The great American philosopher and statesman, Benjamin Franklin, drew up
the following list of moral virtues, to which he paid constant and
earnest attention, and thereby made himself a better and a happier
man:--
Temperance Eat not to fulness; drink not to elevation.
Silence Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid
trifling conversation.
Order Let all your things have their places; let each part of
your business have its time.
Resolution Resolve to perform what you ought: perform without fail
what you resolve.
Frugality Make no expense, but do good to others or yourself; that
is, waste nothing.
Industry Lose no time; be always employed in something useful; cut
off all unnecessary actions.
Sincerity Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly; and
if you speak, speak accordingly.
Justice Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits
that are your duty.
Moderation Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries.
Cleanliness Suffer no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation.
Tranquillity Be not disturbed about trifles, or at accidents common or
unavoidable.
Humility Imitate Jesus Christ.
The same great man likewise drew up the following plan for the regular
employment of his time; examining himself each morning and evening as to
what he had to do, what he had done, or left undone; by which practice
he was better able to improve his future conduct.--
_Morning._ _Hours._
{ } Rise, wash, and address Almighty
The question, What { 6 } God! contrive the day’s business,
good shall I do to-day? { 7 } and take the resolution of the day;
{ 8 } prosecute the present study; and
{ } breakfast.
9 }
10 } work.
11 }
12 }
1 } Read or look over my accounts,
2 } and dine.
3 }
4 }
5 } Work.
6 }
7 }
_Evening._ _Hours._
The question, What good { } Put things in their places;
have I done to-day? what { 8 } amusement; supper; examination
have I left undone which I { 9 } of the day; address
ought to have done? {10 } the Almighty
11 }
12 }
1 }
2 } Sleep.
3 }
4 }
5 }
A steady perseverance in _some plan_ for the arrangement of our time,
adapted to circumstances, cannot fail improving our general conduct in
life, and rendering us better members of society, and better Christians.
---------------------