Young Grandison, volume 1 (of 2) / A series of letters from young persons to their friends

Chapter 6: LETTER IV. Mrs. D—— to William.

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About This Book

A sequence of fictional letters records the experiences of a young correspondent as he travels to a new household, befriends peers, and exchanges guidance with his mother and guardians. The epistolary pieces combine practical moral instruction on filial duty, truthfulness, restraint, and the cautious cultivation of emulation with brief, accessible notices of natural philosophy intended to awaken curiosity. Parental replies emphasize proper conduct, the value of steady education, and forming habits of reflective writing, while scenes among benevolent hosts and fellow youths illustrate character formation through everyday incidents and considerate counsel aimed at cultivating virtue and social sensitivity in young readers.

LETTER IV.
Mrs. D—— to William.

I wish you happy, my son, and rejoice that you have chosen such a friend as Charles. Yet, while you admire your friend, do not hate Edward; remark his faults only to avoid them. He is really an object that should excite your compassion, while you thank God for having placed you in a different situation. You had the advantage of receiving early instruction, and was not allowed to contract any bad habits. Sir Charles paid the same diligent attention to cultivate your new friend’s mind, and Dr. Bartlett assisted: but poor Edward was suffered to run almost wild.

You have seen in the little garden I have, that weeds grow quickly; and would soon choke the vegetables and flowers, if a careful hand did not pluck them up by the roots.

Lady Grandison praises you; do your best to deserve her approbation, and you shall ever be the beloved of my heart.