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ation of your health and happiness in the approach- 
ing new year, and many more after it. I am quite 
well and continue very happy. 
I am, honoured Sir, 
Your ever dutiful Son, 
J. E. Smiru. 
Mr. Smuth to Mr. James Edward Smith. 
Dear James, Norwich, Jan. 17, 1782. 
We are all much pleased that you pass your time 
soagreeably. You must begin to experience the ad- 
vantage of travelling, of which I doubt not you will 
also reap the benefit by forming your own manners 
and carriage upon the best models that fall in your 
way: I mean, you will choose the best from each 
individual, for few are altogether perfect ; and 
that after weighing well in your reflections what 
strikes you in the manners and behaviour or con- 
versation of any person as polite, amiable and sen- 
sible, you would endeavour to trace the principle 
upon which such a manner was in general approved, 
and if it had its foundation in reason. If it was 
alloyed with any affectation, it will not stand that 
test; but if it had intrinsic beauty, and will bear ex- 
amination, such a scrutiny will fix it so in your mind, 
that you will have it operate upon yourself without 
being too sensible of it; for when a man feels himself 
really acting after a pattern, he must be stiff and 
unnatural at best; ‘tis very likely he may appear 
affected, which is equally disgusting and despicable 
