In the beginning, we called especial attention to the necessity of acting from a religious principle, as the only means of becoming truly useful and truly happy. We showed in the chapter on marriage, that the end gives quality to the act. This is as true of one act as of another. The dictates of common politeness prompt to a regard for the comfort and pleasure of others; but the end that governs in mere politeness is a selfish one, for it is grounded in a love of reputation, or a wish to be thought well-bred, and does not flow from a desire for the good of another. But a religious principle is a sincere desire for another’s good, based upon a denial of mere selfish feelings, because they are seen to be evil, and opposed to the divine laws which were originally written upon the heart, and which prompted every one to seek the good of his neighbor. To act, therefore, from religious principles, is to act from the highest, purest, and best end that can influence a human being—an end that will surely lead to true usefulness and happiness.
Where religious principles govern any one, the danger of committing important errors is very small; for selfishness, which always blinds and deceives, is subordinate, and the wish to do good to others uppermost in the mind. Every act is then well considered, lest its effect be injurious
