.NTI.MTM2Mg

[start underline] my example [end underline] so far as business is concerned, is not good [start underline] for you.[end underline] Whether you abide in Boston, or return, here, make up your mind to devote your time to such diligent study, & labor, for the attainment of knowledge, & property, & an honorable standing in society, as will be likely to accomplish your object. I am dealing plainly, & faithfully, & affectionately, with you. I have no more regard for, no more desire to advance, my own [underline] happiness, than yours. [underline] And with this feeling I say to you, & repeat to you, that, whether you be here, or there, or wherever [underline] you be, - without industry, without habits of close & well directed application, - without the abandonment, almost wholly, of what are erroneously termed the [start underline] pleasures of life, [end underline] you [start underline] can never [end underline] arrive at that distinction & influence ever in the world, to which you may aspire, but aspire in vain. In regard to pleasures [underline], there can be none true, [underline] & real, [underline] in paths of idleness & dissipation; none true, [underline] & real, [underline] but in the daily discharge of duties & responsibilities proportioned to our abilities. An idle brain, & inactive hand, may sleep, & dream, but will not bring honor, & wealth, & abiding hap-piness. Think of these things. Look around you. Consider what will best make you what you desire to be. Did you [illegible]