Morse Family

may be probably will be [?] increased in your day. ^B among many such characters you are, ^{in all probability, destined} to live & ^to act . If so, you will find your times, in truth, perilous & it will be wise in you to be prepared for them, & to arm yourselves for conflict with your enemies. Those who will live Godly in such times, who in defiance of all opposition firmly & faithfully do their duty, must [expect?] to [suffer?] [persec?] [tion?]. If you then are determined to be remembered among the godly, & I hope you all are thus determined, it is your duty now to fortify your minds to hear ^the persecutions of ^such of the wicked ^men & to endure [hardship?] as good sol- diers of Jesus Christ.--

For the purpose it becomes you to begin early to cultivate the temper & virtues peculiarly fitted a state of suffering; such as humility, meekness, patience, forbearance, ^forgiveness fortitude & heavenly mindedness. Let these virtues adorn your character, & you will be prepared for any trials whch await you in life.

Above all Thirdly, it is your duty in reference to your future condition both in this world & that whch is to come, to be truly pious-- to possess hearts renewed & sanctified by the Holy Ghost ^[???]. This will crown all your other acquisitions, & effectually shield you against all future evils. Thus armed no enemies can harm you. You will dwell safely, though not perhaps, [quietly?], in times the most perilous, & among companions the most insidious ^powerful & hostile to your happiness.--

[?] in brief are your duties. Your present advantages & motives to fulfill them ^{are now to be brought into view and thus} to fulfil them are great & peculiar.

As to your advantages "The first & principal object of this institution is the promotion of true piety & virtue" primarily among the youth here. [???] In reference to this [design?], its instructors are selected, its regulations are formed & its government administered by the Board of Trustees. To this end your studies are all directed. While this grand end is kept in view all attention? is paid ^{to the subordinate [?] of the [Founders?], to the} furnishing you with the best means of acquiring a thorough knowledge of the learned languages, & such of the liberal arts & sciences, as are ^best suited to your age, circumstances & prospects in life. [?]Your advantages for making these most important religious & literary

As you wd wish them to leave as happily ^{as possible} & in the greatest degree of safety in such times & among companions of the character of those who are to abound in the last days-- you will wisely & diligently improve your present advantages & fulfill all your present duties.

Most of all, will you be careful as you regard your highest interst & happiness for both [words?] to the truly pious,-- to secure the friendship, guidance & protection of the God of your fathers True religion is the best friend in the worst times. It is the one thing needful-- the pearl of great peace. Secure this & all is safe whatever may be the complexion of the times-- whoever is destitute of this has but very imperfect enjoyments in their most prosperous days,-- & in perilous times, must be miserable indeed. Let these motives, whch I hardly