By Sir Samuel Romilly (1757-1818)

Virtue and Happiness

Virtue and happiness are true lovers, who, although parted for a while, are sure to be united at last.

There is nothing by which I have through life profited more than by the just observations, the good opinions, the sincere and gentle encouragement of amiable and sensible women. - SIR S. ROMILLY.

RELIGION AT HOME. – Religion begins in the family. One of the holiest sanctuaries on earth is home. The family altar is more venerable than any alter in a church built with hands. The education of the soul for eternity begins by the fireside. The principle of love which is to be carried through the universe is first unfolded in the family. “Let them learn first,” say the apostle, “to show piety at home.”

“SISTER.” – There is something soothing in the name of sister, when its utterance calls up the warm affections of the heart. The thought that circle round it are quiet, beautiful, and pure. Passion has no place with its associations. The bride is the star, the talisman of the heart, the diamond above all price, bright and blazing in the noonday sun; a sister, the gem of milder light, the talisman of home, and set in a coronet of pearls.

MANNERS MAKETH MAN. – The Wykeamist motto of William of Wykeham is a sermon of itself, full of sound doctrine and teaching. Manners are of more importance than laws. Upon them, in a great measure, the laws depend. The law touches us but here and there, now and then; manners are what vex or soothe, steady, uniform, insensible operation, like that of the air we breathe. They give our lives their whole form and colour. According to their quality they aid or destroy morals.