Vandalia Whig and Illinois intelligencer. [volume] (Vandalia, Ill.) 1832-183?, 1834-06-12
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MIS- LII A N E o U s.

WASHINGTON lived by rule. Some OF "
his rules of action be has left behind hum
in writing; they are published IN Mr.. =,
Sparks collection Of his papers II is IN
teresting to know by what rules so perfect .
a character was formed we sutjoin few. >
Associate Yourself with men of good II
quality if you esteem your own reputation,
for it is better 10 be alone than in bad com
pany.
Let your conversation be without malice
or envy, for it is sign Of tractable and
commendable nature, and in all causes oil
passion admit reason to govern.
Utter not base and frivolous things
amongst learned men; nor very difficult
ques1ons or subjects among the Ignorant,
nor things hard TO be believed
Speak not of dolefui things in times OF
mirth, nor at the table; speak not of mel
ancholy things, as death and wounds, and
if others mention them, change, if you
can, the discourse. Tel! not your dreams
but to your intimate friends t
Dreak not Jest where none can take
pleasure IN mirth. Laugh not aloud nor
at all without occasion. Deride no mans |
misfortune, though there seems to be some
cause
Speak not injurious words, neither inI
jest or earnest. Scoff at none, although
they give occasion
Be not forward, but friendly and courte-
Gus; the first to salute. hear, and answer,
and be not pensive when il Is time to con
verse.
Detract not from others, but neither be
excessive in commenting.
If two contend together, take not part
Of either unconstrained; and be not obsti-
nate in your opinion; i'll things indifferent
be Of the major side.
Reprehend not the imperfections of 9th
ers, for tina; belongs TO parents, masters
and superiors.
Gaze not on the marks or blemishes Of
others, and ask not how they came.
What you may speak in secret 10 YOU
deliver not before others.
When another speaks, be attentive your
self and disturb not the audience Ii any
hesitate in his words, help him not, no
prompt without being desired; interrup
him not nor answer him ill his speech b,
ended.
Make no comparisons; and if any o
the company be commended for any brave
act Of virtue, commend not another for tn
same.
be not apt TO relate news, il you do no
know the truth thereof In discoursing o
things you have heard name not your au
thor always. A secret discover not.
Undertake what you cannot perform
but be careful to keep your promise.
When your superIors talk to any body
hear them nor neither speak nor laugh.
In dispute be not so DESTROYS to overcome
as not to give liberty to each one to deliver
his opinion, and submit to the Judgment Of
the major part, especially if they are Judges
of the dispute.
Speak no evil of the absent for it is un
just.
Make no show of taking great deligh
in your vctuals, feed not with greediness
cut your bread with knife, lean not OIL
the table, neither find fault with what you
eat.
Be not angry at table whatever happens
and if you have reason to be SO show i
not, put on a cheerful counenance, espe
cially if there be strangers, for good hu
NOR makes one dish feast
Set not yourself at the upper end of the
table, but if it be your due, or the master
of the house viii have it so, contend moi
lest you should trouble the company
When you speak of God OF his attributes
let it be seriously in reverence and honor
and obey your natural parents although
they be poor.
Let your recreations be manflI not sin
full
Y. Labor to keep alive in your breast that
little spark Of celestial fire called con-
s>oce.