and educated people by asking a young gentleman if he did not
think Longfellow very inferior to Lowell in his love poems. Among those
of your own age let what you have to say relate to everything more than
to the doings or sayings of other people. In this way you will avoid
that bane of social conversation--gossip. In all social relations strive
to throw your influence for that which is faithful, sincere, kind,
generous, and just. Have a special thought and regard for those who may
labor under disadvantages? be especially kind to the shrinking and
timid, to the poor and unfortunate. Strive to be worthy of the
confidence and respect and love of your associates, and all your
relations to society will be easily and naturally and happily adjusted.

LETTER VI.

ASSOCIATES AND FRIENDS.

_My Dear Daughter:_--When I was a young girl, I well remember that my
parents judged who were and who were not desirable and proper associates
for their children, chiefly by reference to the parents and family of
our young companions. It was taken for granted that the children of
good, honorable, Christian people, who strove to train their children to
obedience and a conscientious life, would be suitable companions for us;
and this criterion in nearly every instance proved to be a true one. In
only one instance, indeed, did it fail; and I well remember the shock it
gave a whole circle of young people, when a young companion, the son of
an eminent clergyman, was sent home on account of his language and
conduct after one week's visit among friends, when it had been expected
by all that he would stay two or three months.

But in these days this criterion of family and parentage is
insufficient; for, sad as it may seem, the children of really excellent
parents are often so derelict in duty, so lacking in conscientiousness,
so idle and aimless and frivolous that their companionship should be
dreaded for susceptible young people especially for young girls. One
thing is very certain: that in these days young people, when out of
sight of their parents, often act and talk in a way which they certainly
would not do in their parents' presence. And that is truly a distressing
fear which often comes to the hearts of excellent and faithful parents,
that the conduct of their children when out of their sight and restraint
may be totally at variance with all they have been taught in regard to
right and proper conduct.

Now all people, old or youn