The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1876-06-16
Dung Folks.
Counsel 70 Children

Rh'ureH.
as Children / thank God came well
trington this day, about five o'clock.
S have some leisure timc at my inn,
saot spend 1t more to my own satisfac-
and your benefit, than, by n letter, to
you some good counsel. The subject
III be concerning your speech because
. bod or evil that beialls persons ari-
tSthe well or i'll managing of their
nj nglion. When ] have leisure and
Portuhity shall give my directions on
Ter hnbjects.
Never speak anything for truth which
Npw or believe to be false. Lying is a
~ against God, who gave us tongue
'o'e6k the truth, aud not falsehood. 1t is
isatonence against humanity itself; for
bsre there is no regard to truth, there can
no safe society between man aud man.
"a il is an injury to the speaker; for, be-
Gdes the disgrace which it brings upon him,
occasions so much baseness OF mind that
can scarcely tell the truth or avoid lying,
nwhen he has no color of necessity for it
7, ia time. he comes to such pass, that
other people cannot believe he speaks
ath, SO he himself scarcely knows when he
lsla falsehood.
Us you must be careful not to lie, so you
|hst avoid coming near it. You must not
uivocate, nor speak anything positively
which you have no authority but report,
conjecture, or opinion.
Let your words be few, especially when
kour superiors, or strangers, are present, lest
Iyou betray your own weakness, and rob
yourself of the opportunity, which you
(night have had, to gain knowledge, wisdom
hntexperience, by hearing those whom you
|5 ence by your impertinent talking
q Be not too earnest, loud, or violent in
\ ,ur conversation. Silence your opponent
with reason, not with noise.
BE careful not to interrupt another when
le is speaking; hear him ott, and you will
spderstand him the better, and be able to
I've him the better answer. itA4.-Gt $50
Consider before you speak, especially
|when the business is of moment: weigh the
sense of what you mean TO utter and the
expressions you intend to use, that they
may be significant per in nt and inoflen
siye. Inconsiderate persons do not think till
they speak, or they speak, and then think.
tSome men excel in lhusbandry, some in
gardening, some in mathematics. In con-
yersation, learn, as near rs you can, where
tbe skill or excellence of any person lies ;
|put him upon talking on that subject, OBJ
serve what he says, keep it in your men,
ory, or commit it to writing. By this meal
you will CLEAN the worth and knowledge of
! Everybody you converse with; and, at an
Asy rate, acquire what may be Of use to you
On many occasions.
When you are in company with light,
gain, impertinent persons, let the observing
Of their failings make you the more eau
Cons, both in your conversation with them
snd in your general behavior, that you may
svoid their errors.
! If any one, whom you do not know to be
! person of truth, sobriety and weight, re-
lates strange stories, be not too ready to be-
lieve or report them; and yet (unless he is
one of your familiar acquaintance,) be not
too forward to contradict him. If the oc-
.casion requires you to declare your opinion,
do it modestly and gently, not bluntly nor
coarsely; by this means you will avoid Civ
ing offence, or being abused for too much
credulity.
Be careful that you do not commend your
selves. 1t is a sign that your reputation is
small and sinking, if your own tongue must
praise you; and it is fulsome and unpleas-
ing to others to hear such concentrations.
Speak well of the absent whenever you
have suitable opportunity. Never speak
ill of them or Of anybody, unless you are
sure they deserve it, and unless it is necess-
AIRY for their amendment, or for the safety
and benefit of others.
Avoid, in your ordinary communications,
not only oaths, but all imprecation and earn
est protestations.
Forbear scofling and jesting at the condf-
ton or natural defects of any person. such
offences leave deep impression, and they
often cost man dear.
Be very careful that you give no reprsacb
ful, menacing or spitefnl words TO any per
SON. Good words make friends bad word
make enemies. 1t is great prudence to gain
as many friends as you honestly can, espec
tally when it may be done at so easy a rat
as a good word and tits great folly to max
an enemy by i'll words, which are of no ad
vantage to the party who uses them. Whe
faults are committed they may, and by a 81
perior they must, be reproved but let it
done without reproach or bitterness, othe
wise it will lose its due end and use, and il
stead of reforming the offence it will exa
perate the offender and lay the reprov
justly open to reproof, ,rirl.
If person be passionate and give you
language, rather pity him than be moved
anger. You will find that silence or We
gentle words are the most exquisite reven
for reproaches; they will either cure the d
temper in the angry man and make him Sc
~ ioi hio Paooiohj VI shSy Will DC ocft
reproof and punishment to him.
Never utter any profane speeches, n
make jest of any Scripture expression
When you pronounce the name of God or
Christ or repeat any passage or words
Holy Scripture, do it with reverence and I
robustness, and not lightly, for that is sta
ing the name of God in vain"
have but little further to add at Il
time, but my wish and command is that y
will remember the former counsels that
have frequently given you. Begin and e
the day with private prayer; read the Ser
lures often and seriously be attentive
public worship of God. Keep yourselves
some useful employment for idleness is
nursery of vain and sinful thoughts, viii
corrupt the mind and disorder the life,
kind and loving to one another. HoI
your minister. Do not bitter nor harsh
any servants. Be respectful to all. b
my absence patiently and cheerfally.