.MTg5.NDM0Njg

sweetly with those who follow its course and when it is over they can depart in peace feeling that they have not lived in vain. But where are those seeds to be nourished and the flowers reared? In solitude? Do we see the choicest flowers growing alone, isolated from all of their kind? No, they are to be found in groups either in garden on hillside or wherever it has pleased the Creator to place them. A flower never thrives when alone it seems to be in need of something, which it has not, it wants something to live for of the same kind with itself, it is the same with the Amaranthine flower, Virtuous is is impossible for it to become as beautiful when reared in solitude as in society for there selfish was would be constantly hindering it in its onward progress while society seems exactly adapted to its nourishment and perfection.The love and regard felt for those around whether they be relatives, friends or acquaintances inspires feelings of purity and holiness. The depth of the soul is fathomed and whatever of good is found there is brought forth and by constant use becomes strengthened and thus by mingling in society all that is good and virtuous belonging to our natures is encouraged till it becomes after awhile an easy thing to adhere strictly to virtue. It is in society that we meet our friends and cultivate an attachment for them and the stronger these feelings of attachment are the greater is the desire to be worthy of their love and esteem. Where such feelings reign in the heart there is no danger of haughty pride intruding for love, hope and all that is gentle occupies the ground and pride does not like their company. It is the same with every vice, they wish not the company of the virtues, hence they enter not those places where the virtues reign. Such beings are constituted for friends and always have many, the society in which they mingle is made up of friends , and how delightful it is to be surrounded by them to know that there are those around who can sympathize with us if sorrows depress or can rejoice with us if bright prospects elate us. When doing a praiseworthy act we can feel that we will not be flattered for it but that whatever comes to our ears of commendation is sent to encourage us in the good cause in which we are engaged and it rebuked for doing wrong (as a true friend will never fail to do so) how welcome is it received. Society is the true sphere in which to cherish the virtues as there the strongest and most lasting friendships are found, consequently, there is the place where all that is noble and good is displayed and all that is wicked and unbecoming is refrained from, where all passions and emotions that are not characteristic of a lady or gentleman are subdued. True the members of all societies are not equally characterized morality and virtue but that it has a tendency to foster them must be evident and that all are not thus affected who mingle in it or have been thrown into bad society and from want of discernment pursued the wrong till now it is difficult for the, to break off their bad habits. The beneficial effects produced by society are great. It enables many to undergo severe trials and resist strong Temptations in order to be worthy members of the society to which they belong.