Letters from a Father to His Son

to those early friendships of which I have spoken to you in a
former letter, as to nearer ties, respecting which I shall have
something to say to you at a future day.
Prudence, likewise, should regulate our expenses. Before we incur
debts or purchase articles either for use or amusement, we
should reckon up our means of paying for them. You cannot
begin too early to appreciate the value of money and to be
careful and discreet in its use and application. This moral virtue of
prudence, indeed, is the helm or rudder by which we ought to
steer the vessel of our fortunes throughout our lives.
It may be that our sails may be torn, that seas of troubled waters
may surround us, or in other words we may be overtaken by
temporary misfortunes and the loss of our friends and relatives;
but if we hold fast by this rudder of prudence, we shall not sink
nor be overcome by the tempest—but finally be enabled to guide
ourselves to the end of the voyage of life with credit and
respectability.
I am, my dear son,
Your affectionate Father,
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