belief
that a reformed rake makes the best husband, so it was with Lucius; he
found that the work of reforming the vicious was no easy task. Instead
of making the smallest approaches to success, he perceived at last,
when it was too late, that his familiarity with young Frederick had not
only greatly lowered him in the estimation of the people with whom he
now resided, but even in the estimation of Frederick himself; who was
encouraged to pursue his vicious course, by the consideration that it
did not exclude him from the society of those who were universally
beloved and respected.

This anecdote shows how cautious we ought to be in the choice of
friends. Had Lucius been a minister or reformer by profession, he could
have gone among the vicious to reclaim them, with less danger. The
Saviour of mankind ate and drank with "publicans and sinners;" but HE
was well _known_ as going among them to save them, though even he did
not wholly escape obloquy.

Few are aware, how much they are the creatures of imitation; and how
readily they catch the manners, habits of expression, and even modes of
thinking, of those whose company they keep. Let the young remember,
then, that it is not from the remarks of others, alone, that they are
likely to suffer; but that they are _really_ lowered in the scale of
excellence, every time they come in unguarded contact with the vicious.

It is of the highest importance to seek for companions those who are
not only _intelligent_ and _virtuous_, in the common acceptation of the
term, but, if it were possible, those who are a little above them,
especially in _moral excellence_.

Nor is this so difficult a task as many suppose. There are in every
community, a few who would make valuable companions. Not that they are
perfect,--for perfection, in the more absolute sense of the term,
belongs not to humanity; but their characters are such, that they would
greatly improve yours. And remember, that it is by no means
indispensable that your circle of intimate friends be very large. Nay,
it is not even desirable, in a world like this. You may have many
acquaintances, but I should advise you to have but few near friends. If
you have one, who is what he should be, you are comparatively happy.

SECTION II. _Rudeness of Manners._

By rudeness I do not mean mere coarseness or rusticity, for that were
more pardonable; but a want of civility. In this sense of the term, I
am prepared to censure one practice,