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(12) duty to avoid, allow me, my dear ſon, to add certain, reſpecting the means by which you may attain intellectual and moral excellence, and ſecure true and laſting felicitvfelicity [sic].

And here, my firſt advice—a due attention to which will prepare the way for every wiſe purpoſe, and manly exertion—is, Be ambitious of excelling. There is a natural ardour in young minds, which needs only to be well directed in order to produce the happieſt effects. There is, moreover, an excusable vanity, common among young people, which under proper management may be turned to good account. At your entrance on the world, does your bosom glow with the deſire and hope of diſtinction? Cheriſh the generous flame. Are you unable entirely to rise above the natural infirmity of thinking too well of yourself? convert it into a motive to vigorous exertion, in the pursuit of high attainments in whatever is laudable. Whilſt other young perſons are conceited of their preſent talents and acquiſitions, be you, my ſon, emulous of the higheſt degree of excellence. Let me entreat you, my dear ſon, to keep continually in view the wiſe deſign, of making yourself as perfect and happy as poſſible; the good purpoſe, of being eminently useful in the world; and the laudable end, of doing credit to your family and connections,