- jects of ridicule. Each sect thinks its own the best;
and I know no infallible judge, in this world, to decide which is the best. [Same date.]
Use a Note-Book.—Make the same inquiries,
wherever you are, concerning the revenues, the military
establishment, the trade, the commerce, and the
police of every country. And you would do well to
keep a blank paper book, which the Germans call
an album; and there, instead of desiring, as they do,
every fool they meet with to scribble something,
write down all these things, as soon as they come to
your knowledge from good authorities. [Same
date.]
Lord Chesterfield's Care.—I have now but
one anxiety left, which is concerning you. I would
have you be, what I know nobody is, perfect. As
that is impossible, I would have you as near perfection
as possible. I know nobody in a fairer way
toward it than yourself, if you please. Never were
so much pains taken for anybody's education as for
yours; and never had anybody those opportunities
of knowledge and improvement which you have
had, and still have. I hope, I wish, I doubt, and I
fear alternately. This only I am sure of, that you
will prove either the greatest pain, or the greatest
pleasure of, yours always truly. [Same date.]
