applicable to your condition in the world, and endeavour to avoid
those misfortunes we have passed through, if God pleases.

Endeavour to be innocent as a dove, but as wise as a serpent; and let
this lesson direct you most in the greatest extremes of fortune. Hate
idleness, and curb all passions; be true in all words and actions;
unnecessarily deliver not your opinion; but when you do, let it be
just, well-considered, and plain. Be charitable in all thought, word
and deed, and ever ready to forgive injuries done to yourself, and be
more pleased to do good than to receive good.

Be civil and obliging to all, dutiful where God and nature command
you; but friend to one, and that friendship keep sacred, as the
greatest tie upon earth, and be sure to ground it upon virtue; for no
other is either happy or lasting.

Endeavour always to be content in that estate of life which it hath
pleased God to call you to, and think it a great fault not to employ
your time, either for the good of your soul, or improvement of your
understanding, health, or estate; and as these are the most pleasant
pastimes, so it will make you a cheerful old age, which is as
necessary for you to design, as to make provision to support the
infirmities which decay of strength brings: and it was never seen that
a vicious youth terminated in a contented, cheerful old age, but
perished out of countenance. Ever keep the best qualified persons
company, out of whom you will find advantage, and reserve some hours
daily to examine yourself and fortune; for if you embark yourself in
perpetual conversation or recreation, you will certainly shipwreck
your mind and fortune. Remember the proverb--such as his company is,
such is the man, and have glorious actions before your eyes, and think