5
Diffidence is, to a certain degree, an amiable quality in young people. As far as it implies diſtruſt of their own powers in difficult undertakings, or of their own underſtandings in doubtful queſtions, it is a pleaſing proof of modeſty, but it is carried to a culpable exceſs when it leads them to a cowardly desertion of truth and virtue. When a young man dares not avow his reverence for religion or his reſpect for decorum, in the pretence of the ⟨licentious⟩ and profligate; when inſtead of aſſerrting his principle with firmneſs, he preſerves a timid and diſgraceful ſilence, whilſt he bears them diſclaimed and ridiculed, ſtill more, when he yields to the current, ſo far as to join in the profane language, and partake of the guilty practices of his companions, modeſty degenerates into falſe delicacy and criminal ſhame. Do not imagine that ſuch baſe compliances can be juſtified or excuſed, on the plea of civility and good breeding. The principles which your reaſon and judgment approve avow them boldly, and adhere to them ſtedfaſtly; nor let any falſe notions of honour, or pitiful ambition of shining, ever entice you to forſake them. Do what you judge to be right, whatever others may think of you; and learn to deſpiſe alike, the praise and the cenſure of bad men.
