Page:The Cottagers of Glenburnie - Hamilton (1808).djvu/394

 punishment will not be sufficient to enforce the principles of truth and honesty. In order to convert sincerity and integrity into abiding habits of the mind, the love of these virtues must be strengthened by a conviction of the estimation in which they are held by God and man. Falsehood and dishonesty must be rendered objects of abhorrence; and this they will soon become, if constantly and regularly attended by shame and disgrace. This comes to be the more incumbent on the schoolmaster, because (I am sorry to say it) lying is too generally considered by the poor as a very slight offence, or rather indeed as an excuseable artifice, often necessary, sometimes even laudable. It is truly shocking to find the prevalence of this vice in a country, that boasts of the degree of instruction given to the poor. But where shall we find the tradesman, on whose word one can depend with confidence? Is it among the enthusiasts, who pretend to the greatest portion of religious