ing the beauties of nature; for I believe
this is right in the ordering of a kind Providence that there should be
some rest and recreation in it. Show a proper, bold, and manly spirit
in maintaining among thy play-fellows a religious character, and strict
attention to all religious duties. Remember these texts to strengthen
thee in it. 'For whosoever shall be ashamed of Me, and My words, of him
shall the Son of Man be ashamed, when He shall come in His own glory, in
His Father's, and of the holy angels.' 'But I say unto you, whosoever
shall confess Me before men, him shall the Son of Man also confess
before the angels of God; but he that denieth Me before man shall be
denied before the angels of God.' Now, the sooner the dread laugh of the
world loses its power, the better for you.... But strongly as I advise
thee thus faithfully maintaining thy principles and doing thy duty, I
would have thee very careful of either judging or reproving others; for
it takes a long time to get the beam out of our own eye, before we can
see clearly to take the mote out of our brother's eye. There is for one
young in years, much greater safety in preaching to others by example,
than in word, or doing what is done in an upright, manly spirit, 'unto
the Lord, and not unto man.'

"2d. I shall not speak of moral conduct, which, if religious principles
be kept to, we may believe will be good; but I shall give certain hints
that may point out the temptations to which schools are particularly
liable. I have observed a want of strict integrity in school-boys, as it
respects their schoolmasters and teachers--a disposition to cheat them,
to do that behind their backs which they would not do before their
faces, and so having two faces. Now, this is a subject of the utmost
importance--to maintain truth and integrity upon all points. Be not
double-minded in any degree, but faithfully maintain, not only the
upright principle on religious ground, but also the brightest honor,
according to the maxims of the world. I mourn to say I have seen the
want of this bright honor, not only in school-boys, but in some of our
highly-professing society; and my belief is that it cannot be too
strictly maintained, or too early begun. I like to see it in small
things, and in great; for it marks the upright man. I may say that I
abhor anything like being under-handed or double-dealing; but let us go
on the right and noble principle of doing to others as we would have
othe