Page:Moral Pieces in Prose and Verse.pdf/83

 which may he possessed without virtue, and lost without a crime. All beings are either good or evil, as they imitate or oppose the Great Author of all good; as they obey or transgress those laws which are given to advance their own greatest happiness, and the welfare of their fellow creatures. The love of goodness, wherever implanted, will expand and display itself in the virtues of the heart and of the life. Wherever these are perceived, though in poverty, depresiondepression [sic], or servitude, they are the transcript of a Divine Original; wherever you find them, though humbly clad, or despised among men, revere them; they are the genuine, though imperfect image of Him, who is good, and who doeth good unto all. Genuine virtue does not proclaim its own excellence, does not obtrude itself upon the notice of others, does not seek the applause of men; yet this is the standard of character, and the true criterion of judgment, which neither fluctuates, disappoints, or deceives.

I hope, my young friends, that you will perceive the importance of justly appreciating the characters of those who surround you in the world, and who, from the duties, wants, and connections of society, may have it in their power to influence your future enjoyment. Never suffer yourselves to like or dislike without sufficient cause; let your attachments be sanctioned by