.NTI.MTM4Ng

[start underline] at the same [end underline] time, he was pushing rapidly & understandingly through the most difficult parts of Smith's [underline] Algebra, a branch of mathematics that belong to the sophomore [underline] class in College. He makes no show, no boast, no pretense to scholarship; - is as simple in his manners as the smallest boy in the neighborhood. You will only be sensible of this superiority of intellect when you look at him in his study, drinking from the deep fountains of Clas-sic & mathematical sciences, where only masterminds can [underline] drink; which only the most philosophical can have any taste or relish for. He has advanced now [underline] where I [underline] cannot "touch bottom"; where I [underline] cannot show or assist him. [start indent] Heaven keep from him unlawful pleasures' cup, And give him sustenance while toiling up The arduous ascent, the lofty height, Where living streams of knowledge & delight Are gushing forth from fountains unconfined To [slake?] the noble thirstings of the mind. [O?] [?], he may attain the highest mount, And, there, drink deep at wisdom's crystal fount, There, works of Power Divine, unerring trace And long enlighten & adorn his race. [end indent] The interest you feel, [start underline] in common [end underline] with me, for John, your desire that he may conduct himself well, & that he may excel in learning & usefulness, - that he may attain to a high & honorable standing,- is creditable to you. It shows that you love for him unselfish, & free from envy. Bear well in mind, however, my son, that your father [start underline] does not prefer John's [end underline] prosperity to yours [underline], that he knows no difference