The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1892-06-15
Montpelier, Ind, June 10.
FROM WEST VIRGINIA.

A Pleasant Letter from "CamilIa" Concern
ing Virtue.
DEAR H. L. G. FRIENDs-Virtue is a
human quality. 1t is OF pure thought,
awake to the observance of truth, the hon.
esty of the action. the justice of the cause,
and does right simply because it is right.
Where virtue reigns supreme there the
earth has no blight or milldew 1t drives
away all useless shadows and, like
gilded hanging picture, it gladdens the
heart and invigorates, elevates and beau
tiies the soul. 1t is a cup of quiet joy,
fountain of endless happiness that never
ceases TO flow.
vlrtuous person is upright in his con-
duct and will not willfully trespass against
another. If his enemies assail him he
will do no wicked thing against them. He
will not do evil for evil in order to re-
taliate.
When kind action or noble deed is
done il is not for the purpose of being
esteemed charitable by men, but by pure
motives prompted by duty. All aims are
freely given because it lies in the path
OF duty 20 do 30. Virtue is opposed to
vice, and the vain and idle speeches from
the mouth of the flatterer causes deeper
wound than the bite from the tooth OF
the serpent.
Virtue is the only true source of happi-
ness; like the pure, bright mountain
stream 1t is eternally flowing, keeping the
heart glad and free
In the home where virtue dwells the
family ties are sacred; the inmates can
safely trust each other. There are roses
without thorns, bees without stings.
There home Is place of Joy and love, of
innocence and tranquility. Envy suspi-
clon. jealousy and remorse are not found
within its walls. Love never grows old
and fades away, but like a garment that
has been made of good material time does
not cause the luster of it's appearance to
vanish. Each feels a sense OF pleasure at
seeing the happiness Of the others. The
heart is open to confidence and pleasure
torgetful OF sorrows, cares and disappoint-
ments.
The good man of the house is not of a
vain and h~artful spirit, aiming to keep up
false show until he becomes bankrupt
and ruined as a result of it. Not to seem
to be, but to be is his object
His devoted wife is too sensible to be a
spendthrift, and has no desire to 90 be-
yond her means in an attempt to outshine
those with whom she is socially con-
nected. She is not unhappy when she
meets another more fashionably dressed
than what she can afford, or adorned with
more OF the gid and glitter which money
can buy.
She feels that her friends all know her
true worth, and she is too honest to desire
to appear other than what she is in real
ity. The price of virtue is to her far
above rubles. and contentment and
benevoience glow from her cheerful
countenance. and truth and wisdom are
the lessons che teaches. She lie TO her
husband a helpmate. providing well for
all who have the good fortune to be a
member of her well ordered household
and is ever awake TO the cries OF the poor
and needy. She is not content to live in
lazy luxury eating the bread earned by
another.
The humbIest cottage when lit up bv
virtue will leave a lasting impression
upon the minds OF those who 90 forth
from the shelter of it's roof to encounter
the responsibilities and perils of life, and
often and often will come back to the
heart the longing for the good old time
to return-the days of yore when many
happy hours were spent in lowly cottage
home, where deception and the craving to
excel was no part of their practice.
1t would be much better If people were
content to live lives of simplicity, admir-
ing the many beautiful things which
divine providence placed here to cheer US
on our way. than to pine away, brooding
over the vanities and follies of this life,
which only prove a source of regret, fail
ing to prepare us for the change that takes
place, as eternity dawns upon US, and the
vain decisions of the receding world are
forever vanished out of sight.
CAMILLA"
Bruceton Mills, W. Va, June z.
From n Little Girl.
nuap NIT