Page:Original stories from real life 1796.pdf/54

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what is ſtill worſe, to purchaſe ſome trifling gratification, the pleaſure of which would laſt but a moment.

You heard the gentleman who viſited me this morning, very frequently uſe the word Honour. Honour conſiſts in reſpecting yourſelf; in doing as you would be done by; and the foundation of Honour is Truth.

When I can depend on the veracity of people, that is to ſay, am convinced that they adhere to truth, I rely on them; am certain they have courage, becauſe I know they will bear any inconvenience, rather than deſpiſe themſelves for telling a lie. Beſides, it is not neceſſary to conſider what you intend to ſay, when you have done right. Always determine, on every occaſion, to ſpeak the truth, and you will never be at a loſs for words. If your character for this ſcrupulous attention is once fixed, your acquaintance will be courted; and thoſe who are not particularly pleaſed with you will, at leaſt, reſpect your honourable principles.

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