Page:Elizabeth Fry (Pitman 1884).djvu/157

 we can see clearly to take the mote out of our brother’s eye. There is, for one young in years, much greater safety in preaching to others by example, than in word, or doing what is done in an upright, manly spirit, ‘unto the Lord, and not unto man.’

“2nd. I shall not speak of moral conduct, which, if religious principles be kept to, we may believe will be good; but I shall give certain hints that may point out the temptations to which schools are particularly liable. I have observed a want of strict integrity in school-boys, as it respects their school-masters and teachers—a disposition to cheat them, to do that behind their backs which they would not do before their faces, and so having two faces. Now, this is a subject of the utmost importance—to maintain truth and integrity upon all points. Be not double-minded in any degree, but faithfully maintain, not only the upright principle on religious ground, but also the brightest honour, according to the maxims of the world. I mourn to say I have seen the want of this bright honour, not only in school-boys, but in some of our highly-professing Society; and my belief is that it cannot be too strictly maintained, or too early begun. I like to see it in small things, and in great; for it marks the upright man. I may say that I abhor anything like being under-handed or double-dealing; but let us go on the right and noble principle of doing to others as we would have others do to us; therefore, in all transactions, small and great, maintain strictly the correct, upright, and most honourable practice. I have heard of boys robbing their neighbours’ fruit, &c.; I may truly say that I believe there are very few in the present day would do such things, but no