DR. FRANKLIN’S MORAL CODE.
Reading edition
The great American philosopher and statesman, Benjamin Franklin, drew up the following list of moral virtues, to which he paid constant and earnest attention, and thereby made himself a better and a happier man:—
Temperance
Eat not to fulness; drink not to elevation.
Silence
Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.
Order
Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.
Resolution
Resolve to perform what you ought: perform without fail what you resolve.
Frugality
Make no expense, but do good to others or yourself; that is, waste nothing.
Industry
Lose no time; be always employed in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.
Sincerity
Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly; and if you speak, speak accordingly.
Justice
Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.
Moderation
Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries.
Cleanliness
Suffer no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation.
Tranquillity
Be not disturbed about trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.
Humility
Imitate Jesus Christ.
The same great man likewise drew up the following plan for the regular employment of his time; examining himself each morning and evening as to what he had to do, what he had done, or left undone; by which practice he was better able to improve his future conduct.—
Morning. Hours.
The question, What good shall I do to-day? { 6 } Rise, wash, and address Almighty God! contrive the day’s business, and take the resolution of the day; prosecute the present study; and breakfast.
7
8
{ 9 } work.
10
11
12
{ 1 } Read or look over my accounts, and dine.
2
{ 3 } work.
4
5
6
7
Evening. Hours.
The question, What good have I done to-day? what have I left undone which I ought to have done? { 8 } Put things in their places; amusement; supper; examination of the day; address the Almighty
9
10
{ 11 } work.
12
1
2
3
4
5
A steady perseverance in some plan for the arrangement of our time, adapted to circumstances, cannot fail improving our general conduct in life, and rendering us better members of society, and better Christians.