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more conſequence, than you may at firſt apprehend. By bad company I underſtand all ſuch persons as would either be likely to corrupt your morals, or in any other way to injure your reputation, or hinder your improvement. Vicious company, however, is that which above all other, you ſhould be careful to avoid. Whatever confidence you may be inclined to place in your own good habits and fixed reſolutions, be aſſured, it will ſcarcely be poſſible that you ſhould often aſſociate with the profligate without being infected by their corrupt principles and licentious manners. You might as ſoon expect to take fire into your boſom and not be burned, as to become the intimate companion and friend of bad men, and not partake of their vices. Aſſure yourſelf, my dear ſon, your only ſafety from ſuch dangerous enemies lies in flight. If you think it of any importance to preſerve your innocence, and to ſecure your peace of mind, your credit and proſperity in the world, and your happiness through every period of your exiſtence, avoid—I do not ſay, all intercourſe with bad men, for this could ſcarcely be done in the moſt ſolitary retirement———but certainly all intimacy and particular friendſhip with them: for "evil communications," naturally, and almoſt inevitably, "corrupt good manners."
To theſe Counsels of Caution, reſpecting things which it will be your wisdom and
