t
pestilence. But let me not degrade into selfishness of individual safety or
individual exposure this individual principle; it testifies a higher, a
more ennobling origin.

3. ITS DIVINITY.--Oh, Divine, oh, delightful legacy of a spotless
reputation: Rich is the inheritance it leaves; pious the example it
testifies; pure, precious and imperishable, the hope which it inspires; can
there be conceived a more atrocious injury than to filch from its possessor
this inestimable benefit to rob society of its charm, and solitude of its
solace; not only to out-law life, but attain death, converting the very
grave, the refuge of the sufferer, into the gate of infamy and of shame.

4. LOST CHARACTER.--We can conceive few crimes beyond it. He who plunders
my property takes from me that which can be repaired by time; but what
period can repair a ruined reputation? He who maims my person effects that
which medicine may remedy; but what herb has sovereignty over the wounds of
slander? He who ridicules my poverty or reproaches my profession, upbraids
me with that which industry may retrieve, and integrity may purify; but
what riches shall redeem the bankrupt fame? What power shall blanch the
sullied show of character? There can be no injury more deadly. There can be
no crime more cruel. It is without remedy. It is without antidote. It is
without evasion.

* * * * *

{11}

Influence of Associates.

If you always live with those who are lame, you will yourself learn to
limp.--FROM THE LATIN.

If men wish to be held in esteem, they must associate with those who
are estimable.--LA BRUYERE.

[Illustration: GATHERING WILD FLOWERS.]

1. BY WHAT MEN ARE KNOWN.--An author is known by his writings, a mother by
her daughter, a fool by his words, and all men by their companions.

2. FORMATION OF A GOOD CHARACTER.--Intercourse with persons of decided
virtue and excellence is of great importance in the formation of a good
character. The force of example is powerful; we are creatures of imitation,
and, by a necessary influence, our tempers and habits are very much formed
on the model of those with whom we familiarly associate. Better be alone
than in bad company. Evil communications corrupt good manners. Ill
qualities are catching as well as diseases; and the mind is at least as
much, if not a great deal more, liable to infection, than the body. Go with
mean people, and you think life is me