Practical ethics, for schools and families

Front matter

COPYRIGHT, 1875, MATILDA FLETCHER.

FOR

ILLUSTRATED BY CHART.

Chapter I. Purpose Of Book

What is the purpose of this book ?

To teach us to be good, and useful, and happy.

How may this be accomplished?

By cultivating good qualities, and overcoming bad ones.

What faculties are necessary to awaken, develope and perfect the virtues, or good elements of the soul ?

Love, Reflection, Conscience and Will.

What are the fundamental or principal virtues?

Industry, Hope, Purity, Fidelity.

PRACTICAL ETHICS.

How are the good qualities represented upon the Chart?

By light

Why are the faculties and qualities that compose the moral nature represented by light?

They constitute the natural light, guide, or inspiration of the soul.

Without these, what would be the condition of humanity?

Brutal and Savage.

Why is the Chart in the form of a heart?

It is customary to speak of the moral nature as the Heart.

Give examples?

A person who is pure, is pure-hearted ; one who has Courage, is brave-hearted ; one who has Fidelity, true-hearted, &c.

What then are you to consider this Chart ?

A representation of the moral nature of a human being.

When is it necessary to begin the study of our moral nature ?

As early in life as we can understand the difference between right and wrong.

How long shall we continue this study?

As long as we live.

PURPOSE OF BOOK.

How may we improve ?

By adopting a regular plan of right thought and action, and educating the Will to follow it.

Has any person ever done this ?

Many people have.

Give examples from Poetry, Biography, Observation.

PRACTICAL ETHICS.

Chapter II. Love

How is Love represented upon the Chart?

By the Sun.

Why is it thus represented?

Love is the great central light of the soul, about which all the virtues revolve.

What do you mean by virtues?

The good principles of the soul.

Why do you say that the virtues revolve about Love?

The good elements of the soul are dependent upon Love, They are vivified and controlled by its power and beneficence.

How is Love divided?

Into Love of God and Love of Humanity.

LOVE. 7

How is God represented upon the Chart?

By a light from above.

Why is He thus represented?

The knowledge of God is the purest light that the soul can receive, and the highest attainment possible to it.

What is the Love of God called?

Religion.

Where do we learn this ?

At home, and at church.

What emotions are common to a loving heart?

Gratitude, Kindness, Sympathy, Charity, Pity, and Mercy.

What is Gratitude?

A loving, generous, and thankful feeling.

What is Kindness?

A gentle, helpful feeling toward others.

What is Sympathy?

A tender, earnest kindness that yearns to remove others' burdens and sorrows.

PRACTICAL ETHICS.

What is Charity?

A broad, generous love that is willing to believe all things, to hope all things in favor of others, and to endure all things that they may be happy.

What is Pity?

A tender sympathy, and sorrow for the miserable.

What is Mercy?

It is tenderness of heart toward an offender, treating him better than he deserves.

Which of these emotions is proper toward God ?

Gratitude.

Which toward Humanity?

Gratitude toward those who are kind, Sympathy, Charity, and Kindness toward all people, Pity toward the wretched and unfortunate, and Mercy toward the wicked.

What is the result if people lack these qualities ?

They are unkind, ungrateful, and cruel in disposition.

Can such people be happy, or make others happy?

They cannot.

Can such people be good?

No, their whole character becomes evil.

LOVE.

What then is necessary, if you would avoid this unlovely, unhappy disposition ?

We must continually try to cultivate gentle, loving thoughts, words and acts.

What faculties must you use to do this ?

Reflection, Will and Conscience.

Do people who are naturally ill-tempered, ungrateful, and unloving, ever succeed in becoming loving and kind ?

They do?

Give examples from Poetry, Biography, Observation.

io PRACTICAL ETHICS.

Chapter III. Conscience

How is Conscience represented upon the Chart ?

By an eye.

Why is it thus represented ?

Conscience is that power of the mind that sees what is right and what is wrong.

What, besides an eye, may represent Conscience ?

The voice, as Conscience, not only sees what is right, but it approves a right action, and accuses and condemns us continually when we do wrong.

What is necessary to enable Conscience to act ?

Reflection and Will.

What effect does Reflection have upon Conscience ?

It illuminates it with all the light or knowledge that comes to the soul.

CONSCIENCE. n

Should people act and live as Conscience dictates ?

They should.

What is the effect if we do that which Conscience tells us is wrong ?

We cannot respect ourselves and be happy.

Is that the only personal effect of wrong doing ?

It sometimes oppresses the Conscience so much that the guilty person feels that everyone suspects him, and is ready to denounce him.

What is that feeling called that Conscience awakens in the guilty?

Remorse.

What is the extreme effect of Remorse?

It forces the person to insanity, and suicide, or to confession, even though he knows that this will bring the punishment of death for the crime.

What, besides Reflection, is necessary to enable us to do that, and that only, which Conscience approves?

The Will.

How must the Will act ?

The Will must instantly and always decide to act in harmony with Conscience.

Can Conscience accomplish anything good without the help of the Will?

No. The Will must co-operate continually, to bring ii PRACTICAL ETHICS.

all the faculties and emotions of the soul, and all the acts of the body into harmony with Conscience.

Is it easy to understand and heed Conscience ?

It is for those who are taught to do so early in life.

If people will not heed Conscience early in life, is it possible for them to do so when they are uiQer ?

It is possible, but far more difficult.

What are the special effects of Conscience ?

Its approval inspires Courage, and imparts satisfaction and joy; its disapproval excites fear, pain and despair.

Give examples from Poetry, Biography, Observation.

REFLECTION. tj

CHAPTER IV. What is Reflection?

Thought.

How is it represented upon the Chart?

By the Moon.

Why is it thus represented ?

The Moon receives and reflects its light from the sun, and Thought, Reason, or Reflection receives and reflects all light or knowledge that comes to the soul from whatever source, faculty, or emotion.

How does Thought act upon the body ?

Through the brain and nerves.

By what faculty does it act ?

The Will.

How is Thought divided ?

Into good and bad.

Should we encourage both ?

We should love and cherish- good, and reject and despise bad Thoughts.

What is it that sees which are good Thoughts?

Conscience.

What enables us to cherish good Thoughts and despise bad ones?

The Will.

How shall we acquire the power of right thinking and just conclusions?

By studying our tendencies and checking the least impulse toward wrong, and carefully reviewing the experience of others in self-improvement.

Do people ever follow this plan for learning and perfecting their own nature ?

They do.

Give examples from Poetry, Biography, Observation.

WILL. 15

Chapter V. Will

How is Will represented upon the Chart?

By a large star.

Why is it thus represented ?

A pure unperverted Will is a great source of light and strength to the soul.

Where is Will located upon the Chart?

At the lowest point.

Why is it thus represented?

The Will should act under the direction of Conscience, and also as a servant or helper to every good element of the soul.

What is the Will ?

It is that force of mind that compels or restrains action.

Do you mean action of body, or of mind ?

Of both.

Cannot the mind act unless the Will allows it to do so?

It can. It has both voluntary and involuntary action.

What is involuntary action of the mind ?

It is Thought that comes and goes without the Will determining that it shall.

What is voluntary action ?

It is the mind determining to think upon a certain subject, or to act through the body for a certain purpose.

How may Will affect involuntary thought?

It may restrain or encourage it.

How does Will affect voluntary thought?

It induces and co-operates with it.

Could there be voluntary thought and action without the Will ?

There could not. The Will produces or calls into action all voluntary thoughts and deeds.

What is necessary to the proper action of the Will?

Conscience.

WILL, 17

Should Conscience ever yield to the Will?

Never.

What relation should Will bear to Conscience ?

That of a servant, ever ready to do its bidding.

If this is reversed and Will becomes the controlling power of the soul without regard to Conscience, what is the result?

A headstrong wickedness takes the place of the good elements and blinds and perverts Conscience.

If the Will is part of the time in harmony with Conscience, and part of the time in opposition, what is the effect upon the Character?

It is inconsistent, vacillating and unworthy of respect.

What is the office of a pure good Will ?

It is that of a guardian angel, or principle that compels every thought and act to harmonize with Conscience, thus moulding the whole being to noble untiring energy.

Do people ever succeed in exemplifying this high and perfect harmony of the Will and Conscience ?

They do.

Give examples from Poetry* Biography, Observation.

S^SdVidSit s^Sidg,

DIVISION II.

INDUSTRY— HEALTH— AMBITION— ENERGY-ORDER- PATIENCE— ECONOMY— SELF-DENIAL- PUNCTUALITY— PRUDENCE.

©iyiftioff il

Chapter I. Industry

What is Industry ?

Labor, useful activity.

How is Purity dependent upon Industry?

Purity includes cleanliness and other qualities that require Industry for their existence.

In what way does Industry assist Fidelity?

Activity and Energy are necessary to enable us to be faithful to friends, country, duty, self or object.

In what way is Hope dependent upon Industry ?

Hope would be fruitless without the co-operation of Industry to render successful its plans.

22 PRACTICAL El'HICS.

Is Industry conducive to happiness and prosperity ?

It is the foundation of every comfort and luxury of life.

What would the world be without Industry?

The earth would be a wilderness and its people

savages.

How should we regard Industry?

As one of the noblest and most necessary virtues.

When we see people who are ashamed to work how should we feel toward them ?

We should be ashamed of them and pity them.

Referring to Industry, do you mean labor of the hands alone?

We mean labor of the hands, or the brain; or both combined.

How does Love affect Industry?

Love of self and friends impels us to supply natural wants, and this requires the exercise of Industry.

How does Conscience develop Industry ?

It enables us to see our obligation to the claims of self, friend, duty, &c, and this furnishes an incentive to action.

INDUSTRY. 23

How is Industry represented upon the Chart?

By a large star.

Why is it thus represented?

Because it is a great light and blessing to the soul in its results.

What qualities are directly dependent upon and auxilliary to Industry?

HEALTH.

AMBITION.

ENERGY.

ORDER.

PATIENCE.

ECONOMY.

SELF-DENIAL.

PUNCTUALITY.

PRUDENCE.

How are each of these represented on the Chart?

By a star.

Why are they so represented ?

They are each a source of light or inspiration to the soul.

How does Reflection aid Industry?

It enlightens Conscience with the knowledge of the needs that demand our action.

What is the use of the Will in the exercise of Industry?

It enforces all action that constitutes Industry.

Is Will absolutely necessary to Industry ?

Without the exercise of the Will, neither the light of Reflection, the vision and voice of Conscience, nor the inspiration of Love, would be able to develop Industry.

What then is necessary to a proper development of Industry?

The careful education of Will to enforce the law of Conscience.

Have the great and good of earth, admired, revered and practiced Industry ?

They have.

Give examples from Poetry, Biography, Observation.

HEALTH. 25

Chapter II. Health

What do we mean by Health?

Soundness of body and mind.

How is it represented upon the Chart ?

By a star in the constellation of Industry.

Why is it thus represented?

It is a quality that enables the individual to apprehend and receive the light of other virtues.

How does Health depend upon Industry ?

Cleanliness, one of the requisites to Health, depends upon Industry.

Is there any other way that Health depends upon Industry?

Exercise is necessary to Health, and Industry is the most beneficial.

Why is usefulness or Industry the most beneficial exercise ?

It has a happy and satisfying effect upon the mind, as of duty performed, or good done.

What effect has Idleness upon the person?

It diseases body and mind if long continued.

What depends upon Health?

All enjoyment, progress and wisdom.

Is Health dependent upon Love ?

The knowledge that we are beloved adds to our happiness and brings serenity of temper, which is favorable to health of body and mind ; while a loving disposition toward others inspires us to Industry, Purity and Hope, all of which are conducive to Health.

How does Conscience act upon the Health?

An approving Conscience strengthens and improves the health, while a guilty Conscience induces an unhealthy condition of both body and mind that sometimes becomes positive disease.

Is Health dependent upon the Will ?

The Will must enforce those measures that are designed to protect and improve the Health.

HEALTH. 27

Has Reflection any power over the Health?

It furnishes the light or knowledge by which both the Will and the Conscience minister to the Health.

Is it wrong to be unhealthy ?

It is wrong to carelessly injure our Health in any way, and wrong to neglect those things that will restore or improve it.

What are the things most necessary to Health?

Pure air, pure water, cleanliness, judicious exercise, nutritious food properly cooked, cheerful temper.

What are some of the most common causes of ill-health ?

Over-work, over-study, or over-exertion of any kind, anxiety, sorrow, drinking intoxicating liquors, using tobacco, loss of sleep, eating too much, and other dissipation.

What is the effect of good Health ?

Good health disposes the mind and body to happiness and worthy achievement ; while ill-health or disease, brings insanity, crime, pain, sorrow and misery of all kinds, and causes the failure and ruin of family, state and nation.

Give examples from Poetry, Biography, Observation.

Chapter III. Ambition

What is Ambition ?

Desire to gain favor, to excel, to achieve.

How is it represented upon the Chart?

By a star in the constellation of Industry.

Why is it thus represented?

Ambition is a light or inspiration to the soul that inclines it to develop other virtues and attain objects.

Is Ambition right ?

Properly indulged, it is right.

Explain how it may be properly indulged ?

If we are ambitious to excel or to achieve for good purposes, it is worthy and noble. If we desire power that we may benefit humanity, Ambition is. a pure and excellent quality.

AMBITION. 29

When is Ambition a sin and snare.

When it seeks power only for selfish and wicked purposes.

How is Ambition dependent upon Industry ?

Without Industry, Ambition would be nothing but wretched discontented dreaming ; with Industry, it can accomplish great results.

For what are you Ambitious when you study?

Some are ambitious to gain knowledge for the love of it, others to be considered scholars, some for the good they can do, and others are ambitious to please friends.

Do you consider Ambition any benefit to you?

It helps us to persevere in all that we undertake.

How does Love afiect Ambition ?

It inspires it in behalf of the loved one's comfort and happiness, and impels us to success that we may be more worthy of Love.

Is Ambition dependent upon Conscience ?

A good Ambition is subservient to Conscience and will attempt nothing that is not right, while unworthy Ambition is accused and condemned by Conscience continually.

Is Will necessary to Ambition ?

Ambition could not exist without Will, it would at the most, be but an idle fancy or weak desire.

How does Reflection aid Ambition ?

It enables Conscience and Will to decide what is a good and useful Ambition, and to enforce it, and helps them to check bad impulses.

How is it possible to properly regulate the Ambition?

By educating the Will to obey the Conscience regardless of the fervor of soul for conquest and advancement.

Has Ambition been an important element in the history of mankind?

It has.

Give examples from Poetry, Biography, Observation.

ENERGY. 31

Chapter IV. Energy

What is Energy ?

Power, force, or vigor.

How is it represented upon the Chart?

By a star in the constellation of Industry.

Why is it thus represented ?

Energy is a light or help that when present in the nature, makes many virtues visible and possible.

Is it natural to people?

It is inherent in a few, but must be cultivated in many natures.

If a man is willing to work but lacks Energy, what is the effect?

He will never accomplish much, and is considered stupid, shiftless and unlucky.

How can you acquire Energy ?

By going at every task earnestly, determined to accomplish it in the best possible manner, in the least possible time.

Why must this quality be acquired in youth?

It is impossible for energy to be worked into muscles and bones that have grown old in slothful and easy ways.

[low does a young person appear who is slow, easy and careless of achievement?

He appears contemptible and good for nothing.

Is it necessary for all to be energetic in the same pursuit?

No, but we should be energetic in whatever we have chosen to do, and be certain that it is something useful.

Has Love any effect upon Energy?

It inspires Energy, even in the naturally slothful.

What is an excellent way to cultivate Energy in individuals?

To incline their minds lovingly toward a worthy object or person, and to let them understand that you or others have an affectionate interest in their success.

ENERGY. 33

What relation should Conscience bear toward Energy?

That of guide and teacher.

What is Energy under the guidance of Conscience?

A light and blessing.

What relation does Will bear toward Energy ?

Without the co-operation of Will it would be useless. Energy, in its best development, is the pure Will in a state of intelligent action.

Has Reflection any effect upon Energy ?

It enables Conscience and Will to adapt Energy to good purposes.

Has Energy been of use to the world ?

Without it all difficult things would be abandoned. It is one of the elements in every worthy achievement.

Chapter V, Order

What does Order mean?

Regularity, method.

How is it represented upon the Chart?

By a star in the constellation of Industry.

Why is it thus represented?

Because it is a light, inspiration, and help to the soul.

How may Order be divided?

Into System and Harmony.

To what is System generally applied ?

Regular arrangement — as of books in a library, furniture in a room, rules and divisions in a book.

ORDER. 35

Does System refer to anything else?

It refers to Order in action; as, a system of teaching, of work, of study.

What is the effect of disorder ?

What do you mean by Order in action ?

Beginning and proceeding with whatever we wish to accomplish in a regular way.

What is the use of Order in action?

We can accomplish anything more easily, speedily and intelligently, by following a regular plan.

Will lazy people develop Order?

They will not; Order depends upon Industry.

What is meant by Harmony of Order?

Arrangement of things by proportion ; as, of furniture to a room, of rooms and windows to a house, drawers to a bureau.

Would it be Harmony of Order to have large furniture in a small room, or small windows in a large house?

It would not; all things should be in proportion.

When should we practice Order?

All the time, from early youth to old age, in every thing we do.

How shall we begin?

By preparing a place for everything, and keeping everything in its place.

Is that all we can do ?

We can fix upon a certain time for all duties that are under our control, and see that they are attended to at the time appointed.

How can a child apply this to its daily life ?

His sleeping, eating, playing, studying and working can be arranged at regular intervals, each at the same time, and beginning at the same hour as the day previous.

Will this help in any way besides giving him habits of Order?

Regularity in eating, sleeping, playing, &c, is conducive to health, comfort and happiness.

How does Love affect Order?

It inspires the individual to practice Order in the arrangement of all things out of regard to the comfort and happiness of self and loved ones, and from a love of Harmony.

How should Conscience act towards Order?

It should approve Order, and condemn disorder and confusion.

ORDER.

How does Reflection affect Order?

It enlightens the soul with the meaning of Order, and the method of attaining it as a permanent habit or virtue, and enables Conscience to see what is right and what is wrong in regard to it.

What is the relation of Will to Order?

It is the power that enforces System and Harmony.

Where will we find the greatest lack of Order?

Among ignorant, barbarous and savage people.

Where will we find the highest type of Order?

Among the wise and enlightened.

Give examples from Poetry, Biography, Observation.

Chapter VI. Patience

What is the meaning of Patience ?

Calmness, when provoked by others, or perplexed by trials.

How is it represented upon the Chart?

By a star in the constellation of Industry.

Why is it thus represented?

Patience is a light or guide to help the soul perceive the insignificance of trials.

Is it easy to be patient?

It is very difficult.

Is it a desirable quality ?

It is a noble and beautiful virtue, and necessary to our happiness.

PATIENCE. 39

How can it be acquired ?

By careful attention to our temper, and a determination to improve.

What do we say of impatient people?

That they are quick-tempered and quarrelsome.

What do we say of patient people?

That they are sweet-tempered, amiable and good.

What are the benefits of Patience ?

It soothes and strengthens the mind, and fits it for useful thought. It improves the general health, and adds to our own happiness and that of others.

Does Love aid the develo; ment of Patience?

It is its greatest help and inspiration.

Is an unloving, unkind, and ungrateful heart likely to be patient?

No. It is- generally petulant and cruel.

How should Conscience act towards Patience?

It should encourage and approve Patience, and condemn the lack of it. It should also be able to perceive when it is right to exercise Patience.

Is it ever right to be impatient?

It is right to feel a just indignation toward evil., and to exhibit displeasure toward the evil-doer.

Is it best to do this in an impatient, petulant way?

No. We should be calm, and firm, and gentle, when reproving others.

Suppose we impatiently rebuke them?

We will do them no good and will harm ourselves,

How does Reflection aid Patience ?

It gives it time to develop, and enables Conscience to encourage and control it.

Does Will aid Patience in its development?

It is one of its greatest helpers. Without the faithful restraining power and firm determination of Will, it would be impossible for any one to be patient.

How is Patience dependent upon Industry?

Industry develops Patience in its own unfolding as one of its necessary elements.

How is Patience necessary to Industry ?

Neither Industry, nor anything that is difficult, could be accomplished without the exercise of Patience.

Has it always been favorably regarded ?

In all the known history of the world, Patience has been considered one of the noblest virtues.

Give examples from Poetry, Biography, Observation.

ECONOMY. 41