The name of going to the alms-house had nothing terrifying or
disgraceful to _her_; for she had been taught that _conduct_ is the
real standard of respectability. She is there, with a heart full of
thankfulness to the Giver of all things; she is patient, pious, and
uniformly cheerful. She instructs the young, encourages the old,
and makes herself delightful to all, by her various knowledge and
entertaining conversation. Her character reflects dignity on her
situation; and those who visit the establishment, come away with
sentiments of respect and admiration for this voluntary resident of
the alms-house.
* * * * *
What a contrast is afforded by the character of the woman who occupies
the room next hers! She is so indolent and filthy, that she can with
difficulty be made to attend to her own personal comfort; and even the
most patient are worn out with her perpetual fretfulness. Her mind
is continually infested with envy, hatred, and discontent She thinks
Providence has dealt hardly with her; that all the world are proud
and ungrateful; and that every one despises her because she is in the
alms-house.
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