the fatal effects you may hereafter experience. Wherefore it will be proper for you to make a judgment of those who are fit to be your advisers, by the conduct they have observed in their own affairs, and the reputation they bear in the world; for he who has, by his own indiscretions undone himself, is much fitter to be set up as a landmark for a prudent mariner to ſhun his courſes, than an example to follow. Old age is generally ſlow and heavy, youth headſtrong and precipitant; but there are old men who are full of vivacity, and young men replete with discretion; which makes me rather point out the conduct than the age of the persons with which you ſhould choose to aſſociate; though, after all, it is a neverfailing good ſign to me of prudence and virtue in a young man, when is seniors chose his company, and he delights in theirs. Let your endeavours therefore be, at all adventures, to conſort yourself with men of sobriety good sense and virtue; for the droverb is an unerring one that says, “A man is known by the company he keeps.” If such men you can ſingle out, while you improve by their conversation, you will benefit by their advice. And be sure remember one thing, that tho’ you muſt be frank and unreserved in
