Mrs. Mason’s farewell Advice to her young Friends.
The day before Mrs. Mason was to leave her pupils, she took a hand of
each, and pressing them tenderly in her own, tears started into her
eyes—I tremble for you, my dear girls, for you must now practise by
yourselves some of the virtues which I have been endeavouring to
inculcate; and I shall anxiously wait for the summer, to see what
progress you have made by yourselves.
We have conversed on several very important subjects; pray do not forget
the conclusions I have drawn. I now, as my last present, give you a
book, in which I have written the subjects that we have discussed. Recur
frequently to it, for the stories illustrating the instruction it
contains, you will not feel in such a great degree the want of my
personal advice. Some of the reasoning you may not thoroughly
comprehend, but, as your understandings ripen, you will feel its full
force.
Avoid anger; exercise compassion; and love truth. Recollect, that from
religion your chief comfort must spring, and never neglect the duty of
prayer. Learn from experience the comfort that arises from making known
your wants and sorrows to the wisest and best of Beings, in whose hands
are the issues, not only of this life, but of that which is to come.
Your father will allow you a certain stipend; you have already _felt_ the
pleasure of doing good; ever recollect that the wild pursuits of fancy
must be conquered, to enable you to gratify benevolent wishes, and that
you must practise economy in trifles to have it in your power to be
generous on great occasions. And the good you intend to do, do
quickly;—for know that a trifling duty neglected, is a great fault, and
the present time only is at your command.
You are now candidates for my friendship, and on your advancement in
virtue my regard will in future depend. Write often to me, I will
punctually answer your letters; but let me have the genuine sentiments of
your hearts. In expressions of affection and respect, do not deviate
from truth to gain what you wish for, or to turn a period prettily.
Adieu! when you think of your friend, observe her precepts; and let the
recollection of my affection, give additional weight to the truths which
I have endeavoured to instill; and, to reward my care, let me hear that
you love and practice virtue.
* * * * *
FINIS.