ntertainment, and will submit to partake of it on plates, once tin
but now iron (not become so by the labor of scouring), I shall be
happy to see them; and am, dear Doctor, yours, etc.

ADVICE TO A FAVORITE NEPHEW.

[_From a Letter to Bushrod Washington.--Newburgh, 15 Jan., 1783._]

Remember, that it is not the mere study of the law, but to become
eminent in the profession of it, that is to yield honor and profit.
The first was your choice; let the second be your ambition.
Dissipation is incompatible with both; the company, in which you will
improve most, will be least expensive to you; and yet I am not such a
stoic as to suppose that you will, or to think it right that you
should, always be in company with senators and philosophers; but of
the juvenile kind let me advise you to be choice. It is easy to make
acquaintances, but very difficult to shake them off, however irksome
and unprofitable they are found, after we have once committed
ourselves to them. The indiscretions, which very often they
involuntarily lead one into, prove equally distressing and
disgraceful.

Be courteous to all, but intimate with few; and let those few be well
tried before you give them your confidence. True friendship is a plant
of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity
before it is entitled to the appellation.

Let your heart feel for the distresses and afflictions of every one,
and let your hand give in proportion to your purse; remembering always
the estimation of the widow's mite, but, that it is not every one who
asketh, that deserveth charity; all, however, are worthy of the
inquiry, or the deserving may suffer.

Do not conceive that fine clothes make fine men, any more than fine
feathers make fine birds. A plain, genteel dress is more admired, and
obtains more credit, than lace and embroidery, in the eyes of the
judicious and sensible.

PASSAGES FROM THE FAREWELL ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES,
1796.

_Union and Liberty._--Interwoven as is the love of liberty with every
ligament of your hearts, no recommendation of mine is necessary to
fortify or confirm the attachment.

The unity of government which constitutes you one people, is also now
dear to you. It is justly so; for it is a main pillar in the edifice
of your real independence; the support of your tranquillity at home;
your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very
liberty which you so highly prize. But,