avoid the habit and escape the pun ishment. My next advice will be on the choice of your recreations; in which you will perhaps think advice not very pertinent, as every one can choose his own amusements, and follow them innocently yet even here, a father's love is awakened, to direct you to those paths, which may truly prove paths of peace. That you should not make amusement your business, I need scarcely remark; for necessity has imposed this salutary law upon you, as well as upon thousands; you must work, or not eat therefore, your recreations should be such as may relieve the mind or body, from the effects of previous application, rather than those which may unfit you for your required duties. Thus reading, properly so called, as well for instruction as amusement, is very useful; for the mind will take a strong interest in the account of distant events, in the discoveries of other lands and seas, or in the investigation of science; thus enjoying peacefully the effects of what others have obtained with hazard and labour, and reaping the profit of their discoveries without This spe the penalties they found attached to them. By seeking to acquire general knowledge, you will render yourself companionable for well informed persons; and be furnished with a pleasing store of useful reflections, and animating thoughts. cies of relaxation, though very great, will not remove you from that attendance upon your occupation, which is required from you, nor prevent in that attention, which alone can, with the blessing of God, ensure success in our temporal concerns. carry not a habit of reading to an excess, for though the mind may be strengthened, the body will require you Yet more active exertions. By tasting the benefits of air and exercise with a friend, you will unite two pleasures in one as rational conversation will be highly conducive to your improve ment. After all there is no recreation like business; for recreation is in truth only changing the scene, and none is without labour; so that pleasure, however agreeable at first, tires us by its continuance, or repetition. Thus nature has provided us perpetual change, summer and winter, night and day, sleep and waking and we : find enjoyment only in changing the scene and objects of our duties; for nothing truly valuable or satisfying is to be found out of the path of duty. When you are called upon to deal with men, choose those who are honest; yet even with such be cautious, for you cannot read the heart. Be not too suspicious lest you covert a friend into an enemy; but adhere to the advice of Him who knew what was in man, and blend the serpent with the dove. Cherish not hatred, for the promise of God to forgive us, is built upon our forgiving others. Be courteous to all, and study the |