A Father's Instructions

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1781 edition. Excerpt: ... Such were the varied mortifications which Julius suffered. By degrees, however, they produced the most salutary effects upon his mind; correcting his arrogance, humbling his prjde, and teaching him the art of self-government. Experience convinced him, that learning is only respected, when it is rather concealed, than ostentatiously displayed; that superiority, when assumed, is seldom admitted, and generally rejected with scorn; and that to make others pleased wish us, we must endeavour, by attention and proper deference, to render them satisfied and pleased with themselves. Vanity. Icero left Sicily, where he had been quaestor, full of the flattering idea, that he was the subject of general conversation in Italy; and that he should every where be honoured with marks of the highest distinction, for the wisdom and integrity which he had displayed in that arduous Querns office. He happened to pass through Puzzoli, in the season when crouds of company resorted to the celebrated baths of that place. Pray what news? said one to him. Is it long since you came from Rome? I am returning from my province, replied Cicero, with great surprise. True, observed another, from Africa! No, answered Cicero, with indignation, from Sicily. You surely know, interposed a third, that he has been quaestor at Syracuse. This was a farther instance of mortifying ignorance, for his province lay in a different part of the island: and Cicero, abashed and disgusted, turned away from the company, to avoid any more interrogations. Reflection, however, he informs us, converted this disappointment into a lesson. of instruction; and he derived advantages from it, which overbalanced the loss of compliment and admiration. J KNOWLEDGE. About ten years since, Mr....