(seq. 2)

acquaintance, will after some time prove unworthy of your friendship. Like
paintings in crayons, which look very well at a distance, but if brought close
to the eye, are harsh and unpleasing the most amiable characters are often
the most reserved, as wisdom, & prudence require that we should establish an intimacy,
with those only whose characters we have had opportunities to study,
and who have given up proofs of their attachment to honour, morality & religion.
I could wish you to be upon good terms with all your Classmates, but intimate
with few; endeavour to have no Enemies, and you can have but few real
friends. Never be induced by ridicule or by flattery to depart from the Rule
of right which your own Conscience will prescribe to you. There are [some?] persons,
who make it a practice to laugh at others whose principle is to follow the dictates,
of Virtue; but you may be persuaded, that whatever such fellows may pretend
they will always esteem you, for behaving well. Vice will sometimes condescend
to beg for respect, but Virtue commands it, and is always sure to obtain it.

Next to the Ambition of supporting an unblemished moral Reputation
that of excelling as a Scholar, should be nearest your heart. These two Qualities
are not frequently united: four or five is as great a number as a Class can
generally boast of. But you will find that they are always the favourites
of the Class; and never fail meeting with notice, not only from their fellow
Students, but likewise from the Government of the University. I have heard
one of the most respectable Characters in the Class, which is now about to graduate
say that he has made it a Rule, ever since he entered College, to study upon
an average six hours in a day. If you feel yourself capable of this I would
recommend it to you as an example. There is no difficulty in it, and I am
persuaded that after a short Time it would be more agreeable to you than
to be idle. it would be a determination which you would remember, all
the remainder of your Life with Pleasure; and you would soon, very soon perceive
the advantages deriving from it. But if you would put such a resolution into
execution, you should determine not to content yourself merely with studying
your recitations. and you will never be at a loss what to Study. In short
that both your moral and your Literary character, be set as an example for
your own Classmates and the succeeding classes to imitate, is the sincere, and
earnest wish of your ever affectionate friend & brother
J. Q. Adams

P.S. Present my best respects to our Uncle and Aunt, & to Mr. Thaxter
my Compliments wherever you please.