Deceit, hypocrisy, and villainy, are constantly on the watch to entrap
and ensnare the innocent and the unwary. Every beautiful woman is
commonly surrounded by a kind of men who would undermine her virtue;
and inexperienced men of fortune, in the outset of life, are almost
constantly beset with rogues and sharpers; and these artful villains,
under one specious pretext or another, too often effect the ruin of the
weak and unsuspicious of both sexes. As a guard against all these, the
early admonitions of parents are of inestimable worth: they are built
upon the tenderest regard, and the most sincere affection. Those who
have already travelled over the difficult paths of life, and buffeted
its storms, have observed the snares and the dangers with which the
way is strewed, and they are enabled by their experience, to forewarn
those who are about to launch out on the troubled ocean of life, to
steer their course clear of its hidden rocks, its shoals, and its
quick-sands. Did youth but know the importance of this early advice,
how eagerly would they treasure it in their minds, and as occasion
required, with what pleasure would they draw it forth, and obey its
dictates. To the neglect of these precepts, may be attributed much of
the ill conduct we see in the world, and most of the misfortunes which
befal mankind through life.
[Illustration:
_Honour thy Father
and thy mother
that thy Days may be long
in the land which
The LORD thy God
giveth Thee._
]
[Illustration] [Page 31]