Affliction is a sort of moral gymnasium in which the disciples of Christ are trained to robust exercise, hardy exertion, and severe conflict. Hannah More More Quotes by Hannah More More Quotes From Hannah More Since trifles make the sum of human things, And half our misery from our foibles springs. Hannah More miseryhalfspring If a young lady has that discretion and modesty without which all knowledge is little worth, she will never make an ostentatious parade of it, because she will rather be intent on acquiring more than on displaying what she has. Hannah More paradesmodestylittles The wretch who digs the mine for bread, or ploughs, that others may be fed, feels less fatigued than that decreed to him who cannot think or read. Hannah More breadeducationthinking My plan of instruction is extremely simple and limited. They learn, on week-days, such coarse works as may fit them for servants. I allow of no writing for the poor. My object is not to make fanatics, but to train up the lower classes in habits of industry and piety. Hannah More simplewritingclass The constant habit of perusing devout books is so indispensable, that it has been termed the oil of the lamp of prayer. Too much reading, however, and too little meditation, may produce the effect of a lamp inverted; which is extinguished by the very excess of that ailment, whose property is to feed it. Hannah More readingprayerbook Outward attacks and troubles rather fix than unsettle the Christian, as tempests from without only serve to root the oak faster; while an inward canker will gradually rot and decay it. Hannah More inwardchristianroots The keen spirit Hannah More resolvespiritaction Life though a short, is a working day. Activity may lead to evil; but inactivity cannot be led to good. Hannah More lazinessevilmay If we commit any crime, or do any good here, it must be in thought; for our words are few and our deeds none at all. Hannah More our-wordscrimedeeds The keen spirit seizes the prompt occasion. Hannah More promptsoccasionsspirit I used to wonder why people should be so fond of the company of their physician, till I recollected that he is the only person with whom one dares to talk continually of oneself, without interruption, contradiction or censure; I suppose that delightful immunity doubles their fees. Hannah More physicianswonderpeople When you are disposed to be vain of your mental acquirements, look up to those who are more accomplished than yourself, that you may be fired with emulation; but when you feel dissatisfied with your circumstances, look down on those beneath you, that you may learn contentment. Hannah More emulationvanitycontentment All reformations seem formidable before they are attempted. Hannah More formidablereformationseems Long habit so reconciles us to almost any thing, that the grossest improprieties cease to strike us when they once make a part of the common course of action. Hannah More actioncommonlong Strange! that what is enjoyed without pleasure cannot be discontinued without pain! Hannah More addictionstrangepain parents are too apt to mistake inclination for genius. Hannah More geniusparentmistake It is the large aggregate of small things perpetually occurring that robs me of all my time. The expense of learning to read might have been spared in my education, for I never read. Hannah More expensestimemight We do not so much want books for good people, as books which will make bad ones better. Hannah More good-peoplebookpeople the uncandid censurer always picks out the worst man of a class, and then confidently produces him as being a fair specimen of it. Hannah More discriminationclassmen He who has once taken to drink can seldom be said to be guilty of one sin only. Hannah More guiltysintaken