Page:Advice to the Indian Aristocracy.djvu/95

57 habit of drinking from Europeans, instead of acquiring many of their best qualities, such as straightforwardness, impartiality, courage, honesty, and so forth. Among the lower classes of people, toddy-drinking has been and continues a general practice; but, though it is equally objectionable from a religious point of view, yet it is not so injurious to the body as these European alcoholic liquors. Many of the better class of Hindus, who gave early promise of usefulness, have shortened their lives by drinking. I must admit that I am in the habit of taking a little liquor, but always in moderation. I pray you not to follow my example in this respect. In short, never drink a drop of intoxicating liquor and never eat a grain of intoxicating drugs, except when prescribed to you by a doctor as medicine.

Out of your business hours, do not give yourselves up to too much thinking. Keep