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ADVISE not what is most pleasant, but what is best. The chief rule to be observed in giving advice, is to preserve it pure from all mixture of interest or vanity; the most unpleasant thing is to reprove; but he who endeavours only the good of him whom he reproves, will always have either the satisfaction of obtaining or deserving kindness; if he succeeds, he benefits his friend, and if he fails, he has at least the consciousness that he suffers for only doing well.

2. Advice is seldom welcome, and those who want it most, like it the least. Nothing is less sincere than the manner of asking and giving advice, he who asks advice of his friend, seems to have a deference for his opinion, though frequently he only wishes to have his own approved of; on the contrary, he who gives it, repays the confidence reposed in him by a seeming disinterested zeal, though perhaps he only aims at his interest or reputation.

3. As you should never trust alone to your reason in religion, without the assistance of revelation; so you should never trust alone to your understanding, if a friend can assist you. Advice should drop on us as dew, and not fall on us as a hasty and heavy shower: advice wants a wise reprover, and an obedient ear.

4. With some persons, nothing is received with so much reluctance as advice; as therefore it requires so much skill to make it agreeable, many devices have been used to make this bitter potion palatable; for this purpose, some have conveyed their instructions in the best chosen words, others in the most