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 2. Allowing the performance of an honourable action to be attended with trouble, the trouble is soon over, but the honour is durable; whereas, should pleasure wait on the commision of what is dishonourable the pleasure is short, but the dishonour is lasting.

3. Sacrifices to virtue, though they are frequently difficult to perform, are always grateful in remembrance. No virtuous person ever repented of doing a good action.

4. Many great actions, as well as great causes, owe their success to Providence, or to nature; but the general, the admiral, the statesman, and the physician, frequently run away with the applause. 5. As much of the comfort of our actions depends on the motives by which we are influenced, it is prudent to be cool and deliberate in entering upon any new concern; it requires time and caution to know our own motives. Many Christians have bitter remembrance of imprudent and rash actions, which a little more time and prayer to God, might have prevented. 6. We should examine our actions, and direct them in such a manner, that every thing we do may turn to account. A good intention will not justify a bad action, though it may extenuate its malignity; but a good intention, joined to a good action, gives it a proper force and efficacy. We should aim at a laudable end also in all our actions, either the glory of God, the good of mankind, or the benefit of our souls; thus we should continually act, and imitate the conduct of those holy men, who are said in scripture to have walked, with God.