rnestly, to procure an improvement in the moral condition
of my native State, although, perhaps, in other States it may have
strengthened good dispositions, it has assuredly weakened them within
our own. The attempt ran foul of so many local interests, of so many
personal views, and so much ignorance, and I have been considered as
so particularly its promoter, that I see evidently a great change of
sentiment towards myself. I cannot doubt its having dissatisfied
with myself a respectable minority, if not a majority of the House of
Delegates. I feel it deeply, and very discouragingly. Yet I shall not
give way. I have ever found in my progress through life, that, acting
for the public, if we do always what is right, the approbation denied in
the beginning will surely follow us in the end. It is from posterity we
are to expect remuneration for the sacrifices we are making for their
service, of time, quiet, and good will. And I fear not the appeal. The
multitude of fine young men whom we shall redeem from ignorance, who
will feel that they owe to us the elevation of mind, of character, and
station they will be able to attain from the result of our efforts, will
insure their remembering us with gratitude. We will not, then, be 'weary
in well-doing.' _Usque ad aras amicus tuus_,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CLXXXV.--TO THOMAS JEFFERSON SMITH, February 21, 1825

THOMAS JEFFERSON TO THOMAS JEFFERSON SMITH.

This letter will, to you, be as one from the dead. The writer will be
in the grave before you can weigh its counsels. Your affectionate and
excellent father has requested that I would address to you something
which might possibly have a favorable influence on the course of life
you have to run, and I too, as a namesake, feel an interest in that
course. Few words will be necessary, with good dispositions on your
part. Adore God. Reverence and cherish your parents. Love your neighbor
as yourself, and your country more than yourself. Be just. Be true.
Murmur not at the ways of Providence. So shall the life, into which you
have entered, be the portal to one of eternal and ineffable bliss. And
if to the dead it is permitted to care for the things of this world,
every action of your life will be under my regard. Farewell.

Monticello, February 21, 1825.

_The Portrait of a Good Man, by the most sublime of Poets, for your
imitation_.

Lord, who's the happy man that may to thy blest courts repair;
Not stranger