RUDENCE _is very desirable._ The rashest youth, however, will learn
prudence by experience. After a few falls, he will look forward before
he steps that he may foresee and shun the evil that is before him; but,
if you choose such a one, take care that you do not fall with him, and
both of you break your necks together.

5. It is a matter of great importance that the person with whom you form
a connection for life, should belong to the same denomination of
Christians with yourself. The separation of a family, in their
attendance upon public worship, is productive of great inconvenience and
perplexity; and there is serious danger of its giving rise to unpleasant
feelings, and becoming an occasion of discord. I think it should be a
very serious objection against any man, that he belongs to a different
communion from yourself. Yet, I dare not say that I would prefer single
life to a connection of this kind.

In addition to these, your own good sense and taste will suggest many
other desirable qualities in a companion for life.

Upon receiving the addresses of a man, your first object should be to
ascertain whether he possesses those prominent traits of character which
you consider indispensable. If he lack any one of these, you have no
further inquiry to make. Inform him openly and ingenuously of your
decision; but spare his feelings as far as you can consistently with
Christian sincerity. He is entitled to your gratitude for the preference
he has manifested for yourself. Therefore, treat him courteously and
tenderly; yet let him understand that your decision is conclusive and
final. If he possess only the feelings of a gentleman, this course will
secure for you his esteem and friendship. But if you are satisfied, with
respect to these prominent traits of character, next look for those
qualities which you consider _desirable_, though not _indispensable_. If
you discover few or none of these, it will be a serious objection
against him. But you need not expect to find them all combined in any
one person. If you seek for a perfect character, you will be
disappointed. In this as well as every other relation of life, you will
need to exercise forbearance. The best of men are compassed about with
imperfection and infirmity. Besides, as you are not perfect yourself, it
would seem like a species of injustice to require perfection in a
companion.

While deciding these points, keep your feelings entirely under control.
Suffer the