ream from the hill-side, which spreads freshness and
verdure on its banks. Better say a simple thing of your own than a wise
one purloined from your neighbor. Regard this great principle, and you
will grow in the gift of conversation, and you will also keep your soul
unpolluted by guilt.

Adhere sacredly to the truth. Avoid exaggeration, the sin of the young
and the ardent. Rather understate than exceed the facts of a case. This
rule will save you from the two great vices of social intercourse,
flattery, and detraction. It is right to tell another precisely what we
think of his merits, if done discreetly. But to give him a better
impression of our estimate of his character than the truth will warrant,
is, although very common, a plain violation of the laws of God. Adhere
to the truth, and you will always exhibit charity in your discourse.
This central luminary will shine on your words with a noon-tide
brightness. It will dispel the mists of scandal, and beautify, and write
the law of kindness on, your lips.

Speak much of principles, and little of persons. You have enjoyed a good
education, and why should you prefer the discussion of such beggarly
topics as dress, or the private concerns of your neighbor, to those
noble thoughts, which learning, morals, and religion, would always
supply to your mind? Determine to carry with you childhood's innocence,
and angel love, and you will find the field of topics spread out before
you an illimitable harvest of good fruits.

Make your Friendships a means of intellectual and moral improvement.
God has graciously given us this boon, as a burnisher of our existence:

"Nature, in zeal for human amity,
Denies or damps an undivided joy.
* * * Joy is an exchange;
Joy flies monopolists;
Delight intense is taken by rebound."

The friendships of woman, from her being gifted with strong affections,
exert a peculiar influence on her character and destiny. Therefore is
it, that a young lady should choose her intimate associates with care.
Let it not be accident, still less unhallowed gratifications, prejudice,
pride, passion, folly, which form the basis of this holy structure.
Where our friends can be selected, they should be those of attainments
superior to our own, of pure principles, and virtuous habits.

The pursuits of the school-room afford opportunity for forming the
closest friendships. The address of Helena to Hermia, is applicable to
very many females w