and knavery 
 were not. 
 
 3137 
 
 Go into the wildness to get that of which the town 
 robs thee. 
 
 3138 
 Spurn a lie that the truth may be presented. 
 
 3139 
 
 The speech of a worthless fellow hath not breath to 
 live. 
 
 3140 
 
 Find thy level and begin thy work. This is more 
 profitable than floating above thy capacity without 
 a foothold. 
 
 3141 
 
 Listen to a fool if thou choose, but remain firm if he 
 would persuade thee to become one. 
 
 3142 
 
 A man should not change his morals with his coat 
 unless he puts on a better one each time. 
 
 3143 
 Until thou art free from blemish be not boastful. 
 
 3144 
 
 To become serious is not to become wise. A man s 
 manner conveys many a falsehood. 
 
 3145 
 
 Is not the righteousness of a Jew as pleasing as the 
 righteousness of a Christian? Who dare preach that 
 the life is not of more concern than the religion ? 
 
 3146 
 
 The world is begging for strong men; of vain men 
 and weaklings there are too many. 
 
 341 
 
3147 
 Use candor with caution when at a loss for words. 
 
 3148 
 
 Methinks the wine of life will fill the cup of the 
 future to overflowing and that men will drink of it 
 great draughts that will make them stronger to 
 search for the truth. 
 
 3149 
 Few love their enemies, but many pity them. 
 
 3150 
 
 Judge another as you would judge yourself and the 
 judgment will be light. 
 
 3151 
 
 What hast thou done today to win merited praise, or 
 even to receive the approbation of thine own soul? 
 
 3152 
 
 If you keep your own mind clean you will be too busy 
 to look for dirt elsewhere. This ancient thought must 
 be repeated countless times before it becomes a truth 
 to the idler. 
 
 3153 
 
 Folly laughs loudest when it is most unchecked ; but 
 the gall and wormwood of the morrow it can not 
 escape. 
 
 3154 
 Nimble thoughts may make a quiet tongue. 
 
 3155 
 
 The road to poverty is not more beset with danger 
 than the road to wealth. 
 
 3156 
 
 Give me but a sip of love each day ; never a full cup, 
 lest I am surfeited. 
 
 3157 
 
 Recognize your blessings each day, but never name 
 your troubles. 
 
 3158 
 The heart of selfishness is egotism. 
 
 342 
 
3159 
 Suspense casts a shadow over the disk of hope. 
 
 3160 
 
 The willingness to die for one s country can only be 
 excelled by the desire to live for it. 
 
 3161 
 
 The day will come when the dishonest man will look 
 like a wart on the body politic, a disfiguring and 
 unwanted thing. 
 
 3162 
 
 As speaks the tongue should speak the heart, but 
 alas ! there be many who fear to let their hearts be 
 heard though the tongue roll in honey. 
 
 3163 
 
 The leaders of fashion what are they but the slaves 
 who dance for their master, the costumers? 
 
 3164 
 
 Take not refuge in weakness ; if that be thine infirmity 
 conquer it or die in the effort. 
 
 3165 
 
 As feeble as thou art, O man, thou art strong enough 
 to rise if thou hast desire, even unto paradise. 
 
 3166 
 
 It is difficult to love ourselves enough to keep from 
 doing wrong. 
 
 3167 
 
 No man need search for a fool until he has examined 
 himself. 
 
 3168 
 The hindrance to real progress is greed. 
 
 3169 
 The track of destiny lies across every life. 
 
 3170 
 The greatest prophet is but a fallible man. 
 
 343 
 
3171 
 
 great heart of Nature beats strong, and i1 
 thou wouldst be strong keep as close to her as 
 thou canst when earning thy daily bread; be 
 simple, be sincere, be honest, be faithful, and she will 
 love thee well and keep thee longer on earth. 
 
 3172 
 
 Our chief executive : a man but not a ruler ; a guide 
 but not a master ; serving but for a day to step aside 
 that another may be given the honor to lead a free 
 people onward. 
 
 3173 
 
 When a mind is centered on the great and immovable, 
 how can it move nimbly with the flippant and tem 
 poral ? 
 
 3174 
 
 A benevolent man does not squander, neither does he 
 give to impoverish : he bestows to strengthen the 
 hands of the needy. 
 
 3175 
 
 If thou perceivest a fault in thy friend s character help 
 to conceal it until mended as thou wouldst a rent in 
 a garment. 
 
 3176 
 
 Look ahead. The sunrise of tomorrow is more to thee 
 than the sunset of yesterday. 
 
 3177 
 
 The way to lasting wealth is not through avarice but 
 through generosity. 
 
 3178 
 Love thyself so much that thou canst not do wrong. 
 
 3179 
 
 Truth is ever triumphant whether or not error admits 
 it. 
 
 3180 
 
 Our Nation ! A land of luxury where the lowest may 
 rise to enjoy the best and be accorded the place won 
 by energy and ability. 
 
 344 
 
3181 
 
 A human life is a patchwork of experience neatly or 
 clumsily joined together. 
 
 3182 
 The mainstay of society is art. 
 
 3183 
 
 Would that we knew of God, that thou mightst tell me 
 and I thee of Him, but we know nothing and are 
 vain to pretend. We can only love and trust. 
 
 3184 
 
 If you are anxious to serve, strive for first place, but 
 if you desire to rule it is unbecoming. 
 
 3185 
 The uproar of traffic disturbs the muse. 
 
 3186 
 The light of the world, the illumined mind. 
 
 3187 
 An abundance of knowledge makes rich the man. 
 
 3188 
 
 Sin is ignorance, ignorance is limitation ; therefore to 
 sin is to miss that which our birthright bequeaths. 
 
 3189 
 
 Principles elude the careless. It is only the careful 
 searcher that discovers them. 
 
 3190 
 
 O imaginary hero, thou canst vanquish any foe in thy 
 silent dialogues, but art thou not too frequently 
 routed in real life to shout even in the chamber of 
 thought? 
 
 3191 
 
 On what can my soul subsist? Not on imperfection 
 and coarseness : it must have beauty or it droops. 
 Give it but a lily or a rose and it layeth hold of God s 
 hand and soars. 
 
 345 
 
3192 
 
 Have courage to think and be assured that none but 
 the selfish would prevent thee. 
 
 3193 
 
 In as much as we transgress the law in so much do we 
 enslave ourselves. 
 
 3194 
 
 Vanity bids thee follow thy neighbor in his extrava 
 gance and display, but pride commands thee to stand 
 as a rebuke to extravagance and ostentation. 
 
 3195 
 
 Better be slack in thy garb than in thy morals. The 
 one may subject thee to jeers, but the other will 
 bring thee to tears. 
 
 3196 
 
 If thou hast a counterpart in a star thou must soar 
 to find it. 
 
 3197 
 
 Truly there must be many mansions for many souls. 
 They could not all be housed together and harmony 
 prevail. 
 
 3198 
 
 Thou shouldst not sing thy love-song as thou wouldst 
 a war-chant, nor speak thy wooing as thou wouldst 
 declaim verse. Thy tones must fit thy words or thy 
 words will fail. 
 
 3199 
 
 There is no equality except that of spiritual and intel 
 lectual development. 
 
 3200 
 
 There is a little corner of society that longs only for 
 that which is of lasting value. The big center fights 
 for the ephemeral and is satisfied with clothes and 
 small things that shame the soul. 
 
 3201 
 
 Throw a protecting arm about me, Great Savior of 
 souls, that I turn in my orbit orderly and not drop 
 from my place. 
 
 346 
 
3202 
 
 If thou couldst compare thyself with an archangel of 
 wisdom thou wouldst never again condemn. 
 
 3203 
 Never invite defeat by doubting. 
 
 3204 
 
 There are as many gods as there are men, and as no 
 two men are alike there are no gods alike. 
 
 3205 
 Only great men love principles more than self. 
 
 3206 
 
 The sweetness of life is found most in kindness, one 
 to another. 
 
 3207 
 
 Thy conscience is not mine nor mine thine. Consider 
 this and be kind. 
 
 3208 
 
 The bitterest today is that which contains no hope 
 for the tomorrow. 
 
 3209 
 
 The shining sea and the troublous brook are as truly 
 witnesses of the oversoul as he who observes. 
 
 3210 
 
 Men and women despise themselves, else they could 
 not do despicable things. 
 
 3211 
 
 If thou art prone to bemoan circumstances thou 
 lackest time to better them. 
 
 3212 
 
 What know vain and foolish men of wisdom? Yet 
 we permit them to rule us. 
 
 3213 
 
 When I fill my days with earthly things they lack, 
 when I fill them with spiritual things they lack, but 
 when I share and share alike they are full. 
 
 347 
 
3214 
 
 The end of life is but the beginning. The portal of 
 death is the entrance to larger understanding. 
 
 3215 
 
 Happiness is mine and it is thine, but we must look 
 for it or it evades us. 
 
 3216 
 
 God loves all men alike, else He were not just ; but all 
 men do not love Him alike, hence the injustice. 
 
 3217 
 Begin thy reformation today by casting out prejudice. 
 
 3218 
 
 Thou mayest convince of wrong with love ; thou canst 
 not with hate. 
 
 3219 
 
 Be thou a star in thy community. Many stars light 
 the path and fewer be lost. 
 
 3220 
 
 Hold to thy faith in immortality however much thou 
 art buffeted by the thousand beliefs about thee. 
 
 3221 
 
 Let go of today when tomorrow comes, whether it be 
 joy or weeping. 
 
 3222 
 
 Not duty before pleasure, but duty with pleasure, will 
 make thy life of benefit to thee. 
 
 3223 
 
 They who jog along on the beaten track have an 
 easier time than they who beat the bush for truth, 
 but the latter know more of the country through 
 which they are going. 
 
 3224 
 
 To have a clear mind keep a clear conscience. 
 
 3225 
 A vision of truth is a vision of love. 
 
 348 
 
3226 
 
 Living is dying and dying is living : it is law and order. 
 
 3227 
 
 Life runs faster than most men can follow and run 
 straight. 
 
 3228 
 
 If love rules thy life thou hast nothing to fear, but 
 lust is the dragon that slays. 
 
 3229 
 
 If you have a hobby do not ride it to the injury of 
 others. 
 
 3230 
 
 In proportion as pride increases do vanity and petti 
 ness decrease. 
 
 3231 
 
 Make peace with thyself and thou art at peace with 
 all. 
 
 3232 
 
 Science is continually lowering the walls of super 
 stition and will eventually raze them to the ground. 
 
 3233 
 
 A nest of vipers in thy bosom is anger, malice and 
 hatred, and they will sting thee to death if warmed 
 therein. 
 
 3234 
 
 The imagination places God in a great light, the 
 adversary in darkness. 
 
 3235 
 Purity sweetens life. 
 
 3236 
 
 If thou wouldst save thyself from degradation, turn 
 from lust. 
 
 3237 
 
 A king is a man, a queen is a woman, raised not by 
 God above other men and women by talent, choice 
 or fitness. 
 
 3238 
 
 Tempt no man to fall, for that is thy shame. 
 
 349 
 
3239 
 
 XF thou thinkest that happiness will come from 
 external things, shut thyself with offensive 
 companionship in a palace which art has 
 perfectly adorned, and thou wilt declare that it is the 
 spirit that must be satisfied rather than the eye. 
 
 3240 
 
 Worship not gold nor despise it : work for it and use 
 it with wisdom. 
 
 3241 
 
 As glides the brook through the meadow, so glides 
 thought through a tranquil mind. As rushes a cataract 
 through the gorge, rushes confusion through a dis 
 turbed mind. 
 
 3242 
 
 It would seem that God is the kernel and man the 
 husk. 
 
 3243 
 
 Music, voice or string, can ease thy suffering when 
 thou findest the key. 
 
 3244 
 
 If the age of man be five times his growing time, 
 behold the threescore and ten years is not middle age. 
 
 3245 
 If any one smile at thee nothing is gained by frowning. 
 
 3246 
 
 Lean on thyself and if thou fall thou canst not blame 
 another. 
 
 3247 
 Some individuals thunder loud, but never strike. 
 
 3248 
 
 A man can find evil in the last place he is inclined to 
 look for it. Sin lurketh in every heart. 
 
 3249 
 
 Cover thyself with glory that is a brilliant robe but 
 seek it at the citadel of peace and not on bloody fields. 
 
 350 
 
3250 
 
 Why rush through life ? If you walk you will reach the 
 end too soon to accomplish your work. 
 
 3251 
 Just a little ahead of mercy dwells justice. 
 
 3252 
 
 Turn a plant always with the same side to the window 
 and observe the result and apply the lesson to thy 
 self. 
 
 3253 
 
 Is immortal youth possible ? Yea, as the flesh waxeth 
 old, the spirit will reclothe itself in a more beautiful 
 garment. 
 
 3254 
 
 Lamentable as it may appear to the theologian to 
 have evolution sweep away his dogmas, let him be 
 comforted it relieves him of much quibbling. 
 
 3255 
 
 A man is not quick to grasp the truth when weighted 
 with traditions. 
 
 3256 
 Evil, thy name is imperfection. 
 
 3257 
 Pardon an insult, but keep the lesson. 
 
 3258 
 
 Noble aspirations check ignoble desires and finally 
 the soul outgrows them. 
 
 3259 
 
 A single thought of wrong is a scratch on the delicate 
 surface of thy soul. 
 
 3260 
 Quick is adversity to point false friends. 
 
 3261 
 
 Hasten the day, O God, when all men shall be pos 
 sessed of reason. 
 
 351 
 
3262 
 
 Education is a mental candle, but one candle will not 
 illumine all of the mind s chambers. 
 
 3263 
 
 Thought fills the very universe : the under worlds 
 and the upper worlds are bathed in it. If a man catch 
 the thought of the upper worlds it is well with him. 
 
 3264 
 
 Gossiping about yourself and others is the highway 
 that common minds travel. 
 
 3265 
 
 Humanity knows nothing of Deity; yet it pretends 
 and quarrels about its countless conceptions. 
 
 3266 
 
 That which is within easy reach does not gratify the 
 ambitious. 
 
 3267 
 
 Ofttimes when God is ready man is not and so puts 
 from himself a profound truth that would serve to 
 carry him up a steep mountain of trouble. 
 
 352 
 
BOOK THIRTEEN 
 
3268 
 
 MAN can not conceive of God, 
 and why should he try? He can 
 only draw a colossal man-image 
 and wonder that his caricature 
 is not recognized by a brother 
 whose understanding and venera 
 tion reach a higher plane. Per 
 chance he may pray that his 
 brother may be made to see through 
 his little eye. Oh, the vanity of weak minds ! 
 
 3269 
 
 Let facts be simply told if at all and refrain from 
 adorning thyself with them. 
 
 3270 
 
 Be both merry and wise. Wisdom does not preclude 
 mirth. 
 
 3271 
 
 The lust of gain and the love of man are forever 
 separated. 
 
 3272 
 
 Boldly, as with an army behind thee, stand against 
 the invasion of thy morality. 
 
 3273 
 The extreme of caution develops fear. 
 
 3274 
 
 Consider the beautiful and the true, to banish the 
 ugly and the false. 
 
 3275 
 Rehearse virtues and faults will subside. 
 
 3276 
 
 Ye men and women of earth, if ye knew ye were 
 building yourselves by your thoughts, would ye not 
 change some of them ? 
 
 3277 
 Sin lieth as much in too much faith as too little. 
 
 355 
 
3278 
 
 It is not more dangerous to hover on the brink of 
 adversity than to scale the wall of prosperity. Either 
 state requires caution. 
 
 3279 
 
 Ten thousand men learn their lessons in ten thou 
 sand ways and in ten thousand varying lengths of 
 time. 
 
 3280 
 
 Season thy speech with love even when thou utterest 
 the sternest rebuke. 
 
 3281 
 
 Sarcasm is a sharp weapon, and he who uses it is most 
 hurt. 
 
 3282 
 
 Ever hold a vision before thine eyes of better things 
 to come : a cleaner heart, a brighter mind, a purer 
 soul, and such temporal blessings that will make thy 
 life an aid and not a hindrance to mankind. 
 
 3283 
 Fondle your faults and they will master you. 
 
 3284 
 
 If our hands were always filled with flowers we would 
 cease to love them. 
 
 3285 
 
 If thou wilfully break thy promises thou art blacken 
 ing thy character as none other can. 
 
 3286 
 
 The repose of an aroused consciousness differs much 
 from the repose of a slumbering consciousness. One 
 is thinking, the other is dreaming. 
 
 3287 
 
 Be kind to every living creature. This is cultivating 
 love and compassion and will heal thee of many 
 infirmities. 
 
 3288 
 
 Lack of love is a lack of God. 
 
 356 
 
3289 
 
 The saints of earth are often the most persecuted, and 
 the pioneers of more exalted thought the most mis 
 understood. 
 
 3290 
 A calm mind is a good health signal. 
 
 3291 
 
 Hold thyself against pessimism. Optimism is the] 
 blossom, pessimism the dead leaves of daily life/ 
 
 3292 
 Filter thy thoughts before putting them into words. 
 
 3293 
 
 Oh, for a deep purse to do a great work, says unselfish 
 ness. Oh, for a deep purse for my gratification, says 
 selfishness. 
 
 3294 
 The comfort of age is intellect. 
 
 3295 
 
 Belittle not the prattling babes of fashion ; they are 
 too small already, inasmuch as they are pleased with 
 their existence. 
 
 3296 
 
 Not in the annals of history has it been possible for a 
 man to avoid responsibilities and be remembered. 
 
 3297 
 A foretaste of heaven is right thinking. 
 
 3298 
 Write thine own bible and then compare it with others. 
 
 3299 
 Money is the solace of only the foolish. 
 
 3300 
 Labor for the truth it will elate thee. 
 
 3301 
 No truth becomes yours until you can assimilate it. 
 
 357 
 
3302 
 
 nET thy soul express itself, O man and O woman ! 
 Let it sing a glad song in the day, and let it 
 chant by night! With pen and with brush let 
 thy hand express thy visions and thy mouth utter 
 thy intuitions ! Rejoice and work ! Work and rejoice ! 
 
 3303 
 
 The news of today is history; tomorrow, therefore, 
 man s duty to the future man is grave. 
 
 3304 
 Great writers are longer loved than great fighters. 
 
 3305 
 
 The law of life is love, but the transgressors are count 
 less. 
 
 3306 
 
 A statesman without honesty of hand and purpose 
 is a national assassin. 
 
 3307 
 
 Beauty lieth everywhere, but if one does not per 
 ceive it, one may deny it, and so deceive. 
 
 3308 
 
 The suicide tampers with God s plan and therefore 
 meets suffering. 
 
 3309 
 
 Thou mayest purchase fine raiment for thy body, 
 but thy naked soul thou must clothe by thine own 
 labor. 
 
 3310 
 Sweeten life with compassion. 
 
 3311 
 
 Give us strength as of a mighty wall to stand against 
 corruption in high places, and let every honest voice 
 be raised in protest against pilfering from State moneys. 
 
 3312 
 
 If I am to live alway, my daily prayer is for more 
 light; with more light I need not so much help. 
 
 358 
 
3313 
 
 A ferocious temper indicates a weak will, for when the 
 will is strong the temper is smooth. 
 
 3314 
 
 Thou canst not lift thy voice against any vice suc 
 cessfully unless thou art free from it. 
 
 3315 
 
 Get into the harness today and work : idleness is the 
 foe of the republic. 
 
 3316 
 
 Give with a clean mind and a clean hand then thy 
 gift is not spoiled with a thought of gain. 
 
 3317 
 
 Hear thou my prayer and in kindness grant me truth, 
 which is that for which I pray. 
 
 3318 
 
 God hath writ thy life with a clear hand across the 
 starry firmament. 
 
 3319 
 
 They that strut are not exalted : t is but their way of 
 deceiving. 
 
 3320 
 
 A princely beggar and a beggarly prince is the exoteric 
 church. 
 
 3321 
 
 No one knows better than the hermit the value of 
 good company. 
 
 3322 
 Full deliverance from toil might make us indolent. 
 
 3323 
 
 Men travel far and wide to find the secret of happi 
 ness, but never return with it. 
 
 3324 
 
 The wicked prate more about injustice than the 
 righteous ; the slothful more about hard times than 
 the provident. 
 
 359 
 
3325 
 
 Those who duel are not admirable from any stand 
 point. 
 
 3326 
 
 To become great one must first be willing to become 
 small. 
 
 3327 
 
 When one is with the intelligent, argument is not 
 valueless ; but when with the ignorant it is. 
 
 3328 
 
 To love flowers is not always to possess them. Alas ! 
 the true lover s hand may be denied a clasp of their 
 beautiful forms and his eyes behold them only through 
 the florist s window. 
 
 3329 
 
 Where one is merciful many are not, therefore misery 
 abounds. 
 
 3330 
 
 When society becomes sufficiently intelligent it will 
 become respectable. 
 
 3331 
 
 As rises the lark on a dewy morn, so does my spirit 
 rise and sing. 
 
 3332 
 
 In imagination fly with me to the spheres where lust 
 is not and love is. 
 
 3333 
 
 If people were immersed in pure love, crime would 
 hide in shame, but while it laves in lust there is not 
 hope. 
 
 3334 
 
 In the great day of thyself God will give thee a plainer 
 view of thyself than of Himself. 
 
 3335 
 
 If God were a person He were not kind to permit so 
 much misery ; but if He is the spirit of growth the 
 mortal mind can reason with clearness concerning 
 many things. 
 
 360 
 
3336 
 
 <s "Tr" N the watches of the night and in the midday 
 no man is alone not one. The eye of the Spirit 
 ^ is upon him ever. Yea, a thousand spirit eyes 
 may witness his good and evil deeds and see them 
 recorded on his soul. 
 
 3337 
 Folklore moves the world even unto this day. 
 
 3338 
 
 Girt thee about with moral cleanliness, for thou art 
 at no time hid. 
 
 3339 
 
 Bestow a kind thought on every living creature if 
 thou wouldst possess thy soul whole. 
 
 3340 
 
 The moment a soul feels the need of truth it will cast 
 about for it. 
 
 3341 
 
 The equator is not nearer the center of the earth than 
 God is near man. 
 
 3342 
 
 When meeting a stranger heed what thy soul tells 
 thee of him. 
 
 3343 
 
 Past ages are lost to us : we see not back of our birth 
 except through history. 
 
 3344 
 
 The sunset and the sunrise are beautiful phenomena, 
 one suggesting activity and the other repose. 
 
 3345 
 
 The business of life is growing a soul, not for selfish 
 ness but for righteousness. 
 
 3346 
 
 The sighs and regrets that rise from the suicide s grave 
 are like unto the tolling of many bells, making their 
 coveted sleep a long and wakeful day of clanging 
 discords. 
 
 361 
 
3347 
 
 HE sun myths will always abide with us, because 
 they contain so much of truth. Hence Christmas 
 will ever be a day of rejoicing and giving, even 
 as it was under another name with the peoples of 
 most ancient nations. 
 
 3348 
 
 The temperate man may be the weak man. T is he 
 of strong desires and controlling will that is the strong 
 man. 
 
 3349 
 
 Society is an odd brew the substance lying between 
 the froth and the dregs. 
 
 3350 
 Popularity won with gold is scarce beyond contempt. 
 
 3351 
 
 With love pursue your work and it will not pursue 
 you. 
 
 3352 
 
 To be tied to a bad habit is like having one s boat 
 tied to a stake. Even with all sails set, there is no 
 progress. 
 
 3353 
 
 The sea is a great mother : she has cradled souls since 
 the beginning of man. 
 
 3354 
 
 Extreme virtue, like extreme vice, is hard of texture. 
 
 3355 
 
 The breathings of anger carry the poison of disease 
 around and about. 
 
 3356 
 
 Be up and about thy work ; be up and about thy play : 
 lag not and thou wilt enjoy both. 
 
 3357 
 
 Your attitude toward the brute creation is your 
 attitude toward God ; because if you have not a care 
 for His creatures, you have not true love for Him. 
 
 362 
 
3358 
 
 we look at the lily and the rose and the 
 fair bloom it is not alone the sense of sight and 
 smell that is gratified ; it is the spirit of the 
 flower that addresses our spirit, making us lift our 
 thoughts to the source which feedeth them and us 
 with life. 
 
 3359 
 
 If gloom envelop thee thou art in the fog of wrong 
 thinking and in danger of rocks and shoals. 
 
 3360 
 
 The truly good individual must be active. Inertia is 
 not goodness. 
 
 3361 
 
 Say to no man that he is a fool because thou thinkest 
 he is exercising a lesser degree of wisdom than thyself. 
 
 3362 
 The lessons of the day are many, but we neglect them. 
 
 3363 
 Fashion puts a yoke on every neck that bends to it. 
 
 3364 
 
 Life would be beautiful were it not ornamented with 
 the non-essentials that make it tawdry. 
 
 3365 
 In trying to kill time man kills himself. 
 
 3366 
 
 If a man love to be good it is not so much to his 
 credit as his pleasure that he is. 
 
 3367 
 
 The tree and the leaf, the bud and the bloom all 
 these in their unfoldment are helping God. 
 
 3368 
 
 The beauty of earth life is but a dim reflection of the 
 surrounding spirit realm. 
 
 363 
 
3369 
 
 ASKED a flower one Summer morn, 
 Just after it was newly born, 
 Why it had sprung up from the soil 
 
 Into a world of death and toil. 
 
 " Why don t you know, O tearful one, 
 
 That I adore the blessed sun? 
 
 And every kiss he gives to me 
 
 Do I return that I may be." 
 
 3370 
 If you dally with a knave, yourself you may enslave. 
 
 3371 
 
 Man stands as it were in the center of his own cir 
 cumference : the greater the man, the larger the cir 
 cumference. 
 
 3372 
 
 Failure to gather gold is not a sin ; failure to gather 
 wisdom is. 
 
 3373 
 
 God hath a work for every soul upon earth. If it is 
 neglected now it must be done later with less favor 
 able conditions. 
 
 3374 
 
 Do not attempt to make of idiots, Christians, Moham 
 medans or Rationalists ; be content to set them an 
 example of righteous living and be kind. 
 
 3375 
 
 There be many whose lives appear like the dwarfed 
 and twisted shrubs of Japan. 
 
 3376 
 
 Each church is fenced around and about with a creed 
 which only serves to shut out the light and the people. 
 
 3377 
 
 Waft unto me clean thoughts, O winds of heaven, and 
 blow from me those tainted with selfishness and unfair 
 ways. 
 
 364 
 
3378 
 
 seems passing strange that we of this time 
 shall at some distant day be called an ancient 
 people. We shall be pitied, laughed at and 
 copied, but God forbid that our vices live longer 
 than our virtues. 
 
 3379 
 
 Lamblike submission to environment was once a 
 sign of piety, but progress calls it lack of energy. 
 
 3380 
 
 Seek the shelter of kinship when the world doubts 
 thee : there must be one who will strengthen thy 
 courage and say to thee, "Despair not." 
 
 3381 
 
 Vocation has much to do in shaping character and 
 repressing naturalness. 
 
 3382 
 
 Pray that the hand of justice may not write against 
 thee. 
 
 3383 
 
 Poverty when newly encountered hath a rougher edge 
 for the virtuous than for the vicious. 
 
 3384 
 In order to be good a man may not have been bad. 
 
 3385 
 
 Pile not your woes upon another, even when requested 
 and advised to do so. Stand erect and they will 
 gradually fall off. 
 
 3386 
 Fear is the basest robber of mankind. 
 
 3387 
 
 Is the spectacle of a drunkard a hindrance to intem 
 perance, or is the example a hindrance to temperance? 
 The answer depends much on the standing of the man. 
 
 3388 
 Faith is a strengthener of patience. 
 
 365 
 
3389 
 
 Every child should be taught that his name is a 
 precious possession to guard ; that he must carry it 
 ever on a banner so high that all the world may see 
 that it is not tarnished. 
 
 3390 
 
 Somewhere in the world there is sympathy and love 
 for thee, though the spoken words may not reach thee 
 in thy needful hour. 
 
 3391 
 
 A headless specter is less to be feared than a headless 
 toiler. 
 
 3392 
 All that seemeth harsh is at last swallowed up in love. 
 
 3393 
 
 Thou who toucheth mine eyelids with sleep have a 
 care for my soul on its nightly journey. 
 
 3394 
 
 Foremost amongst men is not he who boasts his 
 righteousness, but he who doubts it. 
 
 3395 
 The highest point in life is the highest consciousness. 
 
 366 
 
BOOK FOURTEEN 
 
3396 
 
 [HE soul is like a mirror ; upon it 
 is reflected every act of the body, 
 whether it be good or evil, wise 
 or foolish. These reflections make 
 up the book of life, and we have 
 reason to think the exhibit may 
 cause us shame and confusion 
 when the leaves are turned in the 
 
 great day of our demise to ascertain our rightful 
 
 place in the abode of souls. 
 
 3397 
 
 Feed the hungry, even if they be ungrateful not in 
 numbers but singly. Turn no opportunity from thee 
 to be of service, for that is a measure of good that is 
 intended for thee. 
 
 3398 
 
 Thy language, O flower, is thy fragrance ; thy color is 
 thy song. 
 
 3399 
 
 The seedtime is now and so is the harvest: sowing 
 and reaping is daily work. 
 
 3400 
 
 Oh, the misery of the criminal, for whether he knows 
 it or not he has missed happiness. 
 
 3401 
 
 The road to freedom is upward and the way to slavery 
 downward. When this thought is filed in the mind 
 men will begin their own reformation. 
 
 3402 
 
 We prize the beauty of the rose today because it 
 fades tomorrow. 
 
 3403 
 The haste with which we judge makes us fallible. 
 
 3404 
 The finding of riches is the finding of thyself. 
 
 369 
 
3405 
 
 XT were said of a scholar that he knew so much 
 that his brain was too hard pressed to be useful, 
 and it sometimes happens that such men can 
 not turn around without spilling an idea that the 
 empty head appropriates and applies without grati 
 tude, acknowledgment or apology. 
 
 3406 
 
 Let thy daily prayer be peace, and with peace will 
 come harmony and with harmony health. 
 
 3407 
 
 A nimrod is an anomaly. T is woman s place to 
 nourish and not to slay. 
 
 3408 
 
 Love will bring to thee both joy and sorrow, but it is 
 divine and at last will overcome sorrow and leave thee 
 only joy. 
 
 3409 
 
 A rhapsody when the mind and the heart are in 
 harmony with the rhythmic universe. 
 
 3410 
 
 How tender the love of God ! He knoweth the tiniest 
 need and bends to it ; He heedeth the cry of the atom 
 and succoreth it. 
 
 3411 
 
 To dwell too much on the cost of things is not to 
 enjoy them. 
 
 3412 
 
 He that resorteth to unfair means, that falleth into 
 a rage, that sayeth falsely, measureth himself publicly. 
 
 3413 
 
 If thou fearest either man or beast, thou makest them 
 to hate thee. 
 
 3414 
 
 What a mean little thing is a lie, but like the gnat it 
 can sting. Yea, a lie is the gnat that stings the very 
 soul. 
 
 370 
 
3415 
 
 If Summer hath its lovers, so hath Winter. Love is 
 never absent. 
 
 3416 
 
 Economy is wise use of that which thou hast; it is 
 not penuriousness. 
 
 3417 
 
 When Cupid is controlled by commercialism he will 
 not long attend. 
 
 3418 
 
 Ten thousand fools can not equal one wise man, but 
 alas, when will the fools learn this and become wise ! 
 
 3419 
 
 Heed not man s prattle, but give ear when he speaketh 
 truth. 
 
 3420 
 If thou wouldst be well think well. 
 
 3421 
 
 War is in defiance of higher law, and the spectacle 
 makes a vale of tears. 
 
 3422 
 Be not swayed by impulse : wait till thy reason speaks. 
 
 3423 
 
 As the sweat of the slave has dripped in the cane- 
 brakes, so in degree to their intelligence do all men 
 suffer who toil only with their hands. It is the mind 
 alone that elevates. 
 
 3424 
 To touch sin but lightly scars thy memory. 
 
 3425 
 
 An evil deed can be hid from the physical eye, but 
 not from the spiritual eye. Yea, that seeth clearer 
 and never closes. 
 
 3426 
 
 There is poetry in every heart, though rhymes may 
 never be. 
 
 371 
 
3427 
 
 public does not think or care so much about 
 a man s antecedents as about him. Knowing 
 this it were wiser to look to himself for his 
 glory than to hang onto the coat-tail of his grandfather. 
 
 3428 
 The universe is quivering thought. 
 
 3429 
 Abundant faith increases happiness. 
 
 3430 
 
 If the primitive man were to meet the modern what 
 could he claim? 
 
 3431 
 The best end of a bargain is the honest end. 
 
 3432 
 
 The heat of battle is the cold of death. 
 
 3433 
 
 There be many whose whole lives are a-hunger for 
 instruction and yet they are denied time to appease it. 
 
 3434 
 
 Listen ! If thou art silent thou canst hear the Lord in 
 the garden of thy soul. Breathe not and He will speak. 
 
 3435 
 The majesty of divine law inspires me to obey. 
 
 3436 
 
 Love is God. 
 
 3437 
 Wait patiently for good and expect it. 
 
 3438 
 The universe is man s home. 
 
 3439 
 
 Be not submerged by floating opinions ; keep thy 
 individuality. It is God s gift to thee and not to be 
 lost. 
 
 372 
 
3440 
 
 God is speaking, says observation ; God hath spoken, 
 says theology. 
 
 3441 
 What art thou seeking, O man, in the sewers of life ? 
 
 3442 
 
 Keep a mental scout out that not a harmful thought 
 enter thy domain. 
 
 3443 
 Illiterate men may be soul wise. 
 
 3444 
 
 That which springeth up by the wayside we do not 
 admire and pass it by. It is our ideal that we most 
 love. 
 
 3445 
 At the end poverty is as kind as wealth. 
 
 3446 
 
 Wisdom is for thee if thou dost seek diligently ; but 
 it cometh not without persistent invitation. 
 
 3447 
 Though nations perish I am. 
 
 3448 
 
 The love-songs of the spheres are sweet to the attuned 
 ear. 
 
 3449 
 My strength increaseth with knowledge. 
 
 3450 
 
 There lieth at the bottom of all living trouble a 
 foundation of selfishness. 
 
 3451 
 Compassion weeps whilst cruelty laughs. 
 
 3452 
 Man is folded in the wings of Divine love. 
 
 3453 
 The measure of a man is himself. 
 
 373 
 
3454 
 
 That which proceedeth from thy soul is divine and 
 should be reverenced. 
 
 3455 
 
 The theater of life is one s own consciousness : there 
 all the comedy and tragedy is played to the / am who 
 applauds merit and deplores failures. 
 
 3456 
 
 Work and health are inseparable ; this should be 
 repeated until the world believes it. 
 
 3457 
 
 Love never fades nor dies it is divine its counterfeit 
 may that is human. 
 
 3458 
 
 A man may walk in the church all the days of his life 
 and be far from God, and a man may walk with God 
 all the days of his life and be far from the church. 
 
 3459 
 
 The universe sings with a sweet voice, Life is love 
 and love is life. 
 
 3460 
 
 If occasion require thee to express an opinion, do not 
 proclaim it truth. 
 
 3461 
 
 The span of time from youth to age is not a second of 
 the eternity man has entered. 
 
 3462 
 
 The problems that confront us are sky-high, therefore 
 we must look upward if we would compass them. 
 
 3463 
 
 The homing instinct is so strong in man that it 
 makes nations and saves them. 
 
 3464 
 
 Out of the remnants of the past do we try to piece a 
 modern garment, but the seams and the rents will 
 show. 
 
 374 
 
3465 
 
 If I shall see God in my flesh I must have perfect 
 health. 
 
 3466 
 The flower speaks its love through its fragrance. 
 
 3467 
 When we image beauty we shall have less ugliness. 
 
 3468 
 Bungling thought brings doubts and fears. 
 
 3469 
 Man s destiny is Godward. 
 
 3470 
 
 Every man is a miniature world revolving on its own 
 axis. 
 
 3471 
 
 Thou canst not kindle love with a frown nor warm 
 the heart with a cold word. 
 
 3472 
 
 The sweet breath of the violet telleth me of its 
 divinity. 
 
 3473 
 
 He that aspires must rise. He that aspires not must 
 fall. 
 
 3474 
 
 The sincerity and purity of your soul establish your 
 place in life. 
 
 3475 
 Annihilate hate with love. 
 
 3476 
 
 The literature of your own time is more needful to 
 thee than the literature of a past age. If thou canst 
 have but one, take the present and forego that of 
 past generations. 
 
 3477 
 
 If thou hast not enough love for all of God s creatures 
 thou art lacking. 
 
 375 
 
3478 
 If thy soul shine thou hast light to see thy way. 
 
 3479 
 Jealousy confines its attacks to superiority. 
 
 3480 
 He that breaketh a law but mars his life. 
 
 3481 
 No thought is profane that makes for truth. 
 
 3482 
 
 The thing that best pleases thee, occasionally do 
 without. It is discipline that overcomes disappoint 
 ment and trains the will, and the having or not having 
 will be non-essential. 
 
 3483 
 
 Lay not so much stress on your nearness to God as 
 on your kinship. 
 
 3484 
 Behind the shadows of life stands radiant love. 
 
 3485 
 
 All men are immersed in God s fountain of life to be 
 cleansed. 
 
 3486 
 
 If we would image heaven instead of hell we would 
 escape the latter. 
 
 3487 
 
 Freedom is the right to think and the right to express 
 thought. 
 
 3488 
 
 I am traveling toward God with joy and thanks 
 giving. 
 
 3489 
 
 Tenderness is a hero s prompter. 
 
 3490 
 
 To be secretive is not always wiser than to be com 
 municative. 
 
 376 
 
3491 
 
 OO not try to live your friend s life : live your own, 
 however much you be persuaded to ape another, 
 and free it from evil in your own way and 
 according to the light that shines within your own 
 soul. This gives you strength and your light increase th. 
 
 3492 
 
 New glimpses of truth are every whit as precious as 
 ancient visions, and yet moderns are too prone to 
 venerate the old and repudiate the new. 
 
 3493 
 
 The force of a word is not so much in itself as in the 
 speaker, and every utterer of the same carryeth a 
 difference of meaning. 
 
 3494 
 
 Let me but gain one clean, clear thought a day and I 
 must grow rich. 
 
 3495 
 
 Nothing keeps me from holiness but ignorance, 
 whether I be Pagan or Christian. 
 
 3496 
 
 Strange it is that men look for God ahead of them and 
 behind them and seldom beside them. 
 
 3497 
 
 If thou livest truly, thou livest ideally. If thou livest 
 falsely, thou livest meanly. Thy soul knoweth that 
 this is true. 
 
 3498 
 
 A fair and promising day may end in a night of woe. 
 Therefore boast not and be kind. 
 
 3499 
 
 Small lids will not cover large caldrons. Remember 
 this, O ye priests, when the truth begins to bubble. 
 
 3500 
 The fool s experience is the wise man s lesson. 
 
 377 
 
3501 
 
 God s only crown is Love, and so crowns He all men 
 if they will. 
 
 3502 
 
 Give me truth if it banish every creed that is or ever 
 has been. 
 
 3503 
 
 Manifold blessings follow the just and the unjust. 
 God loveth all men, but if man loveth not so much 
 himself as to be worthy his blessings they are as a 
 curse to him. 
 
 3504 
 Simplicity carries the key of true art. 
 
 3505 
 
 That no evil thought enter, write over the door of 
 thy heart, " Be thou pure." 
 
 3506 
 A big head may be an empty one. 
 
 3507 
 Experience is of no value if forgotten. 
 
 3508 
 
 If God be love preach no longer hell. 
 
 3509 
 
 When one smites thy heart-strings with discord turn 
 away. 
 
 3510 
 Keen humor is the whetstone of clever debate. 
 
 3511 
 
 The more said about freedom the better will men 
 understand that it is not solely the following of 
 personal inclination but the study of the collective 
 good. 
 
 3512 
 
 Great minds love simplicity as much as small minds 
 love ado. 
 
 378 
 
3513 
 Shout your diseases, if you must, but not in company. 
 
 3514 
 
 Though men are quickest moved to anger by trifles, 
 so are they moved to tears. 
 
 3515 
 
 Youth rushes not to destruction with more alacrity 
 than maturity. 
 
 3516 
 
 We shall have peace when we have universal under 
 standing. 
 
 3517 
 
 It is easy to die, because we know not how to live ; 
 but by living is not meant breathing. 
 
 3518 
 
 Unbidden thoughts like wild flowers leap from the 
 soil without our help. 
 
 3519 
 
 If thou hast occupied the guest-chamber, go not forth 
 with a flapping tongue to greet the curious. 
 
 3520 
 
 The musician is a painter, and to the mind is revealed 
 the tone picture. 
 
 3521 
 
 Refinement is a jewel worn by the rich and the poor, 
 the high and the low, the lettered and the unlettered, 
 and yet it is not so common as to be undervalued. 
 
 3522 
 Look not upon evil things with an evil thought. 
 
 3523 
 
 The sweetness of life depends as much upon the view 
 point as upon environment. 
 
 3524 
 
 No man loves misery, and yet he ofttimes seeks it 
 eagerly. 
 
 379 
 
3525 
 
 Little heed should be given a falsehood and it will 
 vanish, but with notice it will persecute thee by day 
 and affright thee by night. 
 
 3526 
 
 Not a man upon earth expects to lose his soul, and he 
 is wise in so thinking ; but what he may suffer through 
 wrong living may make him desire annihilation before 
 he is cleansed of his infirmities. 
 
 3527 
 
 Look not in thy neighbor s mind for filth nor yet in 
 thine own ; look only for cleanly thoughts and thou 
 wilt surely find them. 
 
 3528 
 
 The pride of the rich and the pride of the poor vary 
 neither in quality nor in degree when it rests on prin 
 ciple; but vanity may have a thousand quirks in a 
 thousand people. 
 
 3529 
 
 If criminals were as fearless to do right as to do wrong 
 greatness would be theirs. 
 
 3530 
 
 The lesson of the flowers is that they do the best they 
 can. 
 
 3531 
 Ingratitude beclouds the mind. 
 
 3532 
 
 When a man looks through the windows of his soul 
 he seeth things in a new light. 
 
 3533 
 Beware of the idle : they will rob thee of time. 
 
 3534 
 Repine not ; there is more to gain than thou hast lost. 
 
 3535 
 
 Purity become th both man and woman, the one not 
 more than the other when the sight is perfect. 
 
 380 
 
3536 
 
 running brooks and shady nooks and in the 
 majestic forest is the sacred stillness marred by 
 profanity and vulgarity of speech where it 
 would seem as if no thought save that of reverence 
 and admiration could be admitted to man s company. 
 
 3537 
 
 It is not difficult to attach meanings to ancient 
 figures of speech, but it is most difficult to attach the 
 original one. 
 
 3538 
 
 Many advocate honesty, but by their lives ye shall 
 know them whether they speak from conviction or 
 deception. 
 
 3539 
 
 It is no longer necessary to hide truth in riddles. It 
 can be spoken without deluging the land with blood, 
 and we thank thee, O God, and men. 
 
 3540 
 
 When thoughtlessness wounds to the quick, deep 
 love murmurs not. 
 
 3541 
 
 When the candle burns low in the socket of this life 
 one is being lighted in the next. 
 
 3542 
 
 How often is the unattainable sneered at by 
 inferiority ! 
 
 3543 
 
 See thyself not as thou art, but without blemish, as 
 this will tend to beautify. 
 
 3544 
 
 Science is plain and exact. It says what it means and 
 means what it says, but theology delights in confusion 
 of tongues. 
 
 3545 
 
 It were foolish to say that this planet hath received 
 more of truth than another. 
 
 381 
 
^ 3546 
 
 canst not entertain an ideal too lofty to 
 attain in time, and when that which thou 
 comprehendest today has been reached thou 
 canst see a loftier to which thou canst climb with 
 greater ease tomorrow, and on through the eons of 
 time this will be thy joyful task. 
 
 3547 
 Heaven is so small it can be found within itself. 
 
 3548 
 
 He who hath ears to hear does hear. 
 
 3549 
 
 Mysticism is not for this age, and the least use made 
 of it the swifter will be the mark toward mental 
 freedom. 
 
 3550 
 
 Plead not poverty in extenuation of wrongdoing. 
 The rich are as great rascals as the poor. It is a lack 
 of commonsense that makes rogues. 
 
 3551 
 
 Why lead thyself downward if thou desirest either 
 love or respect? 
 
 3552 
 
 Simplicity is the need of the hour ; complexity an evil 
 of society. 
 
 3553 
 
 The laborer bemoans the situation that he maketh 
 for himself through his ignorance. 
 
 3554 
 
 If you would have the world free from mummery, 
 repeat the old thought less and give the new more 
 consideration. 
 
 3555 
 
 Because a superstition is venerable, is that a reason 
 it is desirable? Do you admire senility more than 
 perspicuity ? 
 
 382 
 
3556 
 
 finding of a life companion should be the 
 most serious occupation of young men and 
 maidens, whereas too much is left to chance 
 and mammon, therefore the matrimonial yoke is 
 galling when two odd creatures pull two ways. 
 
 3557 
 
 Blessed is the peacemaker except when principle is 
 sacrificed to gain it. 
 
 3558 
 
 Ethics are not veiled in mysticism. T is superstition 
 that needs concealing. 
 
 3559 
 
 In fulness of time the earth is prepared for fulness 
 of thought. 
 
 3560 
 
 Spite can not escape its own blow : though aimed at 
 another, it wounds itself. 
 
 3561 
 
 Pay your debts and escape wrath, for as surely as a 
 man liveth he must be honest or suffer. 
 
 3562 
 
 T is in vain that we plead for wisdom if we do not 
 seek it. 
 
 3563 
 
 Verily, saith wisdom, ignorance is a weakling, not 
 knowing how to care for itself. 
 
 5364 
 
 Ninety -nine times, if need be, refuse an invitation to 
 debauch thyself, and the hundredth invitation will 
 not be so bold of approach. 
 
 3565 
 
 Lament not over the dead : they have taken a step 
 in progression. 
 
 3566 
 
 Give praise for every chastisement if it increaseth thy 
 understanding. 
 
 383 
 
3567 
 Intelligence cares less for display than ignorance. 
 
 3568 
 
 There is a difference between stubborness and firm 
 ness not always perceived. 
 
 3569 
 
 Man must work hard for science, but religions are for 
 the asking. 
 
 3570 
 
 Nature does not rob her children of her possessions ; 
 they rob one another. 
 
 3571 
 
 Everywhere there are evidences of life which declare 
 there is no death. 
 
 3572 
 One can do right and not act at all like one s teacher. 
 
 384 
 
BOOK FIFTEEN 
 
3573 
 
 HE hand of evolution is writing 
 in letters of fire on the mountain 
 sides ; in their craters are held the 
 lives of countless men and women 
 who pray in vain for a few more 
 days upon earth ere they are 
 licked up and cast out. We must 
 reason that all is well and that 
 which seemeth a tragedy is Divine law working in a 
 world of blind folk. 
 
 3574 
 
 If God is no respector of persons He loves the sinner 
 as well as He loves the righteous. The love is lacking 
 on man s side. 
 
 3575 
 A touch of sorrow makes thee more loved. 
 
 3576 
 
 In natural history who ever heard of a wise snake, 
 and why should the serpent be continued as the 
 symbol of wisdom in these days of understanding? 
 
 3577 
 Regret not, but be forewarned. 
 
 3578 
 The fealty of the few holds the many true. 
 
 3579 
 
 The extreme of vulgarity is unkindness, which is one 
 of the many names of ignorance. 
 
 3580 
 Away with all desire that would lower. 
 
 3581 
 Control circumstances to control destiny. 
 
 3582 
 
 Go not about with lines of despondency writ on thy 
 face to becloud hope, which is the great life-giver. 
 
 387 
 
3583 
 
 IF men would build their characters with as 
 much forethought and care as they build their 
 dwelling-houses, the general average of mankind 
 would be raised to the point where wrongdoers would 
 be too conspicuous to be comfortable. 
 
 3584 
 
 Ye men and women of earth, t is time ye sang with 
 a loud voice of cleanliness of mind and purity of body. 
 
 3585 
 
 In vain would I seek of men their religion, did I wish 
 to acquaint myself with their true natures. 
 
 3586 
 
 Life is so wondrous and so beautiful, pity t is that 
 more do not enjoy it instead of wasting it. 
 
 3587 
 
 Pure reason must be God s torch, the light of which 
 man hath not yet seen. 
 
 3588 
 
 Today religion must square with science or it is bound 
 to pass away. 
 
 3589 
 
 Harmony is thine if thou canst find it on the key 
 board of life. 
 
 3590 
 
 Listen to a story long when it hath a pleasing song ; 
 but when falls a word of spite, then the tale thy mind 
 will blight. 
 
 3591 
 
 No one should care what becomes of opinions, but 
 every one should care what becomes of truth. 
 
 3592 
 Reason and intuition the light of the world. 
 
 3593 
 
 Finally, brethren, cease to argue about your creeds and 
 mend you your ways. 
 
 388 
 
3594 
 
 romantic ideas of youth are realized where 
 men and women grow spiritual with increase of 
 years. To remain young the spirit must ani 
 mate the life and the body be in subjection to it. 
 Satiety is then unknown. 
 
 3595 
 
 When thou seest only the good in another thou art 
 seeing God. 
 
 3596 
 
 Work, thou sluggard ; work, thou prince, or evil will 
 overtake and devour thee. 
 
 3597 
 A clean mind is like a lamp in a dark place. 
 
 3598 
 
 When thou hast learned a lesson in the morning of the 
 day write it in the evening thereof. If thou hast no 
 longer need of it the world may have. 
 
 3599 
 The fruit of life is gathered at its close. 
 
 3600 
 
 A rich man is a pauper unless he possesses knowledge. 
 Gold and silver he must leave, but knowledge is his 
 forever. 
 
 3601 
 Honesty is commonsense and common decency. 
 
 3602 
 
 Liberty is for the patriot. The traitor knows neither 
 its value nor its use. 
 
 3603 
 Danger lurketh in the darkness of ignorance. 
 
 3604 
 Sincerity dwells in the light of truth. 
 
 3605 
 Adversity is assisted by the staff of patience. 
 
 389 
 
3606 
 
 niGH up in a tree swings a little bird. Low down 
 on the ground stands a man with a gun. Would 
 it not seem that the man should be content 
 with his superiority without killing the little songster ? 
 
 3607 
 
 Ingratitude is a coiled serpent that would bury its 
 fangs in any philanthropist that crosses its way. 
 
 3608 
 
 Dishonesty is the freak of a madman and the part of 
 a fool. It slayeth justice and raiseth its hand against 
 its own life. 
 
 3609 
 Good conduct is supported by good companions. 
 
 3610 
 Love lingereth long where hatred entereth not. 
 
 3611 
 
 Hatred is like a bad tenant. It ruins the house wherein 
 it lives. 
 
 3612 
 
 Jealousy, like a bleating sheep, disturbs the quiet of 
 the whole flock. 
 
 3613 
 
 Power is the rightful possession of him who knows 
 how to use it. 
 
 3614 
 
 A tattler is like a cackling hen everybody knows 
 when an egg is laid. 
 
 3615 
 
 Evil minds are quick to detect flaws. 
 
 3616 
 
 A vicious tongue is a moral nuisance, and a meddler 
 a public offense. 
 
 3617 
 
 A gracious manner is a cooling shade on the scorching 
 plains of argument. 
 
 390 
 
3618 
 
 An empty mind is like an empty barn. The wind 
 blows through the cracks and thought starves at the 
 manger. 
 
 3619 
 
 Righteous anger is the twin brother of hatred howbeit 
 one may deny the relationship. 
 
 3620 
 
 Egotism, like a barren fig-tree, spreads itself uncom 
 monly. 
 
 3621 
 
 He absolutely fails who forgets his neighbor in 
 exalting himself. 
 
 3622 
 
 The head and heart of the miser wherein he crowds 
 his gold has no room for the treasures of heaven. 
 
 3623 
 Indolence hath no part in the rewards of merit. 
 
 3624 
 
 Justice is the problem of the universe, and wise will 
 he be who solves it. 
 
 3625 
 Activity is the life of the spirit. 
 
 3626 
 
 Greatness when thrust upon small men makes their 
 defects more apparent than their virtues. 
 
 3627 
 
 Refinement is a sensitive plant that thrives best in its 
 native soil. 
 
 3628 
 Progress is the journey of the soul. 
 
 3629 
 
 Poverty, though the companion of want, need not 
 consort with vice. 
 
 3630 
 Riches should not forget that poverty was its ancestor. 
 
 391 
 
3631 
 Gratitude is an oasis on the Sahara of existence. 
 
 3632 
 Avarice is akin to dishonesty. 
 
 3633 
 A degrading thought is the open door to sin. 
 
 3634 
 
 Refinement and vulgarity are odious to each other 
 and refuse to be neighborly. 
 
 3635 
 
 Happy is he who is sufficiently respectful to deal 
 honorably with himself, and thrice happy he who 
 dwells in purity and cleanliness. 
 
 3636 
 
 Hope is the anchor that keeps the ship from stranding 
 on the sands of despair. 
 
 3637 
 Ambition is the bud and success the blossom. 
 
 3638 
 
 Hypocrisy is the knave s part in both the comedies 
 and tragedies of life. 
 
 3639 
 Obedience is wise when demanded by virtue. 
 
 3640 
 
 Egotism, like a vain bird, exhibits its plumage with 
 conspicuous pleasure. 
 
 3641 
 
 Contention is the fool s part in the domestic drama. 
 
 3642 
 Humility is a virtue only when it concedes to wisdom. 
 
 3643 
 
 The uncomplaint of those who in the exercise of their 
 benevolence are trespassed upon is fortitude. 
 
 392 
 
3644 
 
 Antagonism is jubilant when two minds move in 
 opposite directions. 
 
 3645 
 Ferocity is the result of much snarling. 
 
 3646 
 
 When the heavenly dew of sympathy falls upon 
 adversity it revives like a drooping plant. 
 
 3647 
 
 Constancy is a crown jewel of wedlock and forbearance 
 its golden setting. 
 
 3648 
 Where there is godliness, there is work. 
 
 3649 
 
 When there is love, passion speedily leaves. Thus its 
 presence is of short duration and its departure a 
 blessing. 
 
 3650 
 Pure is music until denied by words. 
 
 3651 
 
 Let the soul teach the body and let the body obey the 
 soul. 
 
 3652 
 Contentment is the result of much thought or of none. 
 
 3653 
 When there is wisdom foolishness hath no room. 
 
 3654 
 
 Anger is the play of imbecility and altogether unbe 
 coming intelligence. 
 
 3655 
 Honor is the applause of conscience. 
 
 3656 
 Be wise in time to save the humiliation of a fall. 
 
 3657 
 Innocence is despoiled by the cunning of covetousness. 
 
 393 
 
3658 
 
 Slothfulness is the king of poverty, and want and misery 
 its abject subjects. 
 
 3659 
 
 Hold a candle to your own thoughts every time you 
 examine another s. 
 
 3660 
 
 When there is a high thought a baser is not easily 
 entertained. 
 
 3661 
 Patience is the part of a philosopher. 
 
 3662 
 
 Charity consisteth not so much in the giving of alms 
 as of love and sympathy. 
 
 3663 
 Distinguished is he that walketh with a clean mind. 
 
 3664 
 Strength comes with calmness, languor with confusion. 
 
 3665 
 
 A soul is like a seed its growth depends on its soil. 
 
 3666 
 
 A beautiful mind is the blossom of love, and a blasted 
 life the product of lust. 
 
 3667 
 Broken promises are shipwrecks on life s ocean. 
 
 3668 
 Impertinence is the delight of inferiority. 
 
 3669 
 Despair is the outcome of impurity. 
 
 3670 
 
 He who lighteth his own torch and goeth forth 
 stumbleth less than he who gropes without light 
 amongst the creeds and dogmas that have been left 
 in the way. 
 
 394 
 
3671 
 
 Somewhere in the inner mind of man there is a thought 
 receptacle. Open it often and if thou perceivest a 
 truth press it to thy lips until they proclaim it. 
 
 3672 
 A revelation cometh to him who asks. 
 
 3673 
 Wear on thy bosom the white flower of immortality. 
 
 3674 
 Desire is the hidden prompter of both good and evil. 
 
 3675 
 Loquacity is an art to conceal ignorance. 
 
 3676 
 
 If a noble act brings its own reward, a brutal act 
 brings its own punishment. 
 
 3677 
 Conceit is a heavy burden to carry up the hill of life. 
 
 3678 
 Utility is the handmaiden of the provident. 
 
 3679 
 Wastefulness is the servant of want. 
 
 3680 
 Vanity is the footman that admits extravagance. 
 
 3681 
 Sobriety bears a message for all. 
 
 3682 
 
 A merry tune shorteneth the hours and maketh the 
 feet to dance, but a dirge maketh slow the step and 
 covereth the green earth with a pall. So with a witty 
 tongue and a tale of woe. 
 
 3683 
 Contemplation is the handbook of eternity. 
 
 395 
 
3684 
 Procrastination is a bold robber attacking all people. 
 
 3685 
 Scorn is begotten of neglect. 
 
 3686 
 
 Harmony is the sounding of two or more notes that 
 accord, and this is as true of the mental as of the 
 musical scale. 
 
 3687 
 
 The chicken hatched in your neighbor s yard is of 
 less profit to you than the one hatched within your 
 own enclosure. Therefore, it is wiser to set your own 
 hen than to regard your neighbor s luck. 
 
 3688 
 
 Whoso thirsteth for knowledge may drink at the 
 spring of truth, the source of the great river of science. 
 
 3689 
 
 All beautiful objects are a feast to the eye and a joy 
 to the beholder ; but beauty that depends on external 
 expression is only veneer, the interior being of common 
 stuff. 
 
 3690 
 Sorrow is the follower of rashness. 
 
 3691 
 
 Quality of mind is like quality of cloth the stronger 
 it is the better it wears. 
 
 3692 
 True heroism is the sacrifice for the welfare of others. 
 
 3693 
 
 A brave man is he who risks reputation in defense 
 of an unpopular cause, and a hero is he who falls in 
 the ranks of truth. 
 
 3694 
 
 He who loves justice loves God and his neighbor as 
 himself. 
 
 396 
 
3695 
 
 A prudent man neither agrees with a fool nor strives 
 to convince a maniac. 
 
 3696 
 
 Priestcraft is of the earth earthy, for the aspirations 
 of man can not be held within a creed, neither can the 
 whole truth be contained in a volume. 
 
 3697 
 A beautiful thought is a fragment of divinity. 
 
 3698 
 Felicity is the inheritance of virtue. 
 
 3699 
 
 Indulgence in wrongdoing is piling high the fagots 
 with which to burn the body. 
 
 3700 
 
 A creed is a strong jailer that locks the mind in a 
 dungeon. 
 
 3701 
 Nature loves those children most who best obey her. 
 
 3702 
 
 Violent opposition creates hostility, but mild persua 
 sion overcome th much. 
 
 3703 
 
 A wise father tempereth his words to the offense, and 
 the son heareth ; but anger driveth away reason and 
 blindeth the son, who goeth forth to lose his way. 
 
 3704 
 
 What shall be said of a man who loveth strong drink 
 more than dignity and burieth his head in the dust 
 like the silly ostrich ! 
 
 3705 
 
 Egotism, like a clam in the mud, exposes itself by 
 protruding its little head. 
 
 3706 
 Lasting beauty is the outgrowth of wisdom. 
 
 397 
 
3707 
 
 a beautiful world this would be in which 
 to live were every man as mindful of his own 
 as of his brother s offenses ! What a delightful 
 habitation every house were the occupants tuned to 
 the same pitch ! 
 
 3708 
 
 A fool goeth forth to kill, but a prudent man sitteth 
 within his conscience. 
 
 3709 
 
 Whoso loveth hath God within ; whoso hateth turneth 
 God out. 
 
 3710 
 
 Indifferent becomes he who constantly hears the voice 
 of complaint. 
 
 3711 
 
 To the novice a forbidden pleasure presents more 
 gilding than an offered duty, but the connoisseur is 
 not deceived. 
 
 3712 
 Vengeance is the cruel lash of the tyrant. 
 
 3713 
 
 Obedience to a principle is obedience to God within. 
 
 3714 
 
 Labor, both mental and physical, is the straightest 
 road to health and happiness. 
 
 3715 
 
 Ecstacy is the overflow of the soul. 
 
 3716 
 Necessity is the plebeian ancestor of ambition. 
 
 3717 
 
 Slights are never given by those who possess some 
 thing better to offer. 
 
 3718 
 
 He who lives in the din of discord can not hear the 
 whisperings of the soul. 
 
 398 
 
3719 
 
 How truly great is he who loveth truth more than 
 riches. 
 
 3720 
 
 He that preferreth a clean hand to a fat purse is beloved 
 of God. 
 
 3721 
 He that lingereth in sin lingereth in sorrow. 
 
 3722 
 Kindness is the keynote of charity. 
 
 3723 
 
 Humor is the leaven that maketh light the dough of 
 life. 
 
 3724 
 
 Despondency chains the mind to an iron ring in the 
 wall of despair. 
 
 3725 
 Mirth plays with the sunbeams of life. 
 
 3726 
 
 In the morning and the evening of life man draws 
 very near to God ; but in the midday He is oft forgot. 
 
 3727 
 
 Thoughtfulness of others is a beautiful walk along 
 the bypaths of heaven, where the flowers bloom and 
 overhang the way and whose fragrance is everlasting. 
 
 3728 
 
 The imagery of the mind is a flashlight of hidden 
 realities. 
 
 3729 
 Memory is the gift of the ages. 
 
 3730 
 
 Nature loves most the inquisitive student, and to 
 him will she reveal her secret thoughts and intents. 
 He may question her at any time, for she is always in 
 humor to answer. 
 
 399 
 
3731 
 
 QRIDE of birth and pride of station have no 
 stronger foundation than tradition ; but he 
 whose pride raises him above meanness has 
 a foundation that the rich and the poor might envy 
 and that neither time nor eternity can weaken. 
 
 3732 
 
 Sublimity surrounds deity in the mind of him who 
 contemplates the majesty of the rolling worlds of 
 space. 
 
 3733 
 
 He who raises the curtain of futurity and looks with 
 natural vision, beholds heaven as a fair land where 
 each soul is accorded justice and obtains that employ 
 ment for which he has special aptitude. 
 
 3734 
 Adoration of truth is adoration of God. 
 
 3735 
 
 Courage is needed in all walks of life, but particularly 
 is it required when the pocketbook is depleted and 
 the public comment on the fact. 
 
 3736 
 An evil thought is a low companion. 
 
 3737 
 Fidelity is the companion of truth. 
 
 3738 
 A shallow mind is, like a shallow pool, easily fathomed. 
 
 3739 
 A bright intellect illumines its surroundings. 
 
 3740 
 
 A wicked saint is an anomaly sometimes found 
 within the shades of ecclesiasticism. 
 
 3741 
 Tolerance and benevolence, the logos of true religion. 
 
 400 
 
3742 
 
 The latitude and longitude of earth s voyage are 
 marked on the chart of human experience. 
 
 3743 
 Indecision invites defeat. 
 
 3744 
 
 Little by little we learn the commands of God which 
 are transcribed on the tablets of Nature. 
 
 3745 
 
 Profane is the thought that pictures a personal God 
 in the image of man. 
 
 3746 
 
 Mathematics draws the mind into the vast spaces,, 
 where it wanders and wanders and is lost. 
 
 3747 
 Independence of thought is a tonic for the intellect. 
 
 3748 
 Cultivate thy will and thereby strengthen thy morals. 
 
 3749 
 
 He who evades justice by hiding behind a feeble 
 technicality is unworthy the generous gift of franchise. 
 
 3750 
 
 Labor is not degrading to the soul, but where there is 
 false pride it inflicts severe punishment. 
 
 3751 
 
 Integrity is a portion of the very Godhead, and he 
 who betrays a trust defrauds the Most High. 
 
 3752 
 Friendship is slow to rebuke, but swift to defend. 
 
 3753 
 He who is most liberal with advice most despises it. 
 
 3754 
 Remorse is the night of a wasted day. 
 
 401 
 
3755 
 
 Mathematics endeavors to measure space, but no 
 line of figures can approach the Infinite. 
 
 3756 
 
 Indulgence in evil fosters habits that usurp the king 
 dom of heaven within. 
 
 3757 
 
 Each one who asks the way to happiness is given a 
 different direction by the world, therefore there is 
 safety only in following the guide-post of duty. 
 
 3758 
 
 Religion and society run a neck-and-neck race for 
 first place. 
 
 3759 
 Drollery is the spice of homely fare. 
 
 3760 
 
 Gigantic feet can be encased in infant shoes with less 
 difficulty than gigantic minds can wear the swaddling- 
 clothes of superstition. 
 
 3761 
 A stainless life is a patent of nobility worn by few. 
 
 3762 
 
 Give us this day our daily bread, saith the suppliant 
 man. I will earn my daily bread, saith the just man. 
 
 402 
 
BOOK SIXTEEN 
 
3763 
 
 HY life is thine own only inas 
 much as thou canst live it with 
 out the aid of another. Verily 
 this is an impossibility, from the 
 straw upon thy head to the 
 leather under thy feet, from the 
 printed page to the spoken word. 
 Thou art a sharer of each and 
 every one who contributes to thy well-being. There 
 fore thy life belongs to the whole ; all men are partners 
 in the fulness of the earth. 
 
 3764 
 
 Fear loss of social position that is maintained by 
 dishonor the fall is great. Honor is the only safe 
 foundation upon which to rest confidently. 
 
 3765 
 
 Be thankful for the diversity of religions. The many 
 permit growth. 
 
 3766 
 
 The lighthouses on the rocks of time are the facts of 
 science. 
 
 3767 
 All honor be to him who unearths a truth. 
 
 3768 
 From the phoenix of intolerance arises cruelty. 
 
 3769 
 Regret is the shadow of yesterday. 
 
 3770 
 
 As a woodsman blazes the trees to mark his way, so 
 does a man of science mark the way for those who 
 follow. 
 
 3771 
 A betrayer is a thief who robs the innocent. 
 
 3772 
 A generous man is a doer of the Lord s work. 
 
 405 
 
3773 
 
 thou that art stands aloof? Nay, it 
 cometh as close to every-day life as mortal will 
 permit. It is the chiseled marble or the bloom 
 ing plant in the broken window-pane. It is beauty 
 expressed in ten thousand ways. It is a touch of God s 
 finger on things mundane. 
 
 3774 
 
 A profound thinker labors more for others than for 
 self, as the many have the benefit of his toil and are 
 not asked to share the fatigue. 
 
 37^5 
 
 A rounded-out day is a link in the chain of existence, 
 and many links make the years that carry us onward 
 toward perfection. 
 
 3776 
 
 Frequently a nimble foot serves better than a nimble 
 tongue, as the former can run from the latter when 
 occasion requires. 
 
 3777 
 
 Liberty sits contentedly in the easy chair of inde 
 pendence. 
 
 3778 
 
 Authority in the hands of ignorance is the avalanche 
 that buries the people. 
 
 3779 
 
 Happiness dependent solely on external things is 
 doomed to chilling rebuffs and bitter hours. 
 
 3780 
 Loneliness is the moment of parting with virtue. 
 
 3781 
 
 Both the rich and the poor rub on the washboard of 
 experience. 
 
 3782 
 
 We must not invite trouble unless willing to entertain 
 it, as the most informal invitation is always promptly 
 accepted. 
 
 406 
 
3783 
 
 fELF-CONTROL is the citadel of the soul 
 wherein is seated the Great King I upon the 
 throne of dignity. When the monarch is dis 
 turbed, his little kingdom quakes and is threatened 
 with destruction. When he reigns supreme, his life is 
 an idyl of serenity. 
 
 3784 
 
 Faultfinding is the creaking hinge of the domestic 
 door. 
 
 3785 
 Perversity is the law of fools. 
 
 3786 
 Much ado about religion is worse than no religion. 
 
 3787 
 
 A fop boasts close acquaintance with the tailor s 
 goose. 
 
 3788 
 
 A lack of tact is a lack of an essential ingredient of 
 fashionable society, and woe is he who has it not, 
 desire he to become a leading actor in the amusing 
 farce. 
 
 3789 
 
 A libertine is a destroyer of God s frailest buds, and 
 there is naught but destruction in his path. 
 
 3790 
 
 A fortune is gained by him who waits for the fickle 
 jade to smile, and is as quickly lost when she frowns. 
 
 3791 
 
 There is danger that an overabundance of worldly 
 wealth makes the soul a dry place and the heart be 
 comes hardened in the burning heat of selfishness. 
 
 3792 
 
 When the sun rises in the North and sets in the South, 
 then may a gilded fool be called a sage and a liberal 
 cheat an honest man. 
 
 407 
 
3793 
 A good name is frequently worn over a corrupt heart. 
 
 3794 
 The bad, oftener than the good, desire authority. 
 
 3795 
 
 A clear conscience shines through the face of him 
 who perceiveth his duty and doeth it. 
 
 3796 
 He who repines runs backward. 
 
 3797 
 
 Bigotry and ecclesiasticism are churchyard play 
 fellows. 
 
 3798 
 
 The ancestry of thoughts can be traced as the 
 ancestry of men. 
 
 3799 
 A good reputation can not be gained by bad practises. 
 
 3800 
 Nothing so mars beauty as the reflection of vanity. 
 
 3801 
 
 A sweet temper is like the fragrance of a June morn ; 
 an ugly temper a chill November blast. 
 
 3802 
 
 Each lily of the field is clothed with a beauty of its 
 own, and so is each soul that God attends. 
 
 3803 
 
 Policy is the stepping-stone to popularity, and popu 
 larity is the steed that wins the political race. 
 
 3804 
 Gallantry seeks attention and finds it quickly. 
 
 3805 
 
 Avarice is an ugly weed, and where it thrives best 
 naught else will grow. 
 
 408 
 
3806 
 Observation is the headlight of youth and age. 
 
 3807 
 
 Cupid assumes various disguises when he roams 
 amongst the fair ; but when he seeks a bride he 
 invariably dons the armor of a Knight of Honor. 
 
 3808 
 A hint is a pin-thrust which leaves a sting. 
 
 3809 
 
 A keen sword maketh a deep wound ; so doth a sharp 
 word lacerate love. 
 
 3810 
 
 What more comely than age adorned with wisdom, 
 and what more gladsome than youth gathering the 
 fruits of knowledge ? 
 
 3811 
 
 A cobbler can patch a shoe, but he can not mend a 
 broken foot. A priest may patch grief, but he can not 
 mend a broken heart. 
 
 3812 
 
 When a soul is encased in the steel of selfishness, how 
 can it grow? 
 
 3813 
 
 Be ashamed of idleness ; it bespeaks thee ignorant of 
 the intent of life. 
 
 3814 
 
 The rich and the poor race on parallel tracks, and 
 death is the prize of the winner. 
 
 3815 
 
 That forethought is preferable to afterthought can 
 not too often be writ. 
 
 3816 
 
 The face of Divinity is concealed behind the veil of 
 Nature, and whosoever raiseth it beholds loveliness, 
 wisdom and eternal youth. 
 
 3817 
 Where justice leaves off, generosity may begin. 
 
 409 
 
3818 
 
 While perverseness is barring the door against reason, 
 danger crawls in at the window. 
 
 3819 
 
 Fatigue is the ready companion of labor whenever 
 labor strays from love. 
 
 3820 
 
 A knowledge of the minute things of life prepares one 
 for the great facts of eternity. 
 
 3821 
 Dissipation is the idiotic pastime of simpletons. 
 
 3822 
 Where there is moral weakness, there is not power. 
 
 3823 
 
 Failure may not be attributed more to circumstances 
 than to inclination. 
 
 3824 
 
 Intellect is the product of toil, and the increase belongs 
 to the toiler. 
 
 3825 
 
 Undiluted frankness is not commendable in social 
 intercourse if one craves popularity. 
 
 3826 
 
 The human face is homely only when allied with 
 a repulsive character. 
 
 3827 
 Application is the lower rung of the ladder of fame. 
 
 3828 
 
 A spendthrift invariably stands with his back to the 
 future. 
 
 3829 
 
 One can forgive the candor of a friend, but not so 
 readily that of an enemy. 
 
 3830 
 
 Silence is the soliloquy of him who walks unattended 
 through the garden of thought. 
 
 410 
 
3831 
 
 Unseen is the hand that engraves the memory. 
 
 3832 
 From the womb of tolerance leaps progress. 
 
 3833 
 
 A brawler is like a swollen stream, ever and anon 
 leaping its banks and doing some damage. 
 
 3834 
 Cruelty is an instrument of torture in the hands of sin. 
 
 3835 
 
 Though intemperance affect pleasantry it can not 
 disguise its ugly character. 
 
 3836 
 
 Death is the long-expected guest who is received with 
 tears by all but one. 
 
 3837 
 
 An unreasoning mind, like a contrary animal, invites 
 the lash of discipline. 
 
 3838 
 
 The destiny of man is written by the finger of evolu 
 tion on the wall of time. 
 
 3839 
 
 The sowing of intellectual seed in the springtime of 
 life brings forth a bountiful harvest ere the Autumn. 
 
 3840 
 
 If law-makers and pill-makers could be compelled to 
 take more of their own medicine and give less of it, 
 the public health might be better conserved. 
 
 3841 
 
 When riches and penury are introduced by calamity, 
 rank is abashed and equality established. 
 
 3842 
 
 The infantile mind delights in homage, but wisdom 
 little concerns with forms and ceremonies. 
 
 411 
 
3843 
 
 Hand in hand, Crime and his spouse, Stealth, roam 
 the world, wherever their wicked fancy leads. 
 
 3844 
 
 Tradition is a more potent factor than reason, in 
 determining men s religion. 
 
 3845 
 Gravity is amusing when capering with sin. 
 
 3846 
 
 Alas ! too often the offspring of lust and contention 
 fill the corners of the house to make it a haven of rest 
 and a place of safety. 
 
 3847 
 
 A shrewd man is he who carries a high head when 
 accompanied by a lean purse. 
 
 3848 
 
 The plebeian and the aristocrat are both products of 
 the human garden, and when treated with like care 
 bear similar quantity and quality of fruit. 
 
 3849 
 
 Ambiguity may be entertaining for an evening, but 
 a week of it would be prevarication and a twelve 
 month an abominable falsehood. 
 
 3850 
 
 Love is the fountain whereat all people slake their 
 thirst. 
 
 3851 
 
 Never was man too poor to give a smile and a kind 
 word, and never was man too rich to accept them. 
 
 3852 
 Fear is the dragon of night that slays the peace of day. 
 
 3853 
 
 Happiness depends not so much on another as on one s 
 self. 
 
 412 
 
3854 
 
 Willing hands find no rest in idleness ; unwilling hands 
 no joy in usefulness. 
 
 3855 
 
 The distance is long from selfishness to generosity, 
 but it has been traversed by many and the way found 
 delightful. 
 
 3856 
 
 Passing through life to the many is like passing 
 through a darkened room : to the few, like passing 
 through an illumined chamber where everything is 
 shown in beauty and defect. 
 
 3857 
 
 Seek not recompense. Seek principles, and recompense 
 will follow. 
 
 3858 
 
 Hunger makes savage, and savages hunger for destruc 
 tion. 
 
 3859 
 The test of truth is time. 
 
 3860 
 
 Silently as falleth a star in the heavens falleth thought 
 from above. 
 
 3861 
 
 Fill thou my heart with gratitude and my soul with 
 thanksgiving for the joy of living. 
 
 3862 
 Vanity is a weak staff for a rough road. 
 
 3863 
 
 Give thyself no rest until thou hast found thy work ; 
 and when thou hast found it, labor diligently, not for 
 thyself alone, but for the great world in which thou 
 art cast. 
 
 3864 
 
 Let us not become sullen nor abusive when our notions 
 are controverted by facts ; rather let us rejoice that 
 our errors are rectified. 
 
 413 
 
3865 
 
 Let no man say he knows God, lest he be accused of 
 bragging falsely. Let him say rather that the desire 
 of his heart is to know the divine will and to conform 
 to it. 
 
 3866 
 
 True happiness is the joy of unselfishness. 
 
 3867 
 
 Bear thy name proudly and be not ashamed of honest 
 toil. 
 
 3868 
 
 Sweet as the carols of the lark on high are the 
 cadences of inspiration that fall on the spirit ear. 
 
 3869 
 Contentment goes wherever it is invited. 
 
 3870 
 
 Think not that the size of a house and the quality of 
 its furnishings are an indication of the size and quality 
 of the mind of the inhabitant. 
 
 3871 
 
 In matters pertaining to public good, delay is less 
 dangerous than haste. 
 
 3872 
 
 A feeble mind leans on another s opinion. A strong 
 mind leans on its own. 
 
 3873 
 
 Alas ! how unfortunate they who are encased within 
 the steel cells of vanity and fashion, deprived of the 
 society of the thinking world and forced to eat of the 
 bread and water of idleness and folly. 
 
 3874 
 The cry of oppression reaches not the ear of selfishness. 
 
 3875 
 
 A mighty man of valor is he who begirds himself with 
 wisdom and rescues lovely Peace from the clutches 
 of War. 
 
 414 
 
3876 
 
 the philosopher dons his diving- suit to 
 explore the bottom of the sea of motives, what 
 curious things he finds and what horrid mon 
 sters he brings to the surface for the prying eyes of 
 the world to examine. 
 
 3877 
 
 Those who are immured in ignorance think naught of 
 the needs of the world. 
 
 3878 
 
 The gold ear of usury heareth not the plaintive voice 
 of penury. 
 
 3879 
 
 He is more clever who knows when to speak and not 
 how than he who knows how to speak and not when. 
 
 3880 
 
 Judaism consoles the Jew. Christianity consoles the 
 Christian, but the truth alone consoles the man whose 
 love of God exceeds his love of sect. 
 
 3881 
 
 Diligence frequently distances genius in the long race 
 for honor. 
 
 3882 
 
 Who will say it is more cruel to bind the foot than the 
 mind ! 
 
 3883 
 
 To know a man you must see him when it rains and 
 when it shines, when it blows and in the calm. 
 
 3884 
 
 If we stand in the line of progress ourselves we are 
 surer of holding our place than when we hire a sub 
 stitute. 
 
 3885 
 
 If thou desirest laudation, laugh with thine enemy and 
 also mourn with him as with a friend : though thy 
 friend may expect more than he gets, thy enemy gets 
 more than he expects. 
 
 415 
 
3886 
 
 RED coat excites a strutting gobbler and a 
 spreading tail displays the vanity of the pea 
 cock, but the cow gives as much milk and the 
 dairymaid makes as much butter and cheese as 
 though the turkeys and the peafowl were tranquil. 
 Vanity disturbs little but itself. 
 
 3887 
 
 The white lily of truth blooms eternal in the divine 
 mind. 
 
 3888 
 
 There are as many ideas of luxury as there are minds 
 to seek it, but he enjoys most who knows most. 
 
 3889 
 
 Hunger often makes a poor man steal, but as fre 
 quently a rich man steals for very love of plundering 
 the honest folk who trust him. 
 
 3890 
 
 They who look from the housetops of intelligence can 
 better observe the needs of humanity than they who 
 grope in cellars. 
 
 3891 
 
 Get a little money if thou must and a little sense if 
 thou canst, but at all hazards get the sense first and 
 the money will abide longer with thee. 
 
 3892 
 Love of duty makes swift action a pleasure. 
 
 3893 
 
 Subtleness more than frankness is inclined to impugn 
 good motives. 
 
 3894 
 
 Consanguinity is made an excuse for rudeness that 
 would otherwise be unpardonable. 
 
 3895 
 
 The humiliation of defeat lies deepest in the heart 
 of him who has more vanity than valor. 
 
 416 
 
3896 
 
 gBIG thief gathers the treasures of others and 
 holds them in his wicked grasp. A little thief 
 gathers trash. They differ only in their 
 capacity to seize and to hold. The little thief is scorned 
 for his misdemeanor, whilst perchance the big thief is 
 honored and envied for his boldness and success. 
 
 3897 
 
 Longevity is only desirable when one has much work 
 to perform. 
 
 3898 
 
 Affection is well in the right place, and the right place 
 is everywhere that men, women and children are 
 domiciled. 
 
 3899 
 
 In morning life agriculture leads in the quiet fields of 
 Nature, and in the twilight invites its votaries to 
 walk in the peaceful groves of contentment. 
 
 3900 
 
 Atavism watching for an open door passes in unnoticed 
 and surprises the careless family. 
 
 3901 
 
 He that rebuketh without cause is in danger of 
 contempt. 
 
 3902 
 
 He that slanders a neighbor will betray his own 
 household should ill-nature suggest. 
 
 3903 
 
 A great nation loves a greater people, and a great 
 people love a greater nation. 
 
 3904 
 Alcohol prefers to reach its destination in a hurry. 
 
 3905 
 
 Wheresoever the mind of man tendeth, there abideth 
 the man. 
 
 417 
 
3906 
 
 SASHIONABLE society never laughs at itself, 
 but those who look between the cracks and 
 through the knot-holes of the high board fence 
 that surrounds it laugh merrily at the capers and 
 grimaces of the performing company within the 
 enclosure. 
 
 3907 
 
 Beware of him who is swift to condone thy faults. 
 Mayhap they are his own. 
 
 3908 
 
 See to it that thy neighbor returns that which he 
 borrows, otherwise thou makest of him a receiver of 
 alms. 
 
 3909 
 
 When stupidity prattles of itself humor raises a 
 protecting hand to save it from violence. 
 
 3910 
 Lean not on another, lest thou grow lopsided. 
 
 3911 
 
 Muzzle thy temper and chain it to its kennel as thou 
 wouldst secure a ferocious dog. 
 
 3912 
 
 The condolence of a friend is acceptable, but the 
 condolence of a stranger as often wounds as comforts. 
 
 3913 
 
 Milk and water nourishes a babe, but is weak food for 
 a man. So is it with diluted logic for a grown mind. 
 
 3914 
 
 Energy springs into immediate action, but sloth will 
 sit all day looking on. 
 
 3915 
 
 The problem of finance is the problem of the world. 
 It has never been solved nor will it ever be though all 
 nations and all peoples will never cease to try. 
 
 418 
 
3916 
 
 lower kingdom of Nature more willingly 
 reveals her purpose to man ; but the higher, 
 which comprises man himself, is more reticent. 
 Lives will be sacrificed, moons will wax and wane, and 
 cycles be turned : yet the revelation will be afar. 
 
 3917 
 
 Corrupt citizens make corrupt officials, therefore to 
 cleanse politics cleanse the home and the State will 
 care for itself. 
 
 3918 
 
 If death loves a shining mark it must not be inferred 
 that life prefers a tallow dip to the sun. 
 
 3919 
 
 The angels are torchbearers to light the soul through 
 the misty vale of death and what are angels but the 
 loved gone before ? 
 
 3920 
 
 Indolence would rock all day in the lap of luxury if 
 not crowded out by necessity. 
 
 3921 
 
 Worry begins in the mind and ends there ; then let 
 the circumference of the circle be small or it will be 
 larger than the mind. 
 
 3922 
 
 Original thought is claimed by many writers, but 
 thought is a free, inexhaustible, eternal quantity, and 
 he who claims to have originated thought may with 
 as much propriety proclaim himself God. 
 
 3923 
 
 A dreary life finds little consolation in a prospective 
 heaven : an ever-present negation of that condition 
 in the now overshadows the future. 
 
 3924 
 
 Maxims are good for those who heed, 
 And wise are they who never need. 
 
 419 
 
3925 
 
 DO one wants a maniac in the home, yet a house 
 hold will admit anger occasionally, and crime 
 with its red eye and cruel mien crowds so 
 closely upon its heels that it is apt to slip in with its 
 mate to do awful deeds. 
 
 3926 
 
 A bullseye is made in false pride every time common- 
 sense fires at it. 
 
 3927 
 
 It takes a very long pole to knock the apples of wisdom 
 off the tree of life. 
 
 3928 
 
 Confidence leans on the arm of love through rain and 
 sunshine, heat and snow. 
 
 3929 
 
 Frugality is the defense of the poor against the army 
 of want. 
 
 3930 
 
 A fountain of perpetual youth flows from under 
 standing. 
 
 3931 
 Disease is not more contagious than bad language. 
 
 420 
 
BOOK SEVENTEEN 
 
3932 
 
 HY does the warrior strut and the 
 plowman bend? Answer, ye who 
 know ! Have not the selfish exalted 
 one and debased the other? Has 
 it not been thought a curse to 
 earn one s bread by the sweat of 
 the brow since the Adam story? 
 War is the curse of mankind and 
 work the savior. Living peoples must not in their 
 jealous frenzy murder one another. God gives man 
 breath and He alone can take it from him without 
 sin. It is his possession for a short time, that he may 
 labor diligently in earth s vineyard ; then to yield it 
 and go hence when called to higher fields of usefulness. 
 Such is Twentieth-Century thought, based on things 
 seen and unseen. 
 
 3933 
 
 Hypocrisy is a burning coal carried in the hand, and 
 every one is scorched who clasps the fingers. 
 
 3934 
 
 The revenue derived from dishonesty is so much 
 poison with which to commit moral suicide. 
 
 3935 
 
 As a tune is learned sooner by singing than by sighing, 
 so is a talent developed more quickly by recognition 
 than by denial. 
 
 3936 
 
 A bargain-seeker will always find the accommodating 
 vender lying in wait with prize -package in hand. 
 
 3937 
 
 As a slight shower hinders the May dance, so will a 
 trifle hinder happiness. 
 
 3938 
 
 Intelligence is the inflow of Divine light into the mind 
 of man ; and wherever the man of intellect resides, there 
 radiate from him rays of thought that illumine many 
 mysterious corners of life. 
 
 423 
 
3939 
 
 HEGAL statutes restrain because of the penalty 
 attached thereto ; and when Nature s laws are 
 rightly interpreted for the man-child, he will 
 not so carelessly break them, because he will know 
 that the penalty that follows each and every infringe 
 ment is never set aside. 
 
 3940 
 
 A genial countenance illuminates a large company, 
 but a sour visage puts out the light. 
 
 3941 
 
 Goodness and kindness are twin sisters whose lives 
 are spent in thought of others. 
 
 3942 
 
 Faithfulness and truthfulness are the foundation of 
 matrimony without which the structure falls. 
 
 3943 
 
 Eccentricity is more agreeable to meet at the public 
 inn than at the fireside. 
 
 3944 
 
 Love ! What is it ? To each individual it hath a dif 
 ferent definition : to one it is of earth, earthy ; to 
 another, of heaven, heavenly ; but it seemeth to be 
 the energy that makes and holds worlds the God- 
 essence that permeates all life. 
 
 3945 
 
 The fear of death is all that stands between many 
 men and many sins. 
 
 3946 
 
 Irregular habits make irresponsible men, and irrespon 
 sible men make ready rogues but poor citizens. 
 
 3947 
 
 A naked mind is a greater offense against society than 
 a naked body. 
 
 3948 
 Necessity is the lever that moves the world. 
 
 424 
 
3949 
 
 VICTUALS and drink are needed each time the 
 sun returns to sustain the physical man ; alas ! 
 how few feed the spiritual man, whose hunger 
 is so great that he dies of starvation without complaint. 
 
 3950 
 
 It is better to sup on porridge with honesty and 
 virtue than to partake of the fatted calf and drink of 
 the red wine with luxury and vice. 
 
 3951 
 A villain is the servant of his own plots. 
 
 3952 
 
 A habitue of the playhouse who subsists on the over- 
 seasoned hash of comedy and tragedy turns from 
 plain fare. 
 
 3953 
 
 Authority wielded by a fool, or authority wielded by 
 a knave, is a two-horned dilemma ; and upon whichever 
 horn the public is tossed, it is sure to be injured. 
 
 3954 
 A welcome guest listeneth to the promptings of Time. 
 
 3955 
 A lover of truth will dig for it in the mire of falsehood. 
 
 3956 
 
 When a suffering people are confronted by the two 
 tyrants, theocracy and plutocracy, only a wise leader 
 can conduct them safely through the Red Sea of trouble. 
 
 3957 
 
 Thy neighbor might become thy surety, but ask him 
 not unless you intend to move. 
 
 3958 
 
 God gavest man a fair knowledge of men, but con 
 cealed Himself entirely from them, so that they know 
 Him not, however much they may boast. 
 
 425 
 
3959 
 
 He who roams gathers more experience than con 
 tentment. 
 
 3960 
 
 Sagacity is the friend of the animal and frequently 
 would serve man better than theory. 
 
 3961 
 
 When chasing a foxy debtor follow the hounds closely 
 if you wish to take the brush. 
 
 3962 
 
 Examine thy heart frequently to discover if there be 
 aught within that does not belong there. 
 
 3963 
 
 It is said to be an omen of good luck to find a horse 
 shoe ; but the finder s luck lies not so much in the 
 horseshoe as in finding something, however small. 
 
 3964 
 
 A loveless life is like a leafless tree a dreary object 
 gainst a wintry sky. 
 
 3965 
 A stubborn mind resides in a weak head. 
 
 3966 
 
 Wit and humor are the pepper and salt of debate. 
 
 3967 
 
 Loquacity will run the conversational mill, but it 
 turns out a small grist. 
 
 3968 
 
 Much legal ingenuity is required to successfully defend 
 vice against justice. 
 
 3969 
 
 Who is bold enough to declare that a dishonest man 
 walks as close to God as an honest one ? 
 
 3970 
 
 Hate is the forerunner of confusion, and confusion is 
 the forerunner of disaster. 
 
 426 
 
3971 
 
 INASMUCH as God has endowed human beings 
 with reason, let them exercise it in determining 
 their relation and conduct toward Him, irre 
 spective of inherited hindrances to individual freedom 
 of opinion. 
 
 3972 
 
 An effort in behalf of justice is an effort in behalf of 
 liberty. 
 
 3973 
 
 Royalty affects disdain when compelled to exchange 
 words with democracy, and democracy is invariably 
 annoyed when associating with royalty. 
 
 3974 
 
 Display would soon weary of going forth did the 
 people close their eyes. 
 
 3975 
 
 Marital indiscretion creates apprehension, which 
 makes the day midnight and goblins to walk at noon. 
 
 3976 
 Plutocracy rides in a triumphal car drawn by the poor. 
 
 3977 
 A wholesome lesson is contained in every defeat. 
 
 3978 
 Labor unhesitatingly turns want out of the cottage. 
 
 3979 
 
 The loud and urgent petitioning of the sinner suggests 
 that the Lord is either deaf or in bad humor. 
 
 3980 
 
 Confer a favor on a stingy man and he will return but 
 thanks. Confer a favor on a generous man and he 
 returns thanks and the favor also. 
 
 3981 
 
 A bright morn does not preclude a shower in the 
 evening, neither does a fair promise imply a fair act. 
 
 427 
 
3982 
 
 Incantations please the superstitious ; superstition 
 pleases the ignorant ; but neither please him who has 
 cast off swaddling-clothes. 
 
 3983 
 A jolly man enjoys what a sober man ignores. 
 
 3984 
 
 One glimpse of Paradise would compel instant obey- 
 ance of Divine law, and it is because of man s short 
 sightedness that he continues in evil. 
 
 3985 
 
 Despondency is the most intimate companion of 
 misery. 
 
 3986 
 
 Literature is the open portal to unalloyed pleasure, 
 the charming companion of solitude, and a kind 
 friend to all. 
 
 3987 
 
 Anachronism is unfortunate for any historian, but 
 most disastrous for the theologian. 
 
 3988 
 
 Versatility belongs to the many, adaptability to 
 genius. 
 
 3989 
 
 Providence has decreed that he who acts like a fool 
 shall not be accounted a sage. 
 
 3990 
 Intolerance is born of selfishness. 
 
 3991 
 Rancor lives long after pain is forgotten. 
 
 3992 
 Acrimony delights to wound prosperity. 
 
 3993 
 Merit loves application and rewards it openly. 
 
 428 
 
3994 
 
 is the figurehead on every ship that sails 
 the Human Ocean. Sometimes it is carried away 
 by the heavy seas that break over the bow, but 
 whenever a port is reached it is replaced, the owner 
 gives cheers, looses his moorings and sails away on 
 another voyage. 
 
 3995 
 
 Perfection depends much for assistance on encourage 
 ment. 
 
 3996 
 
 When the apostles of art walk the earth in search of 
 beauty to lay their genius at her feet, they find the 
 way blocked by the demons of necessity who lie in 
 wait to slay them. 
 
 3997 
 
 The struggle for life weighs heavy when there is 
 nothing but hunger in the house and nothing but 
 sorrow in the heart. 
 
 3998 
 
 Gratitude is most pleasing when accompanied by 
 affection. 
 
 3999 
 
 Dissipation and extravagance are the highwaymen 
 of civilization. 
 
 4000 
 
 Fairer than the morn and brighter than the sun is the 
 inspiration bestowed upon aspiration. 
 
 4001 
 
 A cup of water and a crust received with thankfulness 
 smooths the way of the next unfortunate who asks 
 assistance. 
 
 4002 
 
 Labor to the end that all men may profit by thy 
 industry and the question of poverty is forever 
 settled. 
 
 4003 
 
 Of all the burdens of life a diseased mind is the most 
 oppressive that frail humanity is obliged to bear. 
 
 429 
 
4004 
 
 HN intelligent and faithful dog expects his 
 services to be recognized by a pleasant word of 
 commendation, which is readily given by a good 
 master. Why then should not a man receive as much 
 as a dog ? 
 
 4005 
 Generosity labors for love s sake. 
 
 4006 
 
 Diligence is a better watchman than negligence. The 
 one courts safety, the other disaster. 
 
 4007 
 
 Swift fly the hours of time, but swifter the moments 
 of opportunity. 
 
 4008 
 
 Extravagance arrives with a smile, but leaves with a 
 frown. 
 
 4009 
 
 License to do right the good man calls liberty, and the 
 bad man, bondage. 
 
 4010 
 
 Intelligence seeks causes. Ignorance is satisfied to 
 view effects. 
 
 4011 
 
 Poverty and genius must be fond of each other, else 
 they would not be found so much together. 
 
 4012 
 
 Ambition shows preference for youth and inexperience 
 and may desert age altogether to dally with the young. 
 
 4013 
 
 A philosopher is bound to listen to the philosophy of 
 others if he desires to advance his own with profit. 
 
 4014 
 
 Fortune does not run on a straight line, but has 
 tangents that no man be he prophet, sage or miser 
 can foresee. 
 
 430 
 
4015 
 
 g VISION of rest is the weary slave s dream of 
 heaven ; but a place of industry is the heaven 
 desired by the philosopher who finds his three 
 score and ten years too short to unravel the long skein 
 of mystery which entangles him. 
 
 4016 
 
 Confidence when broken can only be mended with 
 the cement of time, but never perfectly. 
 
 4017 
 Anxiety goeth about unveiled. 
 
 4018 
 
 Crime with its load of guilt must always drag behind 
 virtue. 
 
 4019 
 A greater affront than buffoonery is chicanery. 
 
 4020 
 
 A gamester may not be a leader of the pious, but he 
 may not have a worse heart than many who pray 
 daily for his conversion to their particular belief. 
 
 4021 
 
 Let no man say it is well with him who hath not God 
 for a partner. 
 
 4022 
 
 When considering the way of the journey thy pleasure 
 is increased or diminished according as thy mind 
 conjures. 
 
 4023 
 
 A single grain of commonsense sifted into the other 
 ingredients that compose the daily bread will make 
 a lighter and more digestible loaf. 
 
 4024 
 Seek to be just rather than popular. 
 
 4025 
 The majority should rule when the majority is right. 
 
 431 
 
4026 
 
 Elegance of thought claims no relationship to elegance 
 of manner, though once in a while there is an affinity. 
 
 4027 
 
 A lamb led to the slaughter is the child whose life is 
 made subject to the will of the ignorant. 
 
 4028 
 
 Bear in mind when deciding matters of weight that 
 even the consensus of opinion is not infallible. 
 
 4029 
 
 Self-respect is the truest of friends, as it can be 
 depended upon to carry one safely through great 
 difficulties. 
 
 4030 
 
 Guidance is often necessary, but always seek it from 
 a superior if you wish to ascend. 
 
 4031 
 
 A stingy man groans inaudibly when decency compels 
 him to put his mite on the public plate, and the 
 generous man can not suppress a laugh. 
 
 4032 
 
 Curiosity abounds in children and occupies the place 
 of good breeding in many adults. 
 
 4033 
 
 Heaven hath knowledge of so much evil that it is 
 hidden from earth by a veil of tears. 
 
 4034 
 
 Danger lies behind every door that is perpetually 
 closed to the public eye, and misery behind every wall 
 that is raised to shut up the children of earth from 
 their brothers and sisters. 
 
 4035 
 
 Brevity is never better appreciated than in the pay 
 ment of a loan. 
 
 432 
 
4036 
 
 Faith is a stout staff on which to lean when traversing 
 the vale of doubt. 
 
 4037 
 
 A great multitude of words are put forth to one idea 
 a cartload of advice to one useful suggestion. 
 
 4038 
 
 It is cruel to hint neglect when circumstances are at 
 fault. 
 
 4039 
 
 Thy talents may not be appreciated by thy neighbors, 
 but the taste of thy relatives may not be trusted. 
 
 4040 
 
 Fortunes are made and lost in a day, but this can not 
 be said of the treasures of the mind. 
 
 4041 
 
 If a fraction of the money given to vice were applied 
 to virtue, the sun of prosperity would shine in count 
 less homes. 
 
 4042 
 
 When women become more like men their friendship 
 may be more lasting ; but should men become more 
 like women, what then? 
 
 4043 
 
 Diversity of opinion fearlessly expressed is the surest 
 sign of healthful growth. 
 
 4044 
 
 Peace will abide permanently upon the earth when 
 selfishness makes room for it. 
 
 4045 
 
 A dejected suitor carries about a self-repeating phiz 
 that none may miss his story. 
 
 4046 
 
 When several opinions are presented it is easiest to 
 select one that conforms to our own, and this we 
 seldom fail to do. 
 
 433 
 
4047 
 
 religious thermometer rises when ancient 
 idols are attacked by the scientific iconoclast. 
 The higher the idols have been placed, the more 
 precious, and the fiercer the fight to keep them on 
 their pedestals. 
 
 4048 
 A lavish display depletes energy in a day. 
 
 4049 
 A backbiter waits for you to turn, that he may bite you. 
 
 4050 
 
 Derision may amuse or it may offend, but it never 
 convinces. 
 
 4051 
 
 Benevolence is not centered in eleemosynary institu 
 tions, but lodges in a sympathetic heart and seeks to 
 express itself without ostentation or eulogistic com 
 ment. 
 
 4052 
 
 The contrast between a large and a small mind is not 
 so apparent until they are arrayed against each other 
 in religion and politics. 
 
 4053 
 
 Strong logic must rest on absolute truth and justice. 
 Weak logic, which is usually supported by falsehood 
 and error, is a temporary structure, which in its fall 
 buries many beneath it. 
 
 4054 
 
 As society decries prying and Nature invites it, the 
 curious could make better use of their time by 
 questioning the latter. 
 
 4055 
 
 It is better to admit a doubt than by silence to con 
 firm an error. 
 
 4056 
 
 He who labors for humanity alone, labors for God, 
 who is not considered a good paymaster by many who 
 refuse to work for Him at all. 
 
 434 
 
4057 
 
 QROSPERITY is not the gathering of golden 
 shekels nor yet the possession of lands and 
 cattle, but the adding to and building up of an 
 intellectual and spiritual structure as enduring as time 
 and eternity. 
 
 4058 
 
 A strong steed for a long journey, but a nimble foot 
 for speed. 
 
 4059 
 
 Persistence is the key that unlocks the secret doors of 
 knowledge. 
 
 4060 
 
 A greater evil than the glutton is the tattler, but 
 greater than either is the scandal-monger who barters 
 confidence for gain. 
 
 4061 
 
 A Hottentot knows when a thing pleases him. What 
 more can be said of any critic ? 
 
 4062 
 
 An inheritance of money is convenient, but an 
 inheritance of commonsense is an ancestral gift for 
 which the inheritor should never cease giving thanks. 
 
 4063 
 
 Energy is most needed when paddling against the 
 current of environment. 
 
 4064 
 Elaboration of fact amounts to a plain falsehood. 
 
 4065 
 
 A great intellect needs no advertising or vanguards 
 to herald its merits and superiority. 
 
 4066 
 
 When the hammer strikes the nail on the head we 
 have less to say then when it strikes the thumb. Thus 
 are we sparing of praise for good service and loud of 
 complaint for blunders. 
 
 4067 
 A comic song is the froth of diversion. 
 
 435 
 
4068 
 
 PERIODICAL spree is like unto a cyclone, 
 twisting to the very center all good resolves, 
 uprooting promises, and destroying the growing 
 crop of reform that was sown and watered with the 
 tears of repentance. 
 
 4069 
 
 A rolling stone may gather no moss, but a man is sure 
 to gather considerable experience on his way down 
 life s hill. 
 
 4070 
 
 Domestic dramas should never be played before the 
 footlights, however often they may have been rehearsed 
 behind the curtain. 
 
 4071 
 
 In time of want what hath a man or woman left if 
 honor is gone? 
 
 4072 
 
 A stagnant mind breeds disease as surely as a stagnant 
 pool. 
 
 4073 
 
 In the dark one can not read the written thoughts of 
 man, but the unwritten ones are clearer than in the 
 light of the sun. 
 
 4074 
 
 The liberties of the people may be safely increased 
 according to the increase of their understanding and 
 appreciation. 
 
 4075 
 
 Whoso lieth about his neighbor covereth himself with 
 a mantle of dirt to conceal his identity. 
 
 4076 
 
 Give a man a chance to rob you and you ascertain his 
 degree of honesty, but alas ! not always in time to 
 save your wares. 
 
 4077 
 
 Selfishness is not an agreeable member of the house 
 hold, as it interferes with everybody and everything 
 in it. 
 
 436 
 
4078 
 
 Severity cuts two ways : it injures the injurer as much 
 as the injured. 
 
 4079 
 
 It is fatal to friendship to make common property of 
 the purse. 
 
 4080 
 Love is the star of life. 
 
 4081 
 Regret is the brother of remorse. 
 
 4082 
 
 A peculiarity of hospitality is that it can not maintain 
 its reputation without the assistance of its guests. 
 
 4083 
 
 An elastic spirit yields more pleasure to its owner 
 when it is not weighted with too much gold. 
 
 4084 
 
 A beautiful thought rarely comes to one whose mind 
 is engrossed with sensuality. 
 
 4085 
 
 A worse malady than poverty is satiety, and work is 
 the only cure for either. 
 
 4086 
 
 The unalloyed happiness in one s life fills only a few 
 pages of the threescore and ten chapters of the book. 
 
 4087 
 
 An ape can not become a man, but there is no law of 
 society that prevents a man from becoming an ape. 
 
 4088 
 
 The lark sings high in the sky from inclination ; like 
 wise do mortals sing high or low as they incline. 
 
 4089 
 
 When a man invites another to his house and gives 
 him the best in it, be he prince or pauper, the guest 
 who grumbles deserves the banishment that must 
 soon follow. 
 
 437 
 
4090 
 
 Gratuitous help insures gratuitous contempt from a 
 contemptible source. 
 
 4091 
 
 The pinch of snuff may be sneezed at, but the pinch 
 of poverty may not. 
 
 4092 
 
 The doctrine of total depravity is evidenced by fewer 
 than preach it. 
 
 4093 
 
 A seven days wonder is the man who from choice 
 eschews riches for poverty. 
 
 4094 
 
 A hearty laugh pleasantly flavors the day. 
 
 4095 
 
 Whosoever desires to engage successfully in the affairs 
 of life must gird himself in youth for the fray. 
 
 4096 
 
 When the noonday sun of knowledge is shining 
 brightly without, the man who lives in the cave of 
 ignorance must guide his shadowy steps by the dim 
 torch of faith. 
 
 4097 
 
 The best things in life are as inexhaustible as the 
 demand. They are neither the great nor the small 
 things, but such as please the individual. 
 
 4098 
 Pleasure abounds most where satiety is not known. 
 
 4099 
 
 The print of a hand on the staircase of knowledge 
 indicates that some one has ascended. 
 
 4100 
 
 Lavish consideration of others will not impoverish 
 any family. 
 
 4101 
 Abstinence is good policy when inclination is near. 
 
 438 
 
4102 
 
 begins by the individual cleansing of 
 the innermost corners of the mind and working 
 outward, for be it not understood that brushing 
 the exterior will renovate the interior of the taber 
 nacle. 
 
 4103 
 
 More efficacious is rebuke administered in silence than 
 in anger. 
 
 4104 
 
 Labor may soil the hands and bend the back, but 
 should not break the heart nor bend the spirit. 
 
 4105 
 
 Physical hunger decreases, but spiritual hunger 
 increases with nourishment. 
 
 4106 
 
 A beautiful visage ofttimes is more in love with itself 
 than with anything else. 
 
 4107 
 A little wit will parry the thrust of a big blunder. 
 
 4108 
 A fertile tongue does not bespeak a fertile mind. 
 
 4109 
 
 The most menial service hath dignity when it is 
 performed that another may not lack comfort. 
 
 4110 
 
 One must bore deep for pure water. So must one who 
 wishes to draw from the deep rivers of thought bore 
 through the many strata until the unfailing flow of 
 inspiration is tapped. 
 
 4111 
 
 Silence is never more commendable than when anger 
 knocks for admittance. 
 
 4112 
 
 A vagabond is the product of civilization and a guest 
 at large of the entire globe. 
 
 439 
 
4113 
 
 A Hebrew Bible and a Greek Testament are the corner 
 stones of theology, but the mountain-ranges and the 
 shoreless seas mark the place where science has met 
 the eternal God. 
 
 4114 
 
 Laugh not at the illiterate, but pity, for their defects 
 make them so conspicuous that they could not be 
 modest if they would. 
 
 4115 
 An open grave receives a corrupt body, but man never. 
 
 4116 
 
 A free and united country is a prophetic dream yet 
 to be fulfilled. 
 
 4117 
 
 A brave and honorable independence is preferable to a 
 king s domain. 
 
 4118 
 
 A safe and quick cure for adversity is a measure of 
 prosperity taken in small doses. 
 
 4119 
 
 A blessing is contentment, for with contentment comes 
 peace, whose presence beautifies the lowliest home. 
 
 440 
 
BOOK EIGHTEEN 
 
4120 
 
 HERE is an old saying that if an 
 inch is given, an ell will be taken. 
 Too true ! too true ! And this is 
 the reason that so many private 
 homes are barricaded against 
 public invasion. The masses, by 
 their depredations, draw a line 
 between themselves and the art- 
 treasures contained in great mansions. 
 The earmark of vandalism, the unrefined rich and the 
 unrefined poor have put upon themselves ! They have 
 writ an outdoor warning against their admittance. 
 Behold the hacked trees, the mutilated branches, the 
 lettered seats, inscribed rocks and the littered way ! 
 Until these signs cease, ye shall know^that it is not 
 wise to live with open doors, and the ten righteous 
 will not save the many from condemnation. 
 
 4121 
 
 On holidays wear your broadest smile. On holy days 
 laughter is forbidden, that your behavior become the 
 occasion. 
 
 4122 
 
 A loud calling indicates the whereabouts of the 
 caller, but not necessarily of the called. 
 
 4123 
 
 A pleasant morning is frequently followed by a 
 stormy evening and it is not safe to predict that the 
 closing days of life will be like the morning hours. 
 
 4124 
 
 A stoic affects indifference but the human heart craves 
 sympathy, it matters not how much wrapped it may 
 be from public observation. 
 
 4125 
 
 A heart full of sympathy and a head full of sense are 
 the essential requisites for the making of a good 
 citizen. 
 
 443 
 
4126 
 
 vanity and impertinence of tardiness are 
 intolerable. Presuming that the assembled 
 company has sustained a loss, tardiness loads 
 itself with apologies and dispenses them with much 
 ado on arrival. 
 
 4127 
 Old age is not the time to prepare for battle. 
 
 4128 
 
 It is no man s business to exploit his neighbors affairs 
 unless he be hired for that purpose. 
 
 4129 
 
 A familiar but always laughable farce is a nobody 
 trying to play the part of a somebody. 
 
 4130 
 
 The dearest spot on earth is home when home contains 
 the heart. 
 
 4131 
 A sweet disposition is as pleasing as the odor of violets. 
 
 4132 
 
 The mist of disappointment vanishes with the sunny 
 rays of hope. 
 
 4133 
 
 A bestial man has no counterpart amongst the 
 animals, for they lead clean lives. 
 
 4134 
 
 The liability of misfortune to overtake and devour 
 riches makes the journey of the latter, one of extreme 
 anxiety and peril. 
 
 4135 
 
 The highest authority on ethics is founded on experi 
 ence and preserved in books. 
 
 4136 
 
 It is difficult to arbitrate questions of domestic 
 economy when there are several minds in the family 
 each claiming supremacy. 
 
4137 
 
 GHERE is naught to sustain the theory that 
 man was created in the image of God, but it is 
 quite true to say that God is created in man s 
 mind and as grows the mind so grows the image 
 until personality is lost in universality. 
 
 4138 
 
 Great fortunes are annually spent in laying the 
 foundations of misery. 
 
 4139 
 
 To disarm suspicion when investigation demands 
 admittance, open the door at once. 
 
 4140 
 
 Sincere and homely phrasing is more musical than the 
 rhythmic words of hypocrisy. 
 
 4141 
 
 The vicious yearly spend enough money, time and 
 energy to build their own prisons. 
 
 4142 
 
 Noble heroism unrecognized by the public : the con 
 stant effort of the good wife to reform the dissipated 
 husband. 
 
 4143 
 
 Keep the children near Nature and you keep them 
 near God. 
 
 4144 
 
 Theocracy wears on its head a thorny crown, 
 And on its face a cruel frown. 
 
 4145 
 
 The truth-seeker leads a lonelier life than the money- 
 seeker, but in the end the first is rich and the last is 
 poor. 
 
 4146 
 
 Confession may ease the mind but it does not remove 
 the tracing of a sin which is deeply and lastingly 
 graven on the tablet of memory. 
 
 445 
 
4147 
 
 the laborer desires truth and justice more 
 than aught else he shall rise and shine. But woe 
 unto him who in his heart lays low the palaces 
 of civilization. Truly the righteous abhor destruction ; 
 only barbarians seek it. 
 
 4148 
 
 Daily intercourse with the rude blurs the polish of 
 fine manners. 
 
 4149 
 
 Creeds have bound more minds than science can in a 
 long time release. 
 
 4150 
 
 It were better to place a rubber doll in the halls of 
 legislation than a man with a rubber conscience ; the 
 former would neither do mischief nor take a bribe, 
 the latter does little else. 
 
 4151 
 
 A hermit should be the happiest of men always in 
 love with himself and no one to rouse his jealousy. 
 
 4152 
 
 A^ variety of seasoning added in proper quantities to 
 the domestic salad makes it more relishable than 
 plain greens every day. 
 
 4153 
 
 It is a fact that the less a brag knows about a subject 
 the more determined is he to let it be known. 
 
 4154 
 
 One would have to be ten feet high to overlook the 
 faults of others, but only a pigmy to overlook one s 
 own. 
 
 4155 
 
 The better way to serve an enemy is to forget him ; 
 and should you meet, convey this idea to him, then 
 his anger may be turned to shame and you be master 
 of the field. 
 
 4156 
 It is impossible for a little mind to fill a large space. 
 
 446 
 
4157 
 
 ^^| F I were Santa Claus I would load my sleigh 
 with Liberty Bells, and every boy and every 
 ^"^^ girl in the land should have one, and every day 
 they should chime until man, woman and child became 
 acquainted with the true significance of the beautiful 
 word and learn to love and value and honor liberty, 
 the holiest of human privileges. 
 
 4158 
 
 A lack of tender sentiment makes life a sandy desert, 
 across which the journey is tiresome, lonely and 
 monotonous. 
 
 4159 
 
 A slave is every man who permits another to dictate 
 his politics and his religion those are things that 
 should be selected without coercion. 
 
 4160 
 
 Straws blow with the wind, but rocks do not ; therefore 
 be a rock if you do not wish to be tossed about with 
 every turn of the weather-vane. 
 
 4161 
 
 The anticipation of pleasure carries one beyond a 
 matter of fact, consequently the reality is not so 
 pleasant as expectation. 
 
 4162 
 
 To see straight one must look straight and not squint 
 around corners and then wonder why everything and 
 everybody appears crooked and out of line. 
 
 4163 
 
 Whirling at a terrific rate of speed is the round globe, 
 but it is as a snail s pace compared with the flight of 
 thought, whose swiftness knows no limit. 
 
 4164 
 
 Friendship is but a name unless the opportunity has 
 been offered and promptly accepted to perform some 
 service requiring self-sacrifice. 
 
 447 
 
4165 
 
 are oftener made by vice and sloth 
 than by industry and frugality, and if this 
 statement were posted on the doors and lintels 
 of civilization, it might make the careless careful and 
 the wasteful frugal. 
 
 4166 
 
 Place before a child the best pictures of life and he 
 will copy them. 
 
 4167 
 
 He who turns from truth will accompany falsehood 
 to the brink of destruction. 
 
 4168 
 
 When guilt is added to the ordinary luggage of life, 
 it outweighs all joy. 
 
 4169 
 
 Horticulture has two pleasant ways : the morning 
 walk of industry and the evening stroll of contentment. 
 
 4170 
 
 A sharp wit makes bold to play upon the follies of 
 others, but incidentally he touches upon his own 
 foibles, which keeps him on the plane of other men. 
 
 4171 
 
 A variety performance gives more rest to the mind 
 than a continuous play : so it is with daily occupation. 
 
 4172 
 
 A vain fowl does not conceal vanity with spreading 
 feathers, neither does a vain woman, however much 
 she may pretend. 
 
 4173 
 
 Idleness hath no dignity, but makes a pretense of 
 superiority that would amuse did it not cast the 
 burden of living on others. 
 
 4174 
 
 A leaky house that stands on a hill has no advantage 
 over a leaky house that stands on a plain. Neither 
 is one lie better than another. 
 
 448 
 
4175 
 
 the village doctor and the parson are entrusted 
 many secrets, but the gossips declare themselves 
 the rightful custodians of all public and private 
 affairs and possess themselves in a degree most per 
 plexing to honest folk. 
 
 4176 
 
 A generous supply of conceit enables one to talk 
 confidently if not convincingly. 
 
 4177 
 
 Decency forbids the association of truth and false 
 hood. 
 
 4178 
 
 Few should have wealth, for few are not the worse for 
 its possession. 
 
 4179 
 
 A dwarfed body excites more curiosity than a dwarfed 
 mind, the latter being so common as to pass unnoticed. 
 
 4180 
 
 Love of excitement is the forerunner of discontent, and 
 discontent is the quick destroyer of domestic life. 
 
 4181 
 
 The ship of state is ever in more danger of foundering 
 in a religious hurricane than in a political gale. 
 
 4182 
 
 The breadwinners and the caretakers are not so soon 
 forgotten as the idlers and the merrymakers. 
 
 4183 
 
 Habitual intemperance and habitual failure abide 
 much together. 
 
 4184 
 
 The energy wasted to ruin one life would provide for 
 several. 
 
 4185 
 
 The wings of mercy are wide enough to brood the 
 whole human family. 
 
 449 
 
4186 
 
 ONE by one the leaves of the rose unfold and 
 exhale their heavenly perfume ; then they fall 
 to the ground and the spirit floats aloft to bud 
 and blossom in the upper world of thought and beauty. 
 Likewise the soul of man. 
 
 4187 
 
 A common saying is that when a man dies that is the 
 end of him, but it would seem nearer the truth to say 
 it is the beginning. 
 
 4188 
 
 The favorite pastime of old and young is the chase for 
 money. The majority are poorly mounted or are 
 inferior riders, consequently many are ditched and 
 thrown at the outset, only one now and then securing 
 a brush. 
 
 4189 
 
 An accumulation of titles is part of the rubbish 
 gathered in royal life. 
 
 4190 
 
 No person, unless small indeed, can crawl through the 
 little end of the horn of experience without being 
 squeezed. 
 
 4191 
 
 When one is prompted to do a kind or generous act 
 and is restrained by poverty, the thought must be 
 placed to one s credit. 
 
 4192 
 
 As lamentable as failure is, it is kinder than success 
 when success destroys those upon whom it falls. 
 
 4193 
 
 To have a beautiful mind one must cultivate beautiful 
 thoughts that they may spring up and blossom in 
 season. 
 
 4194 
 
 The ingenuity of man has suggested many contri 
 vances to prevent stealing, but has concerned little 
 to prevent lying. 
 
 450 
 
4195 
 
 wit and humor, sense and logic, pathos 
 and poetry, expressed in a single day, were it 
 recorded, would be a marvelous revelation of 
 human life and in ages to come might be the atom 
 upon which to build a new bible. 
 
 4196 
 
 Religion is offered so freely that the world does not 
 seem very anxious for it. 
 
 4197 
 Ostracism is not harder to bear than mere toleration. 
 
 4198 
 
 Badges of distinction are more frequently worn than 
 medals of honor. 
 
 4199 
 If a man love the truth he will search for it. 
 
 4200 
 
 Close upon the heels of time treads experience, but it 
 has never been known to overtake it, 
 
 4201 
 
 A fortune does not wait long for a claimant, but a 
 claimant may wait forever for a fortune. 
 
 4202 
 
 The majority of men make better citizens than 
 presidents, though few could be so persuaded were the 
 chair within reach. 
 
 4203 
 
 One must have strong vision to see his neighbor s 
 interest as clearly as his own. 
 
 4204 
 
 It is a delicate experiment to trifle with expectations ; 
 they so often take offense and leave altogether. 
 
 4205 
 
 Folly laughs gaily in company, but when alone it 
 wears the face of death. 
 
 451 
 
4206 
 
 full civilization abides with us, locks, bars 
 and bolts will disappear, and until that time 
 man is but a pretender to high place, a vain 
 bragging creature with nothing but platitudes to offer 
 in defense of his unworthy state. 
 
 4207 
 
 A visionary man is more interested in the future than 
 in present events, and therefore misses much of profit. 
 
 4208 
 
 No man owes respect to authority that partakes of 
 brutality. 
 
 4209 
 
 A lake of fire and brimstone is not more terrible to 
 contemplate than an eternity of idleness. 
 
 4210 
 
 Depression follows exaltation as the valley lies below 
 the mountain. 
 
 4211 
 
 Many mistake solicitude for kindness when it is only 
 interference. 
 
 4212 
 
 A sad heart may seek the companionship of gay 
 laughter, but gay laughter does not fraternize with a 
 sad heart from choice. 
 
 4213 
 
 Every holiday is a trump-card in the fifty-two weeks 
 shuffle of the year. 
 
 4214 
 
 A babe born in a manger may some day be a leader 
 of men, but should he so born elect to always live in 
 that manger, probably no one would waste time and 
 energy trying to cast him out. 
 
 4215 
 
 When a priest reads your horoscope his predictions 
 concerning your future are not very consoling if your 
 theology differs from his. 
 
 452 
 
4216 
 
 plumed knight and the lady are they called 
 in romantic history, who dally with Cupid ; but 
 in real life they are as often the scullery-maid 
 and the scavenger, because Cupid has no favorites 
 and is not a respecter of persons. 
 
 4217 
 
 Whatsoever a man has to do let him do it well, as 
 perchance it is his final work and his only monument. 
 
 4218 
 
 Silence when bought with a principle is an extravagant 
 purchase. 
 
 4219 
 Vulgarity is not a friend even to itself. 
 
 4220 
 
 If our arisen friends witness our frantic efforts and 
 miserable failures to become suddenly rich, may we 
 not ourselves keep them in purgatory longer than any 
 deserve ? 
 
 4221 
 
 The ties of true love are never broken ; the silver cord 
 will stretch from earth to heaven. 
 
 4222 
 
 The best advocates of a cause are those who love it 
 better than themselves. 
 
 4223 
 
 A sudden change of front exposes one s back to con 
 siderable danger. 
 
 4224 
 
 The past is a wilderness of mistakes, and should you 
 now be midway on your journey, the future contains 
 as many more. 
 
 4225 
 
 Who would think of determining the quality of a 
 man s brain by the cut and color of his hair ! Yet this 
 is no more absurd than determining a man s worth 
 by the cut and quality of his apparel. 
 
 453 
 
4226 
 
 weighty responsibilities that fall upon the 
 wealthy are quickly perceived by the poor, 
 who are ever desirous of shouldering the burden, 
 not so much with a desire to help the rich as to change 
 places with them. 
 
 4227 
 
 A happy turn of thought gives the mind a holiday, 
 but a despondent twist makes it slave from morn till 
 morn. 
 
 4228 
 
 When the debate is too long the points grow dull. 
 
 4229 
 
 One may shout victory when one can live without 
 care. 
 
 4230 
 
 When interference takes the place of advice, it is 
 intolerable. 
 
 4231 
 
 You can not determine the depth of the pocket by 
 the length of the coat. 
 
 4232 
 
 A long head serves as well as a long purse in times of 
 perplexity, but when the two are associated obstacles 
 disappear as if by magic. 
 
 4233 
 
 A welcome guest is he who comes with a smiling 
 countenance and a merry word. 
 
 4234 
 
 Why should the poor feel flattered when noticed by 
 the rich, and why should the rich feel condescension 
 when addressing the poor are they not all brothers 
 and sisters, and God their common father? 
 
 4235 
 
 A suitable place for the casting of a doubt is in the 
 stream of knowledge, where the clear, swift current 
 will carry it far away. 
 
 454 
 
4236 
 
 BCCORDING to means and opportunity there 
 is no more and no less charity amongst the poor 
 than amongst the rich. Both keep well within 
 their own territory, and it is only when they step over 
 the line that the public hears of their generosity. 
 
 4237 
 A pepper-pod is not sharper than temporary authority. 
 
 4238 
 
 The best witnesses for truth are those who are best 
 acquainted with it. 
 
 4239 
 An enduring monument the shaft of integrity. 
 
 4240 
 
 How realistic and awful the picture the mind draws 
 of a lake of fire and brimstone but who is wicked 
 enough to sketch the face of a dear friend struggling 
 and suffering therein? 
 
 4241 
 
 A deliberate, malicious, revengful lie is a triple- 
 headed monster that truth slays with considerable 
 difficulty and delay. 
 
 4242 
 
 The most far-reaching thought of man will never 
 penetrate the sanctuary of the living God of the 
 universe. 
 
 4243 
 
 A beautiful object is an inspiration, and an inspiration 
 is a breath of divinity. 
 
 4244 
 
 A dried mind is as unsatisfactory as a dried apple. 
 The substitute can never fill the place of the fresh 
 and juicy fruit. 
 
 4245 
 
 Your dullest guest may be the most appreciative of the 
 choice viands and rare vintages placed before him, 
 and your brightest the most indifferent to quality 
 and service. 
 
 455 
 
4246 
 
 man i s se i ze d w ith a sudden 
 impulse to give, violent reaction is sure to 
 follow, therefore it is well to watch symptoms 
 closely at the beginning and take advantage of any 
 favorable sign. 
 
 4247 
 
 Success depends more upon determination than 
 circumstances . 
 
 4248 
 
 To hide behind the door of conviction and keep silent 
 when some one knocks for an answer evidences the 
 coward within. 
 
 4249 
 A wayward youth is a signboard on a disgraced house. 
 
 4250 
 
 It is a great achievement to root out prejudice, whether 
 it grow in your own or your neighbor s field. 
 
 4251 
 
 The most fortunate individual in the world is the 
 wisest one. Then it naturally follows that the most 
 unfortunate is the most unwise. 
 
 4252 
 
 Who ever saw a savage running after religion unless 
 he was chased by a missionary? 
 
 4253 
 
 A drunken man looks at his friends through drunken 
 eyes and judges them accordingly. 
 
 4254 
 
 Ten thousand shouting voices could not drown the 
 voice of conscience. 
 
 4255 
 
 The husbandman must toil that he may reap. The 
 fisherman must follow the stream to fish. Yet how 
 many expect the blessings of life to come without 
 effort and the fish to bite on dry land. 
 
 456 
 
4256 
 
 becomingness of poverty and the unbecom- 
 ingness of wealth is not a subject for a popular 
 lecture ; but the thought protrudes itself when 
 one sees vulgarity arrayed in extreme fashion and 
 refinement shabbily covered. 
 
 4257 
 
 A valiant effort in behalf of justice endows one with 
 courage to defend the weak. 
 
 4258 
 
 The sanctity of matrimony has been well-nigh 
 destroyed by money and jests. 
 
 4259 
 
 A noble life needs no creed but brotherly love to 
 insure salvation. 
 
 4260 
 
 An adamantine heart can only be softened by the 
 trip-hammer of disciplinary experience. 
 
 4261 
 
 It is more enduring to crown the immortal mind with 
 truth than to wear upon the mortal brow the gems 
 of earth. 
 
 4262 
 
 How deep the silence of a living soul, its breathing 
 scarce felt by mortal who nearest is. 
 
 4263 
 
 A welcome suitor is he who comes with a full purse 
 in one hand and a full heart in the other. 
 
 4264 
 
 There is sure to be a fine kettle of fish when two 
 lovers are angling in the same brook. 
 
 4265 
 
 It may not be a secret to all, but it is to a few, that 
 the chief hindrance to heroism is lack of the quality 
 itself. 
 
 457 
 
4266 
 
 GARE is especially needed in the rearing of good 
 citizens, but alas ! insufficient is exercised, and 
 behold the result in the prison-houses, asylums 
 and infirmaries, and the knaves, the fools and the 
 cruel in public places. 
 
 4267 
 
 The halcyon hours of matrimony are those preceding 
 arguments, and the most incompatible those following. 
 
 4268 
 
 Nowhere in the great wide world is there so much 
 need of pity as for the brute creation in their feeble 
 ness to make known their sufferings. 
 
 4269 
 Carnal appetite brings death to him who indulges it. 
 
 4270 
 
 A lascivious thought or act is a swift run down the 
 hill of destruction. 
 
 4271 
 
 It is no greater sin to poison the body than to poison 
 the mind, but mental suicide is not recorded amongst 
 the namable sins of commission. 
 
 4272 
 
 It is easier to walk leisurely along a smooth road than 
 to run over a rough one, and this is the difference 
 between competency and penury. 
 
 4273 
 
 Thou hast much joy if thou canst speak thy thoughts 
 with tone, form and color. 
 
 4274 
 
 Abundant wine makes abundant folly, and the ripple 
 that is set in motion gathers until it breaks in a great 
 wave on the shore of society. 
 
 4275 
 
 An enemy is not a good thing to stumble upon sud 
 denly, and he is safest who makes fewest. 
 
 458 
 
4276 
 
 , EAR in mind, ye bonnie lassies, though Cupid 
 follows no prescribed route and may jump 
 fences and run about in most eccentric fashion, 
 you are just as liable to meet him coming through the 
 door as coming through the rye. 
 
 4277 
 
 If ninety and nine prophets fail and one is true, that 
 one will be remembered and the ninety and nine will 
 be forgotten. 
 
 4278 
 
 A beautiful lake so clear and deep that everything 
 that floats on its surface is reflected beneath such is 
 the immortal soul. 
 
 4279 
 
 The world smiles and bows low to prosperity, but 
 prosperity is not always in humor to return the salute 
 graciously. 
 
 4280 
 
 A wild Indian knows as much about God as the most 
 learned theologian, but doubtless each would claim 
 to be the wiser. 
 
 4281 
 
 Loud is the complaint against sinning, yet those who 
 complain keep on sinning and expect others to abandon 
 sin at the tooting of a horn. 
 
 4282 
 
 Matrimony is sacred when love is ever present, but 
 marriage does not create love and without it husband 
 and wife are without companion. 
 
 4283 
 
 To better understand the spiritual laws of being it is 
 well to enter psychological realms, gathering fragments 
 from everywhere. 
 
 4284 
 
 A grain of sand is a smaller thing on the beach than 
 in the eye, and so are the troubles of others compared 
 with our own. 
 
 459 
 
4285 
 
 are two signs at every turning one is 
 revelry and danger, and the other is sobriety 
 and safety but travelers either do not read or 
 do not heed, for they as often go the dangerous as the 
 safe way. 
 
 4286 
 
 A wise head permits but a little wisdom to escape at 
 a time. 
 
 4287 
 
 The only antidote for ennui is labor in some of the 
 many fields of usefulness. 
 
 4288 
 
 Blighted affection is the frost of an approaching 
 Winter of loneliness. 
 
 4289 
 
 A conservative estimate of the sins of humanity would 
 place them well in advance of their virtues, did not 
 virtue stand in the ratio of gold to the baser metals. 
 
 4290 
 
 The best test of a man s sincerity is his adherence to 
 a principle that is antagonistic to his personal interest. 
 
 4291 
 
 The love of freedom is so strong in some natures that 
 without it they perish, and with such, restraint of 
 body is less torturous than encasement of mind in a 
 religious or political straitjacket. 
 
 4292 
 
 A river of truth flows through the plains of error that 
 is turned at intervals upon the thirsty sands, that 
 fruit and grain may grow thereon for the diligent 
 husbandman who toils for knowledge. 
 
 4293 
 
 A trustworthy servant of the people laughs at personal 
 gain and will turn his back on his own interests 
 whenever the public welfare is better conserved by his 
 antagonist. 
 
 460 
 
4294 
 
 0IVE us this day our daily bread is the universal 
 prayer ; but with all the pleading many go 
 hungry, not even the crumbs falling to their 
 lot. Who then will dare say that God heareth and 
 answereth hunger s prayer ! It is thy brother who 
 must share his loaf ; it is thy sister who gives of the 
 crumbs ; it is thyself who must cease to be selfish : and 
 all must abandon greed and strive to be just. 
 
 4295 
 Wit barbed with cruelty is fatal to friendship. 
 
 4296 
 
 A foe may wear the face of a friend, but a friend will 
 never wear the face of a foe. 
 
 4297 
 
 A hundred tails will not make a lion nor a thousand 
 trunks an elephant. Wherefore then complain that 
 individuals are what they are and demand impos 
 sibilities ? 
 
 4298 
 
 Correct diction is the fine raiment of thought, and its 
 adornment the white rose of purity. 
 
 4299 
 
 The fearless advocacy of a cause does not prove that 
 cause just. Error has ever been as valiantly cham 
 pioned as the right. 
 
 4300 
 
 If a man love his neighbor as himself he will befriend 
 him and defend him. 
 
 4301 
 
 Wherever one may go, one will find selfishness and 
 injustice under the same roof. They are inseparable. 
 
 4302 
 
 The percentage of falsehoods is so out of proportion 
 to the exact truth that the answer is not written in 
 the key of moral arithmetic. 
 
 461 
 
4303 
 
 is comforting to most Christians to look for- 
 ward to death as the time of rest. Whether 
 because of overwork or love of ease, the thought 
 is not one that will spur to action any dormant faculty 
 or rouse the ambition of any one, and were better left 
 behind with the old doctrines and beliefs than carried 
 along with the new. 
 
 4304 
 
 A grain will turn the scales either way, and as words 
 are but grains in the affairs of life they should be 
 accurate. 
 
 4305 
 
 A lengthy argument widens the breach of misunder 
 standing. 
 
 4306 
 Virtue attends every one who will permit. 
 
 4307 
 
 A pointed story is better than a blunt fact to pry 
 open a dull mind. 
 
 4308 
 
 If the weak were compelled to rise when they first fall, 
 fewer would fall a second time. 
 
 462 
 
BOOK NINETEEN 
 
4309 
 
 UR loss is incalculable when we 
 put aside useful employment to 
 sit with folded hands. Our brains 
 wither when we no longer work. 
 There are so many services that 
 brother can render brother that 
 idleness seems unnatural. Poets, 
 dreamers of dreams, the chroniclers 
 of truth, writers of music and the interpreters of master 
 compositions, the artists, the artisans, hewers of 
 wood and drawers of water, all these are aids to noble 
 living ; but luckless are they who toil not, are vain of 
 their indolence, and show contempt for honest normal 
 life. 
 
 4310 
 
 An agent of Beelzebub is the person who goes about 
 gathering gossip to retail. 
 
 4311 
 Innocence hath no redress when despoiled. 
 
 4312 
 
 Moral sanitation is the last thought that reaches an 
 unclean mind. 
 
 4313 
 
 Amusements, like medicine, should be taken in small 
 doses and not too frequently, lest injury instead of 
 benefit follow. 
 
 4314 
 
 A thought may reach the Pleiades, but God never, for 
 He is without location and beyond the limit of finite 
 mind, and therefore remains unthinkable and unknow 
 able. 
 
 4315 
 
 Socialism will not civilize the masses. Civilization s 
 hope is the individual constantly arising from the 
 masses. 
 
 4316 
 
 An appetite for rum no man can indulge and walk the 
 highway of propriety and happiness. 
 
 465 
 
4317 
 
 [HEN the sunlight appears in the East, men 
 happily exclaim, "It is day." When it dis 
 appears in the West, they say, " The night 
 cometh on." But when the first bright ray of science 
 peers over the mountains of ignorance, pious people 
 predict darkness ; and when it vanishes for a time, 
 they joyfully exclaim, " The morning light is break 
 ing !" Wherefore this twist in the mental vision? 
 
 4318 
 
 Evolution makes good possible. 
 
 4319 
 
 He who slays a brother surrenders himself to endless 
 bondage to the crime. 
 
 4320 
 
 The tender vine of childhood reaches out with its 
 dainty tendrils and clings to a leafless tree or a bent 
 limb with as much affection as to a perfect support. 
 
 4321 
 
 Simplicity is ever beautiful, but more especially with 
 the face of innocence. 
 
 4322 
 
 A misunderstanding that can not be cleared with a 
 line can not be righted with a chapter. 
 
 4323 
 
 A man s fortune may consist of knowledge or gold or 
 both, but certain it is that only the former can he 
 take to the land of the soul, whither he must migrate 
 whenever Death commands him. 
 
 4324 
 
 There are lay-figures in society as in shop-windows 
 who continually turn on a pivot for onlookers to 
 admire. 
 
 4325 
 
 It is not known that a vain man is more diffident 
 about exhibiting for admiration than a vain woman. 
 
 466 
 
4326 
 
 HINE raiment is easily obtainable, but the fine 
 deportment that should properly go with it, 
 unfortunately is not for sale, and coarser garb 
 would be more fitting for buyers who are conspic 
 uously in need of the latter. 
 
 4327 
 
 The most perfect outward beauty is as naught when 
 compared with the beauty of unselfish devotion, that 
 hides under the mantle of hardships to serve its loved 
 ones. 
 
 4328 
 
 When women are permitted to participate in the 
 affairs of state, men will pay more attention to their 
 sworn duty or be distanced in the race for honors. 
 
 4329 
 
 Two thousand years ago it was written that no man 
 had seen the Father at any time, and we know there 
 has been no meeting since. 
 
 4330 
 
 Reverence becomes youth and glorifies old age, but 
 to reverence error is to scoff at truth. 
 
 4331 
 
 Bread is the staff of life and butter is a gold head upon 
 it. 
 
 4332 
 
 Lassie, if a man flatter thee, ask thyself candidly if he 
 be not thinking of himself. 
 
 4333 
 
 Our days are like wool upon the distaff of Time, and 
 the coarseness or fineness of the web will be according 
 to the thread that we spin. 
 
 4334 
 
 No system of religion should meet with more favor 
 than that founded on the divinity of man, the dignity 
 of birth and the majesty of death. 
 
 467 
 
4335 
 
 [HOULD the angels listen to all the scandals of 
 mortals they could not rise to their fair realms, 
 so weighted would they be with filthy mire. 
 How then can a man expect to rise when he loads him 
 self with all abominations ? 
 
 4336 
 
 A scapegoat is to be pitied, for not only must it bear 
 its own iniquities but all that the ungodly can pile on. 
 
 4337 
 When the wicked espouse a good cause it is delayed. 
 
 4338 
 
 Sin is discord. Righteousness is harmony, and when 
 righteousness prevails heaven listens. 
 
 4339 
 
 A babe sleeping in innocence composes the mind ; but 
 to gaze upon the countenance of sleeping age brings 
 more of awe, it is so akin to the rest that overshadows, 
 
 4340 
 
 Every time a truth is spoken, its echo is heard through 
 out the universe. 
 
 4341 
 
 Kind words are not the exclusive property of the rich, 
 but everybody can bestow them whenever inclined 
 without counting the cost. 
 
 4342 
 
 The circumference of a thought can not be greater 
 than the circumference of the mind. 
 
 4343 
 
 Man in his search for God is like a child in the dark 
 crying for light when there is no one to hear. 
 
 4344 
 
 Every line that is written in the great book of Life 
 is corrected by the hand of Time. 
 
 468 
 
4345 
 
 HOOK at the surging multitude with their 
 crutches, canes and props. No one walks erect 
 no, not one. Some hobble on the crutch of 
 prevarication and deceit; others limp with covetous- 
 ness and dishonesty ; others are bent with selfishness 
 and greed, lust and pride, and so many other abomi 
 nations that even the good are bowed with grief. 
 
 4346 
 
 It is pleasurable to have our virtues told, but to have 
 our sins exploited makes the narrator unbearable. 
 
 4347 
 
 Timidity frequently keeps genius in the background, 
 but it does not prevent mediocrity from appearing in 
 the foreground. 
 
 4348 
 
 Modesty is the most becoming garment that superior 
 ity can put on. 
 
 4349 
 
 Conservatism hangs on the car of progress, but like 
 the small lad behind a wagon it falls off when the pace 
 is quickened. 
 
 4350 
 
 A great amount of energy is expended in pursuing 
 Fashion, but it runs so swiftly that it is never over 
 taken. 
 
 4351 
 
 True heroism is an expression of pure love, very 
 beautiful and very rare. 
 
 4352 
 
 If the newly born should count all day and night 
 throughout the threescore years allotted to human life, 
 the number reached would not express relatively a day 
 of eternity. 
 
 4353 
 
 There are a great many balloons in society and it takes 
 much gas to raise them, but the throng seem not to 
 tire of the performance. 
 
 469 
 
4354 
 
 EET any man who thinks he knows the world 
 thoroughly go forth as a mendicant to meet his 
 friends and ask of them alms or address them 
 in words of social equality, and he will realize on his 
 return that he still has a few things to learn before 
 boasting. 
 
 4355 
 
 Permit no one to pry the lid off the pot when a family 
 stew is boiling. 
 
 4356 
 
 It is a swift slide down the hill of morality, but a long 
 pull up. 
 
 4357 
 
 One is not so sure of winning a fortune in a lottery 
 as by industry. 
 
 4358 
 
 Every one is given a message for the world. Some 
 deliver it well, others ill, and some not at all. 
 
 4359 
 
 It is somewhat beyond the common lot to amass a 
 million dollars, but it should not be beyond the 
 ability of any one to obtain the respect of the entire 
 community. 
 
 4360 
 
 There is too much folly recorded in the pages of 
 history to make a man boastful of his grandparents 
 or over-confident of his grandchildren. 
 
 4361 
 
 A bean-pole will hold up a bean, but is a poor support 
 on which to train a pumpkin -vine, and those who 
 trust too much to bean-poles will see their golden 
 expectations fall to the ground. 
 
 4362 
 
 Be very sure you are right before trying to make 
 others accept your opinions, because if you are wrong 
 you are doing as much mischief as though it were 
 intentional. 
 
 470 
 
4363 
 
 more engaging to the young than the 
 anticipation of maturity, and what more delight- 
 ful to the mature than the contemplation of 
 youth ! Thus does each reach out for the other and 
 meet on middle ground. 
 
 4364 
 
 Today is but the childhood of man, although his 
 advent upon earth is lost in the mists of antiquity. 
 
 4365 
 
 The highest anticipations are always dimmed by 
 tiny clouds of doubt, which realization rarely clears 
 away. 
 
 4366 
 
 Duty often lies further from the heart than from the 
 hand. 
 
 4367 
 
 There are few characters without stains and blemishes 
 enough to condemn them were they merchandise and 
 judged of men. 
 
 4368 
 
 Sometimes one mistakes a reflected light for a shining 
 one. 
 
 4369 
 
 Honesty in the company of dishonesty looks guilty 
 and ill at ease, whilst dishonesty reflects the virtue of 
 honesty and appears to advantage. 
 
 4370 
 
 An unnecessary load is carried by him who takes up 
 his neighbor s quarrel. 
 
 4371 
 
 Whether rich or poor it is against public morality for 
 men and women to live without regular employment. 
 
 4372 
 
 He who kills time should be adjudged guilty of a 
 serious crime. Time, however, may be trusted to avenge 
 itself. 
 
 471 
 
4373 
 
 must infer that our ancestors deported them- 
 selves with becomingness, for to this day and 
 g enera tion are to be found those who sigh for 
 the " good old times." Therefore be it well under 
 stood that as the present always looks to the past, 
 and at this moment we are making the past, it be 
 hooves us to act well our part in the present if we 
 would claim the admiration of generations to come. 
 
 4374 
 A frolic with intemperance is a dance with death. 
 
 4375 
 
 A lost sheep bleats that it may be found, but this is 
 not true of a lost brother or sister. 
 
 4376 
 
 A belligerent attitude may seem heroic when it is 
 only comical. 
 
 4377 
 
 A man should not love his neighbors as himself unless 
 he loves himself more than his money. 
 
 4378 
 
 Large numbers of those met in public thoroughfares 
 are without soul growth, and what think ye is their 
 appearance when the mortal vestments are removed 
 and they appear in all their hidden deformity? 
 
 4379 
 
 Every other person thinks that every other person 
 is wrong. If this be so, who is right? 
 
 4380 
 
 A languishing spirit is ever revived by the recital 
 of good news and it is a panacea for most human ills, 
 but not always at hand. 
 
 4381 
 
 Be generous of thy substance, but parsimonious of 
 self-praise. 
 
 472 
 
4382 
 
 aborigines hated our ancestors and were 
 swallowed up in the great stream of coloniza- 
 tion that poured in upon them ; and by a 
 similar law, may not we, when the cycle of our occu 
 pancy closes, be absorbed by the great ocean of 
 barbarism to which the stream is running? 
 
 4383 
 It is better to die for the truth than to live a lie. 
 
 4384 
 
 It is wasteful to try to pour a quart of understanding 
 into a pint head. 
 
 4385 
 
 A lonely man is he who loves solitude and can not 
 find it. 
 
 4386 
 When Idleness meets Industry war is declared. 
 
 4387 
 
 When any one says that life is not worth living it is 
 because that one knows not how to live. 
 
 4388 
 
 Peace enjoys domesticity and will sit by the hearth 
 stone whenever permitted. 
 
 4389 
 
 Signed, sealed and delivered at birth are letters patent 
 to all the territory lying between the cradle and the 
 grave. 
 
 4390 
 
 When the sun of reason sets, the world is in darkness 
 and the night of superstition is long and fearsome. 
 
 4391 
 
 Unselfishness is the keynote to the prelude of ever 
 lasting happiness. 
 
 4392 
 
 A hearty laugh three times a day will cure diseases 
 that defy drugs and lotions. 
 
 473 
 
4393 
 
 eREAT danger lies near the nation that neglects 
 public education. Let the government regard 
 the ethical and intellectual culture of the masses, 
 but apart from the State let the various religions take 
 care of themselves. 
 
 4394 
 
 Visions of peace and plenty fill the imagination of 
 one ; forebodings of war and famine of another ; but 
 did all have a clear vision of justice, famine and blood 
 shed would be forgotten. 
 
 4395 
 
 Contemplation of the good in others is far wiser than 
 the consideration of their faults, as the former makes 
 them appear better and the latter worse than they 
 really are. 
 
 4396 
 Dogs are ever more faithful in adversity than men. 
 
 4397 
 
 Deeper learned in the art of persuasion is the feminine 
 mind, but when the exception proves the rule, the 
 masculine mind has been brushed by genius. 
 
 4398 
 
 Virtue is victory over temptation, and the victory 
 depends not so much on the strength of virtue as the 
 weakness of the temptation. 
 
 4399 
 Thoroughness is commendable in all things but evil. 
 
 4400 
 
 Purity bubbles up from the living spirit, but is pol 
 luted by flowing through the corrupt springs of earth. 
 
 4401 
 
 Why may not a man have an opinion of his own if he 
 be diligent enough to find one ; or why should he be 
 criticized who perchance has appropriated one from 
 his grandfather s collection? 
 
 474 
 
4402 
 
 GHE most hopeless criminals are they who have 
 in them the least love, and these are they who 
 need sympathy and good thoughts to awaken 
 in them similar emotions, though justice must ever 
 be administered with sternness and never weakened 
 with laxity. 
 
 4403 
 
 To reach religious freedom one must tread a briery 
 path, but they who have survived the ordeal declare 
 it well worth the trial. 
 
 4404 
 
 Bitterness of heart is like unto a sharp thorn in the 
 flesh, which continually wounds and will not heal 
 until removed. 
 
 4405 
 
 The law of attraction rules in our affections when we 
 give free rein to the spirit. 
 
 4406 
 
 Love laughs at locks and danger, but it never laughs 
 at sorrow and want. 
 
 4407 
 
 Whilst cheating is the pastime of many, it is never 
 the employment of self-respect. 
 
 4408 
 
 Detection, though not in the thieves vocabulary, is 
 the handwriting on the wall in every felon s cell. 
 
 4409 
 Authority that rests upon justice is from God. 
 
 4410 
 
 Quick promises are more brittle than slow ones. 
 
 4411 
 
 A barking dog may not bite ; but if he does you can 
 not say that you were not warned. 
 
 4412 
 
 A decided answer has a stimulating effect whether it 
 be yes or no. 
 
 475 
 
4413 
 
 an honest man goeth forth at night he 
 carrieth a light before him ; but a thief goeth 
 forth in the darkness that he may not be seen 
 of men. Take heed therefore of him who hides his 
 calling from the world, lest he rob thee. 
 
 4414 
 The light of the world is thine own soul. 
 
 4415 
 
 A will without a purpose is a rudderless ship tossing 
 about on the sea of destiny. 
 
 4116 
 
 Symmetry of body and symmetry of mind are not so 
 generally associated that their separation causes 
 surprise. 
 
 4417 
 
 The genesis of man is lacking in the archives of 
 Nature, where the savant is not .permitted to enter. 
 
 4418 
 
 Before taking our friends to task for displeasing us it 
 were better to ascertain if they have pleased them 
 selves, as it is not fair to exact more than we are 
 willing to grant. 
 
 4419 
 
 When you overtake opportunity, recognize it cor 
 dially and walk on together. 
 
 4420 
 
 Whatever we may think of a gamester, it must be 
 said that he is trying to better his condition. 
 
 4421 
 
 Procrastination is more than a match for any business 
 that ever wrestled with it. 
 
 4422 
 
 The most menial occupation that helps to turn the 
 wheels of happiness is honorable, but that which puts 
 obstacles in its way is dishonorable and degrading. 
 
 476 
 
4423 
 
 foundation and the roof of a dwelling are all- 
 important, but the middle stories also should 
 have some attention, otherwise the structure 
 is defective, and this is most true of education, for 
 it is the middle stories we most occupy. 
 
 4424 
 Our opinions are grubs today and butterflies tomorrow. 
 
 4425 
 
 Violent convulsions of Nature tell us that God is still 
 at work in His laboratory. 
 
 4426 
 
 Study thy daily lesson faithfully, for as sure as the 
 sun appears each morn there will be given to thee one 
 to learn that is worthy serious attention. 
 
 4427 
 
 When the sword is turned into a pruning-hook, and 
 the battleships into merchantmen, the nations of 
 earth will be approaching civilization. 
 
 4428 
 
 Dignity sitteth ill on him who mingles his advice with 
 sarcasm. 
 
 4429 
 
 It takes less noise to frighten a thief than an honest 
 man less scandal to harm the immoral than the 
 moral. 
 
 4430 
 
 When listening to the prowess of another, consider 
 the prompting motive, that you may better judge of 
 the achievements. 
 
 4431 
 
 It is better to spend the pennies than to hoard the 
 pounds for base purposes. 
 
 4432 
 
 An avalanche of doubt may destroy faith, but hope 
 usually escapes unharmed. 
 
 477 
 
4433 
 
 greedy and pious individual who wants the 
 whole loaf assures the meek that it is Provi- 
 dence acting for their best good that cuts their 
 slice so thin and spreads it so sparingly, and that it is 
 ungodly to complain. 
 
 4434 
 
 It is hazardous to permit ignorance to govern when 
 wisdom will serve. 
 
 4435 
 
 The wildest savage of the jungles has his time and 
 place in the world and is an important factor in the 
 divine mechanism, otherwise he would not be. 
 
 4436 
 
 A sensitive brain receives the thoughts that pass along 
 the wires of intelligence as they are sent from the 
 divine to human minds. 
 
 4437 
 
 Write all thy thoughts upon parchment and read 
 them in company if thou hast courage. 
 
 4438 
 
 A position to which none aspire is that of chief 
 mourner. 
 
 4439 
 
 Whenever you break a good resolution, mend it as 
 quickly as possible. 
 
 4440 
 Go not into society to find fault with it but to better it. 
 
 4441 
 
 Charity that is distributed with publicity is not the 
 kind that the Nazarene meant when He advised the 
 hands know not each other. 
 
 4442 
 
 That a general deluge swept over the earth is not 
 altogether improbable, but that it occurred from the 
 causes and in the manner as related in Jewish history, 
 taxes credulity beyond the point of safety. 
 
 478 
 
4443 
 
 IN the Nineteenth Century a heretofore unap 
 plied force brought the four quarters of the 
 globe into intimate acquaintance, and corners 
 that were once desolate are now as close as the next 
 village. And who will deny the probability of speaking 
 across the Styx when communication across the great 
 oceans without effort is now possible, profitable and 
 interesting ? 
 
 4444 
 
 Only a Hercules can lift a man out of the gutter when 
 he makes no effort to lift himself. 
 
 4445 
 
 Seek not to buy of another his principles, as in so 
 doing thou becomest accessory to moral crime. 
 
 4446 
 
 Far back in childhood s realm we wander when sorrow 
 touches us, and we live again the past. 
 
 4447 
 Anything that savors of hypocrisy savors of falsehood. 
 
 4448 
 
 The small things of life are the days, the great affairs 
 are the years, and as the days outnumber the years so 
 are given our human lessons. 
 
 4449 
 
 Little can be said at any time in defense of sadness 
 that were not better said of cheerfulness. 
 
 4450 
 
 No one can work well without enthusiasm, but this 
 does not imply that all enthusiasts are clever. 
 
 4451 
 
 The gathering of thoughts is like the gathering of 
 fruits from trees the windfalls lie at our feet and are 
 obtained without effort, but for that which grows on 
 the topmost boughs we must climb. 
 
 479 
 
4452 
 
 XT is a plain fact that no other remedy has been 
 found by political doctors for the cure of 
 poverty but industry and economy two such 
 common medicines that they are rejected by many 
 sorely afflicted with the ailment. 
 
 4453 
 The best loved are those who love best. 
 
 4454 
 The bible of the future is the unwritten truth. 
 
 4455 
 
 In the divorcement of ethics and religion, religion 
 would suffer most. 
 
 4456 
 
 Be calm in bereavement and let the spirit be the 
 comforter. 
 
 4457 
 
 Etiquette demands that intellect play second fiddle 
 to royalty. 
 
 4458 
 
 Alas ! what sorrow were ours did not the philosophers 
 and the poets bequeath their precious thoughts to the 
 libraries of the world. 
 
 4459 
 
 Dynamite is not more dangerous than the confined 
 energy of ignorance. 
 
 4460 
 
 Little children have unwittingly spoken as wisely as 
 Solomon. 
 
 4461 
 
 If we try to belittle ourselves we shall not want for 
 assistance. 
 
 4462 
 
 A controlling interest in any business encourages 
 covetousness. 
 
 4463 
 
 A long promise is stronger than a short one because 
 cemented by time. 
 
 480 
 
4464 
 
 QO one ever saw a shadow fall, nor a storm retire, 
 an opal lake nor a sea of glass, leaves of gold 
 nor clouds of silver though poesy describes 
 them all. No one ever heard the voice of God, though 
 ancient writers of a great book declare it, and men 
 wax wroth even unto this day in defending the literal 
 word, though others are happy and wise in extracting 
 the beauty that is concealed in its poetic and mystic 
 lines. 
 
 4465 
 
 The capital " I " is so pleasing to us that we ought to 
 continually check the propensity to use it, that we 
 become not both monotonous and offensive. 
 
 4466 
 Veneering may please, but it does not satisfy. 
 
 4467 
 
 Doubtless it is safer and often wiser to fly than to 
 fight, but the world views the fighter with admiration 
 and the flyer with contempt. 
 
 4468 
 
 Suicide is not the act of a normal mind, for the love of 
 life is so strongly implanted by Nature within man 
 that it deserts him only when the mind is impoverished. 
 
 4469 
 
 Without a-priori reasoning, justice is hindered and 
 prejudice given an unfair start. 
 
 4470 
 
 Punctuality is the first lesson to be learned ; when the 
 bell rings the train starts whether or not you are there, 
 and the opportunity goes by. 
 
 4471 
 
 Concentrate the mind upon a subject at least once a 
 day, and three times is better, until it is disciplined 
 to do your bidding promptly and not to play truant 
 upon the simplest errand. 
 
 481 
 
4472 
 
 [NOW covers the earth with a glory and the 
 white queen reigns over a realm of purity until 
 man goeth forth and defaces with footprints 
 the beauty that surrounds. And thus does he stain 
 with the heel of lust the moral whiteness that is about 
 him. 
 
 4473 
 
 As often as thou prayest for wealth, pray for wisdom. 
 
 4474 
 
 Overmuch study in beaten roads weakens originality 
 of thought and expression, therefore it is well to go 
 into the bypaths and to gather leaves from all nooks 
 and crannies when preparing the book of life. 
 
 4475 
 
 Happiness, with its companion, Duty, calls upon us 
 every morn. Sometimes we do not open to the knock 
 ing and then unhappiness is our guest for the day. 
 
 4476 
 
 Repulsiveness needs as much consideration as beauty, 
 but seldom receives it because our eyes must needs 
 be pleased to quicken our hands. 
 
 4477 
 
 Languor is another name for laziness, used most by 
 the indolent. 
 
 4478 
 
 Anarchy and insurrection are brothers and it matters 
 not which outlaw were dictator where rights of 
 person and property are concerned. 
 
 4479 
 
 Labor as hard as one may to promote habits of 
 industry amid squalor, there are those who will ever 
 cry of their wants, and those who cry loudest will 
 work least to better their own condition. 
 
 4480 
 Deceit is a milder name for iniquity. 
 
 482 
 
4481 
 
 crawl over the surface of their little 
 planet and tell one another what God is like, 
 what He has said in times past, what He intends 
 to do with man in the future, and they are neither 
 cursed nor ridiculed for their presumption ; but ages 
 come and go and the majesty of eternal law prevails, 
 and none can fathom the mystery of being nor 
 comprehend the source, and thus must it be ever and 
 evermore though mortals prattle much. 
 
 4482 
 
 If a new broom sweeps clean, inferentially the new 
 woman will sweep cleaner than the old man. 
 
 4483 
 
 Vain is the desire to be wise if not willing to labor 
 industriously at the forge of instruction. 
 
 4484 
 
 One unpleasant experience overshadows all the 
 pleasures of a day. 
 
 4485 
 
 Not welcome in the house of cheerfulness is the bearer 
 of a gruesome tale that driveth laughter beyond its 
 gates and covereth the inmates as with a pall. 
 
 4486 
 
 Gaiety romping with innocence in the halls of virtue 
 such is an ideal home. 
 
 4487 
 
 Very many require prodding to keep them out of 
 sorrow. 
 
 4488 
 
 Danger acts like a sneaking coward. It takes care to 
 conceal itself whenever and wherever it can and then 
 springs upon its victim unawares to maim or to slay 
 outright. 
 
 4489 
 
 A capital " NO " should be the first word in a child s 
 primer and the only word on the pages of temptation. 
 
 483 
 
4490 
 
 grow you must be yourself; it was no1 
 intended that you be satisfied with the cast-ofi 
 opinions of others, but that you exercise youi 
 own brain and find the truth in your own way. 
 
 4491 
 Mercy belongs to love, and let us say, Love is God. 
 
 4492 
 
 An infant wrestling with a giant would be an appro 
 priate device to place over the door of every college 
 dedicated to theology. 
 
 4493 
 
 No one knows what a wicked thought may do when 
 sent on an evil mission. 
 
 4494 
 
 Apprehensive is compassion when old age is pursued 
 by the specter of cold and hunger. 
 
 4495 
 
 Some there be who would count the cost of an adven 
 ture to themselves who would not consider others. 
 
 4496 
 
 The tide turns in a moment ; therefore if it has been 
 long running out, be patient a little longer. 
 
 4497 
 
 Seclusion befits the good ; but what would become 
 of the wicked did the good seclude themselves 
 altogether ? 
 
 4498 
 
 The evening is the postscript of the day and into it 
 much is crowded that would have made the day more 
 profitable and interesting. 
 
 4499 
 
 A triumphal entry into paradise would be the mon 
 arch s wish after his demise, but we opine he will 
 enter the gates ajar without ceremony and in peasant 
 garb. 
 
 484 
 
4500 
 
 the crows caw the farmer puts out a 
 straw man to defend his field, and this is about 
 the same precaution that the voters take to 
 
 prevent the political crows from stealing the public 
 
 corn that has been planted. 
 
 4501 
 
 The fragrance of a flower is its spirit, an emanation 
 from the divine garden not made with hands. 
 
 4502 
 
 If you wish to keep the cat in the bag, tie it with a 
 strong cord of secrecy and do not be persuaded to 
 undo it. 
 
 4503 
 
 Grief cries out for consolation, the rarest of all 
 blessings bestowed. 
 
 4504 
 
 The fellowship of health and disease is unnatural and 
 impossible physically or mentally. 
 
 4505 
 
 Salacious scandal is relished by prying minds more 
 than modest truth. 
 
 4506 
 
 Were everybody to shine, the illumination would be 
 too dazzling for clear sight. 
 
 4507 
 
 Did every one speak the truth Satan would lose his 
 following, for truth is the foundation of all goodness. 
 
 4508 
 
 Oh, judge thee not any one unless to thee has been 
 given divine wisdom. 
 
 4509 
 
 Sense and sentiment frequently meet on narrow 
 ground and contend for right of way ; and when sound 
 sense yields to silly sentiment, all who are concerned 
 are imperiled. 
 
 485 
 
4510 
 
 IF a signal corps were established from earth tc 
 the seventh heaven, and a flag-angel placed at 
 every station, mortals would soon cease tc 
 speculate regarding the climate beyond, and nothing 
 short of this seems adequate to deter the advocate oi 
 one kind of religion from consigning the advocate of 
 another to a torrid zone. 
 
 4511 
 
 Poesy loves to walk in dewy meadows and by the 
 still waters and list to its own note, because in busy 
 marts amid the clang of commerce it becomes 
 affrighted and can not sing. 
 
 4512 
 
 Two busy little words, " yes " and " no," carry more 
 joy and sorrow to human hearts than all others. 
 
 4513 
 
 Only when labor is self-respecting can it command 
 respect. 
 
 4514 
 
 When we learn the truth, whatever will make us happy 
 will make us better ; but while we are living in error, 
 we lust after the fleshpots that make us worse. 
 
 4515 
 
 Intrude not thy presence in the house of affliction 
 except on an errand of love. 
 
 4516 
 
 Do the pleasures of life recompense for its trials ? To 
 answer in the negative compels argument with Deity. 
 
 4517 
 
 Though every one has something to say, but few know 
 how to say it for all time. 
 
 4518 
 
 Before the world becomes perfect, idleness must be 
 put to work. 
 
 486 
 
4519 
 
 g SOMEWHAT hazardous and fortunately an 
 unnecessary position for a man to assume is to 
 look his neighbor in the eye and give him an 
 unqualified and unreserved opinion of his merits and 
 demerits as seen by the public. 
 
 4520 
 
 If we could find the key to the situation we might 
 unlock the difficulty. 
 
 4521 
 
 The most serviceable weapon in the hands of an 
 enemy is his familiarity with our weaknesses. 
 
 4522 
 
 Indolence and indifference always get in the way of 
 progress, causing long halts and exasperating delay. 
 
 4523 
 
 Masculine and feminine vanity may differ in kind, 
 but there is no apparent difference in degree. 
 
 4524 
 
 When we meet a stranger on the lonely way we have 
 to acknowledge that on the threshold of the Twentieth 
 Century we are afraid of one another. 
 
 4525 
 
 Why should the poor and afflicted be advised to cast 
 their burdens on the Lord, when the rich and the 
 strong are nearer? 
 
 4526 
 
 The longer the lesson, the more difficult the applica 
 tion. 
 
 4527 
 
 Domestic patchwork is scrutinized with curiosity, 
 but the exhibit should never be spread before the 
 public. 
 
 4528 
 
 Be dignified before a king, but not less so before a 
 slave. 
 
 487 
 
4529 
 
 ^|-^NDIVIDUALS in a house may be likened to 
 its doors. No two hinge upon the same support ; 
 each swings from an upright of its own, serving 
 an independent purpose. 
 
 4530 
 Whatever an enemy recommends, search for flaws. 
 
 4531 
 
 A terrible day may be prophesied should fanaticism 
 dethrone reason. 
 
 4532 
 
 Science precludes the belief in the resurrection of the 
 physical body, but is agnostic concerning the soul. 
 
 4533 
 
 One who confers a lasting favor on mankind has done 
 more than the ninety and nine who confer temporary 
 ones. 
 
 4534 
 
 Late hours produce bodily fatigue, but when the sun 
 is strong in the East exercise thy mentality. 
 
 4535 
 
 How restful the pillow of peace. 
 
 4536 
 
 The world is the great encyclopedia of humanity, and 
 all good and all evil is writ within its unnumbered 
 volumes. 
 
 4537 
 
 The vulnerable places in the character must be 
 constantly strengthened lest the citadel of life be 
 destroyed. 
 
 4538 
 
 Be faithful in the minute affairs of life and you will 
 be trusted with the great. 
 
 4539 
 
 A lay so sweet that all who hear must pause : the song 
 of content voiced by the home choir. 
 
 488 
 
4540 
 
 groans are mingled on earth, 
 but in the hereafter groanings must cease and 
 hallelujahs ring in the clear atmosphere of a 
 more perfect understanding and realization of life, 
 its requirements, its possession, its glories and its 
 freedom. 
 
 4541 
 
 Be cautious when walking on the edge of the crater of 
 intemperance, as the footing is always insecure and 
 the crust deceiving. 
 
 4542 
 
 When the analytical mind separates ethics and 
 religion and weighs each, it realizes how much the 
 world owes the former. 
 
 4543 
 
 Fearless thought is the angel that opens the prison- 
 doors of superstition. 
 
 4544 
 
 When silent night ascends her throne our eyelids are 
 closed by her command, and when the dawn is come 
 she kisses them to wakefulness and gives her scepter 
 to the kingly sun. 
 
 4545 
 
 So still is the house of conscience that the slightest 
 rap at the door is heard within. 
 
 4546 
 
 Futile the effort to stay the current of wrath when all 
 the floodgates of indignation have been opened. 
 
 4547 
 
 Riches are transient : the shadow we keep ; the 
 substance we lose. 
 
 4548 
 When the heart is stone the life is Godless. 
 
 4549 
 
 To get a fair share of worldly goods one must decide 
 early what is most desired and be ready to seize 
 opportunity when it is offered. 
 
 489 
 
4550 
 
 keen delight with which the hunter tracks 
 the timid deer through the forest that he may 
 slay it within its own preserves is an indication 
 of the cruelty in man and his pleasure in destroying 
 the defenseless when not endangering his own life. 
 
 4551 
 
 Never lie where you fall unless it is the best place on 
 earth. 
 
 4552 
 
 Every one welcomes a hero, but a coward should 
 never return. 
 
 4553 
 
 Those who have given but a moment to psychical 
 study speak with less reserve than the student 
 who has long toiled. 
 
 4554 
 
 The Supreme Lawgiver of the universe writes in secret 
 and communicates sparingly to those who most per 
 sistently importune for knowledge. 
 
 4555 
 
 Indolent men call upon God to come down to them 
 because it is too hard work to climb up to Him. 
 
 490 
 
BOOK TWENTY 
 
4556 
 
 OMMERCE makes aliens brothers. 
 Its fraternal strength is greater 
 than religion. It holds Nations, 
 and cements the fractures of wars. 
 As years pass we shall more and 
 more rely upon it to suppress dis 
 honesty. We shall look to sound 
 and well-ordered business to pre 
 vent the shortsighted from springing at each other s 
 throats for a difference of opinion concerning the 
 known things of this world and the unknown of the 
 next. 
 
 4557 
 
 Old Father Time is a swift runner and those who lag 
 he cuts down with his keen blade in the early hours ; 
 the strongest are weary at the twilight and ready to 
 sleep when the night comes. 
 
 4558 
 
 Precept and practise should travel together, but 
 practise loiters and frequently falls into bad company. 
 
 4559 
 
 The roaring metropolis is the lion that devours the 
 poetic soul. 
 
 4560 
 
 Dreams are the journeyings of the soul, and the 
 remembrance the tiny fragments gathered by the way. 
 
 4561 
 The more simple the mind the more pleasing illusion. 
 
 4562 
 
 Why great riches so often fall at the feet of the 
 unworthy is perplexing to philosophers. 
 
 4563 
 
 In response to the questions that the soul asks of the 
 invisible, there comes response not after the common 
 manner, but in a way that sets the whole intellectual 
 and spiritual machinery in motion. 
 
 493 
 
4564 
 
 ^TT^T is a long distance to the sun, but he comes to 
 
 II the lowliest to gladden. And this is the sugges- 
 
 tion of the willingness of the spiritual light to 
 
 enter whenever the soul is not closed to its purifying 
 
 and warming rays. 
 
 4565 
 
 Though a seeming paradox, a ripe old mind is a green 
 old age. 
 
 4566 
 
 Whenever memory fancies, it frolics with the hob 
 goblins of the past until the present is alarmed. 
 
 4567 
 
 Believe thou wert created for a noble purpose and so 
 believing do thou no ignoble deed. 
 
 4568 
 
 Every hour the young and innocent of earth are 
 called to spirit land, the great playground for all 
 nativities. 
 
 4569 
 
 So slippery is the descent of vice that most who 
 attempt it lose footing and are dashed to death. 
 
 4570 
 
 Forgetful of all but self, man becomes a hideous 
 caricature of what Nature intended. 
 
 4571 
 
 A bond that is closer than kinship is consanguinity of 
 thought. 
 
 4572 
 
 A much-abused privilege: borrowing another man s 
 mind with which to cover thine own deficiencies. 
 
 4573 
 
 Choose first the book and then the binding. 
 
 4574 
 
 The face of death is less terrible than the face of 
 famine. 
 
 494 
 
4575 
 
 HETHER it be near or far to a given point it 
 were incredible that every inch of the way be 
 worthy minute description. Therefore, weight 
 not conversation with too many details if you would 
 be interesting. 
 
 4576 
 
 Let thy countenance be adorned with peace and thy 
 mind with treasures rare. Then riches will not harm 
 nor poverty destroy. 
 
 4577 
 
 Thou canst be of the earth heavenly-minded, but not 
 of heaven earthly-minded. 
 
 4578 
 
 Diligence is necessary to success : the early bird does 
 not find his breakfast without looking for it. 
 
 4579 
 
 A boaster should write his own autobiography, lest his 
 biographer be of weak imagination and abide by facts. 
 
 4580 
 It is more difficult to please the wicked than the good. 
 
 4581 
 
 There is everywhere evidence that mortals learn 
 life s lesson quickest when they are taught by the 
 schoolmaster of experience, who spares neither the 
 pupil nor the rod. 
 
 4582 
 
 When ventilating the mind have a care lest everything 
 blow out of the opening. 
 
 4583 
 
 Be exact in all your dealings, that you be not humili 
 ated by obligation nor humiliate others by obligation 
 to yourself. 
 
 4584 
 
 Let us not be guilty of consigning our neighbors to 
 perdition because they prefer to see God through their 
 own eyes instead of ours. 
 
 495 
 
4585 
 
 [OME day the awakened conscience will tell 
 man that he was not evolved for the gratifica 
 tion of lust and selfishness, but to attain a state 
 of intellectual and moral manhood that need not be 
 ashamed to meet perfection. 
 
 4586 
 
 There are hours when memory is very beautiful, and 
 there are hours when she is hideous ; she smiles and 
 she frowns, not as we will but as she wills, and mocks 
 our efforts to control. 
 
 4587 
 
 Avoid haste by beginning early. 
 
 4588 
 
 Enduring all things for Love is a strong test of its 
 strength and quality. 
 
 4589 
 
 There is no one on earth who has ever seen a miracle, 
 and there is no wise man who ever expects to see 
 natural law defied, and for this reason moderns wonder 
 if the ancients were always truthful. 
 
 4590 
 
 How hard the bed of crime ! 
 
 4591 
 
 It is more dangerous in the end to listen to the rabble 
 than to offend them. 
 
 4592 
 
 If the mountain before thee be high, rejoice, for the 
 view from the summit will be far-reaching. 
 
 4593 
 
 Ready-made and conventional phrases are weak 
 substitutes for spontaneous utterance. 
 
 4594 
 
 A man who would question the fitness of theology to 
 rule the world would be a man no longer did theology 
 reign. 
 
 496 
 
4595 
 
 XT is my belief that God will never pass final 
 judgment on man nor deem him too guilty to 
 reform, but that reformation must at some time 
 and some place begin and continue throughout 
 eternity. 
 
 4596 
 There is nowhere so much misery as in the mind. 
 
 4597 
 
 The moment we see ourselves as our enemy sees us, 
 our vanity is turned to shame and gall ; but when we 
 behold ourselves through friendship s eye, our pride 
 remaineth to sustain. 
 
 4598 
 
 The word " universe " is simple to write and to speak, 
 but impossible to define. 
 
 4599 
 
 Some men defend their money with greater zeal than 
 their character, and in some instances it would seem 
 to be of greater value. 
 
 4600 
 
 He who harnesses an honest conviction with Mrs. 
 Grundy s mare, will not have an easy-driving team. 
 
 4601 
 
 The healing of the nation lies in the healing of the 
 individual. 
 
 4602 
 
 If thou art puffed up with conceit thou art a windbag, 
 to be punctured by the fun-makers. 
 
 4603 
 
 To apologize to one s self for one s shortcomings is to 
 make repetition probable. 
 
 4604 
 
 The highest pinnacle on the temple of fame may not 
 give thee a glimpse of heaven. If thou art living, it may 
 increase thy vanity ; if not, thy kin may boast but 
 never strive. 
 
 497 
 
4605 
 
 acquire a perfect knowledge of life man must 
 acquire a perfect understanding of the laws of 
 the universe, which in his present development 
 he is unable to do, but by the constant striving he 
 will gradually evolve more and more of the divine 
 which is involved within himself, and in the far ages 
 will occupy an exalted plane in the spheres of intel 
 ligence. 
 
 4606 
 
 Look under the polish for roughness. 
 
 4607 
 
 In a line with God stands perfection, toward which 
 man is crawling so slowly that to his generation 
 he appeareth stationary. 
 
 4608 
 
 Of all great books the greatest is the one that doeth 
 the reader the most good, and of this each reader must 
 judge. 
 
 4609 
 
 To burden the mind with promises is to burden the 
 mind with debt. 
 
 4610 
 
 What is there so bewildering as fashion, and what 
 more unprofitable to both the eye and the brain of 
 one who adores art and abhors a vain display? 
 
 4611 
 
 The little that the world knows of us makes us not 
 ashamed to go forth and smile or frown as inclined, 
 because secretiveness moves us to cover our sins. 
 
 4612 
 
 Consider the life of the wild flower : be its friend, for 
 the pleasure it so freely gives without cultivation; 
 and not an enemy, because unprotected. 
 
 4613 
 
 I wot there is more love in the heart of thy dog than 
 in the heart of a miser. 
 
 498 
 
4614 
 
 thou meetest one with the face of despair 
 or the shadow of crime, extend thy best thoughts 
 and strongest resolutions to assist the afflicted 
 one across the dark valley of misery. For as sure as 
 thou wouldst help, thou must take the wavering 
 mind onto a higher plane where the rays of hope are 
 long and the nights of despair short. 
 
 4615 
 
 Do the dead rejoice in Memorial Day? Who can 
 answer but all attest the blessing the day brings to 
 the living when love alone is the prompter. 
 
 4616 
 
 A very rich man is a bondservant ; a very rich woman 
 a searcher for ease. Verily great wealth is torture and 
 the tortured are seldom happy or content. 
 
 4617 
 
 Penuriousness is a near relative of selfishness. 
 
 4618 
 
 The most extravagant praise is as nothing without 
 the approbation of thine own interior conscience. 
 
 4619 
 
 The political knave corrupts the political fool. 
 
 4620 
 
 Whether I be great or small in public estimation, I 
 know that I must appear needful in the estimation 
 of the Ruler of worlds, else I were not. 
 
 4621 
 
 Chain me to the rocks of superstition and I can only 
 die. Chain me not at all if thou wouldst have me grow 
 as the Lord God intended straight, upright and far- 
 reaching. 
 
 4622 
 
 The least scar made by love is sorer than a deep gash 
 made by indifference. 
 
 499 
 
4623 
 
 most encouraging sign of the spiritual evo- 
 lution of man is the loss of religious fear and 
 the increasing thought that conduct more than 
 belief makes him acceptable to the heavenly world 
 and his calling and election sure. 
 
 4624 
 
 A man may be detestable in the eyes of strangers 
 when only amusing to his friends. The latter alone 
 look through the lens of affection. 
 
 4625 
 
 The contemplation of whirling worlds held in their 
 orbit should make man most guarded in speech con 
 cerning the destiny of the human race and the fate of 
 a brother. 
 
 4626 
 
 Alas ! that honors should be bought by the unworthy 
 in this fair land where they should be bestowed grate 
 fully upon the worthy ! 
 
 4627 
 The plainness of truth oft makes it scorned. 
 
 4628 
 
 Consider yourself today on the eternal highway. 
 
 4629 
 
 Be not persuaded that birth begins and death ends 
 life. Such thinking curtails design and whittles hope 
 to the vanishing-point. 
 
 4630 
 
 Why should I moan when a tree is slain or sigh when 
 a flower is crushed, if they be not my kin and a part 
 of the one life ? 
 
 4631 
 
 The reward for well-doing is instantaneous, inasmuch 
 as it is a matter of the soul. 
 
 4632 
 
 4632 
 
 If I am kind I shall grow better. 
 
 500 
 
4633 
 
 the mind and the body are aweary go to 
 thy Mother Nature, get close to her heart, 
 pillow thy aching head upon her restful breast, 
 and sleep with the breath of health over thee and 
 thou wilt waken with youth upon thy countenance. 
 
 4634 
 
 So beauteous is life that I sing ; so terrible is life that 
 I weep ; but were my vision stronger I would perceive 
 more of the cause and weep less. 
 
 4635 
 
 Time soothes a deep heart- wound, but whether it ever 
 heals I doubt. 
 
 4636 
 
 The meaning of life is the riddle that has not been 
 guessed. 
 
 4637 
 
 The blessings of life are many and so are the curses, 
 but as we lack discrimination we frequently confound 
 them. 
 
 4638 
 
 Thousands live unhonored and die unknown, but who 
 dare say they lived in vain? 
 
 4639 
 
 Inasmuch as you can, carry your own burdens and 
 so fulfil the law of justice. 
 
 4640 
 
 A magnificent century never yet eclipsed in the 
 history of man but yet to be eclipsed. 
 
 4641 
 
 What need has one for gold unless one spend it? But 
 to squander it means abasement, and to hoard it 
 means misery. 
 
 4642 
 
 So shape your life that you may not be ashamed of 
 your work. 
 
 501 
 
4643 
 
 is the substance wherewith the mind 
 is clothed. The raiment is coarse or fine accord - 
 ing to taste and desire. The tailoring is done by 
 ourselves and what odd garments we fashion ! No two 
 are alike and not one is perfect. 
 
 4644 
 
 The pearly gate of Heaven is an easy conscience. 
 
 4645 
 
 Beauty smiles and ugliness frowns. One is man s 
 friend, the other his enemy. One is art, and the other 
 its antithesis. 
 
 4646 
 
 There are those in the heart of the wilderness who are 
 not more lonely than the crowded man who plots 
 and schemes to gather his neighbor s shekels. 
 
 4647 
 
 If thou hast a friend test him not too far with gifts 
 nor heap him with obligation. 
 
 4648 
 
 Music that is heard with the mental ear quickens 
 the soul. 
 
 4649 
 
 Bestow thy love upon all, but concentrate it upon but 
 few. 
 
 4650 
 
 Great wealth and dishonesty dwell together, and so 
 do poverty and dishonesty hobnob. It is only the 
 honest man that is respectable. 
 
 4651 
 
 If I be fair in my dealings with all men, I shall not 
 merit their contempt nor shall I fear to be judged. 
 
 4652 
 
 Selfishness incites men to struggle for power ; unsel 
 fishness makes men loath to have it lest they become 
 oppressors. 
 
 502 
 
4653 
 
 asketh receiveth fully of spiritual 
 blessings, but for temporal things there is a 
 price, without which price they would scarce 
 be valued, and the inability of the angels to charge 
 for their instruction makes them undervalued as 
 teachers. 
 
 4654 
 
 The quality of our raiment has naught to do with 
 mind or heart. Yet it is given first place in worldly 
 marts. 
 
 4655 
 Sweeten each day with a line from the poets. 
 
 4656 
 
 If we had eyes we should say that God loves us alike 
 and treats us alike, but being blind we say one is 
 blest and another is accursed. We contemplate the 
 start and not the finish. 
 
 4657 
 The glory of life is its possibilities. 
 
 4658 
 
 Fragments of time are the whole of eternity. Their 
 piecing is our privilege. 
 
 4659 
 I pray that I may never become too old for criticism. 
 
 4660 
 
 Boast not your own greatness. The world will do that 
 if you deserve mention. 
 
 4661 
 
 Verily when a man becomes surety he submits his 
 neck to the yoke and becomes his neighbor s ox. 
 
 4662 
 
 When enthusiasm goes to sleep do not try to do any 
 thing until it wakens. 
 
 4663 
 
 Everywhere in Nature is seen law, but nowhere 
 miracle. 
 
 503 
 
4664 
 
 CONFLAGRATION of heretics was once the 
 parson s fearful sermon, and it provoked so 
 much antagonism that it set the whole world to 
 asking why one soul was in greater danger of fire than 
 another, and as yet no reason has been adduced to 
 cause the just alarm. 
 
 4665 
 
 The last chapter of Revelations will never be written. 
 
 4666 
 
 Never since the dawn of Genesis has Eve been wiser 
 than she is today. 
 
 4667 
 
 How dear the thought that the spirit of thy loved ones 
 oft lingers to console. 
 
 4668 
 
 Non -conformity to established and popular religions 
 makes thee a marked man ; if thou differ thou must 
 expect to be hit by ugly missies. 
 
 4669 
 
 Hold thy peace ; against that, nothing can war 
 eternally. 
 
 4670 
 
 If thou couldst tell me whence thought, thou couldst 
 tell me of God. 
 
 4671 
 
 To follow in the footsteps of a good man is well ; but 
 to tread a new path will make thee stronger. 
 
 4672 
 
 Frankness tends to honesty ; secretiveness to dis 
 honesty. 
 
 4673 
 
 The glare of fashionable religion frightens away the 
 spirit. 
 
 4674 
 
 The thirst for understanding is never quenched ; yet 
 the more one drinks of the elixir the more is one 
 satisfied. 
 
 504 
 
4675 
 
 a WHALE is a very large fish, and Jonah may 
 have been a very small man ; but to put one 
 within the other makes a story so large that 
 intelligence turns with astonishment when the high 
 priest approaches with the literal record. 
 
 4676 
 The destiny of the future is now being determined. 
 
 4677 
 
 War is never needed to settle disputes, but unselfish 
 ness is. 
 
 4678 
 Love is the savior and destroyer of many. 
 
 4679 
 
 Be thoughtful and be kind, and thou need not worry 
 about thy soul. 
 
 4680 
 
 The least attempt to portray art should be encouraged. 
 It is the spirit seeking expression through the hand, 
 and however crude, it is an uplift from the dead level 
 that needs recognition. 
 
 4681 
 
 The trend of life seems toward individualism and the 
 call of the spirit, " Come up higher." 
 
 4682 
 
 The rose gives me a poem, the lily a picture ; like 
 wise does a weapon of destruction image carnage, 
 suffering and death. 
 
 4683 
 
 What e er my fate let me be well poised in mind, that 
 I hinder no one who is without my faith in ultimate 
 good. 
 
 4684 
 
 Reading does not necessarily make a man wise. It is 
 selection, concentration and purpose that strengthen 
 the intellect. A man may read all his days and remain 
 a pigmy. 
 
 505 
 
4685 
 
 glories await the human race I wot not, 
 but that God would prefer Jew, Christian, 
 Mohammedan or Agnostic seems amazing if we 
 stop to consider that one must be as precious as the 
 other, that religion is a matter of human education. 
 The ethics that each religion has attached to its own 
 peculiar doctrines vary little, and it may be reason 
 able to suppose that ethical teachings are the true 
 revelation, and those who best obey moral and 
 physical law and develop the noblest qualities of 
 character, will be God s chosen in the day of their 
 demise. 
 
 4686 
 
 The clamor for gold is a clamor for care. He who has 
 gold has to guard it. 
 
 4687 
 
 Those whom we love we do not fear. Those who love 
 God fear Him not. 
 
 4688 
 The soldier of today is the target of tomorrow. 
 
 4689 
 
 Just a little while and thou shalt not walk the earth ; 
 but though thy days be few they suffice to do much 
 work. There is no reward in Nature s plan for the 
 indolent. 
 
 4690 
 
 If thou canst not add an object of beauty to thy view, 
 add daily a beautiful thought to thy mind, and thou 
 wilt become nobler and richer whatever thy cir 
 cumstances. 
 
 4691 
 
 We bow to the inevitable, not from politeness but 
 from sheer inability to ignore. 
 
 4692 
 
 I ofttimes think that if I should picture the Father as 
 He is theologically represented, throne-seated, I should 
 revere less the Oversoul of the universe. 
 
 506 
 
4693 
 
 Y?=CEAVENLY bodies move in their orbits with 
 I mathematical precision, wheeling and changing 
 according to immutable law or divine intel 
 ligence, which we designate God, of whom we are wont 
 to speak knowingly, but of whom we know nothing. 
 
 4694 
 
 We can not fly toward God. We must be content to 
 creep and grow. 
 
 4695 
 
 The ultimate of minding one s own business exclusively 
 would be total indifference to the needs of the world. 
 
 4696 
 Thou waitest in vain for love if thou dost not bestow it. 
 
 4697 
 
 The elements proclaim the I Am, and man feebly 
 prays, " Forget me not, for here Am I." 
 
 4698 
 
 If a cow should speak to you, your dignity need not 
 be offended unless you are asked to moo. 
 
 4699 
 
 When the embers of life burn low and the frosts of 
 age creep in, there is naught but love that can warm 
 the heart. So be tender, 
 
 4700 
 
 A haven of safety from the storms of life the realm of 
 Reason. 
 
 4701 
 
 Although the kind are not invariably sane, the sane 
 are invariably kind, because cruelty is an associate of 
 the lopsided. 
 
 4702 
 
 There is not one, methinks, who would care to traverse 
 the same path were one privileged to return to infancy 
 and journey to the present hour. In each life there 
 are frightful mistakes. 
 
 507 
 
4703 
 
 the mind is running leisurely along in 
 commonplace ruts, it is easier traveling than 
 when it turns into unfrequented roads ; but 
 there is compensation for rough riding in the stillness 
 and freshness of the surroundings, and the magnificent 
 vistas that open at every turning make one to exclaim, 
 " I live." 
 
 4704 
 If you have no friends become one. 
 
 4705 
 
 We love ourselves most because we are made selfish 
 enough for our own preservation ; but it is a despicable 
 trait when we have an excess and makes us devils. 
 
 4706 
 A breath of Nature giveth man a breath of God. 
 
 4707 
 
 It is unfortunate to fly off the handle, because of one s 
 inability to fly on again. 
 
 4708 
 
 As you advance in years keep your mental lamp 
 trimmed that the flame die not. 
 
 4709 
 
 When shall we learn that we can not oppress another 
 except we bind ourselves ? 
 
 4710 
 
 I know not what the Devil is, but I opine it is the 
 opposite of good rather than a deposed angel. 
 
 4711 
 
 Young feet trample parents hearts, and grown feet 
 trample children s hearts ; but it seemeth that if the 
 parent reformed, the child might copy. 
 
 4712 
 
 What is our life ? It appeareth a groping for power, 
 but methinks it should be the quest of wisdom. 
 
 508 
 
4713 
 
 GOMING is the time when all men will desire a 
 knowledge of truth above all else ; this state 
 may not be reached upon earth, but in the 
 upper worlds ; in the ages before them must be out 
 grown the fallacies of the lower ; the evolution of the 
 mind demands this. 
 
 4714 
 
 Be a cupbearer if need be to bring thyself into the 
 presence of the mighty, that thou mayest learn of their 
 ways and improve thy wits. 
 
 4715 
 
 Chastity is a pearl of great value. Wear it, gentle maid, 
 and thou art adorned before God and man. 
 
 4716 
 
 When the feet are weary and the heart is sore, an 
 exchange of worlds is welcomed. 
 
 4717 
 
 The secret of life lies within the bosom of the universe 
 where we are nourished into individuality. We yet 
 know not our origin, further than our parents who 
 teach us to lisp. 
 
 4718 
 
 When coarseness is preferred to refinement then will 
 the stalk be admired more than the flower. 
 
 4719 
 
 Running into danger needlessly is a bout with death 
 and is oftener the occupation of the foolish and 
 unbalanced than the sane. 
 
 4720 
 
 Away from the throng, man touches God. Within the 
 throng man touches man ; but the physical contact 
 is no less incumbent than the spiritual. 
 
 4721 
 
 Fall into line and travel toward light, regardless of 
 creed or ism. 
 
 509 
 
4722 
 
 QO locksmith, however skilled, can make a 
 mechanical device that will unlock the door 
 of understanding, which has to be pried open by 
 degrees with patient labor by whomsoever would 
 gain knowledge of the interior chambers. 
 
 4723 
 
 Holy wars have been horrible wars, and the misnomer 
 perished centuries ago when men thought God a 
 swordbearer and listened to the quibbling of self- 
 seekers. 
 
 4724 
 
 If men visualized more it seemeth that the field of 
 grain in contrast with the field of battle would present 
 a lovelier and holier picture of what God would have 
 the earth do for man. 
 
 4725 
 
 Death crowds the heels of dissipation. Life runneth 
 beside moderation. 
 
 4726 
 
 Why should a man be humble ? Why should a man be 
 arrogant? Why should he not be proud that he is 
 living and gentle toward all? 
 
 4727 
 
 Hie thee to the forest when thy spirit is aweary of 
 noise and strife, and get thee hence when therein 
 enters loneliness. Thou art not safe and sane when 
 thou art prodded by either extreme. 
 
 4728 
 
 To think wrongly may lead to catastrophe, though 
 the thinker be a saint and prayerful. It is intelligence 
 that saveth from destruction. 
 
 4729 
 
 Whether we should drop our pride and permit our 
 selves to be assisted, or whether we should carry it 
 and struggle on is a mooted question. Pride may be a 
 burden, but it is the savior of many. 
 
 510 
 
4730 
 
 it not for the sages of the past, fainter 
 would be the hope for the future of man, but 
 what has been said can be repeated ad infinitum 
 and the people uplifted and harmonized by the 
 vibration of the strings that have made poets sing 
 and philosophers chant. 
 
 4731 
 
 Whenever I meet a man I long to say, " Thou art a god 
 and speakest the truth." Alas, that I must be dumb ! 
 
 4732 
 
 When you know right from wrong, why not do right 
 and further God s plan of progress? 
 
 4733 
 
 The Hottentot is as happy as the Parisian. This 
 should argue that happiness is the viewpoint. 
 
 4734 
 
 " Give ear to instruction," saith the ancient. " Even 
 so," saith the modern. When thou art filled begin to 
 think and probe to thy full capacity into the mystery 
 of life. 
 
 4735 
 
 If the beautiful word Peace were repeated on the 
 prayer-wheel of daily life, there would be little inclina 
 tion to slaughter and maim our brothers. 
 
 4736 
 
 Go to a friend for counsel, but consult your con 
 science concerning your duty. 
 
 4737 
 
 Neither uproot nor cultivate imagination. Let it 
 alone to grow like a forest tree in wind and rain, in 
 shade and sun. 
 
 4738 
 
 Man is, and that is about all we know of him. His 
 body we behold, but the spirit which animates it is 
 veiled in mystery, its past and its future conjecture. 
 
 511 
 
4739 
 
 g RECLUSE is not thereby a poet, though a poet 
 is inclined to be a recluse, for he will tell you that 
 the rhythm of the spheres does not so readily im 
 press his phonographic brain when in worldly company 
 as when alone with the muses, who approach with 
 accents so soothing that to be in the inspired presence 
 is an ever-present longing. 
 
 4740 
 To temporize with evil is to commit it in thought. 
 
 4741 
 
 The habitual borrower is the bane of society, for he 
 hath no pride, neither is he fair. 
 
 4742 
 
 Would that the world s inhabitants were all polite ! 
 Politeness would relieve the courts of half their work. 
 Rudeness is a curse to all who indulge in it wittingly 
 or otherwise. 
 
 4743 
 
 Follow a rogue too closely and he overshadows you. 
 
 4744 
 
 Maybe in the future all men will learn that to be 
 useful one must be honest. Oh, haste the day when 
 there shall be no place on earth for a cheat and to live 
 he must reform ! 
 
 4745 
 
 The fruit of a thought: a poison if evil; a food if 
 righteous. 
 
 4746 
 
 Human swine often appear in other clothing and the 
 people are deceived by rich apparel and affected 
 language. 
 
 4747 
 
 Every one believing in a personal God draws one s own 
 picture of Him, which were they hung in a gallery 
 would cause shocking irreverence and some amuse 
 ment they would so resemble themselves. 
 
 512 
 
4748 
 
 eVERYWHERE we go we see a train of evils 
 propelled by public indifference moving swiftly 
 along and crushing some unfortunate brother 
 or sister with every revolution of the wheels. When 
 some reformer attempts to minimize the danger by 
 legislation, there ascends a protest from the unre- 
 generate against interfering with the rights of men to 
 kill each other after their own manner without let or 
 hindrance. 
 
 4749 
 
 Make few promises ; break none, for thy word is 
 thyself. 
 
 4750 
 Moonshine for lovers ; sunshine for workers. 
 
 4751 
 
 Thoroughness does not necessarily mean a heavy 
 hand. Discrimination and a light touch may give 
 better results. 
 
 4752 
 A pilot in a strange harbor : an education for a child. 
 
 4753 
 
 Hold thy venom in thine own mouth. Thou art not a 
 snake to poison with fangs. 
 
 4754 
 To escape reproach makes a coward a liar. 
 
 4755 
 
 Amazing results come from diligence, honesty and 
 sobriety and a determination to rule thy spirit. 
 
 4756 
 To get acquainted with sin we barter our very souls. 
 
 4757 
 
 Wings have I none, but I have a mind that flies afar 
 and a heart that leaps like a roe ; therefore am I 
 equipped for gaining some knowledge beyond the 
 limit of mine eyes. 
 
 513 
 
4758 
 
 HINGER long and lovingly with the living form, 
 but forsake the dead form when it is laid in the 
 earth. Seek not to find the living with the mold, 
 but if thou wouldst commune, look thou to the beyond 
 for friendly recognition. 
 
 4759 
 
 Methinks village life is more advantageous to the 
 young than the adult, inasmuch as it affords more 
 room to breathe than to labor. 
 
 4760 
 
 Employment is as necessary to right thinking as right 
 thinking is to employment. One is the need of the 
 other. To divorce them means death to progress. 
 
 4761 
 The breath of God is still warm upon the earth. 
 
 4762 
 
 Better a night of prayer than a night of revelry ; a 
 day of work than a day of idleness ; a thought of 
 peace than a thought of war: one will make thee 
 better, the other will make thee worse. 
 
 4763 
 
 Somewhere in the world of thought there must be 
 waiting momentous ideas for future minds to seize 
 and present. 
 
 4764 
 
 The wings of Fate flap in the face and eyes of him 
 who runs counter to the signposts set by sobriety. 
 
 4765 
 
 Pity the morally depraved. There is nothing but 
 misery for such as go wrong. 
 
 4766 
 
 Blunt speech frequently passes for sincerity, but 
 there is no reason why a cultured voice should not 
 hold and convey every virtue. Alas, that any voice is 
 clever acting ! 
 
 514 
 
4767 
 
 [ANY ways have been suggested to prevent the 
 rich from growing richer and the poor from 
 growing poorer, but there is only one way 
 known whereby this may be accomplished, and that 
 is by eliminating selfishness from the human heart ; 
 but as that will take time we must not look for a 
 radical change in a twinkling, nor should the poor 
 expect the rich to grow faster in that direction than 
 themselves. 
 
 4768 
 There is no more joy in arriving than in striving. 
 
 4769 
 In the throes of evolution is man from birth to death. 
 
 4770 
 
 If thou findest an idea it is thine to amplify, and like 
 the loaves and fishes it can be used to feed the multi 
 tude and there be basketfuls left. 
 
 4771 
 
 In time science will set religions right. They are 
 growing better with much discussion and modern 
 knowledge. 
 
 4772 
 
 Reason civilizes. Prejudice brutalizes. Reason is man s 
 friend, prejudice his enemy. 
 
 4773 
 Fling to a dog a bone, but to a man an idea. 
 
 4774 
 
 The highlands of life the upper regions of thought 
 the multitude does not reach. Individuals do. One 
 climbs alone ; the masses move slowly, but with an 
 upward trend. 
 
 4775 
 
 All of earth are kin, although we are ashamed to 
 acknowledge it. But when disaster befalls we are made 
 to realize it as we tremble in our helplessness. 
 
 515 
 
4776 
 
 best picture of the beyond is the one that is 
 the most beautiful, and the worst that which 
 is the most painful ; then shall it not come to 
 pass that he who takes the best view will become 
 better than he who holds to the worst if the contem 
 plation of the beautiful is ever more ennobling than 
 the continuous dwelling upon cruelty ? 
 
 4777 
 Immortality means evolution throughout eternity. 
 
 4778 
 
 Humility is a virtue or a weakness according to the 
 circumstances . 
 
 4779 
 
 Barabbas has been more popular than he will be when 
 the people adjust their political goggles to their dust- 
 filled eyes so they can see the difference between a 
 savior and a thief. 
 
 4780 
 
 The sunny hours wasted by thee, O woman, at card- 
 playing is deplorable. The day was given for useful 
 labor. The reaper will find thy task incomplete, and 
 shame and confusion will be thine. 
 
 4781 
 Success means a thousand things to a thousand men. 
 
 4782 
 
 Occupation is a leveler of men. We prate to the 
 contrary, but observation confirms. 
 
 4783 
 
 Music is expression. Its great composers are they who 
 have walked beneath the surface, have ridden the 
 clouds and seek to transcribe a soul s experience in 
 its devious wanderings. 
 
 4784 
 
 Selfishness sneaks in every time we leave the door 
 ajar, to spoil our generous promptings. 
 
 516 
 
4785 
 
 HEAVEN is the goal of the churchman, but were 
 the unbelievers excluded it would be a less 
 attractive country, and is there any reason to 
 suppose that a God of love would exclude them from 
 future happiness having endowed them with pene 
 trating and logical minds and placed them upon earth 
 with full privilege of exercising all the faculties they 
 possess? 
 
 4786 
 
 Guilty ! Guilty ! Guilty ! Guilty ! Swings the pendulum 
 of crime which is beyond the reach of courts to stop. 
 
 4787 
 
 Flowers cover our caskets and our graves. Thus we 
 are loved in death. 
 
 4788 
 
 Lamentation of what avail? It were meant for men 
 to suffer to teach them compassion. 
 
 4789 
 
 The final chapter of a life may never be written. 
 Immortality and eternity preclude. 
 
 4790 
 
 Henceforth let thy daily prayer be to progress, 
 thereby preparing to cast off the obsolete and to be 
 ready to garb thyself in new ideas. 
 
 4791 
 
 If you have a little money and a modicum of reason 
 you will know that it takes longer to earn it than to 
 spend it. So beware of barter. The scales should 
 balance or you are cheated. 
 
 4792 
 
 If I should envy any it would be one who had passed 
 the limitations of earth after having done a great and 
 lasting work for humanity. 
 
 517 
 
4793 
 
 [HITHER do we go when we die, and can we 
 return? Millions testify today that the second 
 question is simpler than the first, which must 
 remain unanswered until a sixth and a seventh sense 
 have been added to the useful five. 
 
 4794 
 Laughter is a lubricant. 
 
 4795 
 
 Civilization s call is for plows, not warships. The 
 world is fed by one and starved by the other. 
 
 4796 
 
 Under the wings of time lies hidden the destiny of 
 nations. 
 
 4797 
 
 Selfish thoughts line every path, darting back and 
 forth the livelong day. 
 
 4798 
 
 Man, know thy stomach. An impolite command says 
 one; a timely warning says another, and the least 
 heeded say all. 
 
 4799 
 
 A flowing tongue and a dry heart oft lead a man to 
 worldly success. 
 
 4800 
 
 That the ends of society more evenly balance, rude 
 ness should be met with politeness, and politeness 
 should not be repulsed by rudeness. 
 
 4801 
 
 Failing to do a great thing for humanity, hesitate not 
 to do the small kindnesses, the aggregate of which 
 may be of more value than the one, both to thyself 
 and the world. 
 
 4802 
 
 Though the populace shout when the ruler passes by, 
 if he does not honor the position he will feel the irony 
 if he be not brass, and himself despise. 
 
 518 
 
4803 
 
 OH, blest the hour when the soul withdraws from 
 its earthly tenement, but have a care, O mortal, 
 that it is not turned out against its will ; for as 
 long as Nature and Nature s God are in partnership 
 thou wilt suffer any infraction of law and order. 
 
 4804 
 
 Idleness corrodes the brain, making it almost useless 
 as a thinking machine. 
 
 4805 
 
 The least we can do for our brothers and sisters of 
 earth is to be agreeable. Alas ! that we are so thought 
 less that we needlessly wound ! 
 
 4806 
 Commonsense makes uncommon folk. 
 
 4807 
 
 It is misleading to give a crooked answer to a straight 
 question. Silence suffice th. 
 
 4808 
 
 Honesty hindereth the gathering of shekels, and 
 benevolence the hoarding of them. 
 
 4809 
 
 Silence is not always wisdom : it is often lack of courage 
 to speak the truth. 
 
 4810 
 
 Every life should be rounded with a measure of hand 
 work. An idle hand reveals a palsied mind. 
 
 4811 
 
 When one s pride exceeds one s education there will 
 be progress in spite of limitations. 
 
 4812 
 
 Too much patience is frequently a sin. There is a place 
 to speak and one s lips should not be dumb in the 
 conflict of right living. 
 
 4813 
 
 God giveth man hope and light to make his way 
 through a strange world. 
 
 519 
 
4814 
 
 contentions amongst the various sects of 
 Christendom is a sign of a new dispensation, 
 and the angel of change is troubling the stagnant 
 pool that the factions may be healed of their many 
 infirmities. 
 
 4815 
 The price of thinking is fatigue ; the result, priceless. 
 
 4816 
 
 When one becomes perfect one may condemn. Until 
 that time be kind. 
 
 4817 
 
 To lead in the social whirl one must be possessed of a 
 species of vanity and a willingness to be conspicuous. 
 
 4818 
 
 Find solace in the thought that heaven has no barred 
 doors. Ye can enter and depart at will. 
 
 4819 
 
 Lassitude bespeaks poor work. What thou dost, do 
 with energy, though it be but a trifle and naught 
 depends. 
 
 4820 
 
 Needs are few, but nimble is desire. It spreadeth like 
 a grass fire and keeps thee running. 
 
 4821 
 
 In every quarter of the globe spring thoughts sown 
 by the Great Gardener for the sustenance of the 
 bipeds therein placed. 
 
 4822 
 
 The devil must be whoever and whatever stands 
 before the gate of progress to keep out the children 
 of earth. 
 
 4823 
 
 War is so merciless that civilized man can not engage 
 in it. There are grave wrongs everywhere, and there 
 should be found strong and wise men without taint 
 of selfishness to mediate. 
 
 520 
 
4824 
 
 ^w^OOLGATHERING is not considered profitable, 
 ri J though it sometimes proves to be ; writers, 
 ^*^ verse-makers, inventors, philosophers and 
 reformers have gone woolgathering, when thrifty 
 neighbors and friends would have put them to other 
 employment. 
 
 4825 
 
 Man s conscience is his savior ; a dull conscience is a 
 weak defender. 
 
 4826 
 
 Most bitter hour ! To reach the end and realize that 
 ye have done nothing to make the world a fairer 
 dwelling-place. 
 
 4827 
 
 Be calm, and whatsoever trouble cometh thou canst 
 easier bear. 
 
 4828 
 
 In thy desire to serve God thou mayest slight man 
 who needs thee more. 
 
 4829 
 
 The will to do good and harm none is the very essence 
 of religion. 
 
 4830 
 
 Whatsoever God and the angels have done in the past 
 they are doing now. 
 
 4831 
 
 At a breakneck pace runs time, but a man must keep 
 abreast or be engulfed. With hand and brain he must 
 work. An idler hath no part in real life. Idleness is a 
 disgrace. The race is swift, gird ye for it. 
 
 4832 
 
 Though fashion proclaims herself the daughter of 
 Art, Art repudiates close relationship of so changeful 
 a creature. 
 
 4833 
 
 Zaccheus climbed a tree, and were I to use this for a 
 text I should make this point : that he who climbs 
 extends his vision. 
 
 521 
 
4834 
 
 are many signs by which we recognize 
 our closest friends. There is a silent language, 
 a reaching out upon similar lines of thought 
 and the imbibing of new truths that creates and 
 cements friendships that years will not weaken. 
 
 4835 
 
 Ofttimes the hard, dry speech of true friendship cuts 
 deep. 
 
 4836 
 
 Immortality is the hope and comfort of the present 
 life. 
 
 4837 
 
 To be sweet-tempered is like walking in a rose-garden, 
 but ill -nature is a tramp over stones and briers that 
 bruise and pierce and make rough the way. 
 
 4838 
 
 Yet a little while and we are not here. The traveling 
 ego has moved onward, not changed methinks but 
 of clearer sight and more earnest purpose because 
 convinced that death hath not destroyed personality 
 and made of us nonentities. 
 
 4839 
 Evolution is the keynote of Nature. 
 
 4840 
 
 Through the patient ministrations of time, Twentieth- 
 Century religion has become less a matter of belief 
 and more a matter of conduct, therefore man s head 
 rests more securely on his shoulders. 
 
 4841 
 
 At the behest of no man do that which thy innermost 
 conscience dost not approve. This rule will hold thee 
 above suspicion and keep thee from temptation. 
 
 4842 
 
 When art and work are playfellows, the rumblings of 
 discontent will not be heard above the laughter. 
 
 522 
 
4843 
 
 [AN, treat thy stomach with respect. It is worthy. 
 It crieth with a loud voice saying : " I will resent 
 every insult offered me to the uttermost of my 
 God-given privilege. I am the companion of thy brain." 
 
 4844 
 
 When the prejudiced historian perverts history into 
 apology, unintentionally he induces to deeper research. 
 
 4845 
 
 A daily pause in the rush of living for the benediction 
 of the spirit is both needful and refreshing. 
 
 4846 
 
 Sweet words that melt in the mouth may hold the 
 poison of asps. 
 
 4847 
 
 The idle rich and the idle poor are ticketed over dif 
 ferent routes to the same destination. 
 
 4848 
 
 If a catapult of harsh words is turned on, you slip into 
 the invisible protection of silence. 
 
 4849 
 
 Children are choked by the very air they breathe. So 
 full is it of man-made laws that initiative is suppressed 
 and imitation encouraged. 
 
 4850 
 
 The fragrance of a flower oft draws the curtain of the 
 past. 
 
 4851 
 Call me not irreverent if I say that God is growth. 
 
 4852 
 
 Science has brightened the physical world and it 
 must also light the spiritual realm, and at length the 
 head and the heart shall agree and true religion be 
 scientific living, a harmonious blending of the spiritual 
 and physical then will mortals be lifted out of coarse 
 ness into fineness and the troubles of earth be few. 
 
 523 
 
4853 
 
 [HOSOEVER sheddeth man s blood is evermore 
 an outcast from peace ; his days are darkness 
 and his nights are haunted ; memory flogs him 
 and conscience flays, and who can tell whether or not 
 this will ever end? 
 
 4854 
 
 Our temperamental defects are slower to correct than 
 our mental deficiencies. 
 
 4855 
 
 If woman would speak wisely she would always 
 be heard. When she shrills like a scold, repines, 
 upbraids or bedraggles her robes with gossip, she 
 loses charm and ranks with the weak who have no 
 voice in vital things. 
 
 4856 
 
 The commonplace is everywhere conspicuous ; yet 
 could we see under the coarse surface we might dis 
 cover qualities of mind fit to shine had environment 
 been favorable. Let this thought move us to charity. 
 
 4857 
 
 Gold is a poor exchange for character ; and to 
 part with principle for a piece of silver marks a 
 rogue ; the time is coming when the traffic in 
 votes will merit the scorn of all men and women of 
 common decency ; even little children will point with 
 shame to the politician who betrays the people to boost 
 himself. 
 
 4858 
 
 Happiness abides not long at a time, but comes and 
 goes like the sun on April days. 
 
 4859 
 
 If ye could read the starved soul of Poverty s beauty- 
 loving child, thy Yuletide gift would sometimes be 
 a flower or even a jewel. Hands and feet might be 
 bare and cold, but the happy little heart would be 
 warmed. In the joy of possessing that which the world 
 calls superfluous, rags would be forgotten and the 
 least of these would glimpse heaven. 
 
 524 
 
4860 
 
 eOD save us from our quarrels great and small 
 and teach us to settle our differences without 
 tearing, the flesh like beasts with tooth and 
 claw. Until that time we are not above paint and 
 feathers, and only by stretching the imagination can 
 we assume to be. 
 
 4861 
 
 Be not persuaded that thou canst escape the 
 consequences of thy every act against spiritual 
 and physical law. No jury of men has power to 
 pardon, and the Great Lawgiver can not be wheedled 
 with many petitions. The breaking of a law is a 
 personal loss. 
 
 4862 
 Repression is a kind of fear. 
 
 4863 
 
 That each one born into the world finds a way out 
 no one doubts. Therefore some declare that accidents 
 are not and that whatever fate one meets is one s 
 own manner of exit. Truly we know not the why of 
 daily happenings, any more than we can trace the 
 Alpha and Omega of souls. 
 
 4864 
 
 As a little child I craved love, and as I grew to maturity 
 it became more and more the staff of life upon which 
 my soul was nourished. Oh ! I pity the struggling 
 one who is denied this gift of heaven and starves of 
 loneliness ! Of such there be many whose voice is never 
 heard in the roar of money. 
 
 4865 
 
 The lure of exciting pleasures results in personal defeat. 
 True and lasting pleasure comes from earnest effort 
 to uplift the spirit above the commonness of vul 
 garity and brutality. Many in their plunge after 
 novelty forget decency. Their rudeness is brazen ; 
 though their garments be of spun silk their mental 
 and moral nakedness can not be concealed. 
 
 525 
 
4866 
 
 [HEN the Angel of Death calls on thy neighbor 
 believe not that the message is not welcome to 
 the Spirit that receives it. Nothing is by chance, 
 and whatever is, is ordered even to the hour of snuff 
 ing out the candle. 
 
 4867 
 
 To read another through one s own mind is logical 
 but ofttimes most unfair, for the reason that to follow 
 a wrong premise carries to a false conclusion and 
 no one is quite sure of their starting-point when 
 analyzing friend or stranger. 
 
 4868 
 
 Human nature varies little the world over. This may 
 be explanatory of our slowness in learning it. As cen 
 turies pass we make tardy advancement, are ever 
 committing the same blunders, and showing the same 
 foibles and virtues that other peoples have paraded. 
 
 4869 
 
 Our neighbors of the animal world are every whit 
 as much in God s hand as we, and who shall say they 
 are less precious to their Maker? Do they not obey 
 the law and behave themselves better than men? 
 Are they not more temperate and less given to deceit ? 
 Let us think upon these things seriously, and mercy 
 shall stay our blows and make us more considerate 
 of their needs. 
 
 4870 
 
 It is an error to affirm that woman was made 
 for man unless we also affirm that man was made 
 for woman. " Male and female made He them." 
 One is as important as the other, neither is complete 
 alone. Nature s plan would be thwarted. So we should 
 consider them together and believe that they arrived 
 at the same time. 
 
 4871 
 
 I can not conceive of an hour so precious as this. I live 
 and sing in the Now. 
 
 526 
 
4872 
 
 I VERILY believe that if rum were made no more, 
 crime and poverty would decrease, eventually 
 disappearing to the vanishing-point. Yet I 
 am neither an apostle of prohibition nor an advocate 
 of the canteen, but an observer of the bitter fruits. 
 It has laid low the flower of the Nation and made fire 
 brands of the ignorant. It has done so much more evil 
 than good that it might well be classed with the things 
 called infernal. 
 
 4873 
 
 Each day of thy life do some little thing for another 
 a gentle word, a smile, a kindly act. These are treasures 
 laid up in heaven and your soul grows rich. A frown, 
 a disposition to oppress, a stinging tongue and selfish 
 tendencies will strip you of most that enters into the 
 making of angels. 
 
 4874 
 
 Lift up your heads on high and sing hosannas, all ye 
 who feel depressed. It will charge the atmosphere with 
 optimism and make for better conditions. To sulk and 
 to wear a long visage invites annoyance as truly as 
 singing disperses it. 
 
 4875 
 
 The beginning of wisdom is the love of truth. In com 
 parison, other virtues there are none. It requires no 
 strong lens to perceive it. It is simple and homely 
 and has roots in the soul until torn out by lying 
 sophistry. 
 
 4876 
 
 Could all men and women be housed, fed and clothed 
 without personal effort, would they all be happy? 
 No happier than they are working for easier condi 
 tions. There is no more happiness at the end than 
 along the way. 
 
 4877 
 
 Dost thou perceive imperfection moving steadily 
 toward perfection, thou art an optimist and dwellest 
 in faith, hope and charity. 
 
 527 
 
4878 
 
 foundation of character was laid with the 
 world, and little by little each man builds his 
 individual structure upon it : strong, weak, 
 flimsy, ornate, enduring, crumbling, symmetrical, 
 out of plumb, beautiful or ugly ; a lasting credit or a 
 lasting disgrace ; a structure he can not hide nor tear 
 down. There it stands with his name graven on the 
 plate, to be admired or condemned. 
 
 4879 
 
 While we are traveling on the globe let us not resent 
 our neighbor s interest in our affairs. To mind one s 
 own business is creditable, but to take no interest 
 in those about us is unpardonable selfishness. 
 
 4880 
 
 Direct questions are not invariably impertinent. The 
 prompting motive makes them so or not so. Therefore 
 let your answers be soft and free from sting, lest 
 you wound a kindly soul whose thought is not stimu 
 lated by curiosity. 
 
 4881 
 
 So far as we know, one man is as near God as 
 another ; but the bad man misses most everything 
 that makes for happiness and piles up misery for 
 himself with every wrong act, making his feet lead and 
 his path dangerous. 
 
 4882 
 
 When buying gewgaws remember this : there is enough 
 of beauty awaiting small silver which does not degrade 
 and outrage taste. Better nothing and an artistic 
 mental picture than tawdry display and a sightless 
 mind. 
 
 4883 
 
 Of all the hobbies that man likes to ride is a 
 gastronomic race with Dame Nature. He is possessed 
 of the notion that he can win. He never has. The 
 Dame is invincible, outriding the strongest and 
 swiftest down to defeat. 
 
 528 
 
4884 
 
 monkey-shines of officeseekers would be 
 ludicrous were they not mischievous. They 
 caper and prance for votes. They blow horns 
 and strut for applause. They play upon the personal 
 pronoun and sing roundelays in self-praise. Their 
 vanity exceeds their ability, their greed their honesty. 
 Oh, for a Washington or a Lincoln who sought first 
 the public weal and forgot self-glory ! 
 
 4885 
 
 If the psychic life is the blossom of the physical life, 
 alas, that there be one barren stalk ! 
 
 4886 
 
 It seemeth to me that a kind heart, a clean mind and 
 a helpful hand are the essentials of religion, and that 
 theological limits and beliefs are scarce worth mention 
 in this Twentieth Century. 
 
 4887 
 
 No man remains in bondage to another if he have 
 courage to free himself. Master and slave are no 
 more. White, yellow and black are equal before the 
 law ; but social status is marked by a pigment that 
 does not change. 
 
 4888 
 
 God only knows how they suffer who taste the 
 gall and wormwood of murder. Let God in His 
 mercy smite them from earth, and not ye who 
 know not but that ye commit the same awful deed. 
 Let us boast not while the State takes away the breath 
 of life that God has breathed into man s nostrils. 
 
 4889 
 
 Searching for ideas is charming pastime ; gathering 
 words to clothe them agreeable labor ; putting them 
 into book form a timid task ; and to let them fly 
 beyond recall a sensation that deadens all conceit. 
 Their imperfections return to torture the mind, and 
 one sighs that one s thoughts are so shabbily arrayed. 
 
 529 
 
4890 
 
 there were more humorists to turn sighs 
 to laughter. Every hour should be broken with 
 a sm ii e , A full day of solemnity depresses as 
 does a dismal cloud that veils the jolly sun. Laugh, 
 ye who desire health ! Laugh, ye who would do good 
 work ! Laughter was given to man alone. It raises 
 him above the beast. 
 
 4891 
 
 Repose is not idleness, but harmony. We observe it in 
 them who toil with their hands, and in them who 
 toil with their heads ; but in them who toil not there 
 is always discord and a restlessness that betrays lack 
 of polite deportment. 
 
 4892 
 
 No one can count the cost of a bad act. It reaches 
 to the ends of civilization and is a leaden weight 
 on the body politic. Let this be a text for 
 Sunday sermons, that more be impressed with a sense 
 of individual responsibility. 
 
 4893 
 
 Art recognizes no class. Its apostles are born amongst 
 high and low, midst splendor and squalor. Many 
 perish at the threshold of life, some are slain by 
 indolence, but a few live to bless mankind and raise 
 them Godward by placing before them objects of 
 lasting beauty. 
 
 4894 
 
 Love is ever a sweet theme, but the fires of passion 
 die soon. The writer who dips his pen in red-hot flame, 
 depicting scenes that should never be unveiled, flaunt 
 ing coarse men and brazen women through pages of 
 type, deserves the oblivion that a later generation 
 will accord. 
 
 4895 
 
 A cheat, be he rich or be he poor, is contemptible in 
 his own estimation ; albeit he may swell and puff in 
 public and demand the admiration he can not bestow 
 upon himself because he knows himself as he is. 
 
 530 
 
4896 
 
 should men wrangle over sacred books? 
 Why should they not cull from each and every 
 bible something to make lighter the way to the 
 Father s Mansion, whither all are traveling who enter 
 the planet life ? All bibles contain the written thoughts 
 of men God-inspired, man-inspired and it is not 
 for any cult to contend that one hath all of truth. Let 
 discrimination serve and save us from contention and 
 unseemly boasting. 
 
 4897 
 
 Express joy in thy countenance, though thou art 
 bruised and sorely wounded, as thou hast no right to 
 spread gloom. 
 
 4898 
 
 Agriculture, the savior of mankind. 
 
 4899 
 
 An accusing conscience is an imp that mocks and 
 leers when alone and makes faces when in company, 
 pointing downward every time one glances heaven 
 ward. 
 
 4900 
 
 Open thy mind to fresh thought : this fits thee for 
 today and prepares thee for tomorrow. 
 
 4901 
 
 Laugh ! Laughter was given thee to ease thee of 
 grief. One could not endure the pain of life without it. 
 
 4902 
 
 If God forced the world to choose between theology 
 and agriculture, we all know the choice. 
 
 4903 
 
 The sincere are upheld by self-respect ; but the in 
 sincere have nothing to support them but self-conceit. 
 
 4904 
 
 Our ideas of justice are crude, as we yet bask in 
 selfishness. 
 
 531 
 
4905 
 
 eACH century bringeth a new message to man. 
 The harvest of the past and the present are 
 his, making him richer this hour than since the 
 writing of history. 
 
 4906 
 
 Music to do thee most good should not always agree 
 with thy mood. 
 
 4907 
 
 As the Cross suggests suffering, it shall be replaced 
 by a new symbol in a new age when Christ s life and 
 not His death is glorified. 
 
 4908 
 
 Too much can not be said in favor of construction 
 and against destruction. Let the wise repeat until 
 all believe that it is better to create than to kill. 
 
 4909 
 
 Regret not a bitter experience if thou hast gained a 
 needful chapter. 
 
 4910 
 
 He who spares time to defend himself against slander 
 holds his days cheap. 
 
 4911 
 
 Much do I reveal of myself to a white page that I 
 dare not speak to my neighbor. 
 
 4912 
 
 Place and power are right for thee only as thou 
 art right for them. 
 
 4913 
 War is misdirected energy. 
 
 4914 
 
 If thou hast a talent, love it, for it is a slight touch 
 of God upon thy brain to inspire individualism. 
 
 4915 
 
 Think in thine own generation. Read the past. Be 
 lieve in the future. 
 
 532 
 
4916 
 
 Who knoweth and who careth, if 
 hath love in his heart and perceiveth God in 
 things? Surely if every leaf and bud is at 
 tended, man shall be guided safely. 
 
 4917 
 Rejoice that nothing is stationary. 
 
 4918 
 
 Fish for ideas. The stream of life has been well 
 stocked, and if thou art patient thou art sure to net 
 one. 
 
 4919 
 
 Love nothing more than thy reason. Though it sepa- 
 ate thee from past beliefs it will unite thee to those of 
 thine own age. 
 
 4920 
 
 The pageantry of Time ! The longest imagination 
 can not depict the earliest scenes. 
 
 4921 
 A horseless carriage : another dream come true. 
 
 4922 
 
 The more faith and hope we weave into our daily 
 life, the brighter the fabric. 
 
 4923 
 
 Dependence kills energy, it ruins ambition and marks 
 decay. 
 
 4924 
 
 When the heart is young the mind is elastic and bends 
 to the cares of life rather than breaks. 
 
 4925 
 
 Meet the world with a laugh and a song. Sighing and 
 weeping are thy secrets and not to be exposed. 
 
 4926 
 
 The best books of the world are as gold and silver, and 
 the wise thoughts of men contained therein blazing 
 jewels in the crown of life. 
 
 533 
 
4927 
 
 A high ideal should make a more practical and useful 
 citizen, for he who hath a vision of better things ahead 
 travels toward them. 
 
 4928 
 
 The day we cease to think, that day we die. 
 
 4929 
 
 O art! To thee must man look to deliver him from 
 grossness. To the ideal must he build if he would rise. 
 
 4930 
 
 Keep thy feet upon earth, thy head in the sky ; then 
 labor may not degrade, riches destroy nor men despise. 
 
 534 
 
SO HERE THEN ENDETH 
 
 THIS BOOK OF TWENTIETH-CENTURY MUSINGS 
 
 EVOLVED IN HAPPY MOMENTS 
 
 BY 
 
 M. CLAY BURBRIDGE 
 
 PENNED WITH LOVE, PROFFERED TO TIME 
 AND DONE INTO A PRINTED VOLUME 
 
 BY 
 
 THE ROYCROFTERS 
 AT THEIR SHOP 
 
 AT 
 
 EAST AURORA 
 NEW YORK 
 
 JUNE 
 
 ANNO CHRISTI 
 MCMXIII 
 

 NIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIF 
 
 I 
 
 <^g X^g|g^ - X^g^ QJS 
 
 NIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIF!