.NTI.MTM3NQ

& however pleasant it would seem to always remain as you would be now, at home [underline], with your father and mother, brothers & sister, having all your reasonable wants supplied by their love & care to always enjoy with them an interchange of affection & kind assistance, yet it is well that you prepare your mind for the changes that must come. Your parents are growing old, & soon, instead your depending upon them [underline], may be dependent [underline] upon you [underline]; instead of your being a child led by them [underline] , they may be the second [underline] time children & led by you[underline] . Brace up my son, for this progress, these inevitable changes. I know your heart is tender, & clings to the more agreeable side of this subject - But look at it on both [underline] sides, & on all [underline] sides. Be a philosopher [underline]. Arrange your thoughts, lay your plans, & build your hopes, in accordance with the laws of nature [underline], & of reason [underline]. Be a Christian [underline], & look far beyond this world of vicissitude for better joys, & for a better home, where no fear of separation will diminish the comfort of the society of those we love. Be a man [underline], & discharge the duties of a man [underline] bravely - be willing to work [underline], that you may be useful to yourself, & to others [underline] that you may better deserve & be better qualified for the felicities of that better life. Yours affectionately. Z Long