Infirmities, and a due Allowance for the Infirmities of others, and are always agreeable when regulated by Prudence.

GENEROSITY, OR LIBERALITY, is a Disposition to do more for another than he has a Right to claim. It shows Fairness, Greatness of Mind, and an enlarged Benevolence. It forbids all mean, low, selfish Management, in all our Transactions with either Friend or Foe, and is always approved, whether in Friend or Foe; and is therefore always a much esteemed and popular Virtue. Contributing largely to any useful or beneficent Purpose, when our Circumstances will well admit of it, is justly held in high Estimation. But in all pecuniary Acts of Generosity, we should be cautious not to exceed our Ability, lest we give away what more properly belongs to another, which is Injustice. It is being generous, in disposing of the Property of others, which is so far from being a Virtue, that it is grossly criminal. We ought, also, to be careful that we do not let our Generosity encroach upon our Acts of Charity, or incapacitate us from performing them; for, though the former be an amiable Trait in a Man's Character, the latter is his indispensable Duty.

MODESTY,

argue an unwarrantable Distrust of our Neighbour, and that we suspect he has injurious Thoughts or Designs, which ought to be guarded against. Now we should suppose those we have Dealings with, are honest and candid, unless we have particular Reason to think otherwise. At any Rate, it were better to suffer now and then, from our Candour, than to harbour a jealous, suspicious Disposition.

MEANNESS, SELFISHNESS, LITTLENESS, AVA

RICE.

These all show a narrow contracted Mind, and commonly excite general Contempt. They arise from an extravagant over-weening Self-Love, and a Disregard to others. One of this Character never loves his Neighbour as himself, if indeed he love him at all. This Disposition should be carefully avoided, not only by every Christian, for it is a very unchristian one; but by every one who wishes for any Degree of Respectability.

Avarice, when excessive, engrosses the whole Man, and has sometimes produced astonishing Effects, as there are well authenticated Instances, where the Miser has literally starved himself, to avoid spending the Money he has hoarded to keep himself from Starving.

But though such extravagant Effects of Avarice are rare, yet too great a Love of Money is a very prevailing Vice; and many, who are not considered by

their

MODESTY, DECENCY. A modest, decent Carriage is peculiarly agreeable in every one, and to all Companies; as it shows a Freedom from Vanity and Self-Conceit, and a due Regard and Deference to all present; but is more especially becoming in Young Persons. It is, indeed, one of their greatest Ornaments, and ought to be carefully inculcated by every one who has the Care of educating Youth. Modesty will prevent us from putting on any assuming, indecent Airs, and will keep us within the bounds of due Decorum.

HONOUR, RESPECT. These are due to every one in a certain Degree, but especially to some. Subordination is of more Consequence in Society, than most People are aware of. Indeed, without it, due Obedience to our Superiours cannot be properly supported. It is our Duty, then, first to honour and respect our Parents, our Guardians and Preceptors, then, all our Superiours in Age or Station, especially our civil Rulers. Subordination should begin, and be taught in private Families, or it will never be thoroughly practised at all. Respect is seldom withheld, but in consequence of bad Education or ill-Breeding, or from some wrong or improper Motive. We are commanded to give to every one his Due; Fear to whom Fear, Honour to whom Honour; and the Scriptures direct us to Honour all Men.

COURTESY,

their Acquaintance as avaricious, are led by too great an Attachment to what they call their Interest, not only to neglect many indispensable Duties, but frequently to overleap the Bounds of Justice and Honesty. To be rapacious, that we may be profuse,* is no very uncommon Exhibition of Character; and is a Compound of Avarice, Injustice, Ostentation and Vanity, and demonstrates a high Degree of moral Depravity.

It

BOLD, FORWARD BEHAVIOUR, IMPUDENCE. There is scarcely a Behaviour more revolting to our Feelings, than a bold, impudent Forwardness. discovers such a total Disregard of the Sentiments and Feelings of others, as is intolerable; and he who shows such a Disposition, is commonly regarded with Disgust, Contempt and Aversion.

Modesty forms an essential Part of the female Character, and as Dr. Young justly observes, in his Manner, "A shameless Woman is the worst of Men."

A forward, forth-putting Behaviour is forbidden by our Saviour, when he directs us not to seek the chief Seats in Synagogues, &c.

DISRESPECT. To dishonour, or withhold Respect where due, argues a proud, perverse, insubordinate Disposition. But disobedience and disrespect to Parents, are peculiarly criminal and odious

* "Alieni appetens, sui profusus."

in

COURTESY, AFFABILITY.

These are social

Qualifications, which make every one possessed of them, highly welcome and acceptable to every Company, and ought therefore to be cultivated, as they increase the innocent Pleasures of Life.

CHASTITY. This is a Virtue strictly enjoined on every Christian. All impure, irregular Indulgencies, and every Species of unchaste Behaviour, are strongly reprobated, and absolutely forbidden; and this Injunction extends not only to our Words and Actions, but also to our Thoughts and Desires.

INOFFENSIVENESS. As a Disposition to please is always agreeable, so a Fear of giving Offence must always be amiable, as it is a Temper formed upon Meekness and Benevolence, both of which are Gospel Virtues, and universally commendable. We should then be careful not to give any just Cause of Offence. But we ought not to let this Smoothness prevent us from giving our Neighbour kind and friendly Advice, when we find him evidently pursuing a Course which he will certainly repent of.

Meekness is a

MEEKNESS, CONDESCENSION. Christian Temper, and, by our Lord, pronounced blessed; and he exemplified this Virtue by his Conduct, in a most conspicuous Manner; when he

was