The following rules, from the paper of Dr. West, according to his memorandum, are thrown together as general way-marks in the journey of life:

      Never ridicule sacred things, or what others may esteem as such, however absurd they may appear to be.

      Never show levity when people are professedly engaged at worship.

      Never to resent a supposed injury till I know the views and motives of the author of it.

      Not on any occasion to relate it.

      Always to take the part of an absent person, who is censured in company, so far as truth and propriety will allow. [545]

      Never to think the worse of another on account of his differing from me in political and religious opinions.

      Not to dispute with a man more than seventy years of age, nor with a woman, nor any enthusiast.

      Not to affect to be witty, or to jest so as to wound the feelings of another.

      To say as little as possible of myself, and of those who are near to me.

      To aim at cheerfulness without levity.

      Never to court the favor of the rich by flattering either their vanities or their vices.

      To speak with calmness and deliberation on all occasions, especially in circumstances which tend to irritate.

      Frequently to review my conduct and note my feelings.

[DUE-WEST TELESCOPE.]      

Source:

Unsigned. Extract from "Extracts from the Due-West Telescope." The Millennial Harbinger 24 (April 1853): 230.

[MHA2 545-546]