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other. A modeſt confidence, becoming a man's ſtation and character, is the natural effect of ſelf-knowledge.
Be it your next care, my ſon, to learn and exerciſe ſelf-command. the difference between one man and another, both with reſpect to wisdom and happineſs, chiefly conſiſts in the different degrees in which reaſon, or paſſion, predominates in their characters. Blindly to follow the impulſe of appetite and inſtinct, would be to degenerate into a ſtate perfectly brutal. He who does not learn to govern his paſſions, will inevitably become their ſlave. That kind of dominion over yourſelf which reſpects the appetites, is abſolutely neceſſary to ſecure you from hourly diſquiet and vexation. But beſides these, there is a general habit of ſelf-poſſeſſion, and ſelf-command, which I earneſtly entreat you to cultivate, as an inexhauſtible ſource of tranquillity, and an ineſtimable advantage in the conduct of life. Whilſt the man who indulges a reſtleſs and impetuous temper, is diſturbed and agitated by every trifling occurrence, ruſhes into action precipitately and without due deliberation, and often expoſes himſelf to hazards which might have been eaſily avoided, and plunges himſelf into difficulties from which no after-thought can extricate him: he who habituates himſelf to reſtrain and ſubdue his emotions, and to preſerve his mind in a calm
