Fugitive Poetry. 1600–1878/Moral
Moral.
We live in deeds, not years; in thoughts, not breaths:
In feelings, not in figures on a dial.
We should count time by heart-throbs. He most lives
Who thinks most; feels the noblest; acts the best.
Bailey.
Only add
Deeds to thy knowledge answerable, add Faith,
Add Virtue, Patience, Temperance, add Love,
By name to come call'd Charity, the soul
Of all the rest; then wilt thou not be loath
To leave this Paradise, but shalt possess
A Paradise within thee, happier far.
Milton.
Morality is only confused and clouded by being associated with theories of the universe. All faiths acknowledge and authenticate the moral code. None dare alter it. All sacred books enunciate the Commandments in very nearly the same terms. No religion dares inculcate intemperance, falsehood, or impurity. Morality must be obeyed on its own authority, and maintained for its own sake.
Frothingham.
He that does good to another man, does also good to himself; not only in the consequence, but in the very act of doing it; for the conscience of well-doing is an ample reward.—Seneca.
It is to live twice, when you can enjoy the recollection of your former life.—Martial.