This first, and most amiable virtue, is often found in young persons
that afterwards grow selfish; a knowledge of the arts of others, is an
excuse to them for practicing the same; and because they have been
deceived once, or have found objects unworthy of their charity—if any
one appeals to their feelings, the formidable word Imposture instantly
banishes the compassionate emotions, and silences conscience. I do not
mean to confine the exercise of benevolence to alms-giving, though it is
a very material part of it. Faith, hope, and charity ought to attend us
in our passage through this world; but the two first leave us when we
die, while the other is to be the constant inmate of our breast through
all eternity. We ought not to suffer the heavenly spark to be quenched
by selfishness; if we do, how can we expect it to revive, when the soul
is disentangled from the body, and should be prepared for the realms of
love? Forbearance and liberality of sentiment are the virtues of
maturity. Children should be taught every thing in a positive way; and
their own experience can only teach them afterwards to make distinctions
and allowances. It is then the inferior part of benevolence that comes
within their sphere of action, and it should not be suffered to sleep.
Some part of the money that is allowed them for pocket-money, they
should be encouraged to lay out this way, and the short-lived emotions
of pity continually retraced ’till they grow into habits.
I knew a child that would, when very young, sit down and cry if it met a
poor person, after it had laid out its money in cakes; this occurred
once or twice, and the tears were shed with additional distress every
time; till at last it resisted the temptation, and saved the money.
I think it a very good method for girls to have a certain allowance for
cloaths. A mother can easily, without seeming to do it, observe how they
spend it, and direct them accordingly. By these means they would learn
the value of money, and be obliged to contrive. This would be a
practical lesson of œconomy superior to all the theories that could be
thought of. The having a fixed stipend, too, would enable them to be
charitable, in the true sense of the word, as they would then give their
own; and by denying themselves little ornaments, and doing their own
work, they might increase the sum appropriated to charitable purposes.
A lively principle of this kind would also overcome indolence; for I
have known people wasteful and penurious at the same time; but the
wastefulness was to spare themselves trouble, and others only felt the
effects of their penury, to make the balance even.
Women too often confine their love and charity to their own families.
They fix not in their minds the precedency of moral obligations, or make
their feelings give way to duty. Goodwill to all the human race should
dwell in our bosoms, nor should love to individuals induce us to violate
this first of duties, or make us sacrifice the interest of any
fellow-creature, to promote that of another, whom we happen to be more
partial to. A parent, under distressed circumstances, should be
supported, even though it should prevent our saving a fortune for a
child; nay more, should they be both in distress at the same time, the
prior obligation should be first discharged.
Under this head may be included the treatment of animals. Over them many
children tyrannize with impunity; and find amusement in tormenting, or
wantonly killing, any insect that comes in their way, though it does
them no injury. I am persuaded, if they were told stories of them, and
led to take an interest in their welfare and occupations, they would be
tender to them; as it is, they think man the only thing of consequence
in the creation. I once prevented a girl’s killing ants, for sport, by
adapting Mr. Addison’s account of them to her understanding. Ever after
she was careful not to tread on them, lest she should distress the whole
community.
Stories of insects and animals are the first that should rouse the
childish passions, and exercise humanity; and then they will rise to
man, and from him to his Maker.