# LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. I #f lia P |»P8«SW ?\ f o. { -£^ >F£ | UNITED STATES OF AMERICA \ i VlORA^CHAJRr^L COPYRIGHT, 1875, MATILDA FLETCHER. Practical Ethics, FOR $C&ooi<# &>If) tfa]\ni least the Hope of the approval of good people, of Conscience, or of God. Is Fidelity dependent upon Purity? It is. No impure person is faithful to self, to friends, to duty, to country, or to God. What does this apparent relation of the virtues prove? That they are reciprocal and harmonious. What does this mean ? That the cultivation of one virtue awakens and strengthens the others. Give examples from Poetry, Biography, Observation. I 126 PRACTICAL ETHICS. CHAPTER II. SELF-RESPECT. What is Self-Respect? * A pure love and reverence for our own being. How is it represented upon the Chart ? By a star in the constellation of Fidelity. Why is it thus represented ? Self-Respect is a light or inspiration that is of great assistance in the cultivation of all the good qualities, and in the overthrow of all evil tendencies. How is it dependent upon Fidelity? It is impossible to respect ourselves if we are un- faithful to any trust. Is Self-Respect dependent upon Love ? It could not exist without love of self, while the knowledge that we are beloved, or that we love SELF-RESPE CT. 127 others, inspires and cherishes a high and noble regard for our own spirit. Will a person who truly loves self, be bad, selfish and cruel? No. He will try continually to be good, to do good, and to think only good thoughts. True Self-Respect then has what effect? It causes a person to develop all good qualities, and to shun all bad ones. What faculties must be used in the cultivation of Self-Respect ? Conscience, Reflection, and Will. How should Conscience act ? It should see and announce what is right in minor matters as well as in great. It should cherish Purity, Industry, Fidelity, Hope, and all other good qual- ities or emotions possible to the soul, and should condemn and despise all inclination to evil thoughts, words and acts. What will enable it thus to act ? Reflection, will accumulate for its use all light or knowledge it receives from whatever source. How must Will assist the growth of Self-Respect ? It must promptly and continually strive to compel the thoughts and acts to harmonize with Conscience. 128 PRACTICAL ETHICS. Why is Self-Respect necessary to us ? It facilitates our prosperity, development and hap- piness, and establishes us in the love and respect of others. How is this virtue regarded by wise and good people ? It constitutes an important element in the charac- ter of the great and good of all ages, and has by them been considered a necessary and noble attri- bute. Give Examples from Poetry, Biography, Observation. CONJUGAL VOWS. 129 CHAPTER III. CONJUGAL VOWS. What are Conjugal Vows ? They are the promises that a man and woman make to each other when they are married. How are they represented upon the Chart? By a star in the constellation of Fidelity. What does this signify ? That Fidelity to Conjugal Yows is one of the necessary guides or sources of light in the cultiva- tion of the moral nature. Are Conjugal Vows dependent upon Fidelity ? The purity and permanence of the Conjugal Vows depend upon the Fidelity of the parties to each other, and to duty. 9 i 3 o PRACTICAL ETHICS. Is it wrong to be false to the Conjugal Vows ? It is one of the worst and most disgraceful sins. Why are the Conjugal Vows held more sacred than all others? The marriage relation is the most important a person can assures. What is the most necessary element in marriage ? Love. Are married people who truly love likely to prove false to each other? They are not. Should people marry upon short acquaintance ? No. They should take time to understand each other and be sure that they love. How can you tell Love from a false sentiment toward others? False sentiment fills the mind with unworthy, sel- fish, and impure thoughts that we would be ashamed to have known. How does Love affect us ? It inspires us to be noble aud pure and makes us wish our loved one to be worthy in all respects. Is Love all that is necessary to a harmonious marriage ? All the good qualities are necessary, but Love awakens and strengthens all these. CONJUGAL VOWS. 131 Suppose a wife says she loves her husband, and yet is idle, slovenly, or cross, is she faithful to him ? She is not. If a man is a drunkard, is he faithful to his wife? He is not. lie degrades himself and becomes a disgrace and an affliction to her. Is a fault-finding, discontented, man or woman, faithful to Conjugal Vows ? They are not. They should be peaceful, patient, cheerful, and polite. If a man has all other good qualities and does not provide for his family, is he faithful? He is not. What then is necessary to harmony in the married relation? Both the husband and wife should be pure and gentle, in word, act, appearance, and habit. They should also be cheerful, industrious, economical, and loving. If people would properly prepare themselves for a well ordered home-life, what is necessary? Careful cultivation of every good quality known to the moral nature of humanity. Is it as easy to cultivate the good qualities at one time of life as at another? It is not. We should begin early in life, to be successful. i 3 2 PRACTICAL ETHICS. What faculties must be continually active to enable us to be faithful to Conjugal Vows? Conscience, Reflection, and Will. How should Conscience act? It should approve and cherish all things that pro- mote the comfort, improvement, and happiness of our companion, and condemn and despise all inhar- monious thoughts, words, and acts. What will enable Conscience to do this? ■ Reflection will enlighten it with the meaning of its sacred obligation and the necessity of keeping it inviolate, and will cause it to see the evil that must befall self, family, society, and country, from infidel- ity to such sacred and important vows. What besides Conscience and Reflection is necessary to keep peo- ple true to Conjugal Vows? The Will must determine firmly, from first to last, to be true in thought, word, and act, through all trials, to the sacred promise made. Is Fidelity to Conjugal Vows generally considered a necessary and noble virtue? It is by all pure and noble people. Give examples from Poetry, Biography, Observation. PARENTAL LOVE. 133 CHAPTER IV. PARENTAL LOVE. What is Parental Love ? It is the tender emotion that fathers and mothers have for their children. How is it represented upon the Chart? By a star in the constellation of Fidelity. What does this signify ? That Parental Love is a necessary light or guide to a parent in the performance of duty toward a child. How will a wise parent prove his love for his child ? By carefully training it to develop all good traits, and helping it to overcome all had habits. Can a drunken parent be faithful to a child ? No. He brings disgrace and sorrow upon it and is an unfit example and teacher. i 3 4 PRACTICAL ETHICS. Is an impatient, fault-finding parent faithful to a child ? No. He awakens angry feeling and revenge in the child's heart. Can a parent be too kind and generous to a child ? He may be too generous toward its faults, and thus ruin it through lack of discipline. What are the best gifts that parents can bestow upon a child ? A pure, loving, faithful, hopeful, heart, and in- dustrious habits. Can parents really bestow these great gifts ? They can, by early, patient, and persistent train- ing. What knowledge is necessary to the child that he may be success- fully trained ? He must understand and feel that his parents truly love him, and seek only his highest good and purest happiness. What is the purest, noblest, and best help in the training of a child? A disposition to refer its thoughts to God in pray- er and praise. When can this be more easily fixed in the mind and habits ? In the early years of life. PARENTAL LOVE. 135 What faculties must parents exercise to be faithful to parental ties? Conscience, Reflection, and Will. How must Conscience act? It must see and announce the right method of training a child, and the parent's whole duty toward it; and must condemn all injustice, carelessness, cruelty, and everything else that will harm either body or soul What will aid Conscience ? Reflection will disclose to it all light or knowledge that the soul possesses in reference to the nature of the child, and the help that it needs. What else must aid the parent ? Will must curb, direct, instruct, and mould the child according to the dictates of an enlightened Conscience. How is Fidelity to Parental Love generally regarded? As a natural and noble virtue, and the absence of it is considered inhuman and wicked in the extreme. Give examples from Poetry, Biography, Observation. i 3 6 PRACTICAL ETHICS. CHAPTER V. FILIAL LOVE. What is Filial Love ? Love for parents. How is it represented upon the Chart ? By a star in the constellation of Fidelity. What does this signify? That Filial Love is a light or inspiration to aid the soul in the development of Fidelity. Is Filial Love dependent upon Fidelity? Filial Love implies being faithful to parents, and could not exist without Fidelity. How shall we be faithful to Filial Love ? By being gentle, loving, and obedient. FILIAL XOVE. 137 Should you obey and honor your parents in all things? In all things that are right. If a parent desires you to steal, lie, or swear, or do anything else that you know to be wrong, ought you to do it? We must never do anything that we know to be wrong. Are you unfaithful to a parent when you will not do wrong at his bidding? We are not. It is only by being pure and upright in all things that we can truly honor a parent. If you are cross and idle are you faithful to parents? We are not. We should be peaceable, polite, and industrious. If you are dishonest are you faithful to them? We are not. We should be honest, faithful, and just. What else is necessary to true Fidelity to parents? Purity in all things, cheerfulness, and continual improvement. What will direct us to the intelligent exercise of Filial Love ? Conscience, Reflection, and Will. How should Conscience act? It should see and announce our duty, in regard to 138 PRACTICAL ETHICS. parents, in small things and in great, and encourage us to do it; and should condemn and discourage all unfilial thoughts, words, and acts. What will assist Conscience in this? Reflection will enlighten it with all the knowledge that comes to the soul. How should Will aid Filial affection ? It should resolutely determine that a tender defer- ence shall be cultivated toward parents however unworthy they may be, and however impossible it may be to heed their requirements; while all reas- onable and proper wishes should be granted. How is Filial Love regarded by the wise and good? As a natural, praise-worthy, and noble virtue. How is the lack of it considered ? As a revolting and disgraceful trait. Give examples from Poetry, Biography, Observation. FRATERNAL LOVE. t 39 CHAPTER VI. FRATERNAL LOVE. What is Fraternal Love ? Love of brothers and sisters. How is it represented upon the Chart? By a star in the constellation of Fidelity. What does this signify? That Fraternal Love is a necessary light or inspi- ration to the full development of Fidelity in the soul. Is this virtue dependent upon Fidelity ? It is. People cannot be truly faithful who lack Fidelity to brothers and sisters. How can we be faithful to brothers and sisters ? By cheerful, loving, just, polite, and peaceable behavior toward them. i 4 o PRACTICAL ETHICS. If we are impure in word, or act, are we faithful to them ? No; we influence them to evil, and degrade them in the estimation of others. If we are idle, are we faithful to brothers and sisters? No. We injure them by our example, and it is our duty to acquire industrious habits that we may never become a burden to them, but may be able to help them if they fall into adversity. What faculties will a ; d us in the cultivation of Fraternal Love ? Conscience, Reflection, and Will. How should Conscience assist? It should see and announce our duty in all things concerning the Fraternal relation, and should con- demn all unbrotherly and un sisterly conduct. What will enable Conscience to act intelligently? Reflection will disclose to it all the light or knowl- edge that the soul possesses to guide its vision and judgment. What should Will do to sustain Fraternal Love? It should promptly heed the commands of Con- science, and compel the affections, thoughts, and acts, to do its bidding. FRATERNAL LOVE. 141 What is the general opinion of civilized people in regard to Frater- nal Love? That it is a natural, necessary, and noble virtue; and that to be deficient in this respect, is disgraceful and unworthy of sensible people. Give examples from Poetry, Biograpny, Observation, i 4 2 PRACTICAL ETHICS. CHAPTER VII. FRIENDSHIP. What is Friendship? Fidelity to friends. How is it represented upon the Chart? By a star in the constellation of Fidelity. How is Friendship dependent upon Fidelity? Faithfulness to another is what constitutes Friend- ship, therefore it could not exist without Fidelity. Is Friendship also dependent upon Love ? It is. Friendliness, as well as all other kindly feel- ings, are an outgrowth of Love. Is that person your friend who teaches you bad habits, or encourages you to do wrong ? He is not. FRIENDSHIP. 143 But suppose he says that he is your friend ? We must not believe him. What is a true friend ? One who rejoices in our Purity, prosperity and happiness, and who gladly hastens to help us and sympathize with us in trouble and adversity. How will a friend regard your bad qualities? He will grieve over them, and help us to overcome them. How will a friend regard your good qualities ? He will encourage them, and love to think ^ind speak of them. How should Conscience act toward Fnendsnip? It should approve and cherish Friendship for good people, and condemn and discourage us from confid- ing in the wicked and false; and should also help us to see the wickedness of being untrue to a friend. What will enable Conscience to act thus ? Reflection will furnish it light or knowledge that it may be able to distinguish the true from the false, and see what is our duty toward all. 144 PRACTICAL ETHICS. What besides Conscience and Reflection is necessary to guide us aright in cultivating Friendship? WilJ must act promptly, and constantly, in harmony with Conscience to enable us to be faithful, just, and discriminating toward all people, and especially affectionate and loyal to our friends as we would have them be to us. If you betray or neglect a person who has been a true friend to you, how will good people regard you? As untrustworthy, mean, and contemptible. Are there many instances in the history of the past of Fidelity to friends ? There are. Give Examples from Poetry, Biograpbv, Observation. PATRIOTISM. 145 CHAPTER VIII, PATRIOTISM, What is Patriotism ? Fidelity to country. How is it represented upon the Chart ? By a star in the constellation of Fidelity. What does this signify? That Patriotism is a light, help, or inspiration to the soul in the development of the. moral nature. Why does it depend upon Fidelity ? Patriotism consists in faithful thoughts, words, and deeds toward our country. What do you call a person who has this quality of Patriotism ? A Patriot. 10 146 PRACTICAL ETHICS. Who are Patriots? Those who sacrifice their comfort, happiness, or life for the good of country. Who are the most patriotic of all? Those who risk their lives on the battlefield, or elsewhere, for their country's welfare. Must a man be a soldier to be a Patriot? He may be a soldier, or civilian, a statesman, a poet, an artist, a writer, a teacher; or follow almost any calling. When is a soldier a Patriot? When he is devoted to the defense of his country. Suppose he is idle, worthless, and cowardly ? He is unfaithful and not patriotic* When is a scientist a Patriot? When he patiently toils and studies to discover or invent something for the benefit of his country. When is a statesman a Patriot? A true statesman is always a Patriot, because he devotes his talent and energy to the good of his country. PATRIOTISM. 147 If a man is an officer or servant of the Government, and sacrifices the country's welfare to his own selfish purposes, is he a Patriot? He is not. What should he be considered ? A traitor to his country. What do you mean by this ? A traitor to his country, is one who betrays it to an enenry, or is false to its best interest in any way. How can a writer or speaker be a Patriot? By writing or speaking that which inspires the people with love of country. How can an artist be a Patriot? By using his art to present to the people repre- sentations that will inspire them with Patriotism. How can a teacher be a Patriot ? B}' teaching the young to love their country and reverence its institutions. How can a child be patriotic? By striving to be pure in all things and active for good. How should every man and woman prove themselves patriotic? By voting and using their influence for good men and good measures, and against bad ones. PRACTICAL ETHICS. Is Patriotism dependent upon Love ? It is dependent upon love of self, of friends, of right, and of country. How should Conscience regard Patriotism? As a noble virtue that must be approved and cherished. How should it regard the lack of Patriotism ? It should condemn it as mean-spirited, treasona- ble, selfish, and wicked. What will enable Conscience to act thus . Reflection will bring to it light or knowledge of the necessity and nobility of Patriotism, and the ruin to family, society, and state, that flows from the lack of it. Is any other faculty necessary to the cultivation and exercise of Patriotism? The Will must act promptly to encourage and perfect all tendencies toward Patriotism, and to check and cast out all inclinations to grow careless of the country's welfare. How should we regard our Country ? As a home of which each individual is a mem- ber. PATRIOTISM. 149 What is the special duty of each member of the great home called Our Country ? To add to its peace, prosperity, harmony, and happiness. Give examples from Poetry, Biography, Observation. ISO PRACTICAL ETHICS. CHAPTER IX. PHILANTHROPY. What is Philanthropy? Fidelity to the helpless. How is it represented upon the Chart ? By a star in the constellation of Fidelity. What does this signify? That Philanthropy is one of the sources of light that helps the soul to cultivate Fidelity. How does Philanthropy depend upon Fidelity ? Generous emotions only become Philanthropy when we faithfully put them into practice. Is Philanthropy also dependent upon Love ? It Love It is. All kind feelings are an outgrowth of PHILANTHROPY. 151 What is necessary to the development of Philanthropy in the heart? Cultivating kindly feelings toward all people, what- ever their appearance or condition. What is the most important element of Philanthropy? Benevolence. What do we mean by Benevolence ? Generosity of means and of sympathy. Suppose you lack generosity how do people regard you? As stingy, mean-spirited, cold hearted. What is the chief characteristic of true philanthropists ? An affectionate sympathy that regards all men and women as brothers and sisters, to whom they are bound by a tie that cannot be broken. What is the proper way to exercise Philanthropy? Adding to the comfort and happiness of the poor and suffering in our own neighborhood and country. If you have no money to give to the unfortunate can you be Philan- thropic? We can encourage and help them by kind and cheerful words. How should Conscience regard Philanthropy? As a noble virtue that should be approved and cherished. 152 PRACTICAL ETHICS. What should aid Conscience in this? Reflection should bring to it the light or knowl- edge of the beauty and nobility of Philanthropy, and the deformity and unholiness of an ungenerous, unsympathetic soul. What other faculty is necessary in the cultivation and exercise of Philanthropy ? The Will should determine to bring continually into intelligent action, all philanthropic emotion that Conscience announces as proper and right. How has Philanthropy been regarded by wise and good people? As a great and noble virtue. Give examples from Poetry, Biography, Observation. DUTY. i53 CHAPTER X. DUTY. What is Duty? Fidelity to right. How is it represented upon th